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Riverside South

Riverside South is a suburban neighbourhood in south Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, located in Gloucester-South Nepean Ward and southwest of Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Riverside South is a suburban neighbourhood in south Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, located in Gloucester-South Nepean Ward and southwest of Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport. It developed from largely rural land in the 1990s into a fast-growing residential community, with a 2021 Census population of 19,802.

Geography

Riverside South is a residential area in Ottawa’s south end, near the Rideau River and southwest of the city airport. Sources commonly describe its boundaries using Leitrim Road, Rideau Road, Bowesville Road and the Rideau River.

History

The area was mostly farmland and sparsely developed before the 1990s. Its modern suburban growth followed housing development in the late 1990s and after the 2001 amalgamation of Ottawa.

Community development

Riverside South has expanded rapidly as a family-oriented suburban community. Local guides note parks, trails, schools and nearby commercial services, along with ongoing residential growth.

Demographics

The Canada 2021 Census recorded a population of 19,802 for Riverside South. Some local sources describe continued growth and forecast further population increases.

Key facts

  • Riverside South is a suburban community in south Ottawa, Ontario.
  • The neighbourhood is southwest of Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport.
  • Before Ottawa amalgamation in 2001, the area was part of the city of Gloucester.
  • Its 2021 Census population was 19,802.
  • The area was largely farmland in the early 1990s before extensive housing development began.
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Canadian context

Riverside South is a growing Ottawa neighbourhood and a Canadian suburban development example, relevant to readers interested in Ontario local geography, urban expansion, and Census population data.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Riverside South located?
It is a suburban neighbourhood in south Ottawa, Ontario, in Gloucester-South Nepean Ward, southwest of Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport.
What was Riverside South before Ottawa amalgamation?
Before amalgamation in 2001, the area was part of the city of Gloucester.
What is the population of Riverside South?
The 2021 Census population was 19,802.
When did Riverside South begin developing?
The area was largely farmland in the early 1990s, and major housing development began in the 1990s.
What kind of neighbourhood is Riverside South?
It is a suburban residential community with ongoing housing growth and a family-oriented profile.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riverside_South,_Ottawa
    Supports: Location in Ottawa, former Gloucester municipality, and 2021 Census population.
  2. Living in Ottawa — https://living-inottawa.ca/south-ottawa-riverside-south/
    Supports: Neighbourhood boundaries, early farmland use, and suburban development history.
  3. Paul Rushforth Real Estate — https://www.paulrushforth.com/community/riverside-south/
    Supports: Neighbourhood boundaries and former Gloucester context.
  4. OttawaMove — https://www.ottawamove.com/area/Riverside-South
    Supports: Location near airport and community growth description.
  5. City of Ottawa — https://engage.ottawa.ca/riversidescentrelibrary
    Supports: Current city project for a community centre, library and district park in Riverside South.