Guide To Living In Blackburn Hamlet Ontario

Blackburn Hamlet Neighbourhood Guide – Ottawa Real Estate Overview

• Affordability: ★★★★☆

• Schools: ★★★★☆

• Commute: ★★★★☆

• Lifestyle: ★★★☆☆

• Green Space: ★★★★★

• Community Feel: ★★★★☆
  Best for: Greenbelt access, quiet streets, established homes.

Blackburn Hamlet Overview & Location

Blackburn Hamlet is a well-established residential neighbourhood located in Ottawa’s east end, approximately 12 km from downtown Ottawa. Surrounded on all sides by the National Capital Greenbelt, Blackburn Hamlet offers a rare combination of suburban living and natural surroundings with quick access to the city.

• Distance to Downtown Ottawa: 15–20 minutes by car

• Highway Access: Easy access to Highway 417 via Innes Road

• Nearby Areas: Pine View, Beacon Hill, Orléans, Gloucester

This location makes Blackburn Hamlet particularly appealing to families, professionals, and government employees seeking quiet living without sacrificing commute times.

Community Character & Housing

Blackburn Hamlet was developed primarily in the late 1960s and 1970s as a planned suburban community. The neighbourhood is known for its curved streets, mature trees, and abundant green space, which create a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere.

Housing Types in Blackburn Hamlet

• Predominantly detached single-family homes

• Some townhomes and low-rise condominiums

• Larger lot sizes compared to newer suburbs

• Many homes updated or renovated over time

Homes in Blackburn Hamlet are popular with buyers looking for established neighbourhoods, privacy, and long-term value.

Schools in Blackburn Hamlet

Public Schools (English – Ottawa-Carleton District School Board)

• Glen Ogilvie Public School – Elementary (JK–Grade 5) serving the Blackburn Hamlet community.

• Emily Carr Middle School – Intermediate school (Grades 6–8) serving Blackburn Hamlet and neighbouring areas. Emily Carr Middle School

• (Nearby options beyond immediate Hamlet boundaries) Norman Johnston Alternate School and other OCDSB schools are accessible depending on catchment and program.

Public Schools (French – Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario)

• École secondaire publique Louis-Riel – French-language high school (Grades 7–12) located within Blackburn Hamlet.

Catholic Schools (English & French – Ottawa Catholic School Board / CECCE)

• Good Shepherd School – English Catholic elementary option near Blackburn Hamlet.

• École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Marie – French Catholic elementary school near Blackburn Hamlet.

Other Educational Options Nearby

• Blackburn Hamlet Preschool – Local early-learning program.

• Several other elementary and secondary schools in surrounding neighbourhoods (e.g., Orléans or Gloucester) may also serve students depending on catchment boundaries.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Residents enjoy a relaxed suburban lifestyle with excellent local amenities:

• Blackburn Hamlet Community Centre – library branch, pool, arena, fitness programs

• Local parks and playgrounds throughout the neighbourhood

• Shopping and services along Innes Road and at nearby Gloucester Centre

• Restaurants, grocery stores, medical clinics, and big-box retail within minutes

Daily conveniences are close by, while the neighbourhood itself remains quiet and residential.

Recreation & Greenbelt Access

One of Blackburn Hamlet’s biggest advantages is its direct access to Greenbelt trails.

Outdoor Recreation

• Walking and cycling paths - approximately 250km

• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter

• Green's Creek Toboggan Hill - considered Ottawa’s best

• Sports fields, including Hornet's Nest Superdome, splash pads, and skating rinks

• Dog-friendly trails and natural areas

For buyers who value outdoor space, Blackburn Hamlet offers one of the best balances of nature and city access in Ottawa.

Transportation & Commute

• Driving: 15–20 minutes to downtown Ottawa; quick access to Highway 417

• Public Transit: OC Transpo bus routes connect to Blair Station and the LRT

• Cycling & Walking: Extensive pathway network throughout the community

While most residents rely on a car, transit access is convenient for downtown commuters.

Blackburn Hamlet Demographics (2021 Census – Approx.)

Population & Households

• Population: ~8,900 residents

• Households: ~3,600

• Median Age: ~43 years

Income & Employment

• Median Household Income: ~$115,000

• Average Household Income: ~$135,000

• Common employment sectors: public service, healthcare, education, technology

Language & Diversity

• Predominantly English-speaking, with strong bilingual (English/French) representation

• Diverse, multicultural population typical of Ottawa’s east end

Blackburn Hamlet Real Estate Market

Blackburn Hamlet real estate is known for stability, family appeal, and relative affordability compared to many west-end neighbourhoods.

Home Prices (Approx.)

• Average Home Price: ~$720,000

• Median Home Price: ~$690,000

• Homeownership Rate: ~80%

Homes with updated interiors, larger lots, and backing onto green space often command premium prices.

Pros & Cons of Living in Blackburn Hamlet

Pros

• Surrounded by Greenbelt and nature trails

• Quiet, family-oriented neighbourhood

• Strong schools, including IB program access

• Short commute to downtown Ottawa

• More affordable than many comparable Ottawa neighbourhoods

Cons

• Limited nightlife and boutique shopping within the community

• Car-dependent for most errands

• Older homes may require renovations

Is Blackburn Hamlet a Good Place to Live?

Blackburn Hamlet is ideal for buyers seeking space, greenery, and community without moving far from the city. With solid schools, consistent home values, and unmatched access to the Greenbelt, it remains one of Ottawa’s most underrated family neighbourhoods.

Blackburn Hamlet Frequently Asked Questions