Ottawa – Canada’s capital
Nestled at the junction and the banks of three picturesque rivers – Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau, Ottawa is considered one of the world’s most beautiful capitals. The city also borders the province of Québec, creating a dynamic cultural milieu in which both French and English cultures are deeply rooted. The result is a truly cosmopolitan experience — a North American city with a distinctly European charm and flair.
A thriving international technology and business centre and world-class tourism and convention destination, Ottawa is also rich in culture and heritage with its many national institutions, parklands, waterways and historic architecture. It is home to a large number of foreign embassies and is a recognized centre for both academics and professional training. The city offers an open and welcoming environment to cultures from around the world, providing service in English, French, and a host of other languages. The city’s residents enjoy an enviable quality of life that is recognized around the world.
The city’s rich ethnic diversity also includes thriving German, Lebanese, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Portuguese, and Asian communities, among others. Throughout the year, these communities celebrate their heritage in many colourful multicultural festivals and events.
The seat of Canada’s federal government, Ottawa is a major centre for the visual and performing arts. Yet the city retains the accessibility, atmosphere and charm of a smaller centre — rich in wide-open green spaces, parks and wilderness areas.
The Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa enjoys a rich cultural diversity reflected in unique urban neighbourhoods. Heritage, cuisine and commerce are all within walking distance for downtown residents. It’s not surprising that new downtown housing projects are selling out as quickly as they come on the market. The rental vacancy rate has fallen below one percent and affordable downtown housing is in demand.
However, the downtown area has been experiencing a boom in residential construction activity and there are still many more development opportunities. Surface parking lots scattered throughout the downtown as well as numerous infill possibilities is available. The Central Business District Commercial Zone (CB) permits a wide range of residential uses, from mixed-use buildings to retirement homes and rooming houses. The zoning in other parts of the downtown area also permits a wide range of residential uses. Special zoning regulations provide maximum flexibility in design and development, and create an environment, which will be attractive to new infill housing and mixed-use developments.
Blending the old with the new, the luxurious with the affordable, creates developments that meet the needs of our community. Several innovative housing projects transform under-utilized sites into affordable residential projects, such as The East Market, as well as premier addresses like 700 Sussex Drive adjacent to the Chateau Laurier. Loft-style apartments in the market area, stacked townhouses and residential/commercial mixed developments are examples of projects providing a choice of housing to reflect the varied lifestyles of those who desire to live downtown.