Downsizing in Sault Ste. Marie

Overview of downsizing in Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie is one of four cities we feature in Northern Ontario. The City describes itself as an international port of entry to the United States on the St. Marys River. Consider whether you will cross the border regularly: check current document and health-insurance requirements before you rely on it.

Messages on this site go to agents on the operating team at eXp Realty. We quote no prices.

Condos and smaller homes in Sault Ste. Marie for downsizers

Smaller-home choices here include condominium units, townhouses and bungalows. We name no building or subdivision because none has been verified against a primary source for this page. For condominiums, request the status certificate and reserve fund study; our condo buying guide explains both. To compare formats, read condo, townhouse or house, and see seller disclosure in Ontario if you are selling first.

Getting around Sault Ste. Marie in winter

The City publishes transit routes and schedules on its transit page. Test your regular trips on it before choosing an address. The City's John Rowswell Hub Trail is a 25 km non-motorized network linking the waterfront walkway, Bellevue Park, Algoma University, Sault College, the hospital and Fort Creek Conservation Area, which is useful if you want to walk or cycle to appointments in the warmer months. For highway trips in winter, check Ontario 511 for conditions and closures first. See getting around Ontario after 65.

Hospitals and specialist care in Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Area Hospital, at 750 Great Northern Road, serves the Algoma district. Its site names the Algoma District Cancer Program, Algoma Geriatric Services, the Algoma Regional Renal Program, cardiac care, a stroke program, women and children's health, surgical services and rehabilitation. Which of those you can use locally depends on your referral, so ask your care team.

The Hub Trail runs past the hospital, according to the City. If you live farther out and travel 100 kilometres or more one way to a specialist, the Northern Health Travel Grant may help with travel and lodging.

Everyday life: waterfront and parks

Beyond the Hub Trail, the City names a waterfront walkway, Bellevue Park and Fort Creek Conservation Area on its trail page. We have not verified other parks or shopping, so visit the area you are considering before you decide.

Conservation authority permits and flood risk

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority regulates work near water under Ontario Regulation 41/24, which took effect April 1, 2024. On its permits page it says that only its staff can confirm whether a property is regulated, and to call (705) 946-8530 or email to arrange it. Do this before an offer, and read flood and storm insurance when downsizing.

For wildfire, the province says to call or text 310-FIRE (3473) in the northeast, and publishes a live fire map.

Senior property tax deferral and land transfer tax

Under By-law 2001-58, low-income seniors and low-income disabled persons may apply for a partial deferral of property tax; the City's financial assistance page sets out the rules. You pay the first $50 of any tax increase and the balance of the increase is deferred, with no interest on the deferred amount. The deferral becomes a lien on the property, due when it is transferred, sold or bequeathed, and you must apply every year. Eligibility turns on receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors, so call the Tax Office at 705-759-5290 to confirm.

Sellers pay no land transfer tax in Ontario. See the land transfer tax guide, the costs and money page and the net proceeds calculator.

Provincial money and support for seniors in Sault Ste. Marie

The City deferral above is local. Provincial support is separate, and it is worth knowing what applies before you sell. Several provincial programs apply wherever you live in Ontario. The Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant is the lesser of $500 and the property tax you paid, for owners aged 64 or older at the end of the tax year, and it is reduced as income rises. The Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit covers 25 per cent of up to $6,000 of medical expenses, to a maximum of $1,500, for people 70 or older, again reduced as family income rises. Both are claimed on your tax return, so ask your accountant whether they fit your income. The costs and money page and the resources page list more, including 211 Ontario for finding community services.

Questions to ask before you buy in Sault Ste. Marie

• Which of your specialists work out of Sault Area Hospital?
• Is the property inside a regulated area, as confirmed by conservation authority staff?
• How would you reach appointments and groceries in January?
• Who clears snow, and is it in the condominium fee?
• What does the reserve fund study say?
• Does your insurer cover sewer backup and overland flooding here?

When you are ready, contact us.