Centretown is an Ottawa neighbourhood that encompasses downtown, however its borders are loosely defined. The city designates it as ‘the area bound on the north by Gloucester Street and Lisgar Street, on the east by the Rideau Canal and on the south by the Queensway, Bronson Avenue forms the western border”.
For real estate and most residents, Centretown includes the downtown core north of Gloucester and Lisgar, stretching right to the Ottawa River to include the Parliamentary buildings.
This large neighbourhood comprises and unique blend of residential and commercial area. The downtown business sector to the north transitions to the unique southern streets, characterized by beautifully restored Victorian homes on mature tree-lined sidewalks.
Main routes, like Bank Street, provide more commercial space, but complement the area nicely with unique, eclectic shops, pubs and restaurants.
Much of the Centretown area still consists of the original family homes, however many of the large Victorian mansions have been converted to apartments. Newer infill and townhome developments, as well as low and high rise apartment and condominiums are quickly filling any available space.
The construction boom that began in the late nineties has made a significant mark on the downtown skyline, and continues today.
There are several notable landmarks in the area, beyond the Parliamentary ground on the north side. These include the Canadian Museum of Man and Nature, Dundonald Park, the Ottawa Curling Club, and the Ottawa Bus terminal.
There is also a concentration of beautifully preserved churches, including the Church of St. Barnabas, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, First United Church, McLeod-Stewarton United Church, and St. George Anglican Church. There are also several embassies spread around the neighbourhood, which represent the Hellenic Republic, The Republic of Croatia, Iran, Iraq, the Republic of Madagascar, the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republic of Rwanda, the Republic of Zimbabwe, and the Republic of Hungary.
With the wealth of shops and services in the downtown core, as well as the diversity of offerings along Bank Street, any amenity is within walking distance. There are also several OC Transpo stations, with the main downtown station located in the North West corner of the neighbourhood providing routes to the rest of the city.
Back to Ottawa Neighbourhoods |
