Content last reviewed:
Regular hours have resumed for access to the Ottawa Resource Collection (room 581): 9am-noon and 1-4pm, Mondays-Fridays.
This guide provides support for those researching Ottawa and its neighbourhoods. For additional help try Ottawa Resource Collection Online and OTTR Discovery Tool
Build a Glossary
Why? Neighbourhoods or local sites can be complex and diverse, often straddling defined boundaries, wards or streets. Several communities may reside within a small space. One community may cover a large area. A glossary helps tease out information. Find terms beyond the obvious. Consider these tips:
Historical lens - multiple names for a single place
i.e.. Vanier evolved from Eastview which evolved from Janeville, Clarkstown, Clandeboye
i.e.. Bronson Ave. was Concession Line; Glebe Ave. was Carling Ave.; Laurier Ave. was Maria St.
Layers of political boundaries i.e. current and former wards or municipal boundary changes, etc.
i.e. Preston St. falls within Dalhousie Ward
i.e. Glebe falls withing Capital Ward
i.e. Barrhaven now part of Ottawa was formerly in the City of Nepean prior to amalgamation
Boundaries may be vague and your location may straddle several defined areas
i.e. The intersection of Bronson Ave. and Booth St. may fall within Little Italy and/or Chinatown
Boundaries may be precise depending on which side of the street you're on
i.e. Beechwood Ave. defines the boundary between Rockcliffe Park and Vanier
i.e. Baseline Rd. used to define the boundary between cities of Ottawa and Nepean (pre-amalgamation)
Identify nearby major streets and arteries
i.e. Information about Albert St. may help tell the story of Lebreton Flats
i.e. Information about Wellington St. may reveal history of "Banker's Row" across from Parliament
One Street = many neighbourhoods
i.e. Richmond Rd. (Ottawa West) becomes Wellington St. (Centretown) which becomes Rideau St. (Lowertown) which becomes Montreal Rd. (Vanier)
i.e. Bank St. begins at Parliament Hill and passes through Centretown, The Glebe, Old Ottawa South, Alta Vista, Hunt Club, the villages of Blossom Park, Leitrim, South Gloucester, Greely, Metcalfe, Spring Hill, and Vernon before exiting the city limits at Belmeade Road
Different sources have different biases
i.e. Municipal documents in the 1970's were issued by The Regional Municipality of Ottawa Carleton (RMOC) and often collected statistics by wards or census districts of the time
i.e. The City of Ottawa in the 2000's organizes and collects information differently from the 1970's
i.e. Neighbourhood boundaries (i.e.. "Ottawa Neighbourhood Study") may differ between sources
i.e. The NCC provides information for both sides of the Ottawa River while the City of Ottawa does not
i.e. Community organizations or BIAs (Business Improvement Areas) may collect information based on their local interests rather than those prioritized by other institutions
One place / many labels
i.e. Lebreton Flats - Little Italy - Chaudiere - Zibi - Nepean Point -- Preston St. BIA
"Events" reveal information about "places"
i.e. The Great Sewer Explosion of 1929 may provide details about Sandy Hill.
i.e. Central Canada Exhibition may lead to information about the Glebe.
Societal issues are reflected at different times in history
i.e. Municipal documents from the 1950 and '60's point to gentrification through demolition
i.e. Municipal documents from the late 1970's reflect a new appreciation for older buildings, especially through community organization
i.e. The 1970s reflect an increase in tourism literature
i.e. Titles from the 1990s suggest more environmental awareness
i.e. Titles in the 2000s reveal conversations between community, developers and city interests
Building/ architect names can lead to supporting information
i.e. Ottawa houses several "Carnegie Libraries"
i.e. Architects such as James Strutt (influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright) , George Bemi (known for Brutalist style) or Ernst Noffke (residential buildings in the Glebe) all leave an indelible impression on the city's landscape
i.e. Thomas MacKay and stone buildings of New Edinburgh
Prominent people offer insight to city building at different times in history
i.e. Ahearn and Soper, inventors and businessmen introduce streetcars and electricity to Ottawa
i.e. Former Mayors such as Marion Dewar welcomes south Asian refugees (Project 4000)
i.e. Historical community figures such as Archibald McKellar help develop Westboro
i.e. Robert Randall was the original title holder of land in Lebreton Flats (formerly Nepean Landing)
Geographical Features tell stories
i.e. Nanny Goat Hill (Ottawa Centre) - An escarpment overlooking Lebreton Flats
i.e. Mud Lake (Ottawa West) - A significant wetland in Ottawa's urban environment
i.e. Mer Bleue Bog (Ottawa East) - A unique "northern ecosystem" in the heart of Ottawa's Greenbelt
i.e. Champlain Lookout (Gatineau Park) - The divide between St. Lawrence Lowlands and Canadian Shield
How to create a glossary?
