Downsizing to Foxboro Green in Baden

Foxboro Green at a glance

The Township of Wilmot lists Foxboro Green among the communities in the township, with a population of about 430 on its community profile. The Township's street index shows Foxboro Drive, Golf Links Drive, Lakefield Court, Maue Court, Sprucegrove Avenue, Sun Valley Drive and Woods Edge Court as private streets in Foxboro. That matters for downsizers: private roads are typically maintained by the community rather than the Township, so ask who plows, repairs and pays for them.

The residents' website describes "An Established Adult Lifestyle Community of 215 single detached homes in a countryside setting" and says shopping, dining, medical services and entertainment are within short drives of Kitchener-Waterloo and Stratford, with New Hamburg, St. Agatha and St. Jacobs nearby.

Sources: Foxboro Green residents' website, Township of Wilmot (links above).

Homes and layout at Foxboro Green

Every home is a single detached house, so there is no shared wall and no apartment-style corridor. Ask for the floor plan, whether the bedroom and laundry are on the main floor, how many steps lead to the front door, and what the lot looks like (some back onto the golf course, forest or fields).

Because the neighbouring Foxwood Golf Course is next door, ask about golf-ball risk and any easement for homes on the course side. For a comparison of home types, see condo, townhouse, bungalow or life lease.

Amenities and clubs at Foxboro Green

The residents' website describes a recreation centre with an indoor pool, sauna and hot tub, a library, a billiard and darts room, a fitness room, a servery for food service and a large salon. It also mentions walking trails and ponds on the grounds. The site does not say which are included in monthly charges, so ask what each costs and whether guests can use them.

Rules and fees at Foxboro Green

Ask the seller's lawyer for the fee schedule, the governing documents, the budget and the reserve fund study. Ontario condominium law lets anyone request a status certificate from a corporation, which can charge up to $100 and must provide it within 10 days. It includes governing documents, budget, reserve fund statement, common expenses, arrears and special assessments. The Condo Authority of Ontario explains that reserve fund studies are required at least every three years, and that rules on rentals and pets sit in the governing documents.

Confirm the ownership form for the home, and for a condominium, which corporation governs it and what it covers, since some communities have more than one. Our guide to buying a condo in Waterloo Region has more.

Age wording. The residents' site calls Foxboro Green an adult lifestyle community. Ontario has no 55+ law. The Human Rights Code protects against age discrimination in housing for anyone 18 or older, and section 15 allows preferential treatment only where age 65 or over is the requirement (Human Rights Code). The Ontario Human Rights Commission's housing policy says no defence permits adult lifestyle housing that excludes children or people under a certain age. Ask in writing how any age expectation is set out in the declaration or rules, and have a lawyer give you a view.

Getting to Foxboro Green

The Township of Wilmot is a rural municipality, and the community sits outside Baden. Check Grand River Transit's trip planner for any service to your address, and ask the Township about specialized transit for township residents. Regional road routes connect to Kitchener and Waterloo. Our guide to getting around Waterloo Region covers options.

Health care near Foxboro Green

Waterloo Regional Health Network operates emergency departments at WRHN @ Midtown, 835 King Street West, and WRHN @ Queen's Blvd., 911 Queen's Boulevard, both in Kitchener. Check services and hours on the WRHN website, and ask your doctor which hospital you would be directed to.

Flooding, winter and insurance at Foxboro Green

Use the Grand River Conservation Authority's Map Your Property tool for your exact address; do not assume. Overland flood and sewer backup coverage are optional add-ons, per the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Ask the corporation who clears snow on private streets and driveways and who pays, and what the corporation's insurance covers. Sign up for Alert Waterloo Region for emergency notices.

Taxes and local government at Foxboro Green

Wilmot is a township within the Region of Waterloo; ask the Township for the current property tax rate breakdown and billing. The Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant pays up to $500 a year to eligible owners who occupy their principal residence, with income limits of under $50,000 single or $60,000 combined (see the grant page). Ask the Township of Wilmot whether it has a senior tax deferral or relief program, and how to apply.

Ontario land transfer tax is paid by the buyer when the purchase closes. See costs and taxes and the net proceeds calculator. This site does not give tax or legal advice.

Questions to ask before you buy at Foxboro Green

• What is the form of ownership of this home, and which corporation or corporations govern it?
• Can I have the fee schedule, budget, reserve fund study and status certificate in writing?
• What is any recent or planned special assessment?
• Who maintains and plows the private road, and who pays?
• Are the recreation centre, pool and clubs included, and can guests use them?
• What are the rules on rentals, pets and alterations?
• How is any age expectation set out in the documents?
• Does the Township of Wilmot offer senior tax relief, and what is the deadline?

Comparing this with other options or with staying put? Read the step-by-step downsizing guide, the Wilmot area page and buying first or selling first. When you are ready, get introduced to an agent on the eXp Realty operating team.