Many people like you have made the decision to leave the “rat race” behind but not their career. Like you, they yearn to go back to a time when life was simpler – when commutes involved walking, and houses were affordable.
Now is the time to make the move to the “Work From Home Capital of Canada”, a 5G community that is located just two hours from the Greater Toronto – Owen Sound. Within the city, you’ll find everything that you’re looking for.
With a current population of 22,000 people, the scenic city has everything that residents need to live a life filled with adventure and relaxation. Plus, there’s minimal congestion – need we say more?
Sitting below the Niagara Escarpment at the base of the Bruce Peninsula, Owen Sound is filled with breathtaking parks, winding rivers and lush forests. “There are so many outdoor activities to do in Owen Sound that I couldn’t do anywhere else,” says Ian Boddy, mayor of Owen Sound and returning resident.
Boddy grew up in Owen Sound but left to spend some time living in Edmonton and London, Ontario. “I started to come home every summer, realized just how much I loved it here and then decided I wanted to move back.”
In addition to the city’s abundance of outdoor offerings, the downtown core, known as a “red-brick” downtown is lined with boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and event venues. Those seeking a new urban community with all the features of a large city, minus the overwhelming hustle and bustle, should visit Owen Sound.
“You’ll remove stress from your life and reduce commuting time as it is easy to travel throughout the city,” says Boddy. “It’s the ideal place to work from home or operate a small business because the natural environment is pristine and living here is affordable.”
For those who still require some convincing, here are five reasons why the City of Owen Sound should be your next hometown.
It’s less expensive than other cities
In terms of real estate, your hard-earned money can go a lot further in Owen Sound compared to other cities in Ontario. Since Owen Sound is still considered a hidden gem, owning a home with a yard is affordable and within reach.
“You can sell a house in Toronto, Kitchener or London and profit enough to buy a beautiful brick home with a large backyard just walking distance from downtown Owen Sound,” says Boddy.
It’s easy to maintain a healthy work-life balance
Over the past year, many people have switched to working from home due to the pandemic. In Owen Sound, you can walk your kids to school or go to the grocery store for coffee creamer and be back to work in a flash.
“You can get to your place of work or required destination within ten minutes, which leaves you plenty of time to relax with your family or venture out to do some activities.”
Those who prefer to spend their spare time indoors can visit the local brewpub, the winery or the movie theatre. Sports fanatics can go see an Owen Sound Attack OHL hockey game at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
Outdoor activities are endless
From sailing, biking, hiking and fishing, to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and skating, residents never run out of ways to enjoy nature while staying active.
“In the spring and summer, Harrison Park is a great place to visit,” says Boddy. “You can hike the trails, see the flowers, use the public swimming pool and there’s also a campground.”
Other popular hiking trails in Owen Sound can be found along the Niagara Escarpment, which winds its way through the city and up the Bruce Peninsula.
But the outdoorsy city thrives in the winter as it receives an average of nine feet of snow every year, ideal for making snowmen and hitting the hills. The toboggan hill and outdoor skating rink at Harrison Park are perfect for families or first dates.
Winter warriors can enjoy the OFSC snowmobile trails that surround the Owen Sound area, snowshoe to picturesque waterfalls, or cross-country ski the local trails.
You can also be snowboarding or skiing at some of the province’s best ski resorts in less than an hour, avoiding the congested highways from the GTA.
The city is rich in arts and culture
“Owen Sound is home to a lot of creative people and it’s a real hub for artists,” says Boddy. “There is around eight or nine studios and maker spaces downtown where artists can create and sell their work.”
For those with a passion for viewing art, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery displays his work and his legacy, connecting visitors through historical artwork. Thomson was a highly respected Canadian artist, best known for his paintings of the wilderness and national landscape. He grew up near Owen Sound, on the shores of Georgian Bay.
The city also hosts the annual Summerfolk Music Festival, which showcases Canadian and international folk performers and local artisans.
There’s a strong sense of community
The community within the city is safe and filled with residents who care for each other in trying times.
In Owen Sound, knocking on your neighbour’s door to borrow an egg for your homemade cookies is considered a very welcomed distraction.
“I’ve never lived anywhere else where I can walk down the street and everyone smiles and says ‘Hello,’” says Boddy.
If you’re ready to find a healthy work-life balance that leaves you with ample time to discover the great outdoors with your loved ones, visit workfromhomecapitalofcanada.ca
