Top Condo Buildings In Ottawa That Allow BBQ’s

When searching for the perfect place to call home, trying to find a condo that ticks all of your boxes can be a daunting task. Especially if one of those must-haves is a private bbq on your balcony, which is almost impossible to find in the majority of condo buildings in Ottawa. Over 95% of the condo buildings in the city do not allow gas (or charcoal) bbq’s, shrinking your possible list down quite a bit. Here are the top condo buildings in Ottawa that currently allow gas barbecues on the balcony.

If you want to know the truth behind the lack of buildings that allow it, check out a blog post we wrote back in 2015 that explains it in more detail.

TIP: Looking at a listing and unsure if it allows a barbecue? Look at the stove/range. If it is a gas stove top, then chances are quite high that the builder also had a gas line installed to the balcony. Keep in mind that this does not guarantee that a barbecue is allowed. To confirm, it is always best to have your lawyer check the status certificate. Plus rules will constantly change, so even if you see a barbecue it does not mean that you would be allowed one (it might be grandfathered). As is with any very important “must-have”, communicate this list to both your realtor and lawyer, so that they can both verify you would be able to (this is the same with pets, etc.).

Second Avenue West - 808 Bronson

Built in 2012 by local Ottawa builder Domicile, Second Avenue West has the features that continue to attract buyers to Domicile product. While slightly more traditional than other builders mentioned here, the quality of the work and finishes within the units is quite high. Located at 808 Bronson, Second Avenue West is steps from Dow’s Lake, The Rideau Canal, Preston Street, and The Glebe. Each unit has a natural gas line installed on the balcony.

Studio Argyle - 255 Argyle

Located just off of Bank street directly in Centretown, this hard loft building gets a LOT of attention. Aside from the fact that the condo board allows personal barbecues, the units are very unique with high ceilings and industrial features. Exposed concrete ceilings, brick walls,  ductwork, etc. they are always on the list of someone looking for that hard loft look - IF there is one available. There are only 40 units over the five floors, which makes units very hard to find, especially at a decent price.

SOBA - 203 Catherine Street

Built in 2019, SoBa is the latest project from the Toronto developer Brad Lamb. Lamb brings the Toronto design to Ottawa, with modern features and finishes at an attractive price. Views from the building are jaw dropping in every direction. Located at 203 Catherine, just off of Bank street, and sandwiched in between Centretown and the Glebe. Each unit has a gas stove top inside, and natural gas line installed on the balcony.

Gotham - 224 Lyon

Gotham was Brad Lamb’s first building in Ottawa, which was completed in 2015. Located on Lyon at Gloucester, it is a short walk to the downtown core, and a block from Bank street. The building has a multitude of living options including two-storey lofthouses, single-level lofts, glasshouses, and stunning penthouses. Each unit has a gas stove top in the kitchen, and natural gas line installed on the balcony.

Merrion Square - The Radcliffe and The Norfolk - 327 Breezehill and 330 Loretta

Built by Domicile in 2010 and 2011, both of these buildings are part of Merrion Square, which is a collection of condos and homes. Located just off Carling, the buildings are located steps from Little Italy, Dow’s Lake, The Rideau Canal, and The Ottawa Hospital Civic site. Each unit features a natural gas line installed on the balcony.

One3One - 131 Holland

Domicile built One3One in 2013, which comprises of 191 units over nine floors. The building is located on Holland just steps from Wellington Street, putting you in a “walkers paradise” and providing you with the best of everything that Hintonburg has to offer. Each unit has a natural gas line on the balcony for your private bbq.

The Kavanaugh - 7 Marquette

Completed in 2015, The Kavanaugh is a beautiful building located in the heart of New Edinburgh. A short commute to the office, and access to the thriving amenities and lifestyle that Beechwood provides. There are only 124 units over 10 floors, again making the perfect units hard to find. There are some stunning views of the city, especially from higher floors where you can watch the sunset over downtown. Each unit has a natural gas line on the balcony.

The Corners On Main - 11 des Oblats Avenue and 166 Main Street

Domiciles latest project which has lately sold the last available unit, is located in Old Ottawa East. A somewhat “new” area to many unfamiliar buyers, adding a great neighbourhood to the possibilities list. It is very easy to commute to the city core, while not being located right in the busy mix of Centretown. You have the river on one side, and the Rideau Canal on the other. A short walk over the pedestrian bridge and you are at Lansdowne Park and The Glebe. Also a very easy commute to the Ottawa Hospital General (and Riverside) campus, CHEO, and UofO Medical School. Many owners will easily say its the best location in the city. The two buildings contain 74 and 64 units over six floors each. Each unit has a natural gas line to the balcony for a private BBQ!

Looking for help to find the perfect condo? Let’s chat! Fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

Truth about Barbecues on Condo Balconies in Ottawa

The one thing I can count on when showing units, is being asked if the building allows owners/renters to operate a barbecue on the balcony. Usually here in Ottawa, the answer is no. With about 90% of the high rise buildings across the city having a rule, bylaw, or ban, on non electric BBQ's.

Most clients, owners in the building, and believe it or not, even other professionals, believe that it is the city or the builder that has created a by-law against it. People have suggested to me that it is because of the smoke from the barbecue, and how it would draft into another unit, or that the architect didn't follow local building code. I have heard many different "ideas" as to why, but the true reason is actually quite simple. And no, there is not a municipal bylaw that restricts the use of barbeques on balconies here in the city of Ottawa.

Here is an example from 200 Besserer Rules and Regulations (note this would only permit electric barbecues on PH unit terraces and balconies):

5. (d) No barbecues may be operated on any part of the common elements, including any part designated to be for exclusive use of a unit owner, including balconies, terraces and patios except for electric barbecues on the balconies attached to each dwelling unit on the upper penthouse floor in the building.

Here is an example from the 234 Rideau "Welcome Book":

- Barbecues on balconies must be electric.
- Charcoal and Propane BBQ's are prohibited.

Typically they are not allowed, because the TSSA or Technical Standards and Safety Authority has set rules in place that the condo corporation cant properly enforce. This means that for the condo board, its easier to lay a blanket rule than risk having the rule broken and being fined. 

Which rule?

• propane cylinders are to be transported in a service elevator or, when there are no service elevators, the person must use the passenger elevator alone to transport the cylinder

How to get around it?

A few builders have listened, and have made BBQ's available on the balconies. To get around the by-laws, they install natural gas lines to the stoves and to the balconies. Some charge a few thousand extra for the upgrade, but something I would gladly pay. Other options are having an electric BBQ or by having a shared natural BBQ in a common area.

At the end of the day, if having a barbecue on your balcony is important to you, tell your lawyer to look into the status certificate and find out if they are allowed. Looking for a condo and want to make sure it has a BBQ? Lets chat, I would love to help out.