Contractors in Vars

Vars is a rural village in Osgoode Ward in east Ottawa, located approximately 20 kilometres south of Orléans. Originally settled in the Bearbrook area in 1824, the village grew with the arrival of the Canadian Atlantic Railway in 1883. Known for its interesting naming history - either from the initials of four local leaders (McVeigh, Armstrong, Ronan, Smith) or named after Vars, France by a retired priest from Embrun.

About Vars

Vars has roots dating to 1824 when settlers first inhabited the Bearbrook area, named for the bears that foraged among the oak trees. By 1836 a small settlement had formed, primarily English-speaking residents of Irish descent. The Canadian Atlantic Railway transformed the area in 1883, bringing growth and the establishment of a railway station.

The village was originally called Bearbrook Station but was renamed Vars around 1886 when it received its own post office. Two stories explain the name: either from the initials of four local leaders who brought the post office (McVeigh, Armstrong, Ronan, Smith), or named by Abbé C. Guillaume after the village of Vars in Hautes-Alpes, France.

Today, Vars serves as a residential community for those seeking rural lifestyle in east Ottawa. The village maintains connections to both English and French-speaking communities in the surrounding area.

Location & Boundaries

Vars is located in Osgoode Ward in rural east Ottawa, south of Orléans along the Bear Brook area. The village developed around the railway station and serves as a residential community for the surrounding agricultural area.

Common Projects in Vars

  • Rural home renovation
  • Kitchen and bathroom renovations
  • Basement finishing
  • Septic system work
  • Well and water system upgrades
  • Garage and outbuilding construction
  • Deck and patio construction
  • Energy efficiency improvements

Local Considerations

Properties on well water and septic systems
Railway line runs through area (Ottawa-Montreal corridor)
Bilingual community with French-speaking residents
Active agricultural area
Close proximity to Embrun for services
Former Osgoode Township area
Permits: Standard City of Ottawa building permits apply. Septic system work requires separate permits. Properties near railway may have specific setback requirements.

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