Ottawa Street was a bustling commercial artery in the 70’s and mainly catered to Eastern European nostalgia; food shops, delis, newspapers from the old country, airline tickets and such.
Ottawa Street, just like Barton Street fell into an economic depression of sorts, (the curse of the MALL and the SUBURB) had a long lull in the 80’s and 90’s and is happily resuscitated and revived, in full bloom of a renaissance now.
Antique shops, fabric shops and restaurants are the draw. This type of a revival of a street is common all across the continent, as people look into their neighbourhoods, and into their immediate community for support, inspiration and places to spend their hard earned money.
The real estate in the area is broad, from huge 2 ½ storey homes with well over 2,500 square feet to smaller, more modest homes flanking the Center Mall, the area offers a wide array of styles, architecture and prices.
Schools, transportation, Ottawa Street Farmers’ Market, the success of the Ottawa Street Business Association, Gage Park, the future Mega High school and proximity of shopping make this neighbourhood a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
