Market Report - Kanata

It Really is a Great Place to Live, Work, and Play

Located in the Ottawa Valley, Kanata is one of Ottawa’s largest and fastest-growing communities. Originally part of the Township of March, Kanata first became heavily developed in the 1960s by urban planner Bill Teron.

The area was officially named as the city of Kanata in 1978, before being amalgamated into the new City of Ottawa in 2001. Kanata became known as a centre for the high-tech industry, and remains home to many of Ottawa’s high-tech companies to this day.

Family-friendly and well-developed, Kanata is divided into several smaller neighbourhoods, each of which boast their own recreational and commercial amenities, including parks, walking and biking paths, sports facilities, theatres, and shopping. One of Kanata’s most notable buildings is Scotiabank Place, home of the Ottawa Senators and a popular concert venue.

It is not surprising that people are drawn to live in Kanata, Christine explains: “We enjoy a wonderful quality of life here.” Perhaps most appealing, says Christine, is the truly family-oriented nature of the Kanata community: “It is a safe place to raise a family. We have great schools. You don’t have to compromise your values or your family’s needs. It really is a great place to live, work, and play.”

While Kanata’s single family home market is fairly conservative at the moment, with the average sale price up less than 1% from last year at this time the volume of sales are consistent and continue to stay strong and affordable. Homes under $400,000 are moving at a stronger pace, with 57 two storey townhomes sold in May 2012 at an average price of $305,077, up from $297,445 in May 2011. Royal Lepage’s Christine Hauschild explains: “The townhome market is still quite affordable & has really started to compete with the smaller single home market in Kanata, as you can get a newer, larger, luxury townhouse for a price that is comparable to that of some single detached homes.” Currently, there are 97 single homes (average listing price: $490,871) and 52 two storey townhouses (average listing price: $334,528) on the market in Kanata, compared to only 3 adult lifestyle bungalows (average listing price: $370,166). Christine notes: “There is really more of a demand for bungalows than we can supply. People who have lived in Kanata for many years and raised their families here want to stay in the area, and we need to continue to have housing for all sectors of the community, or people will have to look elsewhere.”

What’s on for Canada Day!

One of the largest community events in Ottawa, Canada Day in Kanata will take place at Walter Baker Park on Terry Fox Drive, where organizers expect over 30,000 people to participate. Highlights will include face painting, midway with rides, entertainment (music) and of course fireworks! Headliner this year is Kim Mitchell along with local talent. Organizers are also working to make the event environmentally responsible, with “Go Green Initiatives” recycling facilities, organic waste collection, “Bullfrogpowered (100% green electricity) Urbandale Stage”. People are encouraged to carpool, walk, bike (on site bike parking provided), or take public transportation, encouraging participants to “get there green” and “leave it clean.” The event is run by volunteers and funded by many local sponsors. For more information visit: www.canadadayinkanata.com

Christine Hauschild is an award-winning realtor with Royal Lepage Team Realty and has been working in the real estate industry since 1986. She specializes in Kanata-area real estate, where she also resides. www.ChristineHauschild.com