7 Safest Towns In Ontario For Senior Living
Ontario's Great Lake shorelines and fertile fields have attracted people for decades, and it’s not hard to see why. The diversity from one corner of the province to the next is part of the appeal, too. So if you're looking for a safe spot to retire in Ontario, towns like LaSalle and Port Perry lead the charts, with LaSalle's Spring Fling in April and the long-running Port Perry Fair. Elsewhere on this list, Port Hope stands out for its walkable downtown, famous “IT” Walking Tour, and scenic Riverside Railway Trail. Collingwood brings Georgian Bay views and a busy downtown farmers' market into the mix. Measured by CSIs below the provincial average, these towns combine peace of mind with social events that make every day feel like an exciting adventure.
LaSalle
With a CSI of 21.26, LaSalle is one of the safest towns in Ontario. This town on the Detroit River in southwestern Ontario's Essex County is just south of the city of Windsor and is considered one of its bedroom communities. LaSalle is also just minutes from the United States border and a half hour from Detroit, Michigan. In addition to safety, LaSalle has much to offer seniors who relocate there, including the LaSalle Senior Active Living Centre. This center provides computer classes, exercise classes, and other activities to the area's senior population.
The LaSalle Spring Fling is held in April and features food, activities, crafts, and entertainment. It is a great way to bring residents together to welcome the start of the spring season. LaSalle Landing, along the river, is 60 acres of waterfront property perfect for walking, with an outdoor pool, boat ramp, and event center. The town of LaSalle has produced an interactive Active Living Trail Map highlighting the variety of parks, trails, and recreational activities available across the town. While LaSalle does not have its own hospital, the Windsor Regional Hospital is just 15 miles away.
Port Hope
Port Hope is in Northumberland County on the Ganaraska River, along Lake Ontario's north shore, between Kingston and Toronto in southern Ontario. The town is very pedestrian-friendly, and others have recognized it as the quintessential "small town." Port Hope was used as the town backdrop in the "IT" series of films as well as the "IT: Welcome to Derry" television series. Stephen King fans may wish to take the "IT Walking Tour" to see how the town was transformed into the fictional town of Derry, Maine. In addition to having a walkable downtown, Port Hope also has a low CSI of 30.97.
The Port Hope Fair, one of Canada's longest-running fairs, is held each September. This old-fashioned agricultural festival includes barnyard animals, an equestrian show, food, and more. Plenty of hiking trails in Port Hope are available for seniors who wish to remain active. The Riverside Railway Trail offers beautiful views of the Ganaraska River while you get some exercise. Seniors who want to meet up with peers can do so at Town Park Recreation Center, which offers recreational and social programs for those aged 55 and up. Community Health Centre of Northumberland is conveniently located in town in case of any medical needs.
Petawawa
In Renfrew County, along the western shore of the Ottawa River, about an hour and a half west of Canada's capital city, Ottawa, sits the small town of Petawawa. This tight-knit community is also a military town, home to Garrison Petawawa. The town's low CSI of 31.20, combined with its peaceful, slower-paced lifestyle, attracts many seniors to Petawawa.
The Silver Threads Community and Seniors Centre in Petawawa holds exercise classes, yoga instruction, sewing circles, and other activities for seniors within the community. The Civic Centre Hall hosts Civitan Club Bingo once a week. Petawawa Point Beach is at the junction of the Petawawa and Ottawa Rivers, and has a boat launch, picnic tables, and a swimming area. Outdoor enthusiasts may appreciate that the Algonquin Trail, a 296-km multi-use trail, runs through Petawawa and is perfect for hiking and biking. Pembroke Regional Hospital is about 20 minutes away in neighboring Pembroke and can take care of most medical concerns.
Paris
"Canada's Prettiest Little Town," Paris, was so dubbed by Harrowsmith Magazine in 2017. This Brant County town is 100 km west of Toronto, where the Nith and Grand Rivers meet, in southern Ontario. Not only its beauty, but also its low CSI of 33.20, has inspired some seniors to call Paris home.
The Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail is a relatively easy, 18 km fine-gravel trail that is also bicycle-, wheelchair- and mobility aid-friendly. Seniors who are more interested in indoor recreation may attend the Seniors Drop-In Centre in the Sojourn Church. Paris Quilting Bees meet each Wednesday evening for seniors who are quilters or want to be. The Willett serves the medical needs of the Paris community. The Paris Museum and Historical Society stores exhibits and archives and holds events to encourage community interaction.
Collingwood
Simcoe County's town of Collingwood lies on the southern shore of Nottawasaga Bay at the southern tip of Georgian Bay, 104 km north of Toronto, in southern Ontario. It is well-known for being part of the Niagara Escarpment, a steep rock formation whose Ontario portion is 725 km long. Hiking, viewing the spectacular waterfalls, and communing with nature are popular pastimes here. Collingwood's low CSI of 33.87, in addition to its raw, natural beauty, has attracted senior citizens to move here.
The Georgian Trail runs 34 km from Collingwood to Meaford along Georgian Bay and is ideal for hiking and biking. Collingwood General and Marine Hospital is a well-respected medical center serving the community. The Downtown Collingwood Farmers Market runs every Saturday from Victoria Day through Thanksgiving, and is a place where residents and visitors can buy fresh produce and goods while catching up with each other. The Collingwood Leisure Time Club senior center is another gathering place for seniors, holding a variety of programs for anyone age 50 and over.
Innisfil
Sitting along Lake Simcoe's western shore in Simcoe County, the town of Innisfil, also known as South Simcoe, is five minutes from the city of Barrie and an hour and a half north of Toronto. Many people retire to Innisfil because of its proximity to Barrie's larger city amenities, but the town itself has much to offer its residents. One of Innisfil's advantages is a low CSI of 33.90.
Barrie's proximity makes it easy to reach the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, the nearest medical center. With 32,000 square feet, Roadshow Antiques Mall is open daily and draws thousands of visitors each year from Innisfil and the surrounding areas. Those who prefer outdoor recreation can soak up the sun at Innisfil Beach Park, where swimming and boating are popular activities. Gateway Casinos Innisfil features slots, table games, food, drink, and entertainment. Innisfil's Mobile Seniors Active Living Centre is a mobile senior center that stations itself at various locations throughout town during the week.
Port Perry
Part of Ontario's Durham region, the town of Port Perry sits on the southern shores of Lake Scugog. It is about 25 km from the larger city of Oshawa and 86 km from Ontario's capital, Toronto. Port Perry's small-town atmosphere, neighborliness, and rich history, along with its low CSI of 47.11, draw seniors to move here.
The Port Perry Waterfront Trail System is 5 km long and runs along the shores of Lake Scugog. It is a great place to walk and enjoy views of the lake. The Port Perry Fair is held every September and celebrates the town's agricultural history. The fair includes tractor displays, horse competitions, and live music. The Port Perry Seniors Club holds yoga, exercise, woodcarving, and other classes for interested seniors. Port Perry's Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel has a variety of slot and table games as well as restaurants and accommodations for guests who may be visiting Port Perry, or residents. The town has its own hospital, Port Perry Hospital, to serve the community's medical needs.
Safe and Protected in Ontario
Seniors who move to these Ontario towns can feel secure that they will be safe, protected, and occupied. Towns such as Innisfil, which border larger cities, might be just what retirees are looking for, as they can enjoy small-town amenities while relishing big-city advantages. Others might prefer out-of-the-way towns like Collingwood, where they can bask in the peacefulness and appreciate the natural scenery around them. Whichever of these seven towns a senior citizen chooses in which to live, they can be sure that they will be safe and secure in Ontario.
