If you want to escape from the rat race and yearn for a slower pace of life, or are thinking about a retirement home, this page is for you. The Bruce Peninsula is Ontario's best kept secret.
For those of you who are not familiar with our area, we should explain the Grey County/Bruce County connection. Most people know where the Bruce Peninsula is geographically, but are perhaps not quite sure about Grey County. Our area straddles both Bruce and Grey Counties. For instance, the airport is situated partly in Bruce and partly in Grey. Similarly whereas the actual Peninsula is in Bruce County there are fantastic homes on Colpoys Bay and Georgian Bay, which are situated in Grey County.
On the Georgian Bay side we have the rugged beauty of the Niagara Escarpment and on the Lake Huron side, miles of golden sandy beaches. The Peninsula has been designated by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in recognition as one of the world's great natural treasures.
In addition to the Niagara Escarpment, we have the Fathom Five National Marine Park, Bruce Peninsula National Park, great hiking trails, great boating, relaxing golfing, fantastic fishing and leisurely touring opportunities - something for everyone's taste!
For summer activities, we have clean air, excellent sailing, good fishing, many golf courses (both private and pay as you play) hiking, canoeing, and kayaking, to name a few. In the winter we have cross-country skiing, snowmobile trails, ice fishing and the beauty of the outdoors. If you are looking for natural animal and plant wild life, the Peninsula is the place for you. For Cultural activities there is an art gallery, live theatre and an annual series of orchestral concerts, in nearby Owen Sound.
On the financial side the Peninsula has very competitive housing prices and a very good range of property options ranging from cottages to permanent homes to hobby farms, and building lots with various location options. There are many experienced local contractors who are well versed in clearing lots, building new homes or renovating existing properties. If you are a do-it-yourselfer there are numerous lumber and hardware stores to help you.
You will find that most places have good food and general stores to suppy most of your needs. The merchants actually care about your custom. For the big box stores, some have branches in nearby Owen Sound.
We should not forget to mention that Wiarton has a great airport with its 5021ft. runway, VORTAC and NDB to guide you. We are continually improving the facilities and you will receive a warm welcome, competitive tie down rates and gas prices. At present we do not have an AME but one is available at Owen Sound, approx. 10 minutes flying time. We are about one hour's flying time from the major population centers in Southern Ontario and slightly longer for our neighbors in the U.S.A. Just think of it - why battle the road traffic for hours, when you can arrive at your destination relaxed after a pleasant flight?!
We have an enthusiastic FOTA/COPA (Friends of the Airport/Canadian Owners and Pilots Association)group composed of pilots and airport supporters. Many of us are retired refugees from the city and come from diverse backgrounds, including medical. marketing, business nd engineering. Our volunteer group works with the Airport Commission to improve the airport. If you decide to come and live on the Peninsula we will welcome your participation.
Having whetted your appetite, let us make two suggestions:
- If you are flying in, rent a car and browse, get the feel of the various areas.
- Once you have narrowed your choice, contact one of our local real estate people. This is a good plan because if you are not familiar with the area, you can waste a lot of time and money finding that ideal place; the local real estate people know the area and can advise and guide you in the many details which are not apparent on visual inspection.
