Downsizing in Belmont Village and Westmount, Kitchener

Belmont Village and Westmount at a glance

The City of Kitchener lists Westmount among its planning communities. Its neighbourhood associations directory includes the Westmount Neighbourhood Association.

Belmont Village is a business improvement area. Its board of management was established by City Council and is governed by an elected board of business owners and commercial property owners, according to City documents. A City planning report describes a cluster of mixed-use buildings, with restaurants, service commercial and retail shops lining Belmont Avenue and residential areas on either side.

Sources: City of Kitchener, neighbourhood associations; City of Kitchener planning application documents, Belmont Avenue West.

What to look for in housing around Belmont Village

This page does not name specific condominiums, townhouses or bungalow developments in Westmount. Planning applications along Belmont Avenue West appear in the City's public records, and they are the reliable way to learn what is proposed or approved on a given block.

When you tour, find out the ownership type of each home: freehold, condominium or rental. For a condominium, ask for the status certificate, which the Condo Authority of Ontario says can cost up to $100 including taxes, and read the reserve fund information in it. Ask about steps at the entrance, elevator access and where parking is. Our guides to condo, townhouse, bungalow or life lease and buying a condo explain the trade-offs.

Source: Condo Authority of Ontario, status certificates.

Getting around Belmont Village and Westmount

Routes change, so use the GRT trip planner from the address you are considering rather than relying on a route number. GRT's station maps page lists the ION stations on the line, including Kitchener City Hall and Victoria Park, which are in downtown Kitchener. How far a given home is from one depends on the address.

Our guide to getting around Waterloo Region after 65 covers fares and MobilityPLUS.

Health care near Westmount

WRHN @ Midtown at 835 King Street West and WRHN @ Queen's Blvd at 911 Queen's Boulevard are both listed on wrhn.ca with emergency services. Ask your family doctor or the hospital which site offers the service you need.

Everyday life around Westmount

• Belmont Avenue West. The business improvement area is the local shopping and dining stretch.
• Victoria Hills Community Centre. At 10 Chopin Drive, the City says it serves four neighbourhood associations, including Westmount. A playground, ball diamond and outdoor rink are next to it in Gzowski Park. See the centre page.
• Libraries. Kitchener Public Library's Central Library is at 85 Queen Street North, and Forest Heights Library is at 251 Fischer-Hallman Road.
• Older adult programs. The City runs programs at several community centres, registered through ActiveKitchener. Call 519-741-2916 for details or fee assistance.

Flooding, winter and insurance in Westmount

Look up any address on the GRCA's Map Your Property tool. Overland flood and sewer backup cover are optional add-ons at most insurers, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. See our flood and home insurance guide.

Kitchener owners must clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours of a snowfall. The City's assisted clearing program covers single, semi-detached and duplex homes for eligible residents, through Community Support Connections at 519-772-8787 ext. 213. In a condominium, ask who clears the walkways.

Property tax and local government in Westmount

The City of Kitchener bills property tax. It offers a deferral for seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement and for people receiving ODSP, due by November 1 of the tax year. See our costs and taxes page and the property tax relief guide.

Questions to ask before you buy near Belmont Village

• What type of ownership is it (freehold, condominium or rental), and what are the common expenses if it is a condo?
• Are there planning applications on neighbouring properties? Ask the City's planning staff.
• How far is the nearest GRT stop, and are the sidewalks cleared in winter?
• Is the property on a regulated area map from the GRCA?

Introductions on this site go to agents on the operating team at eXp Realty, so it is not a search of the whole market. You can ask to be matched. Back to Downsizing in Kitchener.