It is all about the kids and their future university choice.
If the kids wanted to or if you want kids to go to ivy league school or stanford/MIT/oxford/cambridge, the more challenged academic program(IB or AP) will help. Also you have to have good ECs for US schools. Otherwise, if stay in canada for university, in my opinion, high school makes no big difference.
Find a high school close to home and encourage kids to be involved more in school activities and ECs.
In ottawa, colonel by is the only OCDSB school offering IB and you have to apply to be admitted.
Ashbury also offer IBs, you will pay lots of money attending ashbury, but the kids will also have many good EC opportunities.
Many schools offer AP, but most only offer a few courses. But if the kids want, AP course can be self-studied and they can apply to take the test.
Lisgar offers AP courses that kids can take to challenge themself.
Cantebury does not offer AP, but it is good on arts.