Living in Lakeshore Ontario: A Community Guide

Community Overview

 Situated along Lake St. Clair in southern Ontario, is the affordable lakefront community of Lakeshore. With access to over 35 km of waterfront and low population density, Lakeshore is a desirable, small town in Essex County to raise a family or retire. 

 Lakeshore is home to over 38,000 residents, and is a fast-growing area with highly educated families who have often relocated for an affordable yet extraordinary quality of life. 

 Being only 30 minutes away from the city of Windsor and the US border, Lakeshore is a popular choice for families seeking quiet living with quick access to the city for work. 

 Families also choose Lakeshore because it is a safe place to live. Lakeshore is ranked among the top 10 safest communities in Ontario.

Housing Options and Neighborhoods

 With low taxes and an amazing quality of living, Lakeshore’s market is becoming increasingly popular. Residents can get amazing homes for a fraction of what it would cost in other parts of Ontario. 

 Lakeshore offers a dynamic range of housing options. The Belle River and Lighthouse Cove communities both offer waterfront housing while Woodslee and Comber communities provide more rural options. More upscale homes can be found in the Russell Woods community. 

City Gems

 Lakeshore’s warmer climate and access to Lake St. Clair allows for an abundance of recreational opportunities year round. Residents can enjoy outdoor fun at Lakeshore’s beaches, parks, trails, conservation areas, and marinas. 

 There are also several venues for sports and activities including tennis, swimming, fishing, boating, ice skating, soccer, and much more! Those who aren’t fans of outdoor activities can enjoy a spread of lakeside restaurants, inland wineries, and various themed fairs and festivals. There is so much to do in Lakeshore, but here are a few town favorites.

 Atlas Tube Centre

This multi-use recreation facility is a hub for family fun and activities. The Atlas Tube Centre is outfitted with three NHL sized ice pads, a gymnasium, an indoor walking track, and a dance studio. The Centre also holds a full aquatic centre comprising a lap pool, lazy river, therapeutic pool, and wading pools. Outside, there are multi-use courts, tennis courts, 20 soccer fields, a 5 km trail, and a splash pad. 

 The Atlas Tube Centre has become a popular meeting place for locals. Many families use the facility’s banquet room and multipurpose rooms for birthday parties and other events. Those seeking a place to study or conduct meetings often use the Centre’s community library or boardroom space. The Atlas Tube Centre was a fantastic investment and has proven to be a prized asset to the community. 

 Wagner Orchards & Estate Winery

Locals love visiting Wagner Orchards & Estate Winery for fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and wines. The orchard grows all of its products using environmentally-sound processes without the hormones, antibiotics, and insecticides. In addition to selling fresh produce, the orchard offers a farm-style bakery providing families with homemade pies, strudels, and other desserts. Wagner Orchards & Estate Winery is the spot to indulge wine, sweets, and seasonal meats!

 Belle River Marina

This deep water marina provides 250 seasonal docks for locals and American visitors. Belle River Marina includes fuel stations, gated docks, a pavilion, a concrete, double access boat ramp, and 24-hour security services. The Lakeside Kettle Bar and Grill is a popular spot for family meals at the Marina, and there are shops for desserts, beer, and ice cream!

 County Trails

Lakeshore is linked together by over 60 km of safe, well-kept trails for running, hiking, cycling, and nature observation. This network includes the Comber Trail, the Earthwalk Trail, and trails in the County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS). The robust combination of roadside and off-road trails, nature trails, and closed railway corridors offers connectivity within the community, as they link neighbourhoods to parks, schools, and other facilities. 

 Schools

Parents may choose between four different school boards for their children’s education with public and private, faith-based options. There are also options for French preferences as Lakeshore has a significant French-speaking community.

 School boards available to Lakeshore

• Greater Essex County District School Board (Public)
• Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board (Catholic)
• Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence (Catholic French)
• Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (Public French)

Business

Lakeshore's economy is largely driven by agriculture and manufacturing industries. Given its proximity to Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Lakeshore has many employment opportunities in automobile-related plants and shops. As previously mentioned, many residents take advantage of the short distance between Lakeshore and Windsor. Over 50 percent of Lakeshore’s workforce is employed in Windsor. 

 The town welcomes small businesses with available land, a thriving business park, and a friendly agricultural community. As part of its Community Improvement plan, Belle River is offering incentives and opportunities such as grants and fee exemptions for small business owners. 

 Real Estate

Thinking about buying in Lakeshore? Contact Kris Ramotar at 519.259.9310 to learn more about the Lakeshore community and to find a property that fits your needs!