- Visit the Neighbourhoods section of the Ottawa Resource Collection Online webpage. "Related Search Terms" gives related terms for 15 neighbourhoods.
- Visit the Topics sections of the Ottawa Resource Collection Online webpage. Find links to Images and Maps, City of Ottawa Documents, Historical /Heritage, Buildings & Architects, Statistics, Social Media, Newspapers & Ottawa Stories, Urban Planning, Virtual Exhibits, Student Projects & Theses.
- Use a map! Spatial information allows the eye to take in content in a fresh way. Always remember bias and subjectivity are built into a map through date, scale and authorship. Always use a critical eye assessing content. Use maps and text together for "Aha moments"!
- Different information is captured at different scales so choose as many scales as possible. Building footprints can be seen on maps at 1:2,000 but there may be a unique place name on a map at 1:50,000.
- If you're lucky you'll find maps for the same location issued by different authors. This gives added layers of information.
- Find maps issued by the same author but for different years. This allows the eye to perceive slight changes over time. i.e.. Ottawa Topographic maps 1:50,000 for multiple years; Multiple editions of road maps by same author at same scale.
- Images can be invaluable as they do not have artificial boundaries or biases. See the section below on Maps and Images in this guide.
Allow time
Why? You may need unique search strategies and in-depth RESEARCH can take time especially when using multiple resources such as print, online/digital, archival materials or different archival collections in the city.
How? Check hours of opening in advance. The location and hours for the Ottawa Resource Collection (OTTR) are posted here. Other archives or libraries have their hours and visitor guidelines.
Bring research supplies (but not food or drinks!)
Why? Most Archives and Special Collections do not provide pencils, pens, paper, computers, USB, printers or scanners and many have a "pencil only" policy. Because rare books or unique materials can be difficult or impossible to replace, drinks and food are strictly forbidden.
Arrive informed Before visiting any collection, find out in advance what is or isn't provided or if an appointment is required.
For example: The Ottawa Resource Collection (OTTR) is located in room 581 of the MacOdrum Library. It is a collection within Archives and Special Collections (ASC). You'll find consultation tables; NO photocopier (so take pictures ensuring copyright is observed); a personal laptop may be helpful; archival gloves are provided if needed; staff can offer help during office hours or email for an appointment ; after hours when doors are locked, clients may ask for entry to the Ottawa Resource Collection (OTTR) at the Main Floor Services Desk. Sorry there is no overnight access after 11:30pm, when the Library is open 24 hours.
There is abundance of digital content geared towards local area research. It may be in the form of academic or peer reviewed literature, government sources, blogs, newsletters or community content. Here are some approaches to access these sites:
Search Carleton Library's OMNI using the customized glossary of terms you've created. Using this glossary will significantly increase your success. Items in electronic format are identified in the record.
Consult THE OTTAWA RESOURCE COLLECTION ONLINE. For full coverage make sure to consult both sections Neighbourhoods and By Topic.
Neighbourhoods
Each of the fifteen neighbourhoods includes: Related Terms, Statistics, Census Information, Topographic Maps (contours), Images and Maps, Community Newspapers, Community Links, Select Building Information and Selected Print Resources
The fifteen neighbourhoods include: 1. Carleton 2.Centretown/Lowertown 3.Chaudiere/Victoria Island 4.Dows Lake 5. Elgin/ Golden Triangle 6. Gatineau Park 7. Glebe / Lansdowne 8.Hintonburg/Westoboro 9.Lebreton 10.Little Italy/Chinatown 11.Old Ottawa South 12.Overbrook/Vanier 13.Parliament Hill 14. Rideau Canal 15. Sandy Hill
For content not found in these 15 neighbourhoods, see the section "By Topic".
By Topic
Headings include: Images and Maps/ City of Ottawa Documents/ Historical/Heritage /Buildings & Architects/ Statistics/ Social Media, Newspapers & Ottawa Stories/ Urban Planning/ Virtual Exhibits, Student Projects & Theses. Certain links offer city wide coverage.
