Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in the eastern province of Ontario. The city was founded in 1826 as a small logging town and was chosen as the capital of Canada in 1857.
The Filipino community in Ottawa is composed of a diverse group of individuals who have immigrated to Canada’s capital from the Philippines. According to the 2016 Canadian Census, there were over 18,000 Filipino residents in Ottawa, making them one of the largest visible minority groups in the city.
The Filipino community in Ottawa is known for being tightly knit and community-oriented. They have a strong sense of cultural identity and often participate in traditional festivals and events such as the Simbang Gabi (Night Mass), Pabasa (reading of Christ’s Passion during Holy Week), Santacruzan, and the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) celebration. Filipino Canadians in Ottawa also have their own community organizations and clubs, such as the Filipino Association of Ottawa-Carleton, which promotes Filipino culture and heritage through social, cultural, and community activities.
The Filipino community in Ottawa is also known for its strong work ethic and entrepreneurship, many Filipino immigrants in Ottawa have found success in various fields, including healthcare, engineering, and business.
In addition, Filipino cuisine has become a staple in Ottawa, with Filipino restaurants and grocery stores popping up in different areas of the city. The community has also made an impact on the city’s food culture with the popularization of traditional dishes like adobo, lechon, and halo-halo.
Overall, the Filipino community in Ottawa is a vibrant and active group that has made significant contributions to the city’s cultural and economic landscape.
Table of Contents
Filipino communities in Ottawa
There are several neighborhoods in Ottawa that have a significant Filipino population. Some of these include:
Alta Vista
This neighborhood is located in the south end of Ottawa and is home to a large number of Filipino residents. It has a high concentration of Filipino businesses and organizations, such as Filipino grocery stores, restaurants, and community centers.
Centretown
This neighborhood is located in the downtown core of Ottawa and has a diverse population, including a significant number of Filipino residents. It’s a diverse neighborhood with a mix of cultures and businesses.
Nepean
This neighborhood is located in the west end of Ottawa and has a growing Filipino population. The area has Filipino-owned businesses, such as restaurants and grocery stores, catering to the community’s needs.
Orleans
This neighborhood is located in the east end of Ottawa and has a relatively large Filipino population. It has a mix of residential and commercial areas, with Filipino-owned businesses, such as grocery stores and eateries, starting to appear in the neighborhood.
Other interesting facts about Ottawa
- Ottawa is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River and is the fourth-largest city in the province of Ontario.
- The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs through the city and is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America.
- Parliament Hill, located in the heart of the city, is home to the Canadian government and is a popular tourist destination.
- The Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Canadian War Museum are also located in Ottawa.
- Ottawa is known as the “Silicon Valley of the North” due to its high concentration of technology companies.
- Ottawa is the second coldest capital in the world after Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
- Ottawa is home to the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Algonquin College
- Ottawa has a significant francophone population and is the only city in Canada with both English and French as official languages.
- Ottawa has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with many festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Canadian Tulip Festival and the Ottawa International Jazz Festival.
- The Ottawa Senators are the city’s NHL hockey team.
- Ottawa is also home to many national parks and conservation areas, such as Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt, which offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and canoeing.
Benefits of living in Ottawa
Some of the main advantages of living in Ottawa include:
- High standard of living: Ottawa has a low unemployment rate (4.6% in December 2022), a strong economy, and a high median income, which results in a high standard of living for its residents.
- Education hub: Ottawa is home to several excellent universities and colleges, including the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, making it a great place to study or to raise a family.
- Vibrant culture: Ottawa is a culturally rich city with a diverse population, which results in a vibrant arts and music scene, as well as numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
- Natural beauty: Ottawa is located on the Ottawa River and is surrounded by parks and green spaces, making it a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing.
- Safe city: Ottawa is considered one of the safest cities in Canada, with low crime rates and high quality of life.
- Access to government: Ottawa is the capital of Canada, home to the federal government and many international organizations, which means it offers many opportunities for those who are interested in politics, international relations, and public service. For Filipinos, it’s a very convenient location to transact with the Philippine government.
- Proximity to other cities: Ottawa is located in proximity to other major Canadian cities, such as Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City, which makes it easy to travel and explore other parts of the country.
Overall, Ottawa offers a great combination of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
