First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa
30 Cleary Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 4A1
Directions
The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa is located at 30 Cleary St in Ottawa’s west end. Unfortunately, LRT construction has limited the ways that you can access the venue.
In the past the entry to Cleary from Richmond Road was just past Redwood Street. Due to construction that access was closed, and a new entry point was provided slightly further west. A Google map indicates the location of the new access and shows that the eastern portion of Cleary no longer connects to Richmond Road. The First Unitarian Congregation website has a more complete description of the effect of construction on site access that they call the Cleary Detour
If you are driving, look for the pink Kristy Family Restaurant sign on Richmond Road and turn there. You can only turn left coming from the west and right coming from the east. If you’re coming from the east the sign may be somewhat obscured by trees until you’re very close. If you’re taking the 417, exit at Woodroffe going north and turn right onto Richmond Road. Then look for the Kristy sign and turn left to reach the venue.
If you are using OC Transpo (routes 11 or 153):
- If you are coming from the west going east on Richmond Road, exit at the Woodroffe stop, cross to the north side of the street and walk east about 450 metres to Cleary St.
- If you are coming from the east going west on Richmond Road, exit at the stop just past Cleary St. and walk 10 metres east back to Cleary St.
Getting There
The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa is located at 30 Cleary St in Ottawa’s west end.
LRT construction has complicated access to the venue but this Cleary Detour link on the First Unitarian website provides detailed information on how to get there. While Cleary St is normally accessed from Richmond Road, this link explains that traffic is currently routed to Byron Avenue to access the entrance onto Cleary. There are signs where you turn onto Cleary St.
If you’re taking the 417, exit at Woodroffe going north and turn right onto Byron Avenue. The Cleary entrance is about a one-minute drive from Woodroffe and the Cleary St sign will indicate a left turn.
You’ll see the spire on the venue to your left once you turn onto Cleary so follow the road to reach the church. There is ample parking in front of the venue.
If you are coming by Para Transpo, specify 30 Cleary St. as your destination and you will be dropped off in front of the lower level entrance (with the elevator).
Accessibility
The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa is wheelchair-accessible, and volunteers are readily available to accompany individuals throughout the building and facilitate their access to washrooms, the elevator, exits, etc.
Accessibility Service
The LRT construction around the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa has made access more complicated. This is especially true for people with accessibility issues who use public transit.
To reduce this complication, the Ottawa Grassroots Festival is introducing its accessibility service offering for the 2026 Festival.
If you are planning to attend the festival and may need some extra help to navigate the path from a bus stop to the venue, you can send us an email at [email protected]. You can tell us about your travel plans (approximate arrival time, which bus, coming from which direction) and even let us know when your arrival is imminent. We’ll make sure a volunteer will meet you and ensure that you have a safe walk to the festival.