🏠Richmond Village Community Guide🏠

2026 Edition • Prepared by
Dwayne Desveaux – Ottawa REALTOR®, eXp Realty
Phone: 613-227-4715 • Web: www.dwaynedesveaux.com

Living in Richmond Village, Ottawa: A Small-Town Feel Just Minutes from the City

If you’re thinking about moving to Ottawa but want space, quiet streets, and a real sense of community, Richmond Village needs to be on your radar. This historic village sits along the Jock River, about 10 km southwest of Kanata and just south of Stittsville, and is part of the City of Ottawa. It was founded back in 1818, and a lot of that “old village” charm is still there today. 

As a local Ottawa REALTOR® and long-time Richmond fan, I can tell you: if you like knowing your neighbours, having room for a backyard, and still being able to get downtown when you need to, Richmond hits a sweet spot.

Location, Commute & Getting Around

Richmond sits on the southwest edge of Ottawa, along the Jock River, about 30–35 minutes by car to downtown in normal traffic. You’re tucked between Highway 416 and Kanata/Stittsville, so you get that true village feel without feeling cut off from the rest of the city. 

From Richmond, typical drive times look like this:

Kanata tech park & shopping: ~15–20 minutes up Eagleson/Hazeldean or via Fallowfield/416. 

Stittsville: roughly 15 minutes for rinks, restaurants, and big-box stores. 

Barrhaven: ~20 minutes for Costco, big-box, and more transit connections.

Downtown Ottawa: usually 30–35 minutes by car, either along Old Richmond/West Hunt Club or via Highway 416 to the 417. 

For transit, OC Transpo Route 283 runs through Richmond on weekdays, connecting the village with the city’s transit network and O-Train at Limebank, with trip times under an hour depending on time of day. There’s also a commuter bus connection toward Tunney’s Pasture during peak times on weekdays, which gives non-drivers a realistic option into the city. 

Day-to-day, most households in Richmond do have at least one vehicle, but a lot of your life can stay local: kids can walk or bike to school, the arena and ball diamonds are in the village, and you’ve got coffee, groceries, LCBO, restaurants, and services all within a few minutes’ drive. When you do need the bigger stuff—Costco runs, Kanata big-box, downtown for work—you’re close enough that it still feels manageable, but far enough that you actually see stars at night.

Everyday Amenities: Groceries, Banking, Coffee & More

One of the biggest questions people ask before moving here:

“Do I have to drive to the city for everything?”

Short answer: No.

The Richmond Village Marketplace on Perth Street is a grocery-anchored plaza that covers most of your basics in one stop. Tenants include a major grocery store (Your Independent Grocer), LCBO, Dollarama, TD Bank, Tim Hortons, and Pet Valu. 

Between that plaza and other local businesses along McBean Street and Perth Street, you’ve got:

• Grocery shopping
• Banking
• Coffee and quick food
• Alcohol (LCBO)
• Dollar store essentials
• Pet supplies
• So your weekly routine can absolutely stay village-based — no need to be in Barrhaven every other day unless you want the bigger box stores.

Adult Lifestyle Living in Richmond Village

Richmond isn’t just for young families – there’s also a true adult lifestyle community tucked right in the village for people who are ready for low-maintenance living but don’t want to give up space, privacy, or that small-town feel.

In the adult living enclave off Grassendale Private, you’ll find bungalow-style homes designed with comfort and convenience in mind – main-floor living, attached garages, and layouts that work whether you’re downsizing, recently retired, or just done with doing your own snow and lawn care.

Many residents are empty nesters, downsizers and snowbirds who want to be able to lock the door, travel, and know things are taken care of.

What people like about this area:

• Quiet streets with a real community feel
• Single-level or main-floor living that’s easy on the knees and hips
• Garage parking and driveways instead of huge flights of stairs or underground mazes
• Low-maintenance lifestyle – more time for travel, grandkids and hobbies
• Walking distance or a short drive to bakeries, cafés, pharmacy, groceries, arena, curling club and the Jock River trails

For a lot of folks, it’s the best of both worlds: you get an adult-oriented, low-stress home base while still being right in Richmond – close to Kanata, Barrhaven and the rest of Ottawa when you need bigger shopping, medical appointments or a night out.

▶️ Want to see what adult lifestyle living in Richmond actually looks like?

Check out the video below where I walk through one of these bungalows and tour the surrounding community.

Food, Coffee & Local Favourites

For a small village, Richmond has some genuinely solid local spots.

Cafe Harmony Ottawa on Perth Street serves handcrafted coffee, fresh pastries, and light bites in a warm, inviting space designed for connection and comfort. 

Richmond Village Bakehouse operates out of one of the most beautiful heritage homes in the area and does breads, pastries and baked goodies — it’s exactly the kind of place that makes a village feel like home. 

Danby’s Roadhouse is Richmond’s classic neighbourhood restaurant – the place people go after hockey, for Friday wings, or to grab a casual dinner without leaving the village.