Internet searches often yield new content, especially at the local area level. Remember to use your customized Glossary to increase your chances of harvesting relevant content. Remember to "think critically" about your source and make sure to cite content when necesseary.
Neighbourhood information resides in a wide variety of print sources, some of which are found in the OTTR collection (room 581). Remember to begin by building your customized glossary as outlined in this guide.
SEARCH OMNI for print materials
Remember OMNI records capture broad and general headings, so finding relevant content can be challenging. For example, content on Lebreton Flats may be found in a book with a generic title "Ottawa". Begin with these steps:
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Enter glossary terms in OMNI both individually and in combinations. Try with and without the word "Ottawa" i.e. "Hintonburg" or "Hintonburg Ottawa". Be creative!
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Once results appear, open the LOCATION tab (on left side) and click on "Floor 5 (Room 581) Ottawa Resource Material (OTTR)" .
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Try clicking on Subject entries - this may lead to other useful books in the collection
Books in the OTTR Collection (room 581), are arranged on the shelf in call number order from A-Z
The OTTR Collection is for reference only and does not circulate so consider bringing a USB for the in-house scanner or take pics
RANDOM SHELF SEARCH
Visually scan the OTTR shelves. Shelves are arranged by by topic. The FC (history) or HT (planning) section of the collection may yield surprising results.
The year of publication is often part of the call number and this helps frame the timeline or content. i.e. pre and post amalgamation, etc.
Check the Table of Contents and the Indexes using a custom glossary during a random search. This is where detailed content is revealed.
EPHEMERA FILE
This file is a series of binders in room 581 containing grey literature, ephemera, blog postings, magazine articles, advertisements and newspaper clippings, all filed by nieghbourhood and topics. Much of this content may be readily available online, but by scanning the topics bundled together in paper files, you may find clues or supporting information.
Use a critical lens when consulting ephemera as items may not be considered "academic" or "peer reviewed".
As with all local area research, remember to use your customized glossary for best results. The NEIGHBOURHOODS secation of the OTTAWA RESOURCE COLLECTION ONLINE will provide some suggested related terms.
OTTR EXCEL FILE
Staff are continually compiling lists of references for local area sites and topics. To request a search of our Excel file, contact ASC staff
OTHER RESOURCES
Consider using Maps and Images, City Directories; FBRO Reports / older print and online versions (Federal Heritage Review Office); Ottawa Magazine; Rare books ; Archives and Special Collections (ASC).
Contact ASC staff for help or arrange a consultation
Why Use Images and Maps?
Spatial information such as maps and images, provide rich layers of content and can clarify or support written information. Consider including a map or image in your research or consult a map or image to help make connections or enrich your understanding. Remember it is important and easy to cite maps - click here for help!
When looking for the right map, remember information may reside on single map or as smaller part of a large map series. Maps are available in paper or digital formats. Remember maps import bias and subjectivity because information is superimposed whereas images are visual evidence uncluttered by bias.
Digital Maps
- Visit Ottawa Resource Collection Online, under Images and Maps - you'll find an extensive list of local area digital map resources which may be used alone or with other print maps in the Ottawa Resource Collection (OTTR). See links to sites such as Fire Insurance Plans, historical topographic maps, GeoOttawa, images and more.
- Visit GIS MacOdrum Library including Open Data Ottawa for GIS map data. .
Print (paper) Maps in the Carleton Library
- The Carleton Library's print and paper map collection, curated for over 60 years, dates approximately up to the early 2000's. You'll find a variety of topics and scales. Paper maps can provide a baseline for researchers. When current data is layered over an older map, a timeline can reveal trends or patterns.
- For details on scanning paper maps ask staff in Archives and Special Collections.
- Print or paper maps are searchable in OMNI. Just add "map" to a term in the search box. Pls note: Due to a recent map reorganization, some map titles may still have an incorrect location code. Ottawa maps MPL (floor 1) should read OTTR (floor 5).
- Contact staff in Archives and Special Collections if you are having difficulty locating an Ottawa map.
