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But the Winters are brutal here. If we decide to settle back in the Ontario area, it will be on the Niagara peninsular. Far enough from T.O. so the housing is reasonable and traffic is bearable, plus you get a slightly longer summer there. (Micro Climate). Otherwise, we will head for British Columbia some place, Kelowna, Victoria, Buncan, Nanaimo. 
SWR
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Niagara Peninsular is a very nice place indeed. Whenever I thought myself as being retired I usually pictured myself somewhere around Niagara Peninsular, wearing a straw hat and riding a lawnmower *  it is definitely one place I consider quite nice.
Traffic in TO can be quite exasperating and if that doesn't inspire road rage in you, the insurance and property tax will. I like my suburb (every suburb is different btw, some are better than others). I live all my life in suburbs and I always work in the city. At the end of the day I am relieved to leave the bustling city and come home to my quiet suburb. Some of my peers can't understand this appeal as they prefer life in the city.
(Btw this is by no means an advertisement for Oakville because I like my suburb not too crowded!)
Oakville is clean (cleaner than a lot of other suburbs I have seen) and there are still lots of empty green spaces. It has extensive interconnecting trail system and a small skiing hill nearby (30 min drive from my condo) so if you like biking, jogging, hiking and skiing in your spare time and if you like empty green outdoor, you will like Oakville. Also there is a world-class golf just 5 min drive from my place if golf is your thing.
Housing is cheaper (unless you go for million dollars McMansions which you can also find easily around the golf course if you really want to own one). Property tax and car/house insurance is cheaper compared to TO (unless you are driving everyday to TO). It is only a half an hour drive/train from TO if you would like to indulge in clubs, restaurants, cultural events etc. Yes you do need a car to get around the 'burb as transit system is not as extensive as the city but right now we only have 1 car for 2 adults and we are so far doing fine.
Jane
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