Old Ottawa South

Old Ottawa South is a small family friendly neighbourhood in Ottawa. It is located just south of the Rideau Canal and is bounded to the south and east by the Rideau River and to the West by Carleton University. Old Ottawa South is a primarily middle class area, very family oriented and a favourite spot for young urbanites with  children. It’s proximity to the university has meant that the neighbourhood has been a haven for professors and students, although rising housing prices are driving out the latter.

Many stores line Bank Street, including several pubs, the Mayfair Theatre, the Ottawa Folklore Centre (which primarily sells stringed instruments). This section of Bank Street is also particularly well known for its antique stores. In a major 2004 project, the street was redesigned and, in one development, inlaid metal maple leaves were added to the sidewalks, on which were inscribed the names of famous Canadian folk musicians.

Notable buildings in the area include Hopewell Public School, Southminster Church, St. Margaret Mary Church, Trinity Church, the Mayfair Theatre, the former Precious Blood Convent (now The Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada), the Old Firehall (currently a Community Centre) and the Maycourt Hospice.