You’ll find comfort-food favourites, cold drinks, a relaxed atmosphere and lots of familiar faces. It’s one of those spots that makes Richmond feel like a real community, not just a bedroom suburb.

On top of that, the chain options (like Tim Hortons at the Richmond Village Marketplace) keep your coffee runs easy. Salthill Capital

If you’re the type who wants to support small local businesses and still grab a quick, familiar coffee on the go, Richmond strikes a really nice balance.

Fitness & Gyms in Richmond

If you like to stay active, Richmond actually punches above its weight for a small village.

You’ve got two main gym options right in town, plus plenty of ways to move outdoors.

Boom Box Fitness – Small-Group Strength & Conditioning

Located on McBean Street, Boom Box Fitness is a locally owned studio focused on small-group strength classes, HYROX-style conditioning, sport-team training and personal training.

Their coaches run progressive programs that meet you where you’re at, whether you’re just getting started, coming back from a break, or chasing performance goals.

Expect barbells, kettlebells, sled pushes and a really tight-knit community feel. 

Anytime Fitness Richmond – 24/7 Full Gym Access

On Perth Street, Anytime Fitness Richmond gives you a classic 24/7 key-fob gym experience:

• cardio machines
• free weights
• resistance machines and functional training space
• with optional personal training and coaching.

It’s great if you want the flexibility to train early-morning, late-night, or between showings and hockey practices, and your membership includes access to Anytime clubs across Canada and worldwide. 

Outdoor & Community Fitness

Beyond the gyms, Richmond’s very “get outside and move”:

The arena and outdoor rinks keep hockey, skating and ringette busy through the winter.

Local parks, trails and the Jock River area are popular for walking, running, biking, paddling and winter activities.

A new neighbourhood park, Postilion Parkette, is planned to include outdoor gym equipment alongside open play space and picnic areas, giving residents another free way to work out close to home.

Whether you’re a barbell person, a treadmill-at-10pm person, or “walk the dog and hit the outdoor gym with the kids” person, Richmond gives you legit fitness options without leaving the village.

Parks, Trails & Community Events

Richmond is big on green space and community.

Richmond Lions Community Park gives you fields, green space and room for community events. It’s also a regular venue for things like the Richmond Village Association’s events and Canada Day activities. Ward 21 (Rideau-Jock)

The wider area is full of trees, open space and trails, making it great for walks, runs, dog walks and family time outdoors. 

The Richmond Village Association (RVA) plays a big role in that community feel. It’s a volunteer-run, non-profit group representing residents and organizing community-building events and initiatives. 

There’s also Richmond Hub, a local news and community blog originally launched through the RVA, which keeps people up to date on what’s happening in the village. 

If you’re moving here from out of town or on a military posting and worried about feeling isolated, these kinds of organizations make it really easy to plug in.

Proven Experience in Richmond Village

These are just a few of the Richmond Village homes we’ve helped our clients buy and sell. If you’re thinking about making a move in or out of Richmond, we’d be happy to walk you through what your home could sell for in today’s market.

Schools in Richmond Village

For families, schools are usually a make-or-break topic. Richmond does well here.

Elementary Schools

Richmond Public School (OCDSB)
English public elementary school with JK–8 programming, part of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. It offers a full slate of academic and extra-curricular programs tailored to local families. 

St. Philip Catholic School (OCSB)
A Catholic elementary school located right in Richmond at 79 Maitland Street South, serving JK–6 within the Ottawa Catholic School Board. 

High School

South Carleton High School (OCDSB)
Located on McBean Street in Richmond, South Carleton is the main public high school for the area. It offers English and French immersion programs, strong academics and a wide range of electives, tech programs and co-op opportunities.

Between these options and nearby Catholic and French-language board options in the broader Ottawa area, most families find a solid school path without having to drive across the city.

Housing: What It’s Like to Live Here

In Richmond, you’ll see a mix of:

• Older village homes with character
• Newer subdivisions and freehold townhomes
• Detached homes on generous lots
• Bungalows and two-storeys that work well for families or downsizers

The area has been seeing planned growth through the Village of Richmond Secondary Plan, with a projected 1,800–2,300 units at buildout, including parks and potentially additional amenities and a school. 

New Builds in Fox Run (Richmond’s Newer Neighbourhood)

Fox Run is the newer, master-planned side of Richmond – a community of new-build townhomes and detached homes with modern layouts, open-concept main floors, attached garages and energy-efficient construction. It attracts a lot of young families, first-time buyers and move-up buyers who want that small-town Richmond feel but prefer a newer home with fewer surprises.

You’re still only a short drive from Richmond’s main street, schools, arena, curling club and local businesses, but day-to-day life in Fox Run feels more like a modern suburban neighbourhood: walking paths, playgrounds and streets filled with kids on bikes.

If you’re trying to decide between an older village home in Richmond, a new build in Fox Run, or something in Kanata/Barrhaven, I can walk you through the pros and cons of each based on your budget, commute and lifestyle.

