Canadians are craving a slower pace and fresher air. For many former urban dwellers, the easy, breezy countryside has never been more appealing.
According to recent data from Statistics Canada, thousands of Canadian residents are moving from metropolitan hubs to quieter, more tight-knit communities. The appeals of making such a move are obvious: a less stressful commute, more affordable housing, strong community ties, and that good old-fashioned sense of peace and quiet (which sounds pretty good right about now).
That’s where Innisfil, Ontario steps in. For those familiar with the town, which sits an hour north of Toronto, no explanation is needed. For those who aren’t yet acquainted, allow us to introduce you.
Innisfil Economic Development
Among highlights of the region are 258 km of trails, eight golf courses, and 47 km of picture-perfect Lake Simcoe shoreline. You’ll also find 399 acres of parks, seven marinas, enticing restaurants, and a progressive transit system. In particular, on the lifestyle front, Innisfil brings a perfect balance between urban and rural, providing less of a culture shock for the former city folk once all the boxes are unpacked.
Once predominantly rural, the town's location — between the rapidly densifying York Region and Barrie — means it's seen growing residential development and an infusion of more contemporary businesses. But even with this evolution, its small-town vibes hold strong.
Looking back, Innisfil emerged from the amalgamation of several smaller towns, each of which contributed distinctive attributes, including farms, antique shops, local businesses, and the Lake Simcoe beaches. From there, the charming historic downtown core of Innisfil added a commercial hub to the mix. This expansion offered an opportunity to fuse the town's small-town charm and rural roots with the economic advantages of scale — not to mention its strategic proximity to Toronto.
The resulting present-day town is a peaceful-yet-contemporary alternative to traditional suburban living that has become a coveted place to call home. Details like pedestrian-friendly streets, community centres, and a public beach-side park add to this appeal.
All of this considered, it's not surprising that the town has caught the attention of some of Canada’s top developers. For example, Mattamy Homes’ and Parkbridge’s new Lakehaven community offers the chance to lay Innisfil roots – an opportunity centred on balance and a well-rounded lifestyle.
Nestled near a golf course, breezy beach, lush greenery, and pristine nature, Lakehaven offers detached homes and land lease townhomes. This community sits just minutes from Lake Simcoe’s scenic waterfront and trails, and within a short distance to schools, off-leash dog areas, parks, and restaurants. Naturally, Lakehaven is an appealing community for first-time buyers with growing families. It's also a great option for downsizers who desire a smaller living space without sacrificing their quality of life.
Now well into construction, with select homes currently available, this community has become celebrated for its role in addressing housing affordability. Within the Lakehaven community, prospective homebuyers can tap into a unique housing option, which allows people to own a home without buying the land — known as a ‘land lease.’ Presented in collaboration with Parkbridge, a national housing award-winner and Canada’s leading developer and owner-operator of residential land lease communities, this option is designed to make homeownership more attainable. Parkbridge has expertise unparallelled in Canada; their innovative approach effectively reduces the initial purchase cost, making homeownership more feasible for many.
Helping first-time buyers enter the competitive Ontario housing market, or for those seeking an accessible retirement option, land lease bungalow townhomes offer freedom and affordability. In fact, Lakehaven is the first mixed-ownership community in Ontario to include both standard freehold detached homes and land lease townhomes, serving a unique edge to potential buyers.
READ: Innisfil's New Low-Rise Community Brings The Best of Balanced Living
Within the Lakehaven community, townhomes range from 1,274 to 1,763 sq. ft. Thoughtfully designed for form and function, these towns include well-placed mud rooms, covered patios, and bedrooms strategically situated at opposite ends of the residences.
Lakehaven also offers an array of floor plans for detached homes, ensuring they can adapt to diverse family needs and lifestyle preferences. The freehold properties feature up to four beds, and can be as spacious as 3,420 sq. ft.
Mattamy Homes
For those eager to make Lakehaven their home as soon as possible, a Quick Move-In Home option is available. This choice invites buyers to look to the professionals for selected finishes, and they can anticipate moving into their new home in 2024 or early 2025.
For those seeking a more involved "design" role, the community's Architect's Choice option provides buyers with the opportunity to select from a wide range of features. Imagine: a stunning and personalized chef's kitchen, a useful pet-washing station, or a spa-like bathroom oasis.
With this option, a dedicated Design Consultant will guide buyers through the numerous interior home selections available in the community's Design Studio — everything from flooring and countertops to paint colours and fixtures — ensuring their new home reflects their individual style and taste.
Mattamy Homes
Like the surrounding Simcoe Region, life within Lakehaven promises community and a balanced lifestyle, with no shortage of greenery and pedestrian-friendly spaces. Undeniably, the location of the development is inevitably one of its biggest draws. Aside from its natural beauty, local attractions include must-visits like Friday Harbour Resort, Gateway Casinos Innisfil, and the Tanger outlets (perfect for weekend staycations and rainy days).
Innisfil's picturesque shorelines, fresh air, and nature trails provide a serene escape from the bustling city — but thanks to the area's excellent transportation, including bus routes, major thoroughfares, and access to GO stations, a Toronto restaurant, game, or concert is never far away.
In short, no matter what your daily routine looks like, Lakehaven is poised to set the perfect backdrop.
Bungalow townhomes starting from the low $500s. Detached homes starting from the high $800s. Find more information here.
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This article was produced in partnership with STOREYS Custom Studio.
