Chatham-Kent, ON
A rural municipality located in Southwestern Ontario, Chatham-Kent is a city nestled in the best of the beautiful outdoor and bordered by the Thames River, Lake St.Clair, Lake Erie and the Sydenham River. Despite its tranquil way of life and backdrop of abundant nature, Chatham-Kent serves as the commercial centre of the region and offers booming employment opportunities, particularly in the automotive and agricultural sectors. This Chatham-Kent Livability guide will take you through the best of what the city offers, from its warm community to the well-developed infrastructure.
The Chatham-Kent municipality is made up of a number of close-knit communities that include Ridgetown, Dresden, Dawn Mills, Blenheim, North Buxton, Thamesville and Tilbury amongst others. The area has a reputation as one of the friendliest places in the country and residents wholeheartedly agree. The city’s mild climate and easy access to provincial parks and beaches are big draws for city dwellers looking for peace and relaxation. Due to its inexpensive housing, low cost of living and safe and friendly communities, Chatham-Kent is especially popular as a retirement destination. The city has a large proportion of senior citizens and many apartment or condominium buildings are designed to offer convenient amenities and facilities for seniors. Although most of the population is English-speaking, there are a number of French speakers as well, making it an ideal destination for people from Quebec as well as other parts of the country.
Another major factor that contributes to Chatham-Kent’s desirability as a residential option is the city’s robust infrastructure. This includes a number of good schools, both English and French, as well as a number of specialized and general hospitals served by family health teams. Chatham-Kent’s transport infrastructure is also well developed, with CK transit offering bus routes throughout the municipality and a number of airports located close by. The city also has great road and highway connectivity to other parts of the country, as well as to the U.S.
If you live in Chatham-Kent you will be assured high quality, fresh produce all year round. As any Chatham-Kent guide homeowner will tell you, there are plenty of farmers’ markets around where you can buy groceries and handmade products. For another taste of authentic local culture and cuisine, you must visit the CK Table festival, widely known as a gastronome’s delight. Chatham-Kent also has plenty to offer nature lovers, including a number of provincial parks that offer opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, swimming and boating. If you prefer to enjoy the great outdoors at a more relaxed pace, head to Mitchell’s Bay on Lake St. Clair, a great spot for small-mouth bass and pickerel fishing, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge.