I 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....