Old Ottawa South

Why People Love
Living Here

Old Ottawa South is a residential gem tucked between the Rideau Canal and the Rideau River, offering one of the city's most coveted combinations of urban convenience and neighbourhood tranquility. Located just south of The Glebe and north of Carleton University, this compact but character-rich community has cultivated a fiercely loyal resident base who appreciate its walkability, natural beauty, and genuine community connections. The neighbourhood's Bank Street corridor provides essential retail and dining — a more understated complement to The Glebe's commercial bustle to the north. Local institutions like the Mayfair Theatre (one of Ottawa's last independent cinemas), the Old Ottawa South Community Centre, and the Windsor Park provide gathering spaces that reinforce the neighbourhood's intimate scale. The OSCA (Old Ottawa South Community Association) is one of the city's most active, organizing seasonal events, community gardens, and advocacy that keeps the neighbourhood's character intact. Old Ottawa South's greatest natural asset is its dual waterway access. The Rideau Canal forms the western boundary, providing cycling, skating, and strolling within steps of home, while the Rideau River to the east offers canoeing, kayaking, and riverside walking paths. Brewer Park, with its popular outdoor pool and winter skating oval, serves as the neighbourhood's recreational centrepiece. The park also hosts the popular Brewer Park farmers' market during summer months. Housing in Old Ottawa South consists primarily of single-family homes, many dating from the early to mid-twentieth century. Architectural styles range from modest wartime bungalows to larger Edwardian residences, with a growing number of sensitively designed modern infills. Demand consistently outpaces supply, and the neighbourhood's excellent school catchments — including Hopewell Avenue Public School — make it particularly popular with young families. Carleton University's proximity adds a youthful energy and investment rental opportunities for buyers looking beyond primary residence ownership.