Ottawa South History Project
We are a group of local historians and heritage enthusiasts who research, document, and present information about the history of Old Ottawa South in a fun and informative way.
You can reach us at HistoryProject@OldOttawaSouth.ca
Heritage Properties Map
Legend:
Write-ups
Stories
From the Archives: Brighton Beach – Oasis on the Rideau
Longing for a cool place in these dog days of summer? A nearby swimming hole would be an ideal place to spend some time. In the past, the residents of Ottawa South had a wonderful spot, a beach at the end of Brighton Avenue, now a park with grass and trees, but formerly a haven for aquatic activities on the Rideau River.
Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood
In 1981 Charlotte Gobeil got a rare look inside the Monastère du Précieux Sang then located at 774 Echo Drive in Ottawa South. Her visit with a documentary crew to the Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood captures a fascinating glimpse of these cloistered nuns. Ms. Gobeil was welcomed by this contemplative order to witness the women’s daily life of devotion.
A Fantastic Footbridge Finally!
In 1907, one of the arguments to convince residents of the Village of Ottawa East to vote favourably on amalgamation into the City of Ottawa was that was the city would use its influence with the Dominion Government to secure a bridge over the Rideau Canal at Mutchmor Street (Fifth Avenue) connecting to Clegg Street. Only a few years later we have implementation of this capital idea!
From the Archives: Ten Things I Love (and will miss) about Old Ottawa South
In some ways, not too much has changed in fifteen years—on the eve of a move away from Old Ottawa South, a resident recounts what he’ll miss most about the neighbourhood in this article from the June 2004 OSCAR. Ten things I love (and will miss) about Old Ottawa South — By Jim Watson
Views from the Bank Street Bridge
The National Capital Commission has amassed a huge collection of images of Ottawa and area over the years. Included in this collection is a 1929 view of the roadway alongside the Rideau Canal from the Bank Street Bridge in Ottawa South. Here’s a then & now comparison.
From the Archives: Ottawa South Memories
In this excerpt from the March 1990 OSCAR, June Kelly O’Byrne recounts memories of life on Sunnyside Avenue from the 1920s and beyond, with recollections of family and friends, and recalls the many local stores and businesses in the neighbourhood. Ottawa South Memories by June Kelly O’Byrne In 1920 my parents bought a little house on Sunnyside Ave. on a big lot which extended to Woodbine Place. Dad had just returned from the First World War and was fortunate to obtain employment as a Letter Carrier. His “route”, as he called it, encompassed Echo Drive at the Precious Blood Convent…