Barrhaven, Ottawa

Barrhaven began in the 1960s as one of several suburban communities built beyond Ottawa’s Greenbelt. Growth was gradual at first, then accelerated, and the community now spreads across Ottawa’s south end, organized around main roads such as Strandherd Drive and Greenbank Road.

Living in Barrhaven

Barrhaven is a practical suburban community. Parks, paths and recreation facilities run through its neighbourhoods, and everyday shopping and services are close to home. The Minto Recreation Complex, at Cambrian Road and Greenbank Road, and the Walter Baker Sports Centre are among its recreation hubs.

The Jock River runs along the southern part of the community, and newer phases of development continue to extend the neighbourhood outward. As a result, the age and feel of a street can change quickly from one phase to the next.

Homes in Barrhaven

Most homes in Barrhaven are detached houses, semi-detached houses and townhouses, with a large share built in recent decades. Older areas, sometimes called Old Barrhaven, offer more established streets and mature trees. Condominiums are available in some locations.

For buyers who want a newer home with modern layouts, Barrhaven offers a lot of choice. If you are buying a newly built home in Ontario, ask your lawyer how the statutory new home warranty applies and what the builder’s agreement says. Resale buyers should still arrange a thorough inspection, since newer does not mean problem-free.

Getting around Barrhaven

Barrhaven is connected to the rest of Ottawa by major roads, including Woodroffe Avenue, Greenbank Road, Strandherd Drive and Highway 416. OC Transpo buses link the community with the city centre and with the rail network, and the O-Train network has been extending south in recent years. Service patterns change, so check OC Transpo for the routes that serve the part of Barrhaven you are considering. Most households use a car for at least some trips.

Who Barrhaven suits

Barrhaven suits buyers who want a newer home, outdoor space and amenities close by, as well as buyers who work in the south end. It is less suited to those who want a walkable, older urban street, or a short commute to downtown by foot or bicycle.