Heart of Orleans BIA

Heart of Orléans

The Heart of Orléans is a district in the established suburb of Orléans, just east of downtown Ottawa, known for its multicultural vibe and strong francophone presence. It’s centered on St. Joseph Boulevard, between Youville Drive and Prestone Drive.

History

This area of Orléans dates back to the 1830s. A group of francophone families founded Paroisse St-Joseph d’Orléans, and the tall steeple of the current church (built in 1922) is a prominent neighbourhood landmark on St. Joseph Boulevard.

The village began growing substantially in the 1950s, when the first major residential subdivisions were built; Orléans was amalgamated into the City of Ottawa in 2001. In recent decades, development of the Orleans Town Centre (Centrum Plaza)—which includes an arts centre and the Ruddy Family YMCA-YWCA—has created a lively gathering place for neighbourhood events.

Shopping and dining

Visitors can choose from a wide range of restaurants and craft breweries in the Heart of Orléans, including the Stray Dog Brewing Company, St. Martha’s Brasserie (French cuisine), Rangoli (Indian fare) and Bon Goût Créole (Haitian specialties). Shoppers will find hundreds of stores, including branches of leading national and international chains, at Place d’Orléans Shopping Centre. An organization called Regroupement des gens d'affaires de la Capitale nationale has more information on many of the area’s francophone businesses.

Events and accommodations

This district plays host to a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Orléans Craft Beer Festival in June, several events of the Carivibe Caribbean festival in July, and the Orléans Cork and Fork Festival in November. Catch a concert, play or other performance at the Shenkman Arts Centre, or see works by local artists in the Exhibition Space at Arts Network Ottawa in the same building. Make a weekend of it by staying at the nearby Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa East–Orleans.

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