So you get that “village today, growth and services tomorrow” blend that a lot of buyers are looking for — especially those who want to get in before the next wave of development fully rolls out.

If you’re coming from central Ottawa, the trade you’re making is usually:

More house and yard for your money

Quieter streets and a tightly knit community

Slightly longer drive, but more predictable routes and less congestion once you learn the patterns

Community Culture & Who Richmond Is For

Richmond feels like a proper small town where people still show up for parades, know their neighbours, and spend a lot of time at the arena or down by the Jock River.

Richmond tends to attract:

• Families who want safe streets, walkable schools, and more space than they’d ever get in the core

• Retirees/downsizers who like a quieter pace but still want to be 20–30 minutes from big-box, hospitals, and downtown

• Military and RCMP relocations looking for good value within commuting distance of Ottawa jobs

• Remote and hybrid workers who might head downtown a couple days a week, but want their home base to feel calm and community-driven

What really anchors the culture here are the local traditions and facilities:

• Richmond Fair – One of the area’s biggest annual events and a huge point of pride. Every September the fairgrounds fill up with midway rides, demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls, live music, horse and cattle shows, 4-H, homecrafts, and all the classic country fair stuff. 

• Richmond Christmas Parade – A nighttime parade with lit-up floats, tree-lighting at the cenotaph, hot chocolate, kids running around in snowsuits, and of course Santa rolling through the village streets. It’s a true “everyone comes out” event every December. 

• Arena & Outdoor Rinks – The Richmond Memorial Community Centre and arena are busy all year with minor hockey, public skating, and community events, plus outdoor rinks in winter for shinny and neighbourhood pick-up games. 

• Richmond Curling Club – A long-running local club with leagues and bonspiels for all ages and skill levels; it’s a real social hub in the colder months. 

• Jock River lifestyle – In the warmer months, locals paddle, fish, or just sit by the water at the Richmond Conservation Area, which has a dock for canoes/kayaks and easy shoreline access. The wider Jock River is also home to seasonal paddling events like the Jock River Race. In winter, you’ll still see people out enjoying the river and nearby trails. 

It’s not a nightlife district — and that’s exactly why people move here. Life in Richmond is more about backyard BBQs, kids biking to the park, bonspiels at the curling club, evenings at the arena, and annual events that actually get marked on the calendar. If you like the idea of knowing your neighbours and being part of a village that still does fairs, parades, and community days, Richmond will feel like home pretty quickly.

Thinking About Moving to Richmond Village?

If you’re considering Richmond Village as your next stop — especially if you’re relocating to Ottawa or here on posting — it helps to have someone who actually knows the streets, the commute times and the feel of each pocket.

That’s where I come in.

I’m Dwayne Desveaux, an Ottawa REALTOR® and former Canadian Armed Forces member, and I work with buyers, sellers and military families who want the right home in the right community — not just whatever pops up first on a search.

If you’d like:

• A shortlist of current Richmond Village homes for sale
• A custom map of commute times, schools and parks
• Straight talk about whether Richmond is a fit for your lifestyle

📲 You can reach me at 613-227-4715 or through my site dwaynedesveaux.com — I’m happy to help you figure out if this is your next home base.

🫡 Why Work with a Veteran REALTOR®

Having served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 25 years, I know the realities of military life — the tight timelines, the relocations, the uncertainty.
You deserve someone who not only understands the BGRS system but who has lived it.

My background as both a Infanteer and Intelligence Operator taught me the value of preparation, discipline, and teamwork — all qualities I bring to helping my clients succeed in one of life’s biggest decisions.

Working with me means:

✅ Clear communication
✅ No wasted time during your HHT
✅ Strategic planning before you arrive
✅ Full after-sale support once you’re settled

You’re not just another client — you’re part of a community I care deeply about.

🏡 Moving to Ottawa? Let’s Make It Easy

Ottawa has a strong military community, excellent schools, and family-friendly neighbourhoods like Richmond Village, Stittsville, Barrhaven, and Kanata — all within easy reach of major bases and the downtown core.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, I’ll help you transition with confidence.
No guesswork, no wasted trips — just results and real support.

💬 What Families Are Saying

It was a great experience working with Dwayne. He really helped us navigate the market by listening carefully to our requirements and paying very close attention to our budget and always being very real about all the costs associated with each property and if we would be able to afford it comfortably. He was very flexible in revising the home search plan as we did change our requirements a couple of times during our search.

What we liked most about working with Dwayne is it almost felt as though a friend was helping us find a property as opposed to a realtor. Dwayne provided a personal touch to his approach in helping us through our home search while being very real about the pros and cons of each property we saw and its long term prospects. We loved working with Dwayne as first time home buyers and would highly recommend as a realtor!

-Fabia Rahman

📞 Let’s Get You Mission-Ready for Ottawa

If you’re relocating with the CAF or through BGRS, let’s plan your move the right way — with precision, communication, and care.

👉 Book Your House Hunting Consultation

📧 dwayne.desveaux@exprealty.com

📅 Schedule on Calendly

📞 613-227-4715