Orleans is one of Ottawa’s fastest growing suburban districts, since becoming a part of the city on 2001. The community is about 16 kms east of Ottawa's downtown core, it is thought to have been named by its first postmaster, Théodore Besserer, after his place of birth, the Île d'Orléans near Quebec City. Orléans was an incorporated police village from 1922 to 1974 and was known as St. Joseph d'Orléans.

Experiencing rapid and constant growth since the 1970's, it has a sizeable French speaking population, and has many French based schools. 

Other than box stores which seem to be sprining up everywhere the city will allow the main shopping centre is Place d'Orleans set just off the Queensway. There is also plenty of recreational space and parkland, as well as community centres large Orléans Sportsplex which houses the Elizabeth Manley skating rink.

There is a YMCA, as well as the Ray Friel Recreation Centre, a movie theatre, and plenty of bike paths. Easy access to the 417 means downtown is a ten minute drive away, and OC Transpo offers extensive service to the area. Routes 135, 136, 607 and 835 service the area with conveniently placed stops.