The New Vanier
March 30, 2017I must admit, on the topic of new and exciting neighbourhoods and
communities, Vanier probably doesn't make too many top 5 lists, perhaps not even
a top 10 list; I would argue though, that this is a mistake and Vanier,
particularly the area known as Beechwood village is a rapidly gentrifying
neighbourhood filled with wonderful parks, top notch shops and restaurants, and
something every community needs, a promise of a better future. While Vanier
might not have Lansdowne park like the Glebe or the sheer number of trendy shops
and cafes of Westboro, its transformation over this century is nothing short of
remarkable. And that transformation appears to be speeding up. Large builders
like Claridge, Minto, Brigil and Domicle all have projects underway or have
completed them. Smaller, niche builders like Modbox have begun to make their
mark as well with the purchase of the St. Charles Catholic church. Anyone
wanting proof of gentrification beyond the big builders and beyond Beechwood
avenue itself need only to take a bike ride along streets like Barrette avenue,
Marquette avenue, Lavergne, Laval and Shakespeare, among many others to see the
transformation. Dozens of old and dilapidated homes are getting internal and
external makeovers and what can't be fixed easily, is getting torn down and
rebuilt. And while the issue of pit bulls, drug addicts and hookers still exists
both in perception and reality, that perception is dwindling quickly as this is
an area of Ottawa more accurately described as a community filled with spill
over of students from Ottawa U, government and downtown workers along with more
and more professionals moving into the area. It is an excellent community for
young adults who want to live close to downtown, outdoor minded people who want
easy access to Rockcliffe park and those who simply want access to banks, cafes
and grocery stores all within a 10 minute walk of their home. Still skeptical?
If so, I'd urge to set aside an hour this weekend and take a drive around one of
Ottawa's best kept secrets....
Posted by Katia Dagenais.