West-Shore, Durham

West Shore is a neighbourhood that overlooks Lake Ontario on the western part of Frenchman’s Bay. European settlers arrived here in the early 1800s. 560 Park Crescent’s Georgian-style stone farmhouse, Nesbitt-Newman House, constructed in the 1850s, is the sole reminder of that era. On the northern end of the West Shore neighbourhood, Highway 401’s Whites Road interchange offers commuters ease of movement. The modern West Shore neighbourhood started taking shape in the early 1900s. Homes in cottage style started coming up close to the lake. The first subdivisions were made in the 1960s and soon residents started to pour in. Presently, West Shore has a Catholic school, two public schools, a community centre, shopping plazas, and many parks with recreational options. Families have all the social conveniences needed for comfortable living.

West Shore’s overall livability and lifestyle score are highlighted below: West Shore ranks high in safety as the crime rate is 37% lower than the national average. The occurrence of violent crimes in this peaceful community is 34% lower than Canada’s overall average. The chance of being a crime victim is just 1 in 38. A general sense of security prevails among the residents. Such a stellar safety record renders West Shore a safe and tranquil place to reside.

The population of West Shore is 6,524, with the median age being 45.8 years. People from various cultures live together peacefully in this diversified community. They believe in fostering a bond of love, care, and mutual respect while celebrating differences. In West Shore, the median household income is an astounding 32% higher than the national average, reflecting the prosperity and economic well-being of its residents. Here, the unemployment rate is 14% lower than the national average. 2.8% of residents earn $20,000 or less, and 12.2% of the neighbourhood's population earns between $80,000 and $100,000. Moreover, some 3.7% of people earn $300,000 or more in West Shore. The vibrant community of West Shore has people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. About 9.71% of the population comprises South Asians, followed by black people, who constitute 7.2% of the population. People from the Philippines and China make up 2.3% and 2.0% of total residents, respectively. Other minorities are 2.4%. The multicultural potpourri enriches the community with varied influences, unique traditional inputs, and innovative ideas. Linguistically, West Shore shares the warmth of its cultural blend. The majority of the population prefers English as the primary language for communication.

West Shore is a hospitable location with a robust social infrastructure and all the amenities needed for a luxurious, fulfilling, and high standard of living. Good-quality educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and recreational options abound in the locality.

Schools

West Shore has a handful of premier schools, a blend of public and Catholic ones, that cater to the educational needs of children. Here is a list of some of the popular schools in the area:

• Frenchman’s Bay Public School
• Father Fenelon Catholic School
• Fairport Beach Public School

Restaurants

Several eateries serve palatable and lip-smacking indigenous and gourmet cuisines. The major eateries here are:

• LCBO
• Belaggio’s
• Retro Burger
• The Great Canadian Bagel
• The Beer Store
• Subway
• Chick’N’Joy

Shopping Malls

West Shore doesn’t have a shopping mall because the local market provides daily necessities for the small population here. However, some good shopping centres sourced with branded products and entertainment options are present in the vicinity:

• Pickering Town Centre
• Steeple Hill Shopping Centre
• SmartCentres Pickering

Hospitals

West Shore doesn’t have a multispecialty hospital because of its small population. However, good medical centres with experienced doctors make up for this void. These include:

• Dunbartan Medical Centre
• Pickering Medical Centre
• Carea Community Health Centre
• Rouge Valley Health Services

West Shore is a tourist’s delight, and many places of attraction lie in its vicinity. You can explore the irresistible charm of these places and savour the untamed beauty at your leisure.

Waterfront Trail

The tranquil waters of Lake Ontario, the cool breeze refreshing the body and soul, and the commanding presence of the Sylvan neighbourhood make a stroll before the waterfront an unforgettable experience. The sight of waterfowl ready to swoop on their prey and the shadow of the nuclear power plant make the amble more pleasurable.

Frenchman’s Bay Marina

You will be greeted by docks with transits that always remain open. The Big M fast food joint serves mouth-watering delicacies that would make you drool. The view of waves washing the waterfront is relaxing and enchanting.

Pickering Museum Village

The museum has the reputation of being Durham Region’s largest living history museum. You can walk down memory lane in heritage buildings that include a temperance hotel, school house, blacksmith’s shop, chapel, and general store. A live interpreter narrates the uniqueness of the village museum.

Petticoat Creek Conservation Park

The scenery at the park is stunning, with spellbinding views of Lake Ontario. There are many pools where visitors can cool off in the splash area. If you want to spend some fun moments with your friends or loved ones, the idyllic picnic sites are for you.

