Downsizing in Doon, Kitchener

Doon at a glance

The City of Kitchener's planning communities include Doon South and Lower Doon, both in Ward 4. Pioneer Park, next door, is a separate community. West of the area is Upper Doon, one of the City's four heritage conservation districts. The City says that district's policies conserve the architecture and landscapes of the rural character of the former village of Doon.

Source: City of Kitchener, heritage properties and districts.

Homes in Doon: what the plans say and what to ask

The City's Lower Doon secondary plan, consolidated in 2004, says most lands designated Low Density Residential there are to stay single detached housing, with a named exception for multiple dwellings at one Old Mill Road address. It is an old document, so ask the City's planning staff what zoning applies today. The plan also says buildings of historic or architectural value should be preserved.

This page does not name condominium or townhouse developments in Doon South. When you look at one, ask whether it is freehold, a condominium or a rental, and request the status certificate, which the Condo Authority of Ontario says anyone may request for up to $100 including taxes. If the address is in Upper Doon, find out what a heritage permit would cover. Our comparison of home types is a good place to start.

Sources: City of Kitchener, Lower Doon Secondary Plan; Condo Authority of Ontario.

Getting around Doon

GRT lists Conestoga College Doon Campus as a bus connections hub, and the ION line does not reach Doon. Pioneer Park Library and the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre, at 150 Pioneer Drive, list GRT routes 10 Pioneer, 16 Strasburg-Belmont and 76 Doon Mills, and free parking. Use the GRT trip planner for your own address.

For driving, Highway 401 borders the area, and the City's Lower Doon plan refers to Homer Watson Boulevard and Highway 401 together. Region of Waterloo International Airport and the Region's other highways are covered in the guide to getting around after 65.

Sources: GRT, station maps; KPL, Pioneer Park Library; City of Kitchener, Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre.

Health care near Doon

WRHN lists three Kitchener sites on wrhn.ca: WRHN @ Midtown at 835 King Street West and WRHN @ Queen's Blvd at 911 Queen's Boulevard, both with emergency services, and WRHN @ Chicopee at 3570 King Street East. Check which one provides the service you need.

Everyday life in Doon

• Pioneer Park Library. Kitchener Public Library's branch moved into the shared complex at 150 Pioneer Drive in 1989. It has a study room and a toy collection.
• Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre. The City lists a gymnasium, meeting rooms and a splashpad. Check the ActiveKitchener guide for older adult programs at this site.
• Conestoga College, Doon campus. The college lists its address as 299 Doon Valley Drive.
• Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village. The Region's museums site gives the address as 10 Huron Road and describes Doon Heritage Village as a site with costumed interpreters. It opens select days in fall, so check its schedule.

Flooding, winter and insurance in Doon

The City's Lower Doon plan refers to the Grand River, Schneider Creek and a Regional floodline, and requires Grand River Conservation Authority approval for changes to the Schneider Creek crossing. Check any address on 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. Read our flood and home insurance guide.

Kitchener requires owners to clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours of a snowfall. In a condominium, ask who clears walkways and how it is funded.

Property tax and local government in Doon

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

Questions to ask before you buy in Doon

• Is the address in Doon South, Lower Doon or the Upper Doon heritage district, and what permits would exterior work need?
• Which GRT route is nearest, and how often does it run?
• Is the property on a GRCA regulated area map?
• What type of ownership is it (freehold, condominium or rental), and what do the status certificate and reserve fund study show?
• Which older adult programs run at Doon Pioneer Park this season?

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.