about us

What is Kitchissippi?

The word Kitchissippi is the First Nations’ Algonquin Anishinaabe name for the Ottawa River, meaning ‘Great River’. In 1994 the Kitchissippi Ward (Ward 15) was created in Ottawa. 

Our History

Kitchissippi United Church was formed in 2008 by the amalgamation of three local congregations: Kingsway, Northwestern and Westboro United Churches. The amalgamation repurposed two of its properties as important venues for community services and spawned new programs from the proceeds.

Following extensive community consultation, the Westboro property was sold in 2013 and redeveloped as Festival House and low rise condominiums. Festival House is now a centre for arts and culture organizations and home to the Bluesfest School of Music and Art (BSOMA).

In 2016 Northwestern’s building was sold and became the Ottawa Muslim Association’s Hall of Peace, providing space for programs dedicated to social, educational and humanitarian services, particularly for youth and new immigrants in the Islamic community. The Mosque had its first meetings in the basement of the Northwestern church in the late 1960s.

The Kitchissippi congregation now calls 630 Island Park Drive home, with rental spaces that serve a large number of community uses and programs, as well as worship and performance space.

Our Programs

The Ottawa Children’s Montessori Centre has been sharing space at Kitchissippi for over 25 years and has more than 100+ students.

The Main Hall at Kitchissippi is used by many community groups, including dedicated time for the Freedom Group AA, which  use the hall and the Sanctuary for rehearsals, lessons, and concerts.

Kitchissippi’s own programs recognize our needs as a society to create community, to care for each other, and to care for all creation.

Besides the major initiatives described in Our History, above, our local outreach includes refuge sponsorship  volunteer support for the Parkdale Food Centre, and school supplies for Minwaashin Lodge.

At the core of its activities is the congregation’s interest in Christian faith, spirituality, and worship. Music is a key element of its Sunday services. It provides education for adults and youth: book and film studies.  

Come make a difference!