Central Barrhaven Spotlight: Strandherd, Heart’s Desire, Barrhaven on the Green & Heritage Park
Discover Central Barrhaven
In recent years, Barrhaven has undergone an incredible transformation, evolving from a suburban retreat to a thriving, self-sustained community. Today, Central Barrhaven—which includes the neighbourhoods of Strandherd, Heart’s Desire, Barrhaven on the Green, and Heritage Park—has become a sought-after area for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
This post is part of our ongoing Ottawa Neighbourhood Spotlight series, where we highlight the latest developments, real estate trends, and amenities of Ottawa’s diverse neighbourhoods.
Central Barrhaven Neighbourhood Overview
Central Barrhaven is undergoing rapid growth, with new developments, amenities, and infrastructure improving the quality of life for residents. From expanding shopping centres to new public services, Barrhaven is solidifying its place as an independent and vibrant community in Ottawa.
In this guide, we’ll update you on the latest developments in Central Barrhaven, including amenities, schools, and real estate trends that are shaping the future of this exciting neighbourhood.
Central Barrhaven Amenities
Central Barrhaven is well-equipped with everything you need—shopping, dining, entertainment, and more. The area’s central hubs, such as Chapman Mills Marketplace and the Barrhaven Town Centre, provide easy access to big box stores, popular restaurants, banks, movie theatres, and various other services.
In addition to retail options, the city of Ottawa has ambitious plans to expand Central Barrhaven even further. A proposal was approved in 2019 to extend the area southward towards Jock River, eventually creating a true downtown core for Barrhaven. The development will feature a new library, a performing arts centre, and a public transit hub to improve connectivity. The project will prioritize green spaces, pedestrian pathways, and cycling trails along the river, making it an environmentally friendly and accessible area for all residents.
Further enhancing the community’s appeal, Mattamy Homes is currently constructing a new townhome development across from St. Joseph High School, making it even easier for families to settle in the area.
Public Transit & Commuter Accessibility
Central Barrhaven residents enjoy great access to public transportation, with multiple Barrhaven Centre and Marketplace transitway stops providing rapid bus transit to downtown Ottawa.
Future plans are in the works to extend Ottawa’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) system to Central Barrhaven, improving connectivity for commuters in this growing suburb. Though the LRT extension is still in the early planning stages, more details can be explored via videos and updates available on platforms like YouTube.
Heart’s Desire: A Charming Residential Area
Heart’s Desire is one of the most desirable low-density residential areas in Central Barrhaven. Known for its larger-than-average lots, mature trees, and established community, this neighbourhood is perfect for families and those seeking a peaceful, family-friendly environment. The area is mainly comprised of detached, single-family homes, and its serene atmosphere makes it a top choice for homebuyers in Barrhaven.
Central Barrhaven Schools
When considering a move to a new area, schools are always a key factor for families. Central Barrhaven is well-served by several public and private educational institutions that cater to a variety of needs, including English, French, and Catholic school boards.
To make your search easier, we’ve provided an interactive map that allows you to filter by specific school types, so you can find the best options for your family.
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)
- Chapman Mills Public School: Opened in 2013, this school offers both English and French Immersion programs.
Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB)
- St. Emily Catholic School: A welcoming Catholic school for students from kindergarten through grade 8, established in 2006.
French Catholic Schools
- Jean Robert Gauthier School: A French-language Catholic elementary school that opened in 2006 and moved to its current location on Chapman Mills Drive in 2009.
Secondary Schools
- St. Joseph Catholic High School: Serving students in grades 7 through 12, St. Joseph has been a staple of Barrhaven education since 2002.
- Pierre-de-Blois High School: Set to open in 2021, this new French-language high school will serve 690 students and offer extensive facilities, including a triple gym and soccer field.
- Pierre-Savard Catholic High School: A French-language Catholic secondary school offering grades 7-12 since 2011.
Private Schools
- Montessori by BrightPath Strandherd: A licensed childcare and Montessori program for children aged 18 months to 6 years.
- Ottawa Christian School: A private school offering education from JK to grade 8.
With such a wide array of educational choices, Central Barrhaven is a great location for families prioritizing access to quality schools.
Real Estate in Central Barrhaven
The real estate market in Central Barrhaven is diverse and rapidly evolving. With its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent amenities, and convenient access to downtown Ottawa, this neighbourhood is an attractive option for homebuyers.
Whether you’re interested in a newly built townhome in Barrhaven on the Green or an established single-family home in Heart’s Desire, there are options available for various budgets and preferences. As Barrhaven continues to grow, you can expect the real estate market to remain dynamic, with new developments and opportunities emerging regularly.
If you’re looking to buy or sell in Central Barrhaven, our experienced real estate team at MacDonald Property Group can help. Contact us for current listings, or for advice on how to navigate this competitive market.
Buy and Sell with Confidence: Choose MacDonald Property Group
With over 25 years of experience and a proven track record of success, MacDonald Property Group has established itself as one of the top real estate teams in North America. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an experienced seller, or simply exploring your options in Central Barrhaven, our full-service, award-winning team is here to assist.
Recognized for our commitment to client satisfaction and excellence, our team has successfully bought and sold over a thousand homes in Barrhaven and the greater Ottawa area. Let us guide you through the process and show you how we can help you achieve your real estate goals!