Living In LaSalle: A Community Guide

Community Overview With town-owned Carolinian Forests, tall grass prairies, and wetlands, LaSalle brings breathtaking nature close to home. LaSalle is located in the northwest part of Canada and borders the Detroit River.  The town’s location offers convenient access to major employment centres in Southern Ontario, Southeastern Michigan, and Northern Ohio making it a prized community for those who are open to commuting.  LaSalle has a population of about 30,200 which makes it one of the larger communities in Essex County. Given its safe residential communities, helpful amenities, and flourishing business district, LaSalle prides itself on offering a high quality of living for all its residents.    Housing Options and Neighborhoods LaSalle is one of largest bedroom communities in Essex County because of its proximity to Windsor, its affordability, and abundant options for new construction. The town has also become one of the most popular places to build in the region.  Many people choose to live in the growing suburban neighborhoods and townhome communities that are conveniently placed next to the town’s amenities. In addition to suburban housing options, LaSalle offers several quaint villages and hamlets, such as Delisle's Corners, Heritage Estates, Lukerville, Oliver, and River Canard.   City Gems LaSalle is the perfect place to live for those who love being outdoors since it has 30 parks totaling over 25 kilometres of multi-use trails and  several marinas to launch boats into the Detroit River. With shopping and recreation centres, LaSalle also has plenty to do for those who enjoy indoor activities. There is so much to do in LaSelle, but here a few favorites locals enjoy.    Strawberry Fest The annual Strawberry Festival is one of LaSalle's biggest events. Taking place in the first week of June, the festival features a carnival, vendors, and fireworks over the Detroit River. Best of all, the festival offers locally grown, tasty strawberries and strawberry products. The Strawberry Festival is definitely the local favorite that provides family-friendly fun for everyone. Click here to learn more about the annual Strawberry Festival.    Craft Beer Festival In October, the town celebrates local craft beer, cuisine, and entertainment at the LaSalle Craft Beer Festival. The festival is another local favorite that features a variety of draft beers ranging from popular brands to smaller microbreweries. Typically held outdoors at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex, the LaSalle Craft Beer Festival gives residents another opportunity to get out and have fun during Thanksgiving weekend.  Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex This multi-use recreation facility is a hub for family fun and activities. The Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex includes 2 NHL-sized ice pads, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and running trails. It also provides residents with a gym, Olympic-sized pool, skatepark, outdoor amphitheatre, and plenty of parking. The complex is home to many large events throughout the year including the Strawberry Festival and the Terry Fox Run. It is also used for smaller events such as bridal showers, banquets, and art shows. The complex has proven to be a prized asset to the community. Click here to learn more about the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex.   Windsor Crossing Premium Outlet The Windsor Crossing Premium Outlet is perfect for those who love shopping. It offers several well-known brands including Banana Republic, Columbia, Guess, and Levi as well as several eateries to indulge. The outlet mall is conveniently placed along the border of Windsor and LaSalle, so residents from both communities can conveniently access it. Click here to view all the stores Windsor Crossing Premium Outlet offers.   Schools Since LaSelle is one of the larger towns in Essex County, it offers several schooling options for its residents. Parents may choose between four different school boards for their children’s education with public and private, faith-based options.   School boards available to LaSalle:   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)   For students seeking local postsecondary education, St. Clair College and the University of Windsor are within a 15-minute drive from LaSalle.   Business In addition to the 250+ businesses that are located in LaSalle, residents also have access to businesses and industries located in neighboring regions. LaSalle’s proximity to Windsor and the United States makes for a short commute for those living in the town. Manufacturing and agricultural industries are among the biggest employers of LaSelle residents. The Town Council has a long history of making strategic investments in municipal infrastructure, community services, financial institutions, land, and natural heritage planning which has allowed LaSelle to grow and to remain a favorite choice for relocation. Real Estate Thinking about buying in LaSalle? Contact Kris Ramotar at 519.259.9310 to learn more about the LaSalle community and to find a property that fits your needs!    

