Westboro: Ottawa's Trendy Riverside Gem

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh re-vwah]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [see voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-koo-zay mwah/dey-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mon sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen/ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-noo/see voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay/see voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ash-tay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhewst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay uhn uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
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• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray/sur lah kart]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn/bus]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay/poor]

Westboro's history began in the early 19th century when it was primarily inhabited by farmers and settlers attracted to its fertile land along the Ottawa River. The area was originally known as 'Westboro Beach' and was popular for its scenic views and recreational opportunities. The establishment of the Ottawa River and the construction of the Rideau Canal in the 1830s significantly influenced local development, facilitating trade and transportation.

Westboro was incorporated as a village in 1896, reflecting its growing population and economic activity. The arrival of the Ottawa Electric Railway in the early 1900s enhanced connectivity to downtown Ottawa, encouraging more residents to move to Westboro. This period saw the construction of many homes and businesses, establishing Westboro as a vibrant community.

Post-World War II, Westboro experienced a significant population boom as returning veterans sought housing. The demand led to the development of suburban homes and commercial spaces, fundamentally changing the character of the neighborhood. The 1950s and 1960s marked a transition from a rural community to a suburban hub, with an emphasis on family-oriented living.

In the late 20th century, Westboro underwent a cultural renaissance as local businesses, restaurants, and cafés began to flourish. The neighborhood became known for its vibrant arts scene, including galleries and theater companies. By the early 2000s, Westboro was recognized for its unique blend of urban and suburban lifestyles, attracting young professionals and families alike.

Today, Westboro continues to evolve with ongoing development projects that aim to enhance the community while preserving its historical charm. Initiatives focused on sustainability and community engagement have emerged, further solidifying Westboro's reputation as a progressive neighborhood within Ottawa. The blend of historic architecture and modern amenities reflects the neighborhood's dynamic character.

Westboro is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Ottawa. If you are coming from downtown Ottawa, you can take the O-Train Line 1 to Westboro Station, which is just a short walk from the heart of the neighborhood. Alternatively, several OC Transpo bus routes, such as the 14 and 18, connect Westboro to other parts of the city. If you are driving, Westboro is conveniently located along the Ottawa River Parkway, with ample street parking available, though it can fill up quickly during peak times.

Westboro is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. The O-Train Line 1 provides a quick way to reach other parts of Ottawa. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transport, with bike lanes along major streets. OC Transpo buses serve the area, offering routes to various neighborhoods. Rideshare services like Uber are available for those looking for more convenience.

Westboro is generally considered a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is wise to remain vigilant. Areas to be cautious of include certain parks after dark, such as Byron Linear Park. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight in vehicles and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. There are several hospitals nearby, including The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For non-urgent health issues, pharmacy services are available throughout Westboro.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, as Westboro has a relaxed vibe. Don't wear overly formal attire unless attending a specific event. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially if visiting churches or community events. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers, and don't speak loudly. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile or wave. Eating & Drinking: Do try local eateries and support small businesses. Don't litter or leave food scraps in public areas.

To experience Westboro like a local, visit the vibrant Westboro Village, where you can find boutique shops, cafes, and local markets. Check out the Westboro Farmers' Market during the summer months for fresh produce. Engage with local residents, as they are often happy to share recommendations and stories about the neighborhood. Don't miss the scenic Ottawa River pathways for walking or cycling, offering stunning views of the water.