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Byron Ave. Linear Park

Byron Avenue — Streetcars to linear park, and all the “almosts” in between
Eastern end of Byron Linear Park at Holland Ave.
Eastern end of Byron Linear Park at Holland Ave.

Byron Avenue has a complex history dating back to the 19th century. Today, we enjoy a 2.5 km unique strip of greenspace that runs through the heart of several different neighbourhoods: Wellington Village, Hampton-Iona, Westboro, and McKellar Park. However, there is a lot of history behind why this greenspace exists. Over the past seventy years especially, a lot of ideas have come and gone that could have significantly changed how Byron Avenue and the park ended up.

Walkers will get to experience the history of this space, from farmland through the streetcar trolley line era, to the present day, and we will discuss the history of some of the cross-over streets like Holland Ave., Clarendon Ave., Island Park Drive, and Kirkwood Ave.

Location
Route

We'll meet at the northwest corner of Byron Ave. and Holland (across Byron from the Elmdale Tennis Club courts. From there, we will walk along the Byron Avenue linear park pathway from Holland Ave. to Kirkwood Ave. The Byron path allows ample space for a large group to congregate, and provides an easy walking route. We anticipate a large group; accordingly, the walk leader will be equipped with a microphone and loudspeaker so that everyone can hear.


Accessibility: The linear park path is paved, but is uneven and cracked in some places. Although it might not meet stringent AODA, but should be accessible for most, including those using strollers, wheelchairs, or scooters.


Note that parking is limited at the east end of Byron Ave. near Holland, and as the route is a straight line, we will end up 1.3 km west of where we started.

About the walk leader

I am lifelong resident of Wellington Village and appreciate my community very much. I am involved in many different ways, but most notably as the local history guy. I have a monthly column in the Kitchissippi Times, and a blog, the Kitchissippi Museum. I love bringing to life our community and its history, and am pleased to be able to share it through Jane's Walk. I am happy to represent the Wellington Village Community Association in doing so..


Kitchissippi Times video on Kitchissippi buildings worthy of heritage designation.


Guide:

Dave Allston

When:
Date:Sat May 3, 2025
Time:1:00 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Language: English
Where:
Start:Northwest corner of Byron & Holland
End:Byron & Kirkwood
Area:Wellington Village
Distance:1.25 kms
Accessibility:

The walk will follow a paved pathway, which is uneven and cracked in some places

Walker Sign-up

Signing up is not required for this walk. If you plan to attend, by signing up you will help us estimate the group size. Please submit your email and the number of walkers that will be attending with you below.

37 walkers registered

Gallery
Eastern end of Byron Linear Park at Holland Ave. Farmer's Market in Byron Tramway Park near Byron and Golden. A streetcar passes near the corner of Byron and Harmer (date unknown). Photo from “Ottawa’s Streetcars” by Bill McKeown.
Volunteer to Marshal This Walk