Where To Buy Now: OLD OTTAWA SOUTH
Neighbourhoods

Where To Buy Now: OLD OTTAWA SOUTH

 

Where: Rideau Canal, Bronson Avenue, Rideau River, Main Street, Riverdale Avenue
OREB code: 4403 ,4404
Price range early 2015: $285,000 to $1,399,000
By the numbers:
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Just north of Old Ottawa South is a little project you might have heard about: the redeveloped Lansdowne Park. Buyers who want to be within walking distance of such attractions as TD Place, a 10-screen Cineplex, and Ottawa’s only Whole Foods Market — as well as the newly expanded Ottawa Farmers’ Market — are casting their eyes at Old Ottawa South, just over the Bank Street Bridge from the Glebe.

As well as being slightly removed from the noise and glare of Lansdowne (except during major events, when traffic can back up halfway to Billings Bridge), Old Ottawa South has a lot to recommend it, from a charming Ottawa Public Library branch to a community centre. Plus, if you’re thirsty, it probably has one of the highest per-capita concentrations of pubs and coffee shops in the city.

Look west of Bank Street for singles and semis dating from the 1920s, east of Bank for post-war singles, and all over the neighbourhood for ultra-modern infill projects — some well executed, others not so much. Small condo developments have sprung up in recent years, but by and large this isn’t a big neighbourhood for apartment dwellers.

What’s There:

Restaurant

The Belmont

1169 Bank St.

This neighbourhood newcomer serves drinks and chef Michael Portigal’s far-from-ordinary small plates, such as rabbit pozole with hominy, blackstrap mackerel with espresso mayo, and poached bok choy with sake butter. With its reclaimed-wood bar, indie-music soundtrack, chalkboard menus, and space made for mingling, it’s an urbane addition to the ’hood.

Grocery

Cedars & Co.

1255 Bank St.

This independent grocery store offers a huge variety. Looking for tamarind paste for an Indonesian dish? You’re in luck. Organic gran-ola and eco-friendly toiletries? No problem. Garlicky hummus? Head to the deli counter. Produce, meat, cheese, baking supplies — almost anything you might conceivably run out of just before your dinner guests arrive is available.