WESTBORO REAL ESTATE
Carlingwood, Woodpark and Whitehaven: A Guide to Ottawa West-End Homes
By Jason Polonski, REALTOR® with Right at Home Realty · Last updated: October 2026
Carlingwood, Ottawa is a postwar west-end neighbourhood built around the Carlingwood Shopping Centre at Carling and Woodroffe avenues. Together with Woodpark and Whitehaven, its smaller neighbours, it forms one of the most practical places to buy a detached home inside the Greenbelt: established streets, solid 1950s houses, everyday shopping within walking distance and new O-Train stations on the way.
The area sits just west of Westboro and McKellar Park, and many buyers discover it after finding Westboro out of reach. Carlingwood offers a similar location for commuting and the river, with a quieter, more suburban feel. This guide explains how the three neighbourhoods differ, what the homes are like, what to inspect in a house of this age, and who the area suits. For the wider picture, see the Westboro neighbourhoods guide.
Where Is Carlingwood?
All three neighbourhoods are in Bay Ward in Ottawa’s west end.
- Carlingwood is roughly bounded by Richmond Road to the north, Sherbourne Road to the east, Carling Avenue to the south and Woodroffe Avenue to the west.
- Woodpark sits just west of Carlingwood, between Woodroffe Avenue and the Kìchì Zìbì Mìkan parkway, from Richmond Road south to Carling Avenue.
- Whitehaven lies on the south side of Carling Avenue, within walking distance of both the Carlingwood and Lincoln Fields shopping centres.
The name “Carlingwood” is also used more broadly for the larger area that takes in Glabar Park, McKellar Park and Highland Park. On this page, it means the core neighbourhood around the mall and its immediate neighbours.
From Farmland to Postwar Suburb
Before the 1950s, this was farmland in Nepean Township, including land once farmed by the Honeywell family, among the first settlers in the township. The City of Ottawa annexed much of the area in 1950, and building took off soon after. Carlingwood Shopping Centre opened in 1956 as one of Ottawa’s first major malls; its library branch, opened the following year, was the first mall library in Canada. The streets around it filled in later that decade. Apartment towers such as Somerset Towers and Saville followed in the early 1960s, and Bromley Square in the early 1970s.
Woodpark was built mainly in the 1940s and 1950s, with apartment and condo buildings added on McEwen Avenue and Ambleside Drive in the 1970s. Whitehaven was developed from the 1950s on the former Fox farm. Its east side was first divided into very large lots, many of which have been split since, which gives the neighbourhood an unusually varied mix of homes.
Carlingwood Homes and Housing Types
- 1950s bungalows and storey-and-a-half homes. The backbone of Carlingwood and Woodpark, usually brick or siding on modest lots, with full basements.
- Two-storey and split-level homes. Found throughout the area, especially on the later-built streets.
- Larger lots and custom homes in Whitehaven. Where the original big lots have survived, they support larger homes; where they have been divided, you will find newer infill next to originals.
- Condos and apartments. Towers along Richmond Road, McEwen Avenue and Ambleside Drive, popular with downsizers and first-time buyers.
- Renovations and rebuilds. As prices in nearby Westboro have risen, more original homes here are being renovated, expanded or replaced.
For many buyers, Carlingwood’s appeal is value relative to its neighbours: a detached house close to the river and Westboro, often at a lower price than a comparable home a few streets east. As always, the best guide to value is recent sales of similar homes on similar streets.
What Jason Checks in a 1950s Carlingwood Home
Before becoming a REALTOR®, Jason worked in the construction and electrical trades. Houses from this era are generally well built, but at 65 to 75 years old, they deserve a careful look:
- Electrical service and wiring. Some homes still have 60-amp service, older panels or original ungrounded wiring. Upgrading may be needed for a heat pump, EV charger or major renovation, and insurers may ask about it. Any work falls under the Electrical Safety Authority.
- Plumbing. Galvanized supply lines and older cast-iron or clay sewer laterals are common. A sewer camera inspection is worthwhile.
- Insulation and asbestos. Vermiculite attic insulation and older materials may contain asbestos. Testing before renovation is the safe approach.
- Basements. Foundation cracks, moisture, and the condition of weeping tile matter, especially if you plan to finish the lower level.
