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Wallaceburg, Ontario: A Small Town with Big Appeal

posted on October 03, 2023 in retirement

Take a trip down South, to Southern Ontario that is!

Wallaceburg, Ontario may not currently be on your radar as a place to live or visit, but there are many reasons why it should be. Wallaceburg boasts a temperate climate, an affordable cost of living, as well as proximity to many attractions and larger cities. You can have your small-town dream without having to sacrifice big-city quality amenities and entertainment.

Slower Pace:
Wallaceburg is a largely rural town located in Chatham-Kent, with a population of around 10,000 people. The small population size and slower pace of living create a peaceful reprieve from big city life for residents and visitors alike.

However, it is located so that residents can take a short drive to larger cities like Windsor or Chatham. Wallaceburg is also only a short drive away from five Canadian/United States border crossings, including the Windsor/Detroit border. After a short 90-minute drive to Downtown Detroit, you can take in a Detroit Tigers game or indulge in some shopping. 

Don’t want to drive to a larger city? You don’t have to! Wallaceburg offers enough amenities, healthcare, and shopping options that you only must leave if you want to. It is the perfect mix of small-town appeal with modern amenities.

Attractions:
Wallaceburg’s rural location means that it is perfect for a wide array of outdoor activities. Located on the Sydenham River, summer in Wallaceburg means ample opportunities to walk the river paths, swim, boat, fish, cycle, and more. Winter activities include skating, hockey, and curling. 

If shopping is more up your alley, Wallaceburg has a bi-weekly, Saturday morning Farmers’ Market from the Spring through to the Fall. Thanks to the temperate climate and abundance of farmland, you can buy farm-fresh fruit, vegetables, and honey from local farmers. 

Want to learn more about the area? The Wallaceburg and District Museum is ready to be explored. You can see the World’s Largest Faucet, walk through the Sports Hall of Fame, or discover the intrigue of the Baldoon Mystery. 

Nearby Buxton is home to the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum, Ontario’s second-largest national historic site. Here you can learn about how former Black slaves escaped the slave trade and found freedom in Chatham-Kent. 

Point Pelee National Park is in Leamington, a one-hour drive from Wallaceburg. While there, you can stand on the Southernmost tip of mainland Canada, which is located even further South than Northern California! The park is located on many major migratory fly paths, which makes it a hotspot for birders from all over the world. There is also a Monarch Butterfly migration every August where thousands of Monarch butterflies can be seen as they make their journey to Mexico.

Low Cost of Living:
It’s no secret that the cost of living in Ontario has increased dramatically over the last few years. Thankfully, Wallaceburg is one of the few cities that has not been largely affected. The low cost of living means that residents enjoy a high quality of life.

Wallaceburg boasts affordable housing and rental prices. One-bedroom luxury apartments, such as those offered by Panoramic Properties, can be rented in Wallaceburg for as low as $1,299.00 a month at the current time of writing this article. This is a steal compared to the national average of $1,761.00, especially when you factor in that they include utilities, a parking spot, and on-site staff! This means you can spend less on where you live and more on enjoying yourself.

The proximity to all the farmland also means that fresh produce can be purchased for much cheaper than in other parts of Ontario. Supporting local never tasted so good.

Free Serious black man running on embankment Stock Photo

Ideal Retirement:
Community Living Wallaceburg is the town’s largest employer. This organization offers community support that is tailored to each person’s unique needs. This includes specialized services that allow you to retire in your own apartment while still receiving any help you may need.

Wallaceburg is served by the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and is one of the few smaller communities in Ontario that has a fully functioning hospital facility. There is an Emergency Room, surgical department, x-ray facility, laboratory, and several qualified doctors and surgeons on staff. So, whatever your health needs may be, you can rest assured that you will be well looked after.

Wallaceburg may currently be overlooked by tourists and home seekers, but their loss is your gain! This hidden gem means you get the most for your money without having to sacrifice entertainment. So, what are you waiting for? Make like a Monarch Butterfly and head South!