Living in Windsor: A Community Guide

Community Overview The city of Windsor is located on the southern shore of the Detroit River, sitting between the gorgeous Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. Windsor’s proximity to the lakes creates a beautiful climate with milder winters compared to the rest of Canada. As the third-largest city in Southwestern Ontario, Windsor has a population of about 217,200 residents.  Residents living in Windsor have convenient access to major city amenities while enjoying a mid-sized city feel. Since Windsor is the largest city in Windsor Essex County, it offers public transit, two hospitals, entertainment venues, shopping centers, restaurants, universities, and an airport. Despite its urban landscape, Windsor has an abundance of greenspace interspersed throughout the city.  Windsor’s close proximity to Detroit, Michigan provides residents with a larger set of amenities. Under normal circumstances, Windsor residents often visit Detroit’s shopping malls and restaurants. Sports fans often journey over to Detroit to watch the Detroit Lions (football), Detroit Pistons (basketball), Detroit Tigers (baseball), or the Detroit Redwings (hockey) play live. Though Windsor has an airport, residents may choose to fly out of one of Detroit's major airports for U.S. or other international travel.  In addition to its local offerings and access to international amenities, Windsor is known for its safety, affordability, and cultural diversity, which is why many people choose to call Windsor home.    Housing Options and Neighborhoods Despite it being a major source of jobs, providing an array of amenities, and offering a high quality of living, Windsor is extremely affordable compared to other housing markets in Canada. Windsor is known for its variety of housing options in addition to its affordability.    Windsor offers traditional style homes, Tudor architectural style homes, and several heritage properties. Buyers also have a choice of new construction homes as well as contemporary condominiums.   The city is home to many new and historic neighbourhoods with their own community flair. Some of the larger neighborhoods include Downtown Windsor, Riverside, Forest Glade, Walkerville, South Walkerville, West Windsor, and South Windsor.    City Gems As the region’s urban centre, the city of Windsor has so much to do for locals and tourists. Entertainment ranges from placing bets at Caesars Windsor Casino to enjoying lakeside greenery at Windsor Riverfront. As for dining options, Windsor’s diverse population makes for incredible restaurants! The city is known for its Italian, Greek, and Indian cuisine! Those who like to indulge in the arts are captivated by Windsor’s thriving art scene which converges on the Art Gallery of Ontario. There are several events and attractions to attend as a resident of Windsor, but here are a few city favorites.    The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor The Colosseum is a performance venue housed inside the Caesars Windsor Casino and Hotel that sees many famous concerts and comedy acts throughout the year. Musical performances range from rock artists like Styx and Steve Miller band to pop artists such as Jason Derulo and Ke$ha. The Colosseum even hosts concerts for the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. Though kids are not allowed in the casino, they are allowed to attend family-friendly performances in the Colosseum!   Parks and Recreation With 204 public parks, Windsor's Department of Parks and Recreation maintains over 2,500 acres of greenspace and 64 km of multi-use trails. The parks include nature conservancies such as the Ojibway Nature Centre that offer views of wildlife and recreational parks like Mic Mac Park that offer spaces for baseball, soccer, biking, and sledding. Windsor also has several waterfront parks including Sandpoint Beach, an urban beach located on Lake St. Clair across from Peche Island.   Windsor has many aquatic centres with lap pool and water park options. The Windsor International Aquatic & Training Centre is a 71m x 25m, 10-lane pool that can be adjusted into several configurations. It hosts programming year round including children’s swimming lessons and adult fitness classes. The Adventure Bay Family Water Park offers family fun in the summer months with attractions like water slides, a wave pool, a splash pad, and a lazy river.   Festivals Under normal circumstances, residents of Windsor enjoy several community fairs festivals throughout the year. Most are family friendly, and with the range of options, there is a festival for everyone to enjoy.    Below is an interactive list of community festivals held in Kingsville. Click the links for more details about the events:   Rib Fest Craft Beer Festival Summer Fest Bluesfest Windsor Carrousel of Nations Whiskeytown Festival   Devonshire Mall Those who enjoy shopping sprees can frequent Devonshire Mall. With over 150 stores and eateries, the mall has a little something for everyone! Devonshire mall is anchored by popular stores including Old Navy, Hudson’s Bay, H&M, and Indigo. It also houses a Cineplex Entertainment theatre that shows popular movies throughout the year.    