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Ottawa, Ottawan, National Capital Region

A native or resident of Canada’s capital city is called an Ottawan. And, while the demonym Ottawan is found in newspapers and magazines, it is often replaced in more formal writing by native, resident or inhabitant of Ottawa, or some similar phrase.

  • Alanis Morissette and Paul Anka are world–famous Ottawans (or Ottawa natives).
  • Both Ottawans (or Ottawa residents) and tourists enjoy the Tulip Festival in May.

Ottawa is commonly used as a modifier, while Ottawan is not.

  • Ottawa’s (or Ottawa) shopping centres are open every day of the week.

A large area on the Ontario and Quebec sides of the Ottawa River has been designated as the National Capital Region.

  • Commuter traffic is heavy on all bridges in the National Capital Region.