Herongate Barn Theatre

You can enjoy some mind-blowing shows over great food, delectable desserts, and sumptuous wines.

West Shore hosts a blend of quaint and contemporary residential houses in the Durham region of Ontario, near Pickering. A small yet bustling locality, West Shore has no shortage of options for recreational activities. In and around the locality, myriad attractions wait to be explored. Here are a few recommendations:

• Lake Waterfronts: West Shore is located close to Lake Ontario and Frenchman’s Bay Marina. The waterfront trails and walkways are ideal for spending some peaceful moments in the lap of nature. The lake and bay offer scope for fishing, boating, and water sports.
• Shop and Dine: Shopping malls and markets like the Pickering City Center, Memon Supermarket, and Blue Sky Supermarket offer ample options for people to shop for their daily needs, watch the latest flicks, enjoy Western and Asian cuisines, or simply dwell over the sublime tastes of marine preparations.
•  Local Sightseeing: West Shore enjoys proximity to some historical and modern places in the Durham region where one can marvel at the natural and man-made wonders. These areas are within driving distance of West Shore.
•  West Shore's Historical Background: West Shore’s history dates back to the early 1800s. Vestiges of that era are still visible in buildings like the Georgian-style stone farmhouse Nesbitt-Newman House, located at 560 Park Crescent. The Pickering Museum also offers rich glimpses into the history of this place.
•  Breweries and Wineries: The Ontario region is famous for wineries and craft breweries. You can consider visiting a few breweries or local wineries to taste fine wine or see how wine is prepared. Most of them are a short drive from West Shore.

The West Shore boasts excellent connectivity to major transportation and commercial hubs.

• Oshawa Executive Airport is the nearest airport. It is 26 kilometres away from West Shore.
• The nearest international airport is Toronto Pearson International Airport, which is 47 kilometres away.
• Pickering Station and Rouge Hill GO Railway Stations are in close proximity at 1.7 and 9.5 kilometers, respectively, from West Shore
• Pickering Town Center is some 500 meters from West Shore. Within a minute or two, one can reach this bustling shopping mall.

Blue Sky Supermarket

Situated just 3 kilometres from West Shore, this supermarket is a shopper's paradise. Freshly harvested local and exotic fruits and vegetables, marine products, packaged foods and drinks, and materials from leading brands are available here.

Memon Supermarket

This largest South Asian supermarket in Canada is just 2 kilometres away from West Shore on Durham Regional Highway 2. Fresh produce, dairy items, groceries, and branded products are available. The market is spacious, and customer service is excellent.

The population density in West Shore is 377% higher than in Pickering. The locality is characterized by a slightly older demographic, with the median age of residents 11% higher than Pickering’s average. These unique traits confer on West Shore its distinctive identity. Overall, the ambience is conducive to peaceful and harmonious living.

West Shore offers a spectrum of activities for families to enjoy with their children and pets, including:

• Explore West Shore’s History: The historic locality of West Shore has many old houses that are reminiscent of the period when the first Europeans settled here. The Pickering Museum Village also offers insights into the bygone era.
• Gather at West Shore Community Centre: This neighbourhood is a meeting place where people often assemble with their families during the evenings or weekends to spend time interacting with each other or for minor celebrations.
• Enjoy Arts at Durham West Arts Centre: This centre, along with PineRidge Arts Council, promotes art events like the annual Durham West Studio Tour.
• Visit the Farmers’ Market: You can visit Esplanade Park next to the Pickering Municipal Complex. Here, you can shop for farm-fresh food. Many artisans show their unique works. Music and arts activities are organized for families.
• Stroll on the Waterfront: The waterfront has trails where you can stroll with your children and pets. The serene atmosphere and enchanting natural beauty provide a space for relaxation.

The cost of living in West Shore is 11% lower than Pickering’s average and 1% lower than the national average. The price of goods and services is 8% higher than the Canadian average, and housing is 26% lower than the rest of Canada. The general sales tax in Ontario is 33% higher than the national average. A table showcasing the cost of living in West Shore (on a scale of 100) is given below:

West Shore, Durham, has an assorted range of real estate inventories. Neo-Tudor and neo-colonial-style houses are predominant in the north end. The brickwork is monochromatic, and garages are placed forward on private driveways. At the south end, two-story detached homes, ranch-style bungalows, and custom-designed homes are present. The average days on the market for a house are 15. The lead period to sale for any inventory is at most 2 months. The median sales price of a house is $732,500. The majority of houses are in the sale price range of $750,000 to $10,00,000. The majority of houses sold are detached ones with three bedrooms. The monthly rental is in the $1,400 to $3,800 range.