Downsizing to Canterbury Common in Port Perry

About Canterbury Common in Port Perry

The Canterbury Common Residents' Association website describes the community as an active adult lifestyle community of freehold, detached bungalows in Port Perry, on Lake Scugog. It says construction began in 1996 and that a total of 340 two-bedroom detached brick bungalows have been built on a 123 acre site, although many owners have added bedrooms. Those figures come from the association and a page last updated in 2022. Another section of the site says the community remains adult-focused to ensure quiet enjoyment, and it describes adult lifestyle communities in general terms. It does not give an age number in the pages we read.

Homes and layout

The association describes detached brick bungalows with full-height basements, main floor laundry rooms and garage access, on sensible lot sizes. Homes come up for sale individually on the resale market, so the choice is more like buying any bungalow than choosing from a builder's plans. Ask how old the roof, windows and mechanicals are. If you want to avoid stairs, ask how the basement fits your plans. Our guide to condo, townhouse or house explains how a freehold bungalow compares with other options.

Community Centre, pool and trails

The Community Centre overlooks the lake and, per the association, includes a card room, library, dance floor, fully equipped kitchen, banquet facilities, a large gas fireplace and a piano keyboard. There is an outdoor pool and deck, and the site lists golf leagues, shuffleboard, coffee hour, happy hour and volunteer committees. It also mentions a kilometre-long nature trail along the shoreline and a permanently protected forest preserve. Ask what is open in winter, who books the Centre and what private use costs.

The residents association, fees and rules

The association says Canterbury Common is not a condominium. Each owner owns and maintains the lot, and membership in the Residents' Association is automatic and not optional. The site describes an annual assessment and gives a figure; confirm the current amount, what it pays for and how it has changed. The site says the streets, sidewalks, water supply and sewer system are owned by the Township of Scugog, while the association pays for snow clearance on township sidewalks. It also describes Protective Restrictions registered on title. Have a lawyer read them, along with the association's financial statements, minutes and any planned special assessments. Our guide to life lease and land lease homes shows how a freehold arrangement like this differs from leased land.

Getting around Port Perry

The association says Port Perry is half an hour from Oshawa, three-quarters of an hour from Peterborough and one hour from Toronto and Orillia, and the community is within a short distance of main street shops. These are the association's own travel estimates, so check them against your own trips. We have not confirmed transit; check Durham Region and the Township of Scugog for what runs today.

Health care near Canterbury Common

We have not confirmed which hospital serves this address. Check the Township of Scugog and Durham Region websites and the website of the nearest hospital for current services and hours, and ask about primary care before you move. For a longer look at how distance from services changes the decision, read aging in place or moving and getting around Ontario after 65.

Flooding, storms and insurance at Canterbury Common

We have not mapped this address. Ask the local conservation authority whether the lot lies in a regulated area, and use the province's flood hazard mapping page as a starting point. The community sits on Lake Scugog, so ask the local conservation authority whether the lot is mapped and review water levels and shoreline history for the lot. Overland flooding and sewer backup are often optional coverage on a home policy, so confirm them with a broker before you commit. See flood and storm insurance when downsizing.

Taxes, costs and local government

Ask the Township of Scugog for the current assessment and tax bill on the home, and add the association assessment to your budget. A purchase of a home may trigger land transfer tax, which the buyer pays; read land transfer tax in Ontario and costs and money, and use the net proceeds calculator to see what your current home may leave you. Many municipalities publish a property tax deferral or relief programme for older homeowners; check the website of the Township of Scugog and Durham Region for what it offers today. A lawyer should review the agreement before you sign.

Questions to ask before you buy at Canterbury Common

• May I see the Protective Restrictions registered on title?
• What is the current annual assessment and what does it cover?
• What special assessments or large repairs are planned?
• How is the age wording applied to a younger spouse or heir?
• What does the Community Centre cost to rent for private use?
• What are the rules on additions, sheds and rentals?

For a wider comparison, see our 55+ communities guide, the downsizing guide and condo, townhouse or house. If you would like to talk through a move, contact us.