A Snapshot of Ottawa South in 1920

Posted by: Kathy Krywicki

On Saturday, September 11th 1920, the Ottawa Journal published a full page feature about the neighbourhood of Ottawa South, describing the area accompanied by advertisements from many of the local businesses.

Here’s how the neighbourhood was described in 1920. See how Ottawa South of old compares to Old Ottawa South of today.

Ottawa South – A District of Cozy Homes and Fine Stores

Almost as breezy as a lakeside resort is Ottawa South in summer, because of the advantage of its situation between the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal. It is a community that has grown very rapidly in the last few years, and grown in the right way too, for the new houses of stucco and stone and brick are very attractive in their gardens beside wide shaded streets. Young business men with progressive notions about community life, with a fine organization, have established a spirit of esprit de corps among the residents and brought them many advantages hitherto not enjoyed in that part of the city.

One of Prosperous Parts of City

Only a small suburb, in something like thirteen years Ottawa South has expanded until it is one of the most prosperous parts of the city. It has fine schools and churches, beautiful natural surroundings, a business district where all the daily needs can be supplied, and a hustling population of men who have made good in the city’s commercial and political life.

Ottawa South and Rideauville comprises of 394 acres and at the time of annexation [1907] numbered only 889. Now the population runs into the thousands. The first two years after annexation saw the construction of sidewalks, sewers, water mains, street openings with a corresponding activity in building. Growth was so rapid that a new ward was created, called the Ninth Ward. A few months later in 1909 the name was changed to Capital Ward, comprising the parts of Wellington and Central Wards lying south of the C.P.R. tracks [the Queensway].

Ottawa South extends from Bronson Avenue to Ottawa East, and from the Rideau River to the Rideau Canal. Rideauville was the old name given to the north-western section adjacent to the canal, Wyoming Park being a subdivision immediately south of Rideauville. Ottawa South was the name given to that part of Nepean Township which extended between the canal and the river from Rideauville to Ottawa East.

Splendid Public School

One of the finest Public Schools in the city, Hopewell Avenue, is located in Ottawa South. Its enrolment is over 800. Of churches there are many. Holy Trinity Anglican Church serves both Ottawa South and Ottawa East, and is located at Main Street and Echo Drive. Trinity Anglican Church is at the corner of Bank and Cameron Streets. Ottawa South Methodist Church on Aylmer Avenue and Bank Street, serves the Methodist community. Calvin Presbyterian Church is at the corner of Fairbairn and Sunnyside Avenues, while Blessed Sacrament and St. Thomas Churches serve the Catholic residents.

Ottawa South Municipal Association

No story of the improvements made in Ottawa South could be told without introducing the Ottawa South Municipal Association, the first organization of its kind in the city, whose example has been followed by other districts with good results. It is an organization of about 400 members, started and still led by Mr. T. H. Brewer, for the advancement of Ottawa South. Not only did it persuade the city to make sewer, road, lighting and other improvements, but it has stimulated the community life in the district and interested every member in summer and winter sports. They expect to build a clubhouse soon. A new fire station is to be placed in Ottawa South; they already have a library on Aylmer Avenue, free rinks were opened last winter, and arrangements have been made for a wonderful playground on the banks of Rideau River.

In the new big park just off Riverdale Avenue, bowling greens and tennis courts will be made. Ottawa South has done well in the matter of aquatic sports already, and the new playgrounds site off between Bronson Avenue and Seneca Street will be an incentive to further effort.

The association has been organized for five years only, and gives promise to the great benefits for Ottawa South.

An excerpt of advertisements by local grocers in Ottawa South in 1920:

A. E. Fairbairn general store 1320 Bank Street