Often characterized as conservative, Ottawa’s bland reputation is starting to show signs of improvement. The city is growing, and getting more interesting all the time. Perhaps it’s the presence of public servants, the territory of tech types, or even the increasingly avant garde art crowd. Whatever the reason, city officials have been busy keeping up. 
- For an outsider’s view, read what the Martin Prosperity Institute’s Ottawa Paper. Apparently, the city is poised to compete very well in today’s emerging "creative age", and ranks high on Tolerance, Talent and Technology.
- For more information on the City of Ottawa’s blueprint for future development, check out Ottawa 20/20, which sets out growth management plans in the areas of economic strategy, environment, human services, transportation, as well as arts and heritage.
- For more detail on concept plans, zoning studies and community design plans, visit this link to City of Ottawa Community Plans and Studies. To understand the specifics with respect to the zoning bylaws – or to search for a particular property – click here.
- David McClelland, a journalism and geography student at the U of O, has been working to put together a Google-based neighbourhood map of Ottawa. Select a section in map, terrain or satellite mode, and you’ll have the birds eye view on the city’s development.