In the past few decades, Barrhaven has transformed from a bedroom community of Ottawa to an independent hub full of thriving new developments.
In our Ottawa Neighbourhood Spotlight series, we’re now visiting Central Barrhaven. This includes the neighbourhoods of Strandherd, Heart’s Desire, Barrhaven on the Green and Heritage Park.
Central Barrhaven Neighbourhood Spotlight
The development of Central Barrhaven is bursting at its seams, and its expansion plans are the critical driver behind Barrhaven’s emerging independence.
We’ll bring you up to speed on the latest developments in this area’s amenities, schools, and real estate trends.
Central Barrhaven Amenities
Shopping, entertainment, restaurants…Central Barrhaven has them all. The Chapman Mills Marketplace at the southeast corner of Strandherd and Greenbank, and the Barrhaven Town Centre, at the southwest corner offer access to big box stores, restaurants, banks, movie theatres, employment opportunities and more.
In 2019, the city council approved expanding the central Barrhaven area south towards the Jock River. When complete, it will form Barrhaven’s downtown core. Plans include a library, a performing arts centre and a public transit hub. The area will be pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, incorporating greenspace and trails along the Jock River.
A new community of townhomes, built by Mattamy homes, will also be built across St. Joseph High School.
Photo credit: Mattamy Homes
Central Barrhaven includes Barrhaven Centre and Marketplace transitway stops, offering rapid bus transit to downtown Ottawa. Plans are also being discussed to extend the Light Rail Transit system into central Barrhaven. Still, in the early stages, details of the proposal can be viewed on YouTube.
Heart’s Desire is a low-density residential neighbourhood of detached single-family homes in Central Barrhaven. With large lots, mature trees and an established community, this is a highly sought-after neighbourhood.
Central Barrhaven Schools
Neighbourhood schools are always an important consideration for families moving to a new area. With Ottawa’s many school boards and French Immersion programs, finding a school can be confusing.
To make the process a bit easier for you, the interactive map above allows you to restrict your search to a specific school type. To use this function, click on the icon found on the top left of the map. A menu will slide out on the left-hand side, and you can scroll through the list and check the box of the schools you’d like to see on the interactive map.
For the English boards, you can also type an address into the school locators below to figure out which programs each school offers.
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board school locator
Ottawa Catholic School Board school locator
English Public Elementary
Chapman Mills Public School opened its doors in 2013. The school offers both English and French Immersion instruction. Boundary map
English Catholic Elementary
St. Emily Catholic School opened in 2006. Boundary map
French Catholic Elementary
Jean Robert Gauthier, a French-language Catholic elementary school, also opened its doors in 2006. Initially, it was in the building that is now Pierre-Savard Catholic High School. In 2009 its current Chapman Mills Drive location was built. Boundary map
English Catholic Secondary
St. Joseph Catholic High School has been opened since 2002 and serves students from grades 7 to 12. Boundary map
French Public Secondary
Pierre-de-Blois will be the first French-language public high school in Barrhaven. The new name for the school was announced in February 2021. The 9,000 square metre school will accommodate 690 students. It will also have a weightlifting hall, a triple gymnasium, an interior courtyard, a soccer field and a running track. The school is scheduled to open in 2021.
French Catholic Secondary
Pierre-Savard Catholic High School opened its doors in 2011. It serves students from grades 7 to 12. Boundary map
Private Schools
Montessori by BrightPath Strandherd offers 50 licensed childcare spaces for 18-month to 6-year olds.
The Ottawa Christian School is a private school for JK to grade 8.
Central Barrhaven Real Estate
Are you looking to buy a home in Barrhaven? Check out our current listings. If you want more information on Barrhaven neighbourhoods or to hear about new listings as they come on the market, our experienced realtors can help. Contact us today.
Have you read our other neighbourhood spotlights?
Stonebridge & Half Moon Bay Neighbourhood Spotlight
Old Barrhaven West Neighbourhood Spotlight
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