Ottawa Timeline -- Wards -- Dates (City of Ottawa Archives) -- Other Local Collections in the Area
Ottawa Timeline *Pls note - dates may be approximate*
1826 Bytown founded
1827 Bytown divided by Lieut. Col. John By into two main sections—Upper Town and Lower Town
1850 Bytown becomes a town and Richmond becomes a village
1855 Bytown becomes the City of Ottawa
1867 New Edinburgh becomes a village
1875 Wrightsville (north of the Ottawa River) becomes the City of Hull, (now part of Gatineau)
1887 City of Ottawa annexes New Edinburgh
1888 Ottawa East becomes a village
1893 Hintonburg becomes a village
1898 Metcalfe becomes a police village
1903 Manotick becomes a police village
1905 Rideauville and Westboro become police villages
1907 Ottawa annexes Hintonburg and Rideauville
1908 Rockcliffe Park becomes a police village
1908 Janeville becomes a village.
1910 Kenmore and Osgoode Station become police villages.
1912 Ottawa West becomes a police village
1913 Janeville becomes Town of Eastview
1922 Overbrook and St. Joseph d'Orleans were incorporated as police villages.
1925 Rockcliffe Park became a full village in 1925.
1939 Hampton Park incorporated as a police village.
1949 Westboro and Village of Hampton Park and Ottawa West annexed by City of Ottawa
1950 Overbrook annexed by Ottawa
1954 City View incorporated as a police village
1956 Stittsville incorporated as a police village
1961 Stittsville becomes a full village
1963 Eastview (now Vanier) becomes City of Eastview
1969 City of Eastview is renamed Vanier
1969 Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton (RMOC) is formed from Carleton County
1974 Villages of City View, Kenmore, Manotick, Metcalfe, North Gower, Osgoode Station, and St. Joseph d'Orleans are dissolved
1974 Goulbourn Township annexes the villages of Richmond and Stittsville
1974 Rideau Township created from Marlborough Township and North Gower
1974 West Carleton Township created from Townships of Torbolton, Fitzroy and Huntley
1978 City of Kanata formed from March Township and parts of Goulbourn and Nepean Townships
1978 Nepean Township becomes City of Nepean
1981 Gloucester Township becomes the City of Gloucester
1999 Cumberland Township becomes the City of Cumberland
2001 Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton (RMOC) becomes City of Ottawa (includes the former municipalities of Ottawa, Vanier, Nepean, Kanata,
Gloucester and Cumberland; the townships of Rideau, West Carleton, Goulbourn and Osgoode; and the village of Rockcliffe Park)
What was a "Police Village"?
From Wikipedia: A police village was a form of municipal government used in the province of Ontario, Canada, beginning in the early 19th century. It was used in cases where the finances or population of the area did not permit the creation of a village.
Police Village with date of creation: City View (1954) -- Manotick (1903) -- Metcalfe (1898) -- North Gower(1905) -- Rockcliffe Park(1908) -- Osgoode (1910) -- Overbrook (1922) -- St-Joseph d'Orléans (1922) -- Ottawa West (1912) -- Stittsville (1956)
Dates (City of Ottawa Archives):
1872 Street numbers first used for Ottawa properties
1892 City of Ottawa began issuing building permits
1925 The Province of Ontario implemented building code legislation to regulate construction standards across the province
1931 City Hall burned down, damaging or destroying all building records and many tax assessment records stored there
1944 Copies of architectural drawings must be submitted to the City of Ottawa with the building permit for all new constructions or major alterations
1964 City of Ottawa zoning by-laws were consolidated (similar consolidation occurred in Gloucester and Nepean in the 1960s)
Other Local Collections in the Area:
Explores the city’s history from the early years of Rideau Canal construction, through the rough and tumble days of Bytown, to its emergence as Canada’s capital and beyond. Enjoy unique artifacts and exhibits year-round.
The City of Ottawa Archives welcomes all researchers. If you have specific historical questions about Ottawa, reference staff can provide assistance. The Archives provides access to a wide range of resources including photographs, maps, architectural drawings and artifacts. The 16,000-volume specialized reference library holds unique resource materials on the history and development of the City of Ottawa.
Cumberland Township Historical Society (Cumberland Branch - OPL)
Discovering, preserving and sharing Cumberland Township history.
Diefenbunker Canada's Cold War Museum
Goulbourn Historical Society (Stittsville Branch - OPL)
Dedicated to the history of the former Goulbourn Township, now amalgamated into the City of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada. This includes the communities of Stittsville, Hazeldean, Richmond, Munster Hamlet, Ashton, Stanley’s Corners, Stapledon and Mansfield and surrounding rural areas.
Looks at rural life beginning with the creation of the Richmond military settlement in 1818; a History Centre provides information about local families and community life.
