The benefits of raising a large family in Lowertown

By Christine Kilfoi

When we moved to Ottawa, we knew we wanted to be downtown. We were recommended to look at neighbourhoods like New Edinburgh, Manor Park, or Westboro. Lowertown was not mentioned to us at all. But we needed a home that would fit a large family, and, in the end, our home, formerly owned by the Sisters of Charity, offered five bedrooms, a backyard, and a huge kitchen. And yes, it was in Lowertown.

Initially I was concerned Lowertown would be too urban and there would no other kids for mine to play with. I had envisioned a neighbourhood with lots of kids and playgrounds and schools. I came to understand that Lowertown is more than a neighbourhood, it’s a true community. I was not alone in raising my large family. I had the support of local schools, community organizations, and neighbours.

I discovered that the wading pools at Bingham Park and Jules Morin Park are a magical hub in the summer months for kids (and parents). I was so surprised by how many kids lived in my side of Lowertown. The parks teamed with families enjoying the wading pools and grassy spaces for picnics.

Lowertown is blessed with great play-grounds, tennis courts, bike trails, and sports fields for running around. Despite being “urban,” I quickly discovered my kids had the benefit of open green spaces, interesting play structures, and lots of friends to play with.

As my kids grew older, they attended York Street Public School and benefited from small class sizes, engaged school staff, and a full complement of sports, music programs, and friendship. They had violin lessons in the school, talent shows, and engaging speakers who taught them important things about life and its challenges and how to overcome them.

The Lowertown Community Resource Centre offered summer and March break camps, after school programs, festivals in the parks, and drop-in programing for teens. For example, they offer basketball nights, skating, movies in the park, and a youth centre.

In addition, there were frequent partnerships with other organizations like MASC (awesome arts) and OrKidstra, where my kids were able to participate in dance performances, acting, and singing performances, painting murals, and creating art works. In most cases, the activities were offered free of charge.

We also had access to the National Gallery on Thursday evenings for free and the Ottawa Art Gallery anytime (also free of charge). And of course, not many people have Canada Day in their backyard and a free fireworks show we could watch from our front porch or join the crowd along Sussex Drive.

As my kids became young adults, they were drawn to the ByWard Market and Rideau Centre. While many of their friends were afraid to come downtown, my kids lived among the realities of social problems that need the support of community and empathy. But they also learned how to be both aware and able to identify risks to their safety, and are capable of navigating risk in an urban space.

My initial concern that my kids would not have the advantage of a “neighbourhood” in Lowertown was unfounded. Raising a family in Lowertown provided my kids with resilience, community, and an openness to others who have walked paths in life different from their own. And most importantly, they had so much fun.

Photo: Bingham Pool by Christine Kilfoil