WESTBORO REAL ESTATE
McKellar Park, Ottawa: A Guide to Homes West of Westboro
By Jason Polonski, REALTOR® with Right at Home Realty · Last updated: October 2026
McKellar Park, Ottawa is a leafy residential neighbourhood on the western edge of Westboro, running from the Ottawa River parkway south through the Richmond Road and Byron Avenue corridor. It is known for quiet streets, mature trees, a strong community recreation scene and a steady stream of custom rebuilds replacing the original postwar homes.
McKellar Park is often grouped with Westboro, and many residents use Westboro Village as their main street. But it has its own identity, its own housing mix and its own buyers. This guide explains where McKellar Park is, how it differs from McKellar Heights to the south, what the homes are like, what to inspect, and who the neighbourhood suits best. For a comparison with the other Westboro pockets, see the Westboro neighbourhoods guide.
Where Is McKellar Park?
McKellar Park is in Bay Ward, just west of the Kitchissippi Ward line. Most definitions place it west of Denbury Avenue and east of Sherbourne Road, running from the river parkway south toward Carling Avenue. Highland Park and Westboro Village sit directly to the east, and Carlingwood and Woodpark lie to the west. Boundaries differ slightly between sources, so if a specific street matters to you, check how the local community association and the real estate board classify it.
McKellar Park vs. McKellar Heights
The two names cause plenty of confusion. McKellar Heights is a separate, smaller neighbourhood south of Carling Avenue, roughly between Maitland Avenue and the Queensway, next to Glabar Park. In MLS® listings, McKellar Heights is usually grouped with Glabar Park rather than with McKellar Park. If you are searching online, make sure you are looking at the right one. Jason’s Glabar Park guide covers the area south of Carling.
Where the Name Comes From
The area takes its name from the McKellar family, early landowners and farmers in what was then Nepean Township. The McKellar-Bingham House on Richmond Road is among the oldest surviving homes in the west end. Lots were laid out in the early 1900s, but much of the land stayed rural until the City of Ottawa annexed it in 1950. Most of today’s housing was built in the decade that followed.
McKellar Park Homes
McKellar Park’s housing has changed noticeably over the past two decades. The main types are:
- Original postwar homes. Bungalows, storey-and-a-half homes and two-storey houses from the late 1940s and 1950s, often on generous lots with mature trees.
- Renovated and expanded originals. Homes that have been gutted, added onto or given second storeys, keeping the original footprint and lot.
- Custom rebuilds. Large new homes that replace an original house. These sit at the top of the local market and are a big reason McKellar Park is considered one of the more expensive pockets of the west end.
- Infill and semi-detached builds. Some lots have been severed to create two homes, especially closer to the main streets.
- Condos along Richmond Road. Newer mid-rise buildings that give downsizers and first-time buyers an entry point.
The result is a neighbourhood where a 1950s bungalow and a brand-new custom home can sit side by side. For buyers, that means comparing the right homes when you price: the lot is often worth more than the house on older properties, while finished rebuilds trade on design and quality. Jason relies on recent comparable sales on similar lots and streets, and his guide to Westboro infill homes explains the rebuild process in more detail.
What Jason Checks in McKellar Park Homes
Jason’s years in the construction and electrical trades shape the questions he asks before an offer:
- Original postwar homes: panel age and capacity, any remaining original wiring, galvanized supply lines, the condition of the sewer lateral (mature trees are common), basement moisture, and possible asbestos or vermiculite insulation in older attics.
- Renovated homes: whether permits were pulled, how the addition ties into the original structure, and whether the electrical and mechanical systems were upgraded to match the new square footage.
- New builds: builder reputation, warranty coverage, permit closure and finish quality, plus how drainage was handled on a lot that may now have more hard surface than before.
Buying to Rebuild
Many buyers look at McKellar Park with a teardown in mind. Before you firm up, confirm what zoning allows on the lot, whether trees on or near the property are protected under City by-laws, and what servicing upgrades a larger home might need. Jason can help you build those questions into your conditions and timeline.
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Living in McKellar Park
Parks and Recreation
McKellar Park, the green space that gives the neighbourhood its name, has a field house, a wading pool in summer and an outdoor rink in winter run by a volunteer community group. The Dovercourt Recreation Centre, a community-run centre on Dovercourt Avenue next to Westboro Kiwanis Park, offers swimming, fitness, camps and programs for all ages and runs programs out of the McKellar field house. The Byron Linear Park path, a former streetcar right-of-way, runs east-west through the area and is a favourite for walking and cycling.
The River
To the north, the Kìchì Zìbì Mìkan parkway and the NCC riverside pathway connect McKellar Park with Westboro Beach to the east and Britannia to the west. In winter, the Kìchì Sìbì Winter Trail runs along the same corridor.
Shopping and Dining
Westboro Village, along Richmond Road to the east, is the main street for most residents, with grocery stores, cafés, restaurants and specialty shops. Carlingwood Shopping Centre, a few minutes west, covers everyday retail, and the Carlingwood branch of the Ottawa Public Library is in the mall. For more ideas, see things to do in Westboro.
Get Cash Back When You Buy a Home in Ottawa
Can you get cash back when buying a home in Ottawa? Yes. Jason Polonski, a Chairman's Club REALTOR® serving Ottawa and Kanata, shares part of his commission with buyers — up to $3,000 cash back at closing.* You still get full-service, award-winning representation: expert pricing, sharp negotiation, and hands-on guidance from first showing to keys in hand. No cut corners and no rebate-only shortcuts — just real money back in your pocket when you buy your Ottawa or Kanata home.
