The massive and diverse area encompassing  Ottawa West is comprised of numerous neighbourhoods that span from Shirley’s Bay in the West to City View in the East, and includes both rural and urban environments.  The district includes the neighbourhoods of Shirleys Bay, Crystal Beach, Qualicum, Lincoln Heights, Carlingwood, Highland Park, Leslie Park/Briar Green, and Cityview/Skyline/Fisher Heights

Shirley’s Bay is a rural community West of Ottawa located on a picturesque bay on the Ottawa River, about ten miles from downtown Ottawa.  Shirley’s Bay trail is in a designated Greenbelt area with 4 km of trails that cross fallow fields and young forests, and provide a panoramic view of the Ottawa River. It features picnic areas and a public boat launch, suitable for small, shallow draft boats only. Shirley’s Bay is also the name of a Canadian military and civilian telecommunication research campus, which is located on the shore of the bay.

Crystal Beach was established in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and many of the residences in Crystal Beach are modified versions of the five original models of homes originally built in the neighbourhood.  Crystal Beach is a primarily residential neighbourhood with a strong sense of community, and over the years, has become one of the most desired real-estate locations in Ottawa West.  Much of the appeal of Crystal Beach is due to its close proximity to the Nepean Sailing Club, Andrew Haydon Park, the Ottawa River, as well as its award-winning neighbourhood design (to reduce traffic flowing through), easy access to the Queensway (Highway 417), quality schooling, community centre and recreational facilities within walking distance.

Qualicum is a secluded, manicured, upscale neighbourhood in Ottawa West. Many of the residences in the area are custom-built executive homes situated on large treed lots (100x100).  It is minutes from the Queensway, houses the Queensway Carleton Hospital and has one of Ottawa’s major shopping Centres, Bayshore, a short walk across Carling Avenue.  The area is sprinkled with parks, playgrounds and tennis courts.

Lincoln Heights is a diverse neighbourhood and is notable for its proximity to the Ottawa River and Mud Lake bird sanctuary. Lincoln Fields transit station is the main transit hub in the neighborhood, and Lincoln Fields Shopping Centre is the main commercial centre.  Housing in the area runs the full gamut; high-rise apartments are plentiful, some with fabulous views of the Ottawa River,  low income row-housing and older, renovated, well-maintained single family homes on streets lined with mature trees accentuate the mixture of properties in the area.

Carlingwood, Glabar Park and McKellar Heights is one of the largest communities in western Ottawa with roughly 7,300 residents.  Most of the dwellings were constructed in the period between 1946 and 1960. It has a well educated populace, and many residents are engaged in the political process. It also has several community associations, and some religious organizations. The neighbourhood has a much higher than average percentage of seniors.  This neighbourhood has several active Community Associations. Carlingwood has very little greenspace, but offers ample opportunity for recreation despite having no indoor recreation facilities. The neighbourhood  has 2.1 km of bike/walking paths.

Highland Park is small community and is a prominently upper-class area that contains some large luxury homes along Dovercourt and a large number of middle-class low-rise apartment buildings closer to Carling Avenue.  Nepean High School is a prominent part of the community as is the Highland Park itself, which has a tennis court, baseball diamond and field which can be used for football or soccer.  The neighbourhood is located within walking distance of The Ottawa Civic Hospital and Ottawa Heart Institute.


Briar Green-Leslie Park has approximately 4,934 residents. The population consists mainly of young and middle-aged adults,. The level of education for Briar Green-Leslie Park’s residents is a little above the city’s average.  Homes are predominantly single detached and row houses and in good repair. Briar Green-Leslie Park is a relatively new neighbourhood the majority of homes were built between 1971 and 1981. This neighbourhood has no grocery stores or specialty food stores.

Briar Green-Leslie Park has a number of strengths, including a culturally and ethnically diverse population, predominantly English-speaking. The neighbourhood also has relatively low crime rates, and limited access to fast food. Briar Green-Leslie Park has little greenspace,  and no indoor recreation facilities but does contain 7.2 km of bike/walking paths.  Compared to other neighbourhoods, residents of Briar Green-Leslie Park have quite good opportunities for recreation within the neighbourhood borders and have opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in the many parks.

Cityview – Skyline – Fisher Heights has 6,277 residents and is a somewhat older neighbourhood, which has an excellent linguistic, cultural, ethnic and age mix, relatively low crime rates and is the adopted home for many New Canadians, many of whom have European countries of origin. Homes are equally divided between single family homes, semi-detached, row housing and high-rise apartments, the majority are rented not owned, but most are in fairly good repair. The neighbourhood has excellent access to healthy food outlets, banks, pharmacies, and public transit. The population consists mainly of young and middle-aged adults. Cityview-Skyline-Fisher Heights has relatively low availability of greenspace, parks, recreation, and no indoor recreation facilities.  The neighbourhood has 3.42 km of bike/walking paths.