Forum

Ottawa - Ontario - Canada

Moving to Ottawa - Ontario - Canada

Contribute to the community by sharing information to help the Desi community connect and support one another. Provide details about apartments where the Desi community resides. Answer questions from those moving here for work, school, or other reasons. Share information about areas or buildings with a significant Desi population, including rent costs, utilities included, accessibility, availability of laundry facilities, and other relevant details. Note: This section is not for posting apartments for rent—please use the classifieds section for that. The goal is to offer guidance and answer questions for people planning to move to this area.

 

1. South Asian Community: Predominantly Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan populations.

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2. South Asian Areas

• Nepean: Large Indian and Pakistani population.
• Barrhaven: Popular among South Asian families.
• Kanata: Growing South Asian presence, especially among professionals.
• Orleans: Mixed South Asian and multicultural community.

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3. South Asian Main Market Area

• Bank Street (South Ottawa):
  • Known for its South Asian stores, restaurants, and cultural hubs.

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4. South Asian Grocery Stores

• India Grocers (Bank Street): Popular for Indian spices and produce.
• Desi Bazaar (Merivale Road): Offers a variety of South Asian staples.
• South Asian Supermarket (St. Laurent Boulevard): Known for Bangladeshi and Pakistani products.
• Spiceland Supermarket (Kanata): Specializes in Indian and Sri Lankan goods.

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5. Transportation

• Public Transport:

  • Ottawa’s OC Transpo provides buses and the O-Train (light rail) for city-wide travel.
  • Presto Card is essential for accessing public transport.

• Ride Sharing:

  • Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services are commonly used.

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6. Religious Places

• Temples:

  • Hindu Temple of Ottawa-Carleton (Nepean): Offers cultural and spiritual services.
  • ISKCON Ottawa Temple (Glebe): Focuses on Krishna consciousness and cultural events.

• Gurdwaras:

  • Gurdwara Sahib Ottawa (Barrhaven): Main Sikh place of worship.

• Mosques:

  • Jami Omar Mosque (Nepean): Serves the Pakistani and Muslim community.
  • Ottawa Mosque (Downtown): The oldest mosque in the city.

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7. Cost of Living in South Asian Areas

• Average Monthly Rent:

  • 1-bedroom apartment: CAD 1,500–1,800.
  • 2-bedroom apartment: CAD 1,800–2,400.

• Utilities: CAD 150–250/month (electricity, water, internet).

• Groceries: CAD 300–400/month for a family of four.

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8. Best Public Schools in South Asian Areas

Elementary Schools:

• Blossom Park Public School (South Ottawa): Known for its diverse student population.
• Adrienne Clarkson Elementary School (Barrhaven): Offers excellent academic programs.
• Glen Cairn Public School (Kanata): Well-regarded in South Asian communities.

Middle Schools:

• Sir Winston Churchill Public School (Nepean): Inclusive environment and strong academics.
• Elizabeth Park Public School (Barrhaven): Popular among South Asian families.

High Schools:

• Earl of March Secondary School (Kanata): High-ranking school with diverse students.
• Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School (Barrhaven): Known for strong academics and extracurricular activities.
• Merivale High School (Nepean): Offers International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.