Schools Near McKellar Park
McKellar Park sits within reach of several well-known schools. Catchments change, so always confirm your address with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board or the Ottawa Catholic School Board.
- Broadview Public School and Nepean High School, both on Broadview Avenue, are long-established public options for much of the area.
- Notre Dame High School is a nearby Catholic secondary school.
- Churchill Alternative School and several private and Montessori schools are also close by.
For a full breakdown of schools across the area, see the Westboro schools guide.
Getting Around: Transit and Commute
- O-Train. The Stage 2 west extension runs underground along this corridor, with new stations including Kìchì Zìbì, Sherbourne and New Orchard. 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. Routes run along Richmond Road, Carling Avenue and Dovercourt Avenue.
- Driving. Downtown is a short drive east, and the Queensway is a few minutes south via Woodroffe or Island Park Drive.
- Cycling. The river pathway and the Byron Linear Park make cycling downtown or to Tunney’s Pasture practical for much of the year.
Budgeting Beyond the Purchase Price in McKellar Park
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.
McKellar Park Compared With Its Neighbours
| Neighbourhood | Feel | Typical housing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| McKellar Park | Quiet, leafy, near the river | Postwar originals, renovations, custom rebuilds | Move-up and luxury buyers, rebuilders |
| Highland Park | Close to Westboro Village | Older homes, infill, luxury builds | Buyers who want to walk to the main street |
| Carlingwood | Suburban, practical | 1950s bungalows and two-storeys | First-time and value-focused buyers |
| Glabar Park | Quiet, south of Carling | 1950s homes on generous lots, rebuilds | Families wanting yard space |
Community life is part of the draw. The McKellar Park field house hosts year-round programs, the volunteer-run rink is busy all winter, and the neighbourhood’s annual fall festival has become a local tradition.
Who McKellar Park Suits
- Move-up buyers and families who want a detached home on a good lot, close to Westboro, without living on the busiest streets.
- Luxury buyers looking for a newer custom home in an established setting.
- Buyers planning a renovation or rebuild who want to choose their lot first.
- Downsizers who want to stay in the area, often by moving to a condo along Richmond Road.
Buying in McKellar Park
Good lots do not come up often, and well-priced original homes can draw interest from both families and builders. Have your financing ready, review the federal stress test rules with the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, and budget for Ontario’s land transfer tax. Jason’s buyer cash back offer applies on qualifying purchases.
Selling a McKellar Park Home
Your buyer pool depends on what you are selling. An original home on a strong lot may appeal to builders and renovators as much as families, while a renovated or new home needs to be marketed on quality and design. Jason helps sellers decide which audience to target, what to fix before listing, and how to price against the right comparables. Start with a Westboro-area home value estimate, and if you want to keep more of your equity, read about his 1% listing commission.
See Homes for Sale in McKellar Park and Highland Park
731 Dovercourt Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
6 Bedroom
3 Bathroom
1,100 - 1,500 sqft
RE/MAX Absolute Realty Inc.
383 Princeton Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
4 Bedroom
4 Bathroom
1,500 - 2,000 sqft
Royal LePage Performance Realty
411 - 575 Byron Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
2 Bedroom
2 Bathroom
900 - 999 sqft
RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Group
521 Westminster Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
5 Bedroom
5 Bathroom
3,000 - 3,500 sqft
Royal LePage Team Realty
703 - 401 Golden Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
2 Bedroom
2 Bathroom
1,000 - 1,199 sqft
Engel & Volkers Ottawa
The board groups McKellar Park with Highland Park, so these listings include both. For the wider area, see Westboro homes for sale. Before you buy, review mortgage qualification with the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.
Explore Nearby Neighbourhoods
- Westboro, the main street and village directly to the east
- Carlingwood, Woodpark and Whitehaven, just to the west
- Glabar Park and McKellar Heights, south of Carling Avenue
To see what is available now, browse Westboro homes for sale, or ask Jason to set up a search for McKellar Park.
Work With a McKellar Park REALTOR® Who Understands Rebuilds
In a neighbourhood where original homes, renovations and custom builds sit side by side, knowing what you are actually buying matters. 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 judge an older home’s systems or a new build’s workmanship before they commit. 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 homes for his sellers.
To talk about buying or selling in McKellar Park, 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.
McKellar Park FAQs
McKellar Park is often treated as part of the greater Westboro area and many residents use Westboro Village as their main street. Officially it sits in Bay Ward, west of Westboro’s community association boundary at Denbury Avenue, and it has its own identity.
McKellar Park lies north of Carling Avenue, west of Westboro. McKellar Heights is a separate neighbourhood south of Carling, near Maitland Avenue and the Queensway, and is usually grouped with Glabar Park in MLS® listings.
The original homes are mostly postwar bungalows, storey-and-a-half and two-storey houses from the late 1940s and 1950s. Many have been renovated or replaced with custom builds, and there are newer condos along Richmond Road.
Yes, for many families. It offers detached homes on good lots, quiet streets, parks with a wading pool and rink, the Dovercourt Recreation Centre, and access to established schools. Confirm school catchments with the board for any address you are considering.
Many buyers do, but it depends on the lot. Before you firm up, check zoning, tree protection rules, and servicing requirements with the City, and build time for permits into your plans.
The Stage 2 west extension runs along this corridor with stations including Kìchì Zìbì, Sherbourne and New Orchard. The City targeted 2027, but July 2026 flood damage could delay or stage the opening; check OC Transpo for the latest timeline.
