Downsizing in Kincardine, Ontario

What is it like to downsize in Kincardine?

Kincardine is one of three towns we cover in Grey, Bruce and Huron. The Municipality's own website lists beaches, parks, trails, a marina, libraries and museums plus a recreation area called R-Zone. Its municipal office is at 1475 Concession 5.

A town of this kind gives you a lakefront setting and a local hospital, with fewer shops and specialists nearby than a larger city. That trade-off is the main thing to weigh. Visit in winter before you commit.

Ontario Downsizing is an information resource, not a brokerage, written by real estate agents on the operating team at eXp Realty.

Bungalows, condos and land lease homes near Kincardine

Smaller homes in the area include condominium apartments, townhouses and bungalows. We do not name individual buildings or subdivisions, because we have not confirmed them. Ask your agent for current options, and for the condo corporation's documents if you are looking at a condo.

A land lease option exists further down the Lake Huron shore. Parkbridge's The Bluffs at Huron, in the Goderich area, describes itself as an adult community of homeowners, with bungalows, a private clubhouse and land lease ownership. We have not confirmed an age rule or fees, so ask the operator for the lease and fee schedule in writing. Our guide to life lease and land lease homes explains the differences from owning the land. See also condo, townhouse or house.

Getting around Kincardine

We did not find a municipal transit service on the Municipality's website, so plan on a car or on rides. The Municipality lists a recreation calendar and service request forms online. If you are leaving a home that depends on two cars, think about what one car, a taxi or a volunteer driver programme would mean day to day. Our guide to getting around Ontario after 65 covers the options. Do not assume drive times; map your own routes to the hospital, groceries and pharmacy.

Kincardine hospital and health care

South Bruce Grey Health Centre operates a site at 1199 Queen Street in Kincardine. The Municipality's health page names it as the Kincardine hospital. The health centre's other sites are in Chesley, Durham and Walkerton. Its website says the Kincardine site is being redeveloped, with new emergency department, diagnostic imaging and laboratory space planned.

Construction can change how services run, so call 519-396-3331 about current emergency department hours. The Municipality lists a Kincardine Family Health Team and a physician recruitment effort. Ask whether you can register with a family doctor or nurse practitioner before you move.

Beaches, parks, library and recreation in Kincardine

The Municipality lists beaches, parks, trails, a marina, libraries and museums plus pool and fitness programming through its recreation calendar. Check the Municipality's pages for hours and fees. Walk the specific street you are considering. Hills, steps and distances to shops mean more once you want fewer stairs.

Flood mapping and shoreline permits around Kincardine

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority covers the Saugeen, Penetangore and Pine River drainage areas and the Lake Huron shoreline next to them. It publishes maps and GIS tools and issues flood messages. A shoreline or river-valley lot may need a permit for building work. We do not state a zone for any street, so check the address you are considering.

Insurers price overland flood and sewer backup separately, and many policies exclude them unless you add coverage. Read flood and storm insurance when downsizing and get quotes before an offer.

Property tax relief and land transfer tax in Kincardine

The Municipality's taxes page describes a tax deferral programme for low-income seniors and disabled owners that is established by Bruce County. The page points to the County's by-law for eligibility and to an application form returned to the Municipal Administration Office. Read the by-law and confirm current rules with the office.

Provincial programmes are separate and are claimed through your tax return; see costs and money. Your buyer pays Ontario land transfer tax. You will pay it on your next purchase; see land transfer tax in Ontario and capital gains and selling your principal residence. The net proceeds calculator estimates what you keep.

Questions to ask before you buy in Kincardine

• What are the emergency department hours at the Kincardine site now, and during redevelopment?
• Is the lot inside a Saugeen Valley regulated area?
• Does the insurer cover overland flood and sewer backup, and at what cost?
• Is the property on municipal water and sewer or on a well and septic system?
• If it is a land lease home, what do the lease, fee schedule and resale rules say?
• Can you register with a family doctor or nurse practitioner nearby?
• How is the street plowed in winter?

When you are ready, contact us.