Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre: Ottawa’s Hidden Gem Venue
Tucked away on the shores of the Ottawa River in Britannia, the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre offers one of the most scenic event spaces in the National Capital Region, hosting everything from community festivals to intimate weddings with stunning waterfront views.
While many Ottawa residents drive past Britannia Park without knowing this venue exists, those who discover the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre find a versatile community space that combines natural beauty with modern amenities. Named after Ron Kolbus, a beloved Ottawa city councillor who served the Britannia-Lincoln Heights ward, this centre has become a cherished gathering place for celebrations, festivals, and community events.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre is a scenic community venue on Britannia Bay offering event rentals, waterfront views, and year-round programming. The free New Year Festival by Capitalfest draws families each holiday season.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | 102 Greenview Avenue, Britannia |
| 🚗 Parking | Free lot on-site |
| 🎉 Capacity | Up to 200 guests |
| ⏰ Rental Hours | 8 AM - 12 AM (varies) |
| 💰 Rental Cost | Starting from $400/event |
About the Venue
Image: The Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre offers panoramic views of Britannia Bay and the Ottawa River.
The Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre is a City of Ottawa facility located within Britannia Park, one of the city’s most popular waterfront destinations. The centre features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of Britannia Bay, the Ottawa River, and the Gatineau Hills beyond.
Venue Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Hall | 2,500 sq ft with lake views |
| Kitchen | Commercial-grade, fully equipped |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible throughout |
| Audio/Visual | Sound system, projector available |
| Outdoor Access | Patio and beach access |
| Washrooms | Multiple accessible facilities |
The building’s modern design incorporates sustainable elements while maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Large windows flood the space with natural light during daytime events, while evening gatherings benefit from dramatic sunset views over the water.
Events at Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre
Image: The Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre hosts numerous community festivals and family events throughout the year.
New Year Festival 2025
One of the centre’s signature events is the annual New Year Festival, presented by Capitalfest. This free, family-friendly celebration has become a holiday tradition for many Ottawa families.
New Year Festival Details:
- Date: December 28, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Admission: Free
- Features: Live entertainment, activities for all ages, food vendors
The festival takes advantage of the centre’s unique lakeside setting, offering both indoor and outdoor activities during the holiday season. Families can enjoy the scenic winter landscape while warming up inside with hot beverages and entertainment.
Year-Round Programming
The Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre hosts various events throughout the year:
Spring & Summer:
- Beach opening celebrations
- Outdoor yoga sessions
- Community BBQs
- Canada Day activities
- Summer camps and programs
Fall & Winter:
- Halloween events
- Holiday festivals
- New Year celebrations
- Indoor fitness classes
- Community meetings
Renting the Venue
Image: The lakeside setting makes Ron Kolbus a popular choice for weddings and special celebrations.
The Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre is available for private rentals, making it an increasingly popular choice for weddings, corporate events, and milestone celebrations.
Rental Information
| Event Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Weekday Events | Starting at $400 |
| Weekend Events | Starting at $600 |
| Wedding Package | $800 - $1,500 |
| Corporate Events | Custom quotes |
What’s Included:
- Exclusive use of main hall
- Access to commercial kitchen
- Tables and chairs (seating for 200)
- Basic audio/visual equipment
- On-site parking
- Beach and patio access (seasonal)
Booking Process
To rent the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre:
- Check Availability: Contact Ottawa Recreation at 613-580-2424
- Site Visit: Schedule a tour to see the space
- Submit Application: Complete the City of Ottawa facility rental form
- Pay Deposit: Secure your date with payment
- Plan Your Event: Work with city staff on logistics
Bookings typically open 12 months in advance for weddings and 6 months for other events. Weekend dates, especially during summer months, fill quickly.
Getting to Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre
Image: Britannia Park and Beach provide a stunning backdrop for events at Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre.
By Car
The centre is located at 102 Greenview Avenue in the Britannia neighbourhood of Ottawa’s west end.
From Downtown Ottawa:
- Head west on the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway
- Continue onto Carling Avenue
- Turn right onto Britannia Road
- Turn left onto Greenview Avenue
- The centre is on your right
Parking: Free parking is available in the on-site lot, with additional parking available at Britannia Park.