Schools Parents may choose between four different school boards for their children’s education with public and private, faith-based options.    School boards available to Windsor:   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)   For students seeking local postsecondary education, Windsor is home to several major research facilities and institutes of higher education including the University of Windsor and St. Clair College. The University of Western Ontario partnered with the University to form a full-program satellite medical school -- The Schulich School Of Medicine and Dentistry, Windsor Campus.    Business Windsor's economy is primarily based on manufacturing, tourism, education, and government services. These industries as well as several others create a plethora of job opportunities for residents in Windsor and surrounding communities. In addition to the local employers, Windsor residents also have the option of finding work in Detroit.    Known as the “Automotive Capital of Canada,” Windsor is home to several automotive plants. These plants are among the largest employers in the manufacturing sector with the FCA Canada, Ford Motor Company, and several tool and die and automotive manufacturers being the most prominent. Detroit is also a manufacturing hub that offers employment opportunities that are open to Windsor residents.    Being the main city in the region, Windsor offers a lot of employment options in the tourism industry and complementary sectors. Caesars Windsor, one of the largest casinos in Canada, is one of the biggest local employers in the city.    Windsor is also home to companies involved in pharmaceuticals, alternative energy, insurance, internet, and software, which contribute to the city’s economy and job market. Windsor's two hospitals,  Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and Windsor Regional Hospital, provide work options for those in medical professions.    Given the abundant job opportunities in Windsor, there is no question why it is the destination of most commutes in Windsor Essex County.    Windsor Real Estate Thinking about buying in Windsor? Contact Kris Ramotar at 519.259.9310 to learn more about the Windsor community and to find a property that fits your needs!    

Living in Leamington: A Community Guide

Community Overview Leamington is a flourishing town in Essex County that lies along the coast of Lake Erie. Known for having the longest growing season in the country, Leamington enjoys long, warm summers, mild winters and the seasons between them.  Given its ideal climate and fertile soil, Leamington has a thriving agricultural industry and is home to the largest concentration of Greenhouses (over 700) in the continent. This multi-million dollar industry combined with the manufacturing sector provides employment opportunities for many residents.   The community has a modest population of over 27,000 people, but it offers a robust set of amenities that larger cities are known to have. Leamington offers an excellent school system, a community hospital, first-class recreational facilities, sandy beaches, vibrant parks, as well as police and fire services.   Despite the great weather, lakefront access, and abundant amenities, Leamington offers cozy neighbourhoods and housing options at extremely affordable prices!   Housing Options and Neighborhoods Leamington has become a prized location for home buyers in Ontario because of its affordability and variety of housing options. This community has a large selection of properties including ranchers, modern bungalows, and executive estates. Leamington real estate also offers cabins and cottages with several lakefront options.   Over the past few years, Leamington has experienced high growth in new home construction. This is due to the many families and retirees who have taken a liking to the ideal climate and abundant amenities Leamington has to offer.    City Gems With long summers and mild winters, Leamington’s weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Residents may enjoy public beaches, marinas, golf courses, hiking trails, and recreation centres year round. Leamington also values arts and culture, so there are several venues for locals to experience live music and visual artistry. Foodies are also eager to call Leamington home because the town’s thriving agricultural industry, combined with its mosaic of ethnicities, creates a rich environment for restaurants and other eateries to thrive. There is a lot to do in Leamington, but here a few favorites locals enjoy.    