Huntley Township Historical Society (Carp Branch - OPL)
A collection of historical and genealogical material establishing a repository of information and artifacts on the former Huntley Township for research purposes and as a contribution to Canadian history, and to publish and display related materials.
Kanata Room in the Beaverbrook Branch OPL
Houses an in-depth collection on the history of March Township and the City of Kanata.
Nepean Centrepointe (Ottawa Public Library)
Comprises over 300 books, periodicals, and newspapers. Material in the collection represents the greater Ottawa region, with a focus on Carleton County, and Nepean Township in particular.
Focuses on agricultural development, pioneer life and the people of Osgoode Township from 1826 to the present day.
Ottawa Public Library (OPL) Ottawa Room - main branch
A centralized information resource about Ottawa and surrounding areas, both past and present, that helps preserve Ottawa’s written heritage for researchers and for residents with a passion for local history. Its unique collection brings together printed documents about Ottawa, important municipal documents, including current and past city by-laws, and a broad selection of historical and literary works by Ottawa authors. The collection includes over 15,000 items that can be consulted free of charge.
Q: I have a class assignment and my Prof told me to come to the Ottawa Resource Collection. Is there any info for me?
A: If your location is within the Ottawa area, use this guide to begin your search. Follow up with ASC staff to see if you’ve missed anything.
Q: I need primary resources for my assignment. Is there anything in OTTR?
A: Primary resources come in many formats such as photos, government information, newspapers, maps, statistics and archival holdings.
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See News or Ottawa Resource Collection Online webpage under Social Media, Newspapers & Ottawa Stories
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Government documents are embedded within the OTTR collection-consult OMNI for holdings
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See OTTR Statistics
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Search OMNI for print maps and see Maps, Plans and Images for online cartographic information and images
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Consult ASC for additional support
Q: My assignment is due tomorrow. Can you help me?
A: During COVID, access to the Ottawa Resource Collection is restricted but stay tuned for updates. Try Ottawa Resource Collection Online which offers additional information with links to maps, government information, community resources, images, and GIS data.
Q: When the Library reopens, where will I find the Ottawa Resource Collection?
A: The Collection is part of the Library’s Archives and Special Collections (ASC), Room 581, MacOdrum Library.
Q: If the door is locked to Room 581 how do I get access?
A: Once the Library reopens, access is available after 4pm by asking at the main floor Services Desk. Once in Room 581 you can exit but won't be able to re-enter without staff assistance. The “sign-in” sheet is near the entrance.
Q: Can I borrow OTTR materials?
A: Sorry, OTTR materials are unique or difficult to replace and are available for Reference only. Contact ASC staff for special requests. When the Library reopens, there is a scanner in 581, but bring a USB or use a phone camera (ensuring copyright is observed).
Q: Where can I find the Ottawa Resource Collection Online?
A: On the Library homepage go to Find/ Archives for the link.
The page has NEIGHBOURHOODS and TOPICS. NEIGHBOURHOODS bundles content for our most frequently requested spaces. To see all 15 neighbourhoods click “all neighbourhoods”. TOPICS provides content by subject for local or city wide geographies *Pls note - for comprehensive coverage, visit both sections.
Q: I only see books in room 581. Is that the only resource in the Ottawa Resource Collection?
A: The materials on the shelves include books, government documents, planning documents, directories and pamphlets. Maps and rare books are also part of the collection and there is supporting information in Ottawa Resource Collection Online. We are building a list of related archival fonds, available on request. The collection also includes grey literature and ephemera. The collection continues to grow through purchases and donations.
Q: Can anyone in the building help me find something in the Ottawa Resource Collection after hours?
A: After hours, reference is self-directed. Pls see "Getting Started with Local Area Research" in this guide and follow up with ASC staff during regular hours to see if you’ve missed anything.
Q: I have a choice of several Ottawa research topics but which has the best resources?
A: There are many potential topics. As expected, there tends to be more historical and heritage content for the inner city core, formerly known as Bytown. Other themes such as the "Evolution of suburbs" can be documented using maps and statistics on sites like the “Ottawa Neighbourhood Study”. Also consider the size of a location. There may be less information for a street or house versus a broader geography such as a neighbhourhood. Prominent landmarks are easier to trace than lesser known spots. Follow the steps in this guide to make a first assessment of a potential location, then follow up with ASC staff to see if you’ve missed anything.
