GREELY

 

Overview & Location

Greely is a sprawling suburban‑rural community in Ottawa’s Osgoode Ward, about 20 km south of downtown Ottawa and 15 minutes from the airport, bounded by Mitch Owens Road (north), Snake Island Road (south), Bank Street (east), and Manotick Station Road (west).

  • Population & Growth: Home to over 11,000 residents (as of 2021), Greely has experienced rapid growth—a nearly 59% increase in dwellings between 2000 and 2008.

  • Community Feel: A blend of spacious lots (½–2 acres) and newer executive developments that include amenities like pools, tennis courts, and man-made lakes.

Local Communities & Developments

  • Water’s Edge: Offers a community lake for kayaking/swimming, a loop trail, and access to park facilities. Amenities like Foodland, medical services, PetValu, A&W, and more are within walking distance. Residents carve skating rinks in winter.

  • Sunset Lakes & Other Clusters: Man-made lakes surrounded by upscale homes, with scenic streets and neighbourhood centres.

Local Amenities

  • Greely Village Centre: Hosts a 24/7 Foodland with LCBO, Dollarama, Pharmasave, Pet Value, A&W, medical and dental clinics, optometry, physiotherapy and more. Expansion plans are underway.

  • Community Hub: The Greely Community Centre includes a library (added in 2011), playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic areas, and support for local programs like after-school care.

Schools & Learning

  • Elementary Schools:

    • Greely Elementary (with robust facilities including ASD programming and upgraded library).

    • Castor Valley Elementary and St. Mary’s (just outside Greely).

  • High School: Osgoode Township High School (grades 9–12), serving Greely and neighbouring communities like Metcalfe and Manotick.

  • Schools also double as community hubs for sports, recreation, and meetings.

Recreation & Outdoor Life

  • Greely Path Network: A 10.7 km multi-use loop of scenic trails connecting subdivisions, parks, schools, and playgrounds.

  • Greely Community Association: Hosts seasonal events like the Winter Carnival and Canada Day celebrations.

  • Golf & Greenspace: Surrounded by clubs like Emerald, Poplar Grove, Rideau View, Falcon Ridge, Hylands, and more.

Commuting & Transportation

  • By Car: Main route is Bank Street (Hwy 31), taking ~20–30 min to downtown Ottawa, longer in rush hour.

  • Public Transit: Nearest OC Transpo park‑and‑rides at Leitrim and Riverside South provide access to Ottawa transit & O‑Train. Walking or cycling to transit hubs is feasible via trails.

  • Amenities: Easy access to South Keys, riverside amenities, and institutions like universities and RCMP HQ within 25–30 minutes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Large lots and privacy—ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts

  • Active community life with events, playgrounds, and trails

  • Good local amenities, plus proximity to Ottawa’s services

Cons

  • Car-dependent lifestyle; limited public transit directly within Greely

  • Many homes rely on well and septic systems—assume upkeep

  • A quieter environment; nightlife and cultural options require travel

Tips for Newcomers

  • Check feasibility of city services if you prefer municipal water/sewer.

  • Confirm internet options and speeds—fiber likely, but verify your specific location.

  • Get involved: join the Greely Community Association or homeowners’ groups for faster community integration.

  • Familiarize yourself with trail and park access in your specific subdivision.