Westboro is evolving quickly, and not everyone in the neighbourhood agrees on whether that's entirely a good thing. New development, changing retail, and infrastructure upgrades are reshaping parts of the neighbourhood in real time. Here's what's happening in 2026.
Scott Street Condo Development
The most visible change in Westboro's built environment is the continued intensification along the Scott Street corridor. Several condo towers are either under construction or recently completed between Westboro proper and Hintonburg, adding hundreds of new units to the neighbourhood's housing stock. Proponents argue this is exactly the kind of density Ottawa needs near LRT stations — and they're right in principle. The tension for existing residents is around pace, design quality, and whether the neighbourhood's infrastructure and services are keeping up with the population growth.
Richmond Road Streetscape Upgrades
The City of Ottawa has been advancing streetscape improvements along Richmond Road, with work focused on improving the pedestrian experience, cycling infrastructure, and street furniture. Wider sidewalks in some sections, improved crossings, and better integration with the LRT station are all part of the vision. Progress has been incremental, but the cumulative effect over the past few years is noticeable.
New Restaurant and Business Openings
Westboro's commercial strip continues to evolve. New restaurants and food concepts have opened in the past year, adding to an already strong dining scene. Independent retailers continue to find the neighbourhood supportive, though pressure from rising commercial rents is a persistent challenge for smaller operators.
The neighbourhood has also seen some well-known businesses close or relocate, which is the normal churn of any active commercial strip. The Westboro BIA works actively to attract independent retailers and resist the full-chain-ification that's happened in some other Ottawa neighbourhoods.
BIA Advocacy for Independent Retail
The Westboro BIA has been vocal in 2026 about the importance of protecting the neighbourhood's independent retail character. As commercial rents rise on Richmond Road, there's genuine risk that independents get squeezed out by chains that can absorb higher costs. The BIA's advocacy — including programs to support local business, events that drive foot traffic, and engagement with the city on planning decisions — is a real counterforce to this pressure.
LRT Pedestrian Connections
The connections between the Westboro LRT station and the surrounding neighbourhood have improved. Better wayfinding, improved pedestrian infrastructure around the station, and clearer cycling connections to the river pathway have all made the station feel more integrated with the neighbourhood it serves. There's still room for improvement, but the trend is positive.
What It All Means
Westboro in 2026 is a neighbourhood navigating the classic success problem: it's desirable enough that everyone wants to be here, which creates pressure that threatens the things that made it desirable in the first place. The neighbourhood's institutions — the BIA, active community associations, engaged residents — are fighting to shape that growth rather than just absorb it. Worth watching closely.
