Ottawa has a new voice speaking up for families — and she's doing it one Instagram post at a time.
Caroline Leal is the woman behind Ottawa But With Kids, a popular Instagram account dedicated to helping moms and families with young children find their footing in the national capital. But Leal's vision goes beyond restaurant recommendations and park roundups. She's advocating for something bigger: a multigenerational approach to life in Ottawa.
What Does 'Multigenerational' Actually Mean?
The concept of multigenerational living and community isn't new, but it's having a moment. At its core, it's about breaking down the generational silos that can make modern city life feel isolating — especially for young parents.
For Leal, that means building communities where grandparents, parents, and children can share spaces, resources, and support. It's a philosophy rooted in the idea that raising kids doesn't have to be a solo act, and that Ottawa's neighbourhoods are better when they're built for everyone, not just one age group.
Why Ottawa?
Ottawa, with its mix of established neighbourhoods, growing suburbs, and strong community culture, is actually well-positioned for this kind of thinking. The city has long had a reputation for being family-friendly — but Leal's work pushes that conversation forward, asking what it truly means to design a city where families thrive at every stage of life.
Through Ottawa But With Kids, she's created a platform that does more than share cute kid-friendly spots. It's a resource hub and a community rallying point for Ottawa parents who want more connection, more support, and more intentional city living.
Building a Community, Post by Post
What started as a practical guide to navigating Ottawa with little ones has grown into something with real advocacy behind it. Leal uses her platform to spotlight local businesses, programmes, and spaces that welcome families — and to push for more of them.
For Ottawa families who've ever felt like the city wasn't quite designed with them in mind — stroller-unfriendly sidewalks, limited family programming, neighbourhoods that can feel fragmented — Leal's voice is a welcome one.
The Bigger Picture
Leal's multigenerational lens also speaks to a broader shift happening in cities across Canada. As housing costs climb and community ties fray, more families are looking for ways to live more collectively — whether that's co-housing arrangements, neighbourhood resource-sharing, or simply more intergenerational programming at local community centres.
In Ottawa, where city planning conversations are ongoing and neighbourhoods are constantly evolving, advocates like Leal play an important role in keeping families at the table.
If you're an Ottawa parent looking for community, resources, or just a solid list of places to take your toddler on a rainy Tuesday, Ottawa But With Kids is worth a follow. And if Leal's advocacy work picks up steam, it could mean a more connected, multigenerational Ottawa for all of us.
Source: Ottawa Citizen. Read the original story at ottawacitizen.com.