Point Pelee National Park At Point Pelee National Park, residents can experience the wonders of nature during each season of the year. In the spring, bird watchers eagerly await as flocks of migratory birds return to the region. Many families visit the park during the fall to watch the migration of Monarch butterflies. In the winter, visitors can walk the trails to and find natural ice formations along the many streams and bodies of water. And of course, the summer brings along guests to sunbathe on the sandy beaches. The park is also a great location for several outdoor activities including cycling, paddling, or hiking. Leamington Municipal Marina The town’s access to Lake Eerie makes for an excellent marina experience. Leamington Municipal Marina is known for its fantastic facilities, amazing customer service, breath-taking flower gardens, and waterfront park. The marina also offers a boat launch, shore power, a full service fuel station, wi-fi, showers, laundry, and concessions. Because it is a deep harbour marina, it is a great access point for fishing and boating opportunities on the lake. Leamington Municipal Marina is a favorite among locals and transient boaters!   Leamington Arts Centre Leamington has a vibrant arts and culture scene that is influenced by many nationalities and ethnicities in the area. The Leamington Arts Centre (LAC) is located in a prized heritage building in the beautiful uptown Leamington. The LAC is a fully accessible facility offering three floors of galleries, multi-purpose meeting rooms, and education studio space. The Centre is a central meeting place for artists not just in Leamington, but in all of Essex County. Leamington Arts Centre offers several artist markets, educational art programs, and over 40 exhibitions each year. The LAC has been a strong pillar in the development of Leamington’s art community.   Seacliff Park Waterfront Amphitheatre Leamington is positioning itself as the desired spot for live, outdoor music and entertainment. The new Seacliff Park Waterfront Amphitheatre is the only grassed beachfront amphitheatre in Southwestern Ontario. Under normal conditions, the amphitheatre offers year round programming which includes concerts, local music nights, comedy acts, and outdoor movies. The amphitheatre has seen acts from Randy Houser, Cheap Trick, The Sheepdogs, and even the Windsor Symphony Orchestra! The Seacliff Park Waterfront Amphitheatre has become an amazing venue for the musical soul of Leamington.    Schools Residents in Leamington have access to many different schooling options for their children. Three high schools, as well as both public and Catholic elementary schools are all nearby. Residents also have access to French language schooling in the area. Parents may choose between four different school boards for their children’s education   School boards available to Leamington:   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 Leamington has grown from a small agricultural town to a modern urban centre with an economy comprising several sectors. The town’s biggest industries include agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and health care -- each offering many opportunities for employment.  Over the years, Leamington has gained the nickname, "Tomato Capital of Canada'' because of its ability to grow a robust variety of agricultural crops all year. The main crops include tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and cannabis. Major employers in Leamington include Highbury Canco, Aphria, FortDearborn, Highline Mushrooms, Elring-Klinger, South Essex Fabricating, MGS Horticultural, Nature Fresh Farms, Hub International, Lakeside Produce, AMCO Farms and many more large agricultural producers.   Leamington is also home to a large and innovative manufacturing industry. This sector supports actually the other industries in Leamington’s economy which is why the town’s commercial facilities have seen improvements in quality, efficiency, and safety. Major manufacturing employers include UniFab, ElringKlinger Canada Inc, Highbury Canco Corporation, Caxton Mark Inc, Bartel Machine & Welding, MC3 Manufacturing Inc, Lake Erie Concrete Supply, Wiebe's Welding Inc, and South Essex Fabricating.   Unlike many other towns in Essex County, Leamington houses a cluster of medical and healthcare facilities with Leamington District Memorial Hospital being at the center. The hospital serves over 75,000 residents in South Essex and nearby municipalities. The hospital and other healthcare facilities provide residents with the following services: 24 hour Emergency Care, Pharmacy, Surgery, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Rehabilitation, Palliative Care, Intensive Care, Hospice Care, Diagnostic Services, and family doctors. The abundance of medical facilities provide a large variety of employment opportunities for Leamington residents.   Real Estate Thinking about buying in Leamington? Contact Kris Ramotar at 519.259.9310 to learn more about the Leamington community and to find a property that fits your needs!    

