“Bells Corners? I haven’t been there in ages! What’s happening?”
This is a question many people have started to ask in the last few years. It turns out, Bells Corners is starting to trend.
The town is nestled within the protected NCC Greenbelt. It provides beautiful scenery, parks and hiking trails like the Bruce Pit and Stony Swamp Conservation Area. If that’s not enough of the great outdoors, you’ll find convenient, family-friendly beaches within a 10-minute drive, including Crystal Beach and the sandy shores of Brittania Beach. If you want a safe, peaceful and affordable place to raise your family, look no further.
How Bells Corners Is Changing
Bells Corners is a hidden gem with a rich history. Many cities and towns are named after famous politicians or businesspeople. Bells Corners was named after a tavern owner named Hugh Bell, and has stayed true to its fun, adventure-loving roots as the population grew.
In 2015, the area received a boost when the Department of National Defence (DND) began moving employees into its new headquarters on Carling Avenue.
In July 2019, the city unveiled an aggressive five-year plan to stimulate commercial, retail, and entertainment growth. As a result, career opportunities are already taking off.
As more companies start and expand into the area, we can only expect more job opportunities, which will begin to attract younger professionals and their families.
Bells Corners, the New Hintonburg?
Hintonburg is an Ottawa neighbourhood known for its trendy food scene, including cool little bistros, vegan cafes and coffee shops. However, Bells Corners is starting to give it a run for its money. With the DND move, many businesses began to follow suit, including the Kichesippi Beer Co, which moved here from Westboro. Also, dessert-lovers rejoiced as SuzyQ, a locally beloved doughnut shop, opened its new location in Bells Corners.
In 2021, Duke Fine Foods came along and breathed new life into the local food scene. This gourmet grocery store features hard-to-find items like smoked fish, caviar, and European teas. Looking for some of the finest baked goods around? The scent of freshly-baked Lithuanian and German bread will take your breath away. Plus, you’ll discover a delicious selection of sweet and savoury pastries. The deli offers a wide selection of European meats and cheeses and luxury retail food items.
What other delectable dining options can you find in the neighbourhood? Here are just a few local restaurants that will get your mouth watering:
Sukothai Restaurant
Sukothai Restaurant serves an extensive selection of delicious and authentic Thai dishes. You can choose your spice level to warm your palate and your soul. The traditional Pad Thai is always a favourite, but there are many options to choose from, including vegetarian, chicken, beef, pork or seafood stirfries or curries. Start with a tantalizing appetizer to whet your taste buds, but be sure to save room for the main course!
Cyranos Restaurant
Everyone will find something to enjoy at this modern Mediterranean eatery. Those with adventurous appetites can choose from creative selections like grilled eggplant, Sambuca cream shrimp, or veal marsala with sundried tomatoes. If your tastes are more traditional, test out favourite options like chicken parmesan, or choose from a wide selection of homecooked pasta. If pizza is your thing, be sure to stop by on any Tuesday during Cyranos Restaurant’s two-for-30 deal.
The Brew Table
Want to get out for some delicious, casual fare and a night of laughter? The Brew Table boasts some of the best staff and the most fun atmosphere in town! An extensive menu makes it easy for even the pickiest eaters to find something to enjoy. If the wide selection of salads, appetizers and mains don’t do it for you, then one of the fresh-made thin-crust pizzas will grab your attention.
Getting Around is a Breeze
Bells Corners is close to the 416, 417 and other major highways, which makes it easy to commute to Ottawa or nearby areas. Unlike downtown, the traffic is much lighter, even during the busiest times of the day. Perhaps most exciting of all, we’ll soon be getting an LRT station right on Moodie Drive, which will make getting around even easier!
Shopping in Bells Corners
Bells Corners is less than a twenty-minute drive from all of the conveniences of Downtown Ottawa, so you’ll never be far from anything you need.
However, you don’t need to go into the city to find some of the best shopping around. The Robertson Mall is conveniently located only two minutes away. If you want a bigger and better shopping experience, you can also venture to the nearby Bayshore Shopping Centre.
The Real Estate Market
Perhaps the biggest reason the future is so bright in Bells Corners is because of the opportunities in the real estate market. Even though housing prices are soaring all over the country, the average cost of a home here was only $492,376 in 2021. Contrast that with $761,811 in Ottawa, and you can see why many people are seeing the potential in Bells Corners.