What is it about Ottewell?

As I drive the endless hours of a realtor, down 66 st, past Londonderry to 137 ave, then west on the Anthony Henday to the Hamptons, and then back central scurrying around Whyte Ave in King Edward Park, and then eastward to Capilano and Fulton and Ottewell. I find myself increasingly pondering, what is it about Ottewell? I drive here more often now than I did 20 years ago, and hundreds of thousands of kilometres ago. The city has expanded around these sturdy bungalows on expansive lots for decades. Argyle, 75 th street and now Anthony Henday. How much has access increased the value of these homes that were already, close to Sherwood Park freeway and minutes to an escape out of the city?

Maybe it’s the quality schools? While other mature neighbourhoods are losing their schools, Ottewell School has proven to be a top school year after year. And again in 2013-2014 based on Achievement Results. 

Like the study of ancestry, the study of the historical people, organizations, and events in the mature neighbourhoods of Edmonton is rich with cool discoveries. 

Some fun Ottewell facts:

• Was first meant to be named Braemar
• Previous names have include; East Glenora and East Edmonton Park
• The name Ottewell is in honour of the Ottewell family, some of the earliest pioneers to settle south on the North Saskatchewan in 1881 (what is now Cloverbar area).
• Ottewell’s original log cabin is on display at Fort Edmonton Park, 1185 st.
• Was mostly developed in 1950-1960
• One of the largest neighbourhoods in Edmonton’s Mature Neighbourhood Overlay
• Seven schools
• More than six religious assemblies  
• Walking distance to Kings University College

From the farm land that provided families with, food, shelter, access to water, then grain, dairy and trade for other commodities, to today the same land developed with Bungalows, roadways, schools, and shopping. Ottewell provides the modern family with not only what is necessary for survival, but the peaceful wisdom of a community steeped in historic values. Many of these larger bungalows are being rejuvenated and renovated for the families that will shape Ottewell’s future. Will you be one of them?