Trade and barter in Ottawa

Ottawa has a steady, predictable rhythm: government postings and contract moves, plus students arriving at Carleton and uOttawa every fall. That means a reliable supply of desks, office chairs, monitors and small apartment furniture changing hands in Centretown, Sandy Hill, Westboro and Orleans.

It's also a family city, so kids' items move fast — strollers, skates, bikes, snowsuits and toys are outgrown on a schedule and are perfect trade material because they're barely worn out.

Winter is long, and the Rideau Canal skating season sets the tone: skates, sleds, cross-country skis and warm layers are in demand from December onward. Meet at an O-Train station, a library branch or a busy coffee shop and keep the handoff simple.