Orleans
One of the fastest growing suburban Ottawan districts, Orléans is known for a warm, welcoming tone and spirited streets. Orléans was one of 11 districts that merged with the city of Ottawa in 2001. It is home to more than 95,000 residents.
The area was named after its first postmaster, Théodore Besserer, who was born near Quebec, in the Île d'Orléans. First incorporated in 1922, the town was once called Joseph d'Orléans. It is also home to our Orleans storage facility.
Located near the Ottawa River, Orléans sits approximately 16 kms east of downtown Ottawa. The 417 roadway gives residents easy access to downtown Ottawa, which is only a ten-minute drive away. The area also has OC Transpo.
Orléans has grown at a steady pace since the 1970s. A large portion of the population speaks French, so it has many French schools. Place d’Orléans is known as the traditional center of this community, with a large shopping center located just off the Queensway. Most of Orleans growth has centered around this area. Orléans offers ample recreation space with parklands and community centers.
There is recreation in Orléans at the Elizabeth Manley skating rink and the Bob MacQuarrie Orléans Recreation Complex. The Ray Friel Complex houses a public library, high school, indoor wave pool, exercise facility, physiotherapy clinic, sporting goods store, and restaurant. It is also a home for two soccer fields and three skating arenas.
You can also find relaxation along the Ottawa River in the parkland of Petrie Island. The parkland is situated on small islands that are connected by road. Petrie Island is a refuge for lagoon turtles, and there is a nature center for learning about the local environment. The island also has a marina where you can rent canoes and kayaks for some soothing paddling.
If you intend to move to Orléans, follow these tips:
1. Find a mover and storage facility well before the move
2. Hold a garage sale to sell off rarely used items
3. Marking your boxes carefully will help you stay organized
4. Masking tape can fail; use professional packing tape instead
5. Use wardrobe boxes to ship clothes on hangers
6. Look for free boxes at your local church or classifieds
7. Valuables are best protected by a photographic inventory
8. Do not pack picture frames flat because it encourages glass breakage
9. Starting fresh by cleaning your new home before you unpack will give you a pleasant place to rest after you unpack
10. Essentials should always be packed separately and kept in an easily accessible place
Whether you are moving to Orléans or just visiting, this warm and inviting area offers you many activities for recreation and relaxation.