South Keys: What's New, What's Coming

/

South Keys is becoming an even better place to live, thanks to recent upgrades and additions. Here’s a quick look at what’s changed in the last year or two, what’s to come:

Getting Around Easier: Transit and Infrastructure

Getting around South Keys has significantly improved with the reopening of the O-Train South Extension (Trillium Line) in January 2025. This includes a new Line 2 connection south to Limebank in Riverside South, and a new Line 4 connection to the EY Convention Center and the airport. The South Keys O-Train station is now a modern hub connecting these lines with bus routes. Expect trains every 12 minutes on both lines, making commutes faster and more convenient, especially to Carleton University, the airport, and downtown workplaces.

For those who prefer cycling, a new bridge over Hunt Club Road at South Keys Station makes things way safer. The Osgoode Pathway now extends to South Keys Station via Findlay Creek, and funding is secured for the Greenboro Pathway Missing Link to connect to South Keys Centre.  Planned additions include pathways on Pebble Road and bike lanes on Cahill Drive.

Road infrastructure is also seeing improvements. The Bank Street renewal project, underway until 2027, will bring cycling tracks and better streetscaping. Design work for a better intersection at Bank Street and Hunt Club Drive is also planned.

More Green Spaces on the Way

A new 0.53-hectare park, the South Keys Transit Plaza, is planned as part of the 2200 Bank Street redevelopment. This park will be near the O-Train station. Existing green spaces like Pushman Park and Greenboro Park are also nearby, and the Greenboro Community Centre offers various recreational programs.

New Businesses Arriving

South Keys' commercial scene is evolving. Specsavers opened in 2024, and a new tenant is coming to the former Gap location. A Shoppers Drug Mart with a clinic is now open. The redevelopment at 2200 Bank Street will include new commercial space. While some stores have closed, new businesses are showing interest in the area.

Recent Focus on Canadian Businesses

While South Keys features a mix of national and local stores, there's been an ongoing interest in highlighting and supporting Canadian-owned businesses. Recent years have seen a continued presence of major Canadian retailers in the South Keys Shopping Centre, such as Loblaws and Mark's. 

For those interested in supporting Canadian alternatives to American stores in Ottawa, there are numerous options available. Farm Boy or Giant Tiger for groceries are a short drive. For hardware and home goods, Canadian Tire and Home Hardware are good choices. There are many proudly Canadian restaurants, both chain and family-owned, including a few new options. 

New Restaurant Options

South Keys and the surrounding area have welcomed some new dining options in the past couple of years. Here are a few that have opened recently:

  • Cheese and Olives: This Palestinian restaurant, situated at 1183 Hunt Club Rd, offers unique breakfast and lunch items. It opened in early this year.

  • Sona Indian Kitchen: While not brand new, Sona Indian Kitchen at 1183 Hunt Club Rd was highlighted as a notable restaurant in 2024, serving South Asian cuisine.

South Keys is changing in ways that matter. With faster transit, new businesses, and steady infrastructure improvements, it’s becoming an even stronger choice for people who want convenience, space, and a sense of community. The momentum here is real, and it’s making a great neighbourhood even better.