Are you planning a move to Ontario but looking for a quiet rural location away from any large cities? If so, you may be interested in living in the peaceful harbour town of Picton, Ontario.
Picton is the largest community in Prince Edward County, a land-tied island on Lake Ontario This popular tourist area is home to Sandbanks Provincial Park. It is known for its sandy beaches and towering cliffs.
This article will give you all the key information you need about living in Picton. In addition, we will provide you with an unbiased view of the pros and cons of living in Picton, Ontario, to help you decide whether it is the place for you.
Living In Picton, Ontario – The Facts
Here are some key facts about this small town for anyone interested in living in Picton, Ontario.
Where Is Picton?
Picton is in southeastern Ontario, nestled in the Bay of Picton. The town is around 220km east of Toronto, but its closest sizeable city is Kingston, about 90km northwest. It will take you about 2.5 hours to get to Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The town lies within rural Prince Edward County, a land-tied island on Lake Ontario. The county has a cluster of villages and hamlets.
What Is The Weather In Picton Like?
Most of Canada experiences cold, harsh winters with pleasant, moderately hot summers. Ontario is no different, although the weather is generally a little more extreme than in other parts of Canada.
Summers in Ontario are amongst the hottest in Canada, and high humidity can make them uncomfortable. Winters are bitterly cold and often bring heavy snowfall.
However, Picton benefits a little from the moderating effect of Lake Ontario, which means that its winters are not as harsh as some other areas of Ontario. The town has an average July high of 24 deg C, and an average January low of -11 deg C. Its average annual precipitation is approximately 960mm. About 200mm of this falls as snow in the winter.
What Is The Cost of Living In Picton Like?
Most immigrants find the cost of living high in Canada, and Ontario is one of the more expensive provinces. House prices in Ontario are around 30% higher than Canadian averages.
Rural areas are cheaper but still subject to high sales taxes. Sales tax is 13% on most goods compared to 5% in provinces such as Alberta. The good news is that income taxes in Ontario are lower than in most provinces.
House prices in Picton are a little higher than the provincial average for Ontario, although still significantly lower than the property prices in the city of Toronto.
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What Is The Picton Economy Based On?
Historically Prince Edward County was an agricultural area, and this is still an important part of its economy. It is also a popular tourist destination, and many residents now work within the tourism industry. The area is also growing as a creative centre, attracting artists, winemakers, and brewmasters.
The town has an industrial park with some light manufacturing industry, and the only heavy industry in the region is a cement plant to the north of Picton.
Is Picton A Safe Place To Live?
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world to live in. Crime rates are low, and the country always features near the top of the annual Global Peace Index rankings.
Within Canada, Quebec, Ontario and the Maritime provinces have the lowest crime rates, while rates are highest in the territories.
Ontario’s crime rates are around 30% lower than national rates, and the crime rates in Picton are even lower. This means it is an extremely safe place to live.
What Are The Schools In Picton Like?
Canada has a strong and publicly-funded education system, which consistently ranks as one of the best in the world. The country doesn’t have a national curriculum, and the provinces/territories administer their own education systems.
Picton has a large public school of around 1000 students. Prince Edward Collegiate Institute covers kindergarten through to grade 12 and serves students across Prince Edward County.
In addition, the town has two Christian Schools; St. Gregory Catholic School is a public school, while Sonrise Christian Academy offers private education for kindergarten to grade 6 students.
What Is The Healthcare In Picton Like?
Canada has an excellent publicly-funded healthcare system which covers “medically necessary” care. Generally, hospital and doctor visits are covered, while other types of care, such as dental, optical and prescriptions, are funded for certain groups of people.
In Canada, healthcare is administered at a provincial level, so anyone living in Picton would be covered through Ontario Health.
You should be aware that there is currently a shortage of family doctors in Ontario, and it can be difficult to find clinics taking on new patients. This is especially true of the smaller towns and cities.
However, you can register with Health Care Connect to find out about doctors accepting patients in any area. This government service can help to match you with doctors accepting patients in your area.
Picton has its own small hospital, the QHC Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. It offers emergency care, a variety of outpatient clinics, and some limited in-patient services. In addition, QHC Belleville General Hospital provides a more comprehensive range of services and is just a half-hour drive from Picton.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Picton, Ontario
The pros and cons of living in Picton, Ontario, will vary from person to person, but whatever you are looking for, these are key factors for you to consider.
Pros Of Living In Picton Ontario
- Attractive waterside location
- Peaceful rural area
- Great outdoor activities
- Very low crime rates
- Relatively low provincial income tax
Cons Of Living In Picton Ontario
- Shortage of family doctors in Ontario
- High provincial sales tax
- It may be too isolated for some.
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