- Windows, roof and heating. The age of these big-ticket items affects your first five years of ownership costs more than the finishes do.
Many of these points overlap with Jason’s guide to buying an older home in Nepean, which covers houses from the same era in more detail.
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Living in Carlingwood
Carlingwood Shopping Centre
Carlingwood Shopping Centre is the neighbourhood’s anchor. It is a community-focused mall with a large grocery store, banks, pharmacies and everyday services, and since 2022 it has housed what is described as the largest Canadian Tire in Canada. The 30-acre property changed hands in 2024, so future redevelopment is possible over the long term. The Carlingwood branch of the Ottawa Public Library is inside the mall.
Parks and Recreation
Westwood Park and Woodroffe Park serve the core of Carlingwood, with Woodroffe Park offering a play structure, wading pool and a winter rink. Woodpark has New Orchard Park and sits right beside the parkway and the river pathway. The Dovercourt Recreation Centre in nearby Westboro offers swimming, fitness and programs for all ages.
The River
The Kìchì Zìbì Mìkan parkway and the NCC riverside pathway are a short walk or bike ride north. From there you can head east to Westboro Beach and downtown, or west to Britannia Beach and Mud Lake.
Westboro and Lincoln Fields
Westboro Village is a few minutes east along Richmond Road for restaurants, cafés and specialty shops, and Lincoln Fields to the west adds more grocery and retail options.
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Schools Near Carlingwood
Catchments vary by street, so always confirm an address with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board or the Ottawa Catholic School Board before you buy.
- Woodroffe Avenue Public School is in the heart of Carlingwood.
- Our Lady of Fatima is the neighbourhood’s Catholic elementary school.
- Broadview Public School and Nepean High School, to the east on Broadview Avenue, and Notre Dame High School are nearby options depending on catchment and program.
Getting Around: Transit and Commute
- O-Train. The Stage 2 west extension adds Sherbourne and New Orchard stations along the Richmond-Byron corridor, plus a rebuilt Lincoln Fields station where Line 1 and the new Line 3 split. The City targeted 2027, but July 2026 flood damage at several west-end stations could delay or stage the opening; check the latest timeline with OC Transpo.
- Bus. Frequent routes run along Carling Avenue, Woodroffe Avenue and Richmond Road.
- Driving. The Queensway is about a kilometre south of the mall, and downtown is a short drive east.
- Cycling. The river pathway and the Byron Linear Park path offer a mostly off-road route toward Westboro and downtown.
Carlingwood, Woodpark and Whitehaven at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Location | Typical housing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlingwood | East of Woodroffe, around the mall | 1950s bungalows and two-storeys, some towers | Families and first-time buyers who want to walk to shopping |
| Woodpark | West of Woodroffe, beside the parkway | 1940s and 1950s homes, 1970s condos north of Richmond | Buyers who want the river and pathway close by |
| Whitehaven | South of Carling | Mixed, including larger lots and newer infill | Buyers looking for lot size or a rebuild site |
Budgeting Beyond the Purchase Price in Carlingwood
With older homes, the purchase price is only part of the picture. Before you set your budget, Jason suggests looking at four ongoing costs:
- Property taxes. City of Ottawa taxes are based on the assessed value set by MPAC. Ontario assessments are still based on a January 1, 2016 valuation date, so the assessed value can differ widely from today’s market price. Ask for the current tax bill rather than estimating.
- Insurance. Insurers look closely at the age of the roof, wiring, plumbing and heating. Get a quote early, especially if the home has original electrical or an older oil or gas system.
- Utilities. Original windows, limited insulation and older furnaces can mean higher heating bills. Upgrades such as a heat pump may also require more electrical capacity.
- Near-term repairs. Use the inspection to build a five-year plan for big-ticket items such as the roof, windows, furnace and sewer line, and factor it into your offer.
Who Carlingwood Suits
- First-time buyers and young families looking for a detached home close to the river and Westboro.
- Move-up buyers who want more space without leaving the inner west end.
- Downsizers who want a bungalow or a condo near shopping, transit and services.
- Renovators and investors who see value in solid postwar homes close to future O-Train stations.
