Rent in Ottawa suburb of Kanata the second-highest in Ontario

CTV’s Dylan Dyson explains why Kanata is one of the most expensive communities in Ontario when it comes to rent prices.

Ottawa’s west end is ranking as one of the most expensive places to rent across all of Ontario.

The January rent report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation says that outside of the Greater Toronto Area, Kanata is the most expensive community in the province for those looking to rent.

The average asking rent in the west Ottawa suburb was $2,664 a month in December 2024. In Toronto the average asking rent was $2,732 a month.

“In the last year we’ve been seeing a lot of competition (for properties),” says Tyler Posadovsky, a sales representative with the Walker Real Estate Group.

“In Kanata specifically, it’s been faster than average across the city, for sure.”

Posadovsky says the area is specifically sought after for multiple reasons, including its family-friendly neighbourhoods and proximity to shopping and entertainment.

“I would say that Kanata is definitely one of the more desirable communities across Ottawa,” he tells CTV News.

“It does have quite a lot to offer, including the growing tech industry. There’s also some of the best school districts in the entire city, and then you’re also surrounded by green space, so you have tons of walking trails, you have a lot of nature to enjoy.”

Given all the boxes it checks, Posadovsky says it makes sense why Kanata would be most expensive behind Toronto.

And given the demand to live in the area, prices will only be driven higher.

“There’s a lot more demand than there is inventory, so it is quite sparse, especially in Kanata.”

Kanata resident Gabriel Poirier and his family recently found a place to rent in Ottawa’s west end.

“We decided to downsize, so temporarily, we’re going to rent a place until we decide what we want to do.”

Poirier says they were able to find a small, detached three-bedroom home to rent. Through Poirier’s rental search, he says he can attest to the high prices found throughout Kanata.

“We’re paying $2,900 a month, which is quite high,” he says. “But I think for us, it was worth it.”

Across Canada, rent prices dropped three percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. With prices more appealing to renters, Posadovsky says those in the market should act quickly.

“Because of a small drop in rent rates in the last month, now is a great time to get into the rental market before the spring market hits.”