Downsizing in Lindsay, Ontario

Downsizing in Lindsay: the basics

Lindsay is part of the City of Kawartha Lakes, a large municipality that also covers other towns, villages and rural areas. The city is single-tier, so the City of Kawartha Lakes handles the services and taxes that a county would handle elsewhere. Because the city is spread out, a Lindsay address and a rural address can have different services, so confirm which you are looking at. This page covers Lindsay only. See the Kawarthas and Northumberland overview for the wider area.

Condos, townhouses and bungalows in Lindsay

Downsizers in Lindsay usually weigh a condominium, a freehold townhouse and a smaller house with fewer stairs. We have not confirmed particular buildings, so we do not name any. Ask your agent what is listed, then request a status certificate and reserve fund study for any condo. The condo, townhouse or house guide compares costs and rules, and the guide to buying a condo in Ontario explains the paperwork.

Some adult lifestyle communities exist elsewhere in the City of Kawartha Lakes. See the 55+ communities page, and get fees and rules in writing before you commit.

Getting around Lindsay

We have not confirmed local transit routes for Lindsay, so ask the City of Kawartha Lakes what bus, accessible or volunteer driver services exist and how they would suit your weekly trips. Test the route to the pharmacy, groceries and Ross Memorial Hospital from any address you are considering. The guide to getting around Ontario after 65 covers options to plan ahead.

Hospitals near Lindsay

Ross Memorial Hospital is at 10 Angeline Street North in Lindsay. The hospital states that it operates a 24/7/365 emergency department and publishes wait times online. A hospital in town does not mean you will find a family doctor or nurse practitioner easily. Ask residents how they found primary care and keep your records current before you move.

Everyday life in Lindsay

We have not verified specific parks, trails, libraries or shops for this page, so check them yourself. Visit on a weekday and in winter, walk the route from a candidate home to daily needs and ask about snow clearing on the street and driveway.

Flood mapping and storm insurance in Lindsay

Kawartha Conservation, based at 277 Kenrei Road in Lindsay, publishes flood plain mapping and flood forecasting and warning updates. Part of the City of Kawartha Lakes is covered by Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority instead, so ask which authority covers your address. Maps are a first check, not a verdict on a house. A home near the water deserves a direct question to the authority.

Our flood and storm insurance guide explains overland flood and sewer backup coverage and what to ask before you make an offer.

Property taxes and tax rebates in the City of Kawartha Lakes

The City of Kawartha Lakes publishes a program for low-income seniors and low-income persons with a disability. Its tax rebates page describes a rebate of up to $300, with credits applied to future tax payments rather than paid in cash. Eligibility details and the form are on the city's tax rebates page, and rules and amounts can change each year.

Provincial help is separate. See costs and taxes for the Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant and the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit.

The seller pays no land transfer tax in Ontario, but the buyer does, including you on your next purchase. See land transfer tax in Ontario and the net proceeds calculator. Confirm details with an Ontario real estate lawyer and an accountant.

Questions to ask before you buy or sell in Lindsay

• Is the address inside Lindsay, and which services does the City of Kawartha Lakes provide there?
• Which conservation authority covers it, and is it in a regulated area?
• For a condo: what do the status certificate and reserve fund study show?
• How would you reach Ross Memorial Hospital and your appointments in winter?
• Do you qualify for the city's rebate and when must you apply?
• Should you buy first or sell first? See buy first or sell first.

Selling your Lindsay home

The guides on preparing an older home for sale and helping a parent sell their home help you plan. If you have questions, contact us. Messages go to real estate agents on the operating team at eXp Realty.