Ottawa is growing, and fast. Along with this growth comes the cranes that act as markers for the condo developments that will soon sit in their place, filling out Ottawa’s skyline. From trendy condo soft loft developments by Urban Capital to state-of-the-art arena redevelopments by Minto Developments, the editors at CondoDork.com have curated a list of the top Ottawa developers that are taking the bull by the horns and shaping the future of Ottawa’s cityscape.There are many driving forces behind Ottawa's sprint toward urban development, from downsizing baby boomers, the massive success of Ottawa tech star Shopify, to the sheer affordability of well situated real estate when juxtaposed beside other large Canadian metro areas, such as Toronto and Vancouver. These factors, along with others, are driving the boom, but without the developments/developers covered below, the city skyline would be missing some of the most creative and substantive developments that are setting the stage for the next decade of progress in the 613.

 

#1 - Minto Developments

• Top Rated Project: The Rideau at Lansdowne located in the Glebe, is a 155 unit development that was completed in 2016. The average price per foot at this project is $702/sqft.
• Popular Projects
  • UpperWest located in Westboro, is a 260 unit development that was completed in 2021. The average price per foot at this project is $583/sqft.
  • Metropole located in Westboro, is a 157 unit development that was completed in 2004. The average price per foot at this project is $420/sqft.
  • Minto Beechwood  located in New Edinburgh, is a 129 unit development that was completed in 2017. The average price per foot at this project is $619/sqft.
  • 99 Fifth Avenue is currently under construction in the Glebe. It will have 163 units.

CondoDork.com rated Minto Developments as Ottawa’s top Developer. From industry leading environmental LEED standards, stable condo fee growth year over year, luxury finishes, overall over craftsmanship and simply building tasteful projects, were the leading contributors to CondoDork.com determination. You can find Minto projects in The Glebe, Westboro, Beechwood Village and more.

#2 - Urban Capital

• Style: Soft Lofts
• Founded: 1996
• First Project: East Market – Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3
• Top Rated Project: Hideaway located in Centretown, is a development that was completed in 2014. The average price per foot at this project is $571/sqft.
• Popular Projects:
  • Mondrian located in Downtown Ottawa, is a 200 unit development that was completed in 2009. The average price per foot at this project is $615/sqft.
  • Central - Phase 1 located in Centretown, is a development that was completed in 2011. The average price per foot at this project is $608/sqft.
  • Central - Phase 2 located in Centretown, is a development that was completed in 2014. The average price per foot at this project is $648/sqft.

Urban Capital is our second choice and brought the trendy feel of Toronto condos to Ottawa. Specializing in the soft loft feel (exposed concrete and high ceilings in a new build), they took the condo market by storm with the three-phase East Market Condos. Based on that success, they went straight into Centretown and cemented themselves in Ottawa with a 24-story high-rise, The Mondrian. Urban Capital’s momentum and popularity were at an all-time high in Ottawa and they had one more gift… ok two, for Centretown. They single handily revitalized Centretown south of Gladstone Av with Central and The Hideaway.

#3 - Windmill Developments

• Style: Environmentally Friendly
• Founded: 2003
• First Project: The Currents
• Top Rated Project: The Currents
• Popular Projects:
  • The Eddy located in Hintonburg, is a 55 unit development that was completed in 2015. The average price per foot at this project is $680/sqft.
  • Cathedral Hill located in Downtown Ottawa, is a 131 unit development that was completed in 2015. The average price per foot at this project is $725/sqft.
  • Stone Abbey located in Old Ottawa South, is currently in pre construction at 15 Aylmer Avenue.
  • Zibi Kanaal

The third entry on this list is Windmill Developments. Founded in 2003, Windmill set its sights on being the most environmentally friendly developer in Ottawa. Every one of their projects has the esteemed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. In addition, they have produced some landmark projects including The Eddy and Cathedral Hill and have a crown jewel set to launch shortly in Stone Abbey. That said, I think Windmill’s best project was The Currents, on the corners of Wellington and Holland (where the Great Canadian Theatre Company is). Ecstatically pleasing, large floor plans, and rarely an active listing in the building make The Currents a big hit!

#4 - Domicile Developments

• Style: Lofty feel, Art Deco, modern finishes
• Founded: 1976
• Top Rated Project: Studio Argyle located in Centretown, is a 41 unit development. The average price per foot at this project is $592/sqft.
• Popular Projects
  • The Everett located in Centretown, is a 66 unit development. The average price per foot at this project is $478/sqft.
  • Corners on Main located in Old Ottawa East, is a 140 unit development. 
  • The Norfolk located in Civic Hospital neighbourhood, is a 86 unit development that was completed in 2010. The average price per foot at this project is $563/sqft.
  • The Radcliffe located in Civic Hospital neighbourhood, is a 65 unit development that was completed in 2011. The average price per foot at this project is $483/sqft.
  • Hom located in Civic Hospital neighbourhood, is a 111 unit development that was completed in 2013. The average price per foot at this project is $613/sqft.
  • One3One located in Hintonburg, is a 68 unit development that was completed in 2013. The average price per foot at this project is $538/sqft.
  • The Exchange located in Westboro, is a 78 unit development that was completed in 2006. The average price per foot at this project is $494/sqft.
  • The Piccadilly located in Hintonburg, is a 42 unit development that was completed in 2008. The average price per foot at this project is $518/sqft.

Founded in 1976, Domicile Developments made a niche for itself in the low to mid-rise building class. They have primarily built units with lofty features (high-ceiling and big windows), blended with modern finishes. Domicile has built so many good projects over the years, it would take too long to talk about them all. Instead, here are a list of buildings Domicile has built-in popular neighbourhoods inside the Greenbelt:

Centretown:

• The Dwell
• Studio Argyle
• The Everett
• Metropolitan Phase 1 & Phase 2

Old Ottawa East:

• Corners on Main

Little Italy:

• Hom
• The Radcliffe
• The Norfolk

Westboro:

• The Exchange

Wellington West:

• The Piccadilly
• One3One

#5 - Charlesfort Developments

• Style: Art Deco
• Founded: 1983
• First Project: Glassworks
• Top Rated Project: The Merit
• Popular buildings:
  • Hudson Park – Phase 1 and Phase 2
  • Pullman Coach Flats 
  • The Glasgow located in Centretown West, is a 50 unit development that was completed in 2004. The average price per foot at this project is $460/sqft.
  • Powell Lofts located in Centretown West, is a 44 unit development. The average price per foot at this project is $495/sqft.
  • Glassworks located in Old Ottawa East, is a 32 unit development that was completed in 2002. The average price per foot at this project is $435/sqft.
  • The Continental located in Westboro, is a 94 unit development that was completed in 2011. The average price per foot at this project is $532/sqft.
  • The Gardens located in Downtown Ottawa, is a 83 unit development that was completed in 2005. The average price per foot at this project is $508/sqft.

Charlesfort Developments is among the most distinct condo builder in Ottawa. Their art-deco style sets them apart from the pack and leaves a lasting impression wherever they build. Think I’m kidding, what’s one of the only things you can remember on Bronson Ave around the Glebe… the McDonalds? How about that cool building less than a block away? Thank you, Glasgow Condos! Wherever you look centrally in Ottawa, Charlesfort has a presence. The Golden Triangle has the Merit, Old Ottawa East has The Glassworks, and Centretown has Hudson Park, to name a few. 

Ottawa’s condo market is evolving. These top five condo developers in Ottawa have had a major part in shaping the market, the skyline, and the next generation of developers. They have set a precedent in the market and we can’t wait to see what’s next.