Andrea&Mark

Hi all, looks like we will be moving from Nova Scotia to Ottawa maybe later this year, we have 2 children who will be 5 and 11 and have looked online at schools etc but would like to get some feedback from people who actually live in the areas we are looking at, Kanata Lakes/Stittsville and Orleans. Hubby will be working just over the bridge in Gatineau. Someone we know said avoid Orleans, crime is higher etc.
Anyone live in these areas and have an opinions about them? Anyone with children similar ages with opinions on schools, safe neighbourhoods etc?
Thanks

Atlantic Xpat

My Sister-in-Law lives in Stittsville on some rather twee sub-division called Crossing Bridges or something similar. It's actually rather nice. Stittsville seems to have the basic shops and restaurants etc one would require plus is a reasonably short drive to Ottawa. No idea about suitability for kids as theirs is only a few months old but again it appears a family friendly area.

pdarwin

We've lived in Kanata Lakes for the past many years. I would pick it over any of your suggestions and I think it's the best of the Kanata areas.
It's not a party town for sure and its very Anglo. It's close to the so-called Silicon Valley North; easy access to downtown Ottawa; close to Centrum - a big shopping area.
Can't say anything about schools as we have no kids.
Crime is low in North Kanata and Kanata Lakes - usually kids shoplifting from Wal-Mart. More crime in south Kanata, but not excessive.

ultrarunner

OP....I have actually lived in all the places you have requested to know about, and am going to give it to you straight

Crime....like seriously, that is the most BS thing have heard considering there is a police station right there on 10th line in Orleans close to Centrum blvd. I would stop talking to the person that told you that pronto.

Orleans is very bilingual, good schools, amenities, petrie island (recreational and parks), YMCA, mall , trail that runs from Orleans all the way to parliament downtown along the river...I ran / biked that loads of time

There is more crime is the South part of Ottawa than anywhere else.

Kanata Lakes/Stittsville (crossing bridge plaza / mall)...this area is all new, developed in the last two years, and there is a wicked Scottish pub round here that does fish and chips and all that.

I lived in Kanata / Stittsville too in the past and yes there are tons of new subdivisions all over the place...young families and amenities to boot.

However...If a person is going to be working in Gatineau (Quebec side), that is going to be one hell of a trek everyday especially when there is a Sens game at Scotiabank place or is it called Canadian tire place now?

Your best bet will be Orleans or Highland Park area close to where the stores Bushtukka / Mountain Equipment Co-op is

If you want your young kids to benefit from learning French and being in an area where there is people using it, then Orleans provides French immersion school, as well as loads of potential friends they can practice with.

My employer bought the old Nortel bldg a couple of years back, which means when it come to going back to Ottawa, Living in Kanata / Stittsvile will be the only logical option for me. That is OK though, and there is always an express shuttle that goes from Kanata to downtown anyway

Shard

How do you know crime is higher? Statistics? Look of the place? I can't recall people in Britain distinguishing between areas based on "crime". Is it that evident?

ultrarunner

^^^see my comment above to the OP...hearsay is a b1t*h

pdarwin

A short while ago (don't think they do it any more), they used to publish all crime figures in Ottawa and there was also an accompanying map with a symbol where each type of crime was committed - everything from murder to traffic stops. It was a very revealing insight into how the two parts of Kanata (north and south) varied, as well as other areas.

Partially discharged

I'm in the 'hood' known as south Kanata and have been for 19 years with school age children..pm me with any detailed questions and I'll try and answer them. I haven't moved around as much as ultrarunner...is there anywhere in Ontario he hasn't lived?????

In terms of schools, for 5 and 11 year olds, the catchment areas are pretty fixed...your only option is public vs catholic and french public vs french catholic....

ultrarunner

Shocker for ya.....I am in the Military, and I get around, including overseas gigs

Gozit

Off topic, but are you in the Cdn military or the UK one?

ultrarunner

Canadian one

cjones

Has anyone else now got an image of David Brent dressed up as a Canadian soldier lodged in their mind?

ultrarunner

I think you are out to lunch on that one....matey

Is DB lean, mean, a runner, able to a a HALO jump?

Shard

Gareth?

ultrarunner

Keep going