Kanata is a large community that grew rapidly due to the influx of hi-tech workers. Kanata remains home to many of the major hi-tech employers of Ottawa, such as Ericsson, Avaya, JuniperNetworks, Research In Motion (now BlackBerry), Mitel, March Networks, Nokia, Bridgewater Systems, DragonWave, Solace, Protecode, Dell Canada, HP, Smart Technologies, Norpak, MDS Nordion, Breconridge, AMCC, Cisco Systems, Inc., and Ciena. Nortel Networks and the former Bell-Northern Research had a major campus of buildings just outside the Kanata boundary to the east. The hi-tech industry is along March Road, in the Kanata North Business Park and Kanata Research Park, and along Eagleson Road, in the Kanata South Business Park.
Kanata is home to the Ottawa Senators professional ice hockey team, who play at Canadian Tire Centre. The Canadian Tire Centre is a world-class entertainment venue and hosts the greatest games and biggest shows.There are things to do for everyone in Kanata. Tanger Outlet Mall is a large shipping complex across from Highway 417, Canadian Tire Centre and Palladium Auto Park. It is the go-to place for all your shopping needs! If you enjoy golfing, Kanata has several amazing golf courses. The Kanata Recreation Complex has a wide selection of recreation programs for all ages including children’s summer camps, preschool programs and fitness classes. For a little you-time, you can stay active with the multiple gyms in the area, including Movati and Goodlife Fitness.
To treat yourself or family, enjoy a meal or an outing at a restaurant, pub or movie theatre. There are plenty of delicious restaurants nearby with a variety of options including Zak’s Diner, a local favourite!
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board operate public primary and secondary schools in the neighbourhood. There are no post-secondary options in the neighbourhood, so residents must travel closer to the city centre to access institutions like Algonquin College, Academy of Learning College, Herzing College, the University of Ottawa, and Carleton University.
