Ottawa is a city of opportunities and comfort, offering numerous options for career growth and a high quality of life. Where you live should inspire and suit you, as a city’s culture, architecture, and leisure activities greatly influence everyday life.
Let I Ottawa explore why so many new immigrants choose to call this Canadian capital home.
Capital of Canada
Founded in 1826 as Bytown, the city was renamed Ottawa in 1855. Towering above the city is Canada’s Parliament Building, located near the famous Rideau Canal. Picturesque views abound in Ottawa’s parks and gardens.
Ottawa’s multiculturalism and bilingual population are particularly attractive to immigrants. Approximately 50% of the population speaks English, 30% speaks French, and the remaining 20% speak other languages. As an international city, Ottawa offers excellent education, career opportunities, family-friendly environments, and countless options for leisure and personal development.
The Ottawa-Gatineau metropolitan area is home to over 1.4 million residents (as of 2021), with a youthful population predominantly aged 18 to 49.
Employment Opportunities in Ottawa
Ottawa has a robust economy with numerous employment opportunities in key sectors:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Biotechnology
- Professional Services
- Tourism
- Public Service
Some of Ottawa’s top employers include:
The Bank of Canada, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Department of National Defence, CBC Radio, The Ottawa Hospital, and the Royal Canadian Mint. These are just a few examples; the city offers a wide variety of job opportunities.
Housing in Ottawa
For those moving to Ottawa, housing is a critical consideration. While housing prices are rising, buying a home in Ottawa is generally more affordable than in cities like Toronto or Vancouver. Prices vary depending on the neighbourhood.
Best Areas to Rent or Buy in Ottawa:
- The Glebe
- Old Ottawa South
- Orleans
- Alta Vista
- Kanata
- Westboro
- Sandy Hill
The term “best” is subjective and often depends on proximity to work, schools, daycare centres, shops, public transit, and other amenities.
Approximately 40% of properties in Ottawa are detached houses, with the remainder being apartments, semi-detached homes, and townhouses. For short- or long-term rentals or purchasing property, it is recommended to work with a realtor familiar with your desired neighbourhood.
Transportation in Ottawa
The minimum age to obtain a driver’s license in Ottawa is 16. The city boasts scenic parkways like Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Rockcliffe Parkway, as well as well-maintained roads leading to surrounding regions.
Ottawa’s public transit system includes buses and light rail lines, operating seven days a week and connecting all neighbourhoods, including Gatineau.
Top 10 Reasons to Move to Ottawa
- High Quality of Life: Ottawa offers excellent healthcare, affordable housing, economic stability, cleanliness, and abundant green spaces. It’s an ideal place for investment and growth.
- Diverse Living Options: About 90% of the Ottawa region is rural, offering a choice between urban sophistication and a more serene countryside atmosphere.
- Comprehensive Amenities: From sports and art to fine dining and prestigious universities (six institutions) and colleges, Ottawa has it all.
- Employment Opportunities: The city’s job market is diverse, with a consistently low unemployment rate.
- Accessible Recreation: With minimal effort, residents can enjoy activities like boating, cycling, running, or hiking. The Rideau and Ottawa rivers enhance the city’s charm and offer numerous leisure options.
- Seasonal Attractions: Each season in Ottawa brings unique activities to enjoy.
- Festival Capital: Festivals are an integral part of Ottawa life. Events like the Canadian Tulip Festival and others have fascinating origins worth exploring.
- Culinary Variety: Food lovers will appreciate the range of dining options, local markets, and vibrant districts like Little Italy, Chinatown, Elgin Street, and ByWard Market.
- Efficient Transportation: Getting around Ottawa is easy, with a world-class transit system, an international airport, and major train and bus stations.
- Welcoming Community: Ottawa’s friendly atmosphere makes it ideal for starting families or enjoying a peaceful retirement.
Additionally, Ottawa boasts a low crime rate and a relaxed pace, making it perfect for raising children.
Leisure in Ottawa
Ottawa is known for its green spaces and over 1,000 parks, as well as its four beaches. Popular spots include Gatineau Park and the Ottawa Greenbelt. Activities like cycling, running, and hiking are highly encouraged, with plenty of opportunities for each.
The city is also a hub for festivals and major events, hosting around 100 each year.
Seasonal Highlights:
- Spring: The iconic Canadian Tulip Festival.
- Summer: Outdoor events like Ottawa Bluesfest, Canada Day celebrations, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the International Children’s Festival.
- Autumn: The Fall Rhapsody in Gatineau Park and the Grape Festival in Little Italy.
- Winter: Winterlude, a famous winter festival held over three February weekends.
Family-friendly activities include agricultural fairs like the Richmond, Navan, and Metcalfe fairs.
Ottawa is also a city of music, hosting events like Bluesfest, the Jazz Festival, and performances by the Symphony Orchestra. For nightlife, there are clubs, pubs, and bars open until 2:00 a.m. or later, offering opportunities to socialize and unwind.
The Best City to Live In
Ottawa excels at supporting newcomers through various community services. Some key resources include:
- The Newcomer Information Centre.
- The Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO).
- The Catholic Immigration Centre.
- Language services like IWSO Language Services Ottawa, which offers English and French courses funded by the Canadian government.
- Local banks in Ottawa that provide programs to assist immigrants.
Interestingly, even residents born outside Ottawa often refer to it as their “hometown.” This sentiment speaks volumes about how welcoming, supportive, and livable Ottawa is for people of all ages and walks of life.