Living in Kingsville: A Community Guide

Community Overview Kingsville is a community in Essex County located along the north shore of Lake Erie. As the most southern town in Canada, Kingsville enjoys the warmest climate of any city in Ontario -- which is why agriculture is the community’s primary industry. With a population of just over 21,000 people, Kingsville is a smaller town that prides itself on its safety; heritage; and most important, its dedication to investing in the future. Kingsville also looks to its picturesque farmland, waterfront views, and thriving downtown area as major benefits of living in the community. Kingsville is a 40 minute drive to Windsor which means residents can live a quiet life in a smaller community while having the ability to access the big city for work and leisure.    Housing Options and Neighborhoods Like many towns in Essex County, Kingsville’s housing costs are among the most affordable in all of Canada. This allows those moving to Kingsville to get the most value for their money when they find their dream home.    Whether it is waterfront housing in Cedar Beach or acreage properties, Kingsville offers different housing options to fit a variety of lifestyles. Kingsville also offers suburban living in Queens Valley and Timbercreek Estates.   City Gems Kingsville offers a robust selection of things to do for all ages. The town’s geography allows for an abundance of outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking, biking, and boating. Kingsville offers more niche outdoor activities too, like bird watching -- made possible by the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary. There are also opportunities for indoor activities centered around arts and culture as well as wine tasting! There is so much to do in Kingsville, but here a few favorites locals enjoy.    Fairs and Festivals Under normal circumstances, residents of Kingsville enjoy several community fairs festivals throughout the year. Most are family friendly, and with the range of options, there is a festival for everyone to enjoy. Below is an interactive list of community festivals held in Kingsville. Click the links for more details about the events:   Folk Festival Apple Festival Migration Festival Fantasy of Lights Festival Kingsville Highland Games Tall Ships Festival Kingsville Canada Day Rotary Club of Cottam Fall Fair and Horse Show Culture Days Kingsville Folk Music Festival   Cedar Beach During the summer, Cedar Beach is a popular sandy spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Located at the intersection of Lake Erie and the mouth of Cedar Creek, Cedar Beach is a favorite destination for fishermen. In addition to Cedar Beach, locals can access the Cedar Creek Conservation Area to capture amazing views of wetlands, forests, and wildlife from canoes and kayaks.    Pelee Island Winery As part of Ontario’s wine region, Kingsville offers fantastic culinary experiences with a wide array of wine choices. Kingsville is home to four wineries including the largest winery in Canada -- Pelee Island Winery. A town favorite, Pelee Island Winery produces a variety of award winning wines from their local vineyards. The winery offers waterfront views, amazing hospitality, and chef-designed dishes that use fresh ingredients that are sourced from Essex County.    Carnegie Arts & Visitor Centre  Kingsville has a tapestry of culture that inspires artists and art lovers alike. The Carnegie Arts & Visitor Centre provides art galleries, studios, and societies to those who indulge in the arts. Locals can discover paintings, art objects, sculptures, drawings, watercolours, and photographs all created by Kingsville artists. The art galleries also host artistic activities such as music concerts and performing arts demonstrations.   Migration Hall The Migration Hall has earned a reputation as one of the top destinations for music and culture in Essex County. Under normal circumstances, visitors and locals can enjoy musical performances and theatrical productions throughout the year. The Migration Hall has hosted some notable performances including The Red Green Show; Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Café Live; Comedy Night with Eric O'Shea; The Nylons; Tommy Hunter; The Irish Rovers; Michelle Wright; and Terri Clark.    Schools Parents may choose between four different school boards for their children’s education with public and private, faith-based options.    School boards available to Kingsville:   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 Kingsville offers a unique ecosystem of businesses comprising a bustling downtown surrounded by a traditional agriculture industry, a cottage industry, and a rapidly growing greenhouse industry. Kingsville is also attracting the attention of manufacturing enterprises and tourism development because it has access to international border connections and Highway 401. Location and affordability are big factors in the growth of Kingsville’s business district, but an even larger contributor to the town’s economic growth is its focus on economic development strategies that prioritize business development and retention.   Real Estate Thinking about buying in Kingsville? Contact Kris Ramotar at 519.259.9310 to learn more about the Kingsville community and to find a property that fits your needs!