Ottawa

The city name "Ottawa" was chosen in 1855 in reference to the Ottawa River, whose name is itself derived from the Algonquin adawe, meaning "to trade". In modern Algonquin, the city is known as Odàwàg.

The Ottawa Valley became habitable around 10,000 years ago following the natural draining of the Champlain Sea. The first evidence of human presence in the Ottawa Valley are spearpoints dated 8000-8500 years before present. By 6000 years before present, there were robust trading and communications networks. Approximately 3000-3500 years before present, there is definitive evidence of continuously existing settlements, including likely hearths and heavy tools. In closer proximity to the modern bounds of the City of Ottawa, there has been documentation of specific settlements at the mouth of the Gatineau River dating back to 3000-3500 years prior to post-Columbian contact. These findings suggest that these Algonquin people were engaged in foraging, hunting and fishing, but also trade and travel. …

The present-day city of Ottawa consists of the historic main urban area, as well as other urban, suburban and rural areas within the city's post-amalgamation limits, as well as exurban villages. Central Ottawa and the West, South and East ends comprise a large portion of the pre-amalgamation city, as well as the former city of Vanier—a densely populated, historically Francophone, working class enclave. The Prime Minister's official residence, 24 Sussex, as well as the de facto residence Rideau Cottage and the Governor General's residence, Rideau Hall are all located in the New Edinburgh neighbourhood, These areas include^ the downtown core and other early-developed neighbourhoods to the east, west, and south. …