Ottawa is on the south side bank of the Ottawa river and it contains the mouths of the Rideau River and the Canal. The city is 2,778 square kilometres in size with a population of approximately 812,000. It is the fourth largest metropolitan in the country.
The Canadian capital pretty much fits the descriptions dynamic and appealing despite its average freezing temperature. The city is all about the pristine parks, gardens, open spaces, and scenic recreational paths that serve as homage throughout the four seasons.
There is no official red light district in Ottawa but there are four strolls identified as unofficial red zones where prostitution comes alive every night. Each of the areas is defined by its own unique characteristic in terms of rhythm and pay range.
History of the RLD
For over one and a half century, street workers serenely co-existed with the working class of the Byward Market. Alas, the tension broke loose when the urban renewal started with the residents purchasing most of the central area. This has caused a shift since most of the workers were forcefully displaced under the guise of safety issues.
Today, there are main prostitution zones which also happen to be the locations of most of the city’s emergency facilities, food banks, health clinics, and social housing.
How to reach the RLD
It is on the eastern side of the gov’t and business district. The Byward Market is pretty much accessible by public transit through the Rideau and Mackenzie King station. Starting 2018, Ottawa’s LRT system will directly stop at the Byward Market.
Stay safe in the RLD
Take extra caution when walking around in Lowertown, Hintonburg, Vanier, and Bayshore since these parts of Ottawa have a known gang presence. Other than this, the city is considered a fairly safe place.
The adult entertainment industry in Ottawa cannot compete with what exists in Frankfurt or in Amsterdam. Although gentlemen can avail of sex services in the city, the adult business is somewhat underdeveloped compared to the mentioned places. However, one can still find street hookers, as well as a few strip clubs that offer lap dances and erotic massage parlours.
Adult Cinemas
Street Prostitution
Street walkers who charge in the range of $40-$100 for full service hang around the red zones especially on the edge of the Byward Market. The place is heavily guarded with cops though. You can spot them occasionally doing a sweep and laying charges on clients who get caught.
Swingers Clubs
Prostitution has a limited legality in Canada. Selling sex is considered legal giving sex workers “immunity” while purchasing sex is not since 2014. Those who engage or avail sex services can face a minimum $500 fine and up to 5 years of imprisonment. Operating a brothel is a criminal offense, as well as pimping, advertising and communicating or negotiating for the intention of selling sex.
The protection of Communities and Exploited Person Act gives sex workers the basic immunity and legal ability to conduct business in relation to sex, as long as they are working independently and free from a controlling body.
In terms of the LGBT rights in Canada, it is the first country outside Europe to have acted on the legality of same-sex marriage under the Civil Marriage Act. Same-sex adoption has also been made legal nationwide under varying regulations. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the field of housing and accommodations are banned. Transgender people have also been given the right to change their gender on legal documents.
The nation’s capital city is a hive of energy. There is something for everyone in Ottawa with bars, live music gigs, local casinos sprouting especially around the cultural hub out downtown at the Byward Market. Another area that offers the most nightlife choices is Elgin Street.
Ottawa has established a burgeoning gay and lesbian village along Bank Street in Centretown. This side of the city features a diverse assortment of businesses that cater to the interest of the LGBT community. This area between the Somerset Street West and Gladstone Avenue obviously has a high concentration of LGBT members.
GAY BARS & CLUBS
General Attitude Towards Gays
The capital is an open and welcoming place for the LGBT. A fun-fact about Ottawa is that it was the site of the first-ever public gay and lesbian demonstration in Canada, in the year 1971.
They also hold an LGBT film festival that showcases the best queer cinemas from Canada as well as those from around the globe. The event has since received support and warm welcome from the LGBT community.
Gay and Transsexual Prostitution in Ottawa
For those looking for some gay company, take a trip to Central Spa where you can cruise. You also have the option to hire an escort for a more intimate hook-up inside a private room. For the trans, they are not exactly huge in terms of population so you have better chances contacting someone online.