Buying in Carlingwood
Well-kept bungalows draw strong interest, so be ready with a pre-approval and a clear plan for inspections. Review your borrowing limits with the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s mortgage guidance, and budget for Ontario’s land transfer tax, including the refund available to eligible first-time buyers. Jason’s buyer cash back offer can also help with closing costs on qualifying purchases.
Selling a Carlingwood Home
Many Carlingwood sellers are long-time owners moving to something smaller. The biggest decisions are usually which updates are worth doing before listing and how to present an original home to buyers who may plan to renovate. Jason helps you make those calls, price against the right comparables and plan the move. Start with what your home is worth, and see his downsizing guide if you are planning your next step.
See Homes for Sale in Carlingwood and Woodpark
509 - 2019 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
2 Bedroom
2 Bathroom
1,000 - 1,199 sqft
RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Group
252 Woodroffe Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
5 Bedroom
2 Bathroom
1,100 - 1,500 sqft
Coldwell Banker Sarazen Realty
470 Wentworth Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
3 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
700 - 1,100 sqft
Coldwell Banker Sarazen Realty
408 - 2019 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
2 Bedroom
2 Bathroom
1,000 - 1,199 sqft
Royal LePage Performance Realty
210 - 2019 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
2 Bedroom
2 Bathroom
1,000 - 1,199 sqft
Royal LePage Team Realty
2705 - 1025 Richmond Road
Ottawa, Ontario
2 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
900 - 999 sqft
Royal LePage Team Realty
429 Ancaster Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
4 Bedroom
4 Bathroom
3,000 - 3,500 sqft
Royal LePage Team Realty
2205 - 1171 Ambleside Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
2 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
800 - 899 sqft
RE/MAX Hallmark Lafontaine Realty
These listings cover Carlingwood and the Woodroffe areas that include Woodpark. For more west-end options, see Westboro homes for sale and Nepean homes for sale.
Explore Nearby Neighbourhoods
- McKellar Park, directly to the east, between Carlingwood and Westboro
- Glabar Park, across Carling Avenue to the south
- Britannia, a few minutes west along the river
To see current listings in the area, browse Westboro homes for sale, or ask Jason to set up a search for Carlingwood, Woodpark and Whitehaven.
Work With a Carlingwood REALTOR® Who Knows Postwar Homes
Carlingwood’s 1950s houses are a smart buy when you understand what you are getting. Jason Polonski is a REALTOR® with Right at Home Realty and more than 15 years of experience in Ottawa real estate. His background in the construction and electrical trades helps buyers spot the difference between a home that needs a refresh and one that needs a rebuild. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University with a double major in Marketing and Finance, which shapes how he prices and markets every home he lists.
To talk about buying or selling in Carlingwood, Woodpark or Whitehaven, call or text Jason at (613) 601-9333, or send him a message.
Buying or selling in Westboro? Work with a local Westboro real estate agent.
Carlingwood FAQs
Carlingwood is in Ottawa’s west end, in Bay Ward. The core neighbourhood is roughly bounded by Richmond Road, Sherbourne Road, Carling Avenue and Woodroffe Avenue, around the Carlingwood Shopping Centre. Woodpark sits to the west and Whitehaven to the south of Carling.
Carlingwood appeals to buyers who want a detached home close to Westboro, the river and future O-Train stations, often at a lower price than nearby Westboro. Most homes date from the 1950s, so a thorough inspection of the electrical, plumbing and basement is important.
Most of Carlingwood and Woodpark was built in the late 1940s and 1950s, after the area was annexed by the City of Ottawa in 1950. Apartment towers were added in the 1960s and 1970s, and some original homes have since been renovated or replaced.
Woodroffe Avenue Public School and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School are in the neighbourhood. Broadview Public School, Nepean High School and Notre Dame High School are nearby. Always confirm catchments with the school board.
Yes. The Stage 2 west extension adds Sherbourne and New Orchard stations along the Richmond-Byron corridor and rebuilds Lincoln Fields. The City targeted 2027, but July 2026 flood damage could delay or stage the opening; check OC Transpo for the current timeline.
They are neighbours. Carlingwood sits east of Woodroffe Avenue around the mall, while Woodpark sits west of Woodroffe, between Woodroffe and the Kìchì Zìbì Mìkan parkway. Both were built mainly in the 1940s and 1950s and share shopping, parks and transit.