By Transit
OC Transpo routes serving Britannia include:
- Route 16 along Carling Avenue (walk 10 minutes)
- Route 85 along Carling Avenue (walk 10 minutes)
The closest O-Train station is Dominion on Line 2 (Trillium Line), approximately 3 km away.
By Bike
The centre is accessible via the Ottawa River Pathway, which runs along the waterfront from downtown to Britannia. Bike racks are available on-site. This makes it a popular destination for cyclists exploring Ottawa’s bike trails.
Britannia Park & Beach
The Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre’s location within Britannia Park adds significant value to any event. Guests can enjoy:
Beach Access
Britannia Beach is one of Ottawa’s best urban beaches, featuring:
- Sandy beach with swimming area
- Lifeguards on duty (summer months)
- Picnic areas and shade structures
- Playground equipment
- Concession stand (seasonal)
Park Amenities
- Walking and cycling paths
- Picnic shelters
- Sports fields
- Boat launch
- Scenic lookout points
Many event hosts encourage guests to arrive early or stay late to enjoy the park’s natural beauty, especially during sunset when the views over the Ottawa River are spectacular.
Who Was Ron Kolbus?
The centre is named in honour of Ron Kolbus (1932-2016), who served as Ottawa City Councillor for Britannia-Lincoln Heights from 1969 to 1985. Kolbus was known for his dedication to community service and his efforts to preserve green spaces in Ottawa’s west end.
During his time on council, Kolbus championed the development of Britannia Park and worked to ensure public access to the waterfront remained a priority. The lakeside centre that bears his name continues his legacy of community gathering and celebration.
Tips for Visiting
Whether attending a public event or hosting a private celebration, keep these tips in mind:
For Events:
- Arrive early for parking, especially during festivals
- Dress for the weather if outdoor activities are planned
- Bring sunscreen and water in summer months
- Check the City of Ottawa website for current programming
For Rentals:
- Book well in advance for popular dates
- Consider sunset timing for photography
- Plan for both indoor and outdoor options
- Confirm catering access and kitchen rules
Accessibility:
- The building is fully wheelchair accessible
- Accessible parking spots near the entrance
- Accessible washrooms on the main floor
- Paved pathways from parking to entrance
FAQ
Q: Where is Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre located?
The Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre is located at 102 Greenview Avenue in Ottawa’s Britannia neighbourhood, within Britannia Park on the shores of the Ottawa River. It’s approximately 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa by car.
Q: Can I rent the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre for a wedding?
Yes, the centre is a popular wedding venue offering stunning lakeside views and accommodating up to 200 guests. Rental packages start around $800-$1,500 depending on the day and season. Book early as weekend dates fill quickly.
Q: Is there parking at Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre?
Yes, free parking is available on-site. Additional overflow parking is available at Britannia Park. For large events, carpooling is recommended as spaces can fill up during popular festivals.
Q: What events happen at Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre?
The centre hosts various events year-round, including the annual New Year Festival, community celebrations, Canada Day activities, fitness classes, and private rentals for weddings, corporate events, and parties.
Q: Is the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre accessible?
Yes, the building is fully wheelchair accessible with accessible parking, entrances, washrooms, and pathways. The main hall is on one level with no stairs required.
Q: Can I access Britannia Beach from the centre?
Yes, the centre is located within Britannia Park with direct access to Britannia Beach. Guests at events can enjoy the beach, walking paths, and waterfront views.
Q: How do I book the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre?
Contact Ottawa Recreation at 613-580-2424 or visit the City of Ottawa website to check availability and submit a rental application. Bookings open 12 months in advance for weddings and 6 months for other events.
Q: Is the New Year Festival at Ron Kolbus free?
Yes, the annual New Year Festival presented by Capitalfest is free and open to all families. The 2025 festival runs from 11 AM to 6 PM on December 28 with entertainment and activities for all ages.
Final Thoughts
The Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre represents one of Ottawa’s best-kept secrets for event hosting and community gatherings. Its unique waterfront location, combined with modern amenities and easy accessibility, makes it an ideal choice for everything from intimate celebrations to large-scale festivals.
Whether you’re attending the popular New Year Festival, planning a wedding with sunset views over the Ottawa River, or simply discovering this gem during a visit to Britannia Beach, the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre offers a memorable Ottawa experience.
Sources: City of Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism, Britannia Community Association
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