Rideau Centre

In 1981 and 1982, building of the Rideau Centre was somewhat controversial. Many people were opposed to the destruction of an entire block of stores to make way for the mall.

Rideau Centre  or Centre Rideau a three-level shopping centre is located in downtown Ottawa. The mall borders Rideau Street’s Byward Market, the Rideau Canal, and the Mackenzie King Bridge.  Rideau Centre is Ottawa's leading shopping destination playing host to thousands of tourists who visit Parliament Hill one block east of Parliament Hill, adjacent to the Ottawa Convention Centre and The Westin Ottawa Hotel.  It is home to the biggest names in fashion, beauty, dining, and electronics.

The Rideau Centre is a pedestrian right-of-way so its doors are open 24 hours a day to allow pedestrians access between Rideau Street and the Mackenzie King Bridge. A rooftop garden provides spectacular views of the ByWard Market, the Rideau Canal, the Château Laurier, and the Parliament buildings. During the annual Tulip Festival, the garden is awash with tulips.

In a redevelopment which will continue until 2016, newly renovated Rideau Centre will include such leading brands as: Simons, Nordstrom, Victoria’s Secret, J. Crew. 

The four-level expansion will add 230,000 square feet of retail space and a tri-level underground parking garage. The façade will get a facelift and the interior will be completely renovated featuring new quartz flooring, enhanced lighting, glass guardrails and modern amenities. Two direct light rail transit access points to Rideau Station will increase mall access.

A 35,000 square-foot dining hall that will provide elevated dining for Ottawa shoppers at sixteen premium branded eateries and seating for 850 people.