Chris Smith Real Estate Blog

The Story of Stittsville: How a Small Village Became One of Ottawa’s Fastest-Growing Communities Today, Stittsville is known as one of Ottawa’s most rapidly growing suburban communities, filled with new housing developments, local businesses, schools, and expanding infrastructure. But long before it became a modern suburb, Stittsville was a small rural village built around railways, farming, and tight-knit community life. Its history is deeply connected to the growth of Ottawa’s west end and reflects the evolution of many small Ontario communities that gradually transformed over generations. The Early Days of Stittsville Stittsville’s origins date back to the mid-1800s during a time when settlement was expanding westward from Bytown, now known as Ottawa. The area was originally populated by farming families who were attracted by available land and the growing opportunities tied to transportation routes through Eastern Ontario. The community eventually became known as Stittsville after ...

What Ontario Boaters Need to Know About Recent Boating License Changes As another boating season begins across Ontario, many recreational boaters are hearing more conversations about boating licenses, safety regulations, and increased enforcement on the water. Whether you spend weekends at the cottage, cruise through the Rideau Canal, or take the family out on one of Ontario’s countless lakes, understanding the latest boating license updates is becoming more important than ever. While the basic requirement for a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) remains in place across Canada, recent changes in enforcement, education, and safety expectations are reshaping what it means to operate a boat responsibly in Ontario. Increased Focus on Boating Safety Ontario has seen a steady increase in boating activity over the last several years, especially since more Canadians began spending time outdoors and vacationing closer to home. With that increase has come a growing concern about boating acciden...

 Exploring Ottawa’s Most Iconic Landmark: The Rideau Canal The Rideau Canal is one of Ottawa’s most recognizable and historic landmarks. Stretching through the heart of the city, it has become much more than just a waterway - it’s a major part of Ottawa’s identity and lifestyle year-round. From boating in the summer to skating in the winter, the canal continues to attract residents, tourists, and homebuyers looking to enjoy everything the city has to offer. Why the Rideau Canal Is So Special Originally completed in the 1800s, the Rideau Canal is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in Ottawa. What makes it unique is how it changes with the seasons: In the summer, it becomes a popular destination for boating, kayaking, cycling, and walking In the winter, portions transform into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink The surrounding pathways connect many of Ottawa’s most desirable neighborhoods For many residents, the canal is part of...

Waterfront Living: Why Island Properties Continue to Stand Out There’s something different about waterfront living. Whether it’s the peaceful views, direct access to the water, or the sense of privacy that comes with island properties, these homes offer a lifestyle that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. Across Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley, interest in waterfront and island properties continues to grow as more buyers look for a balance between recreation, relaxation, and long-term investment potential. Why Buyers Are Drawn to Waterfront Properties For many people, waterfront living is about more than just owning a home — it’s about lifestyle. Some of the biggest reasons buyers are drawn to island and waterfront properties include: Private and scenic surroundings Direct boating, fishing, and swimming access A quieter escape from city life Strong vacation and seasonal appeal Unique long-term investment opportunities Many buyers are also looking for spaces that can serv...

 What’s Happening With the Kanata Lakes Golf Course Redevelopment? The future of the Kanata Lakes Golf Course has been a major topic of discussion in Ottawa’s west end for several years. Located in the heart of Kanata, the golf course has long been seen as one of the community’s defining green spaces. Over time, redevelopment proposals for parts of the land have sparked strong reactions from residents, developers, and city officials alike. Why Is Redevelopment Being Discussed? Like many large properties in growing suburban areas, the land surrounding the golf course has become increasingly valuable as Kanata continues expanding. Developers have proposed adding residential housing to portions of the property, arguing that: Ottawa needs more housing inventory The land could support smart urban growth New homes could help meet increasing demand in the west end Infrastructure already exists nearby At the same time, many residents have voiced concerns about losing green space a...

 What's Happening With the LRT Expansion to Kanata and Stittsville? Public transit in Ottawa has been a major conversation over the past few years, especially when it comes to the O-Train and LRT system. While the east and south ends of the city continue seeing progress, many residents in Kanata and Stittsville are still waiting for clearer answers about when rapid transit will fully reach the west end. As these communities continue to grow quickly, the demand for better transportation options is becoming harder to ignore. Why Is LRT Expansion Important? Kanata and Stittsville have become two of Ottawa’s fastest-growing suburban communities. More families, businesses, and tech workers are moving west every year, but traffic congestion continues to be a major issue, especially during rush hour along Highway 417. Extending the LRT further west could: Reduce commute times into downtown Ottawa Help ease highway congestion Make public transit more reliable and accessible Support ...

 Waterfront Spotlight: Silver Lake Silver Lake is one of the more well-known lakes in Lanark County, especially for people looking for waterfront property within a reasonable distance of Ottawa. Located near Perth, the lake is known for its boating, fishing, and mix of seasonal cottages and year-round homes. It offers a balance between a quieter cottage area and a lake that still has enough activity and amenities nearby to make it practical for regular use. Where Is Silver Lake? Silver Lake is located just southwest of Perth, Ontario, in Lanark County. It is about 1 hour from Ottawa depending on traffic, which makes it a popular option for both weekend properties and permanent homes. The lake is connected to the Tay River system and is surrounded by a mix of cottages, waterfront homes, wooded areas, and open shoreline. Size, Depth, and Shoreline Silver Lake is a medium-sized lake with a shoreline that varies quite a bit depending on the area. Some sections are rocky and m...

The Disappearing and Forgotten Creeks and Streams From Kanata Today, most people think of Kanata as suburbs, tech parks, shopping centres, and growing neighbourhoods. But before the area developed the way it has over the last few decades, much of Kanata was shaped by wetlands, creeks, and small streams that crossed through forests and farmland. Some of those waterways still exist today. Others have been redirected, buried underground, or reduced significantly as development expanded. A lot of people drive through Kanata every day without realizing there are still hidden waterways running underneath or behind many neighbourhoods. How Development Changed Kanata’s Waterways As Kanata grew through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, large areas of land were cleared for roads, subdivisions, and commercial development. In many cases, smaller creeks and drainage channels were altered to make room for infrastructure. Some streams were: Redirected into stormwater systems Straightened or channelized...

 Waterfront Spotlight: Clayton Lake Clayton Lake is a smaller lake in Lanark Highlands that not everyone knows about, but it is a solid option for people looking for a quieter waterfront property. It is not as busy or built-up as some of the more popular lakes near Ottawa, which is a big reason why people are interested in it. If you are looking for something more simple and less crowded, Clayton Lake is worth considering. Where Is Clayton Lake? Clayton Lake is located in Lanark Highlands, just outside the village of Clayton. It is about 20–25 minutes from Almonte and around an hour from Ottawa, so it is still within a reasonable driving distance. The lake is part of the Mississippi River system and is surrounded by forest and typical Canadian Shield terrain. There is a mix of cottages and year-round homes around the lake. Size, Depth, and Shoreline Clayton Lake is not very large, which affects how it feels and how people use it. The shoreline is mostly natural, with rock a...