Introduction
The small city of Thorold, Ontario sprang up around the construction of the first Welland Canal, and the current (fourth) canal still runs right through the heart of the community, drawing thousands of tourists annually. Immediately adjacent to St. Catharines, Thorold begins at St. David’s Road near Brock University and is bounded by Thorold Townline, Chippawa Creek, and Pelham Street.
Lifestyle
Thorold styles itself “the most patriotic city in Canada,” a titled earned by flying the most flags per capita. Several recurring events attract people from all over the Niagara region, including Italia-in-Festa, the Thorold Arts & Crafts show, the Antique Car Show, the Canal Bank Shuffle blues festival, and the annual Mountain Top Ceremony, commemorating the spring arrival of the first Great Lakes ship through Lock 7. It’s still a little bit of a traditional sleepy small town, and all the downtown businesses are closed on Sundays, no exceptions.
The Vibe
Thorold’s history is a source of local pride, its quaint downtown has never had to be “revived” or “restored,” it’s simply survived and thrived, thanks to the patronage of this loyal community. People here are proud to live and shop locally, and several independent retailers and cafes do a booming business amongst residents and visitors alike. The core is a cornucopia of gorgeous Victorian and Edwardian architecture, from the insanely elaborate mansion on the hill to tiny peaked cottages, and new housing developments are beginning to fill in previously rural areas.
Meet the Neighbours
Traditionally a working-class community, it’s unusual to meet anyone with Thorold roots who hasn’t had a family member work on the great cargo ships. To this day, the descendants of the first European settlers, and the immigrants who shortly followed, form the bulk of the population. Visible minorities make up just 2% of the population, mostly black, as Thorold was a terminus for the Underground Railroad. Most households are home to married working couples with children, although there’s a growing population of young professionals drawn to the area for its scenic beauty and lower housing prices.
In the Area
There’s a lot to commend Thorold as a place to live, including easy access to all that the Niagara Region has to offer. Numerous city parks as well as Short Hills Provincial Park provide amazing green spaces. There are four public elementary schools, and two Catholic schools. Public high school students attend the Thorold Secondary School, and Catholic students are bussed to nearby St. Catharines. The Allanburg Community Centre and downtown Thorold Public Library also serve the community, whose hospitals are part of the Niagara Health system.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Thorold covers a lot of ground, so while walking in the more densely developed downtown is quite ideal, it’s not the best way to get around in general. There are great paths for cyclists, and traffic is relatively calm, so that’s a good option if not necessarily a year-round one. The St. Catharines Transit Commission provides bus service, but most residents drive. Easy access to the QEW via Thorold Stone Road or highway 406 makes it attractive to commuters
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
While technically a city, Thorold definitely has that “small town” feel. It’s a close-knit community that might feel difficult to “break into” as an outsider, but spending time in the downtown, everyone is so friendly that it’s probably only a matter of time before they know all of your business too. Plus if the atmosphere is too homey in Thorold, you’re steps away from half a million other people and at least one of the wonders of the world!
Dollars & Sense
Thorold is quite a reasonable place to live, even by the standards of this relatively inexpensive part of Ontario. Housing costs are about the lowest in the region, and it retains a largely working-class population - but it’s still possible to find an overpriced coffee or artisanal cupcake if you really need one!
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Cosmos Diner
You can’t miss the retro pink exterior of this classic breakfast and lunch joint, but not to worry: the colour is the only thing that’s cloying and cutesy about this excellent diner.
more infoFigg Street Co.
This lovely shop specializes in handmade or small-run gifts and stationery. Owner Antoinette D’Angelo says, “To me, a beautiful card or a lovely piece of handmade paper, nurtures the soul. It reflects elements of grace, romance and personal style.”
more infoThe Pie Man
Offering a wide and delicious variety of pies both sweet and savoury, The Pie Man is a real gentleman named Angus MacLean, who whips up each and every tart by hand from scratch using his own recipes. Open 10-6 Monday – Friday, and 10 – 5 on Saturday.
more infoOn the Front Café
Another downtown gem, On the Front features fair trade, organic coffee and light fare (think sandwiches, soups, salads, baked goods and breakfast items). Extremely high quality food and beverages at great prices make this place a local legend.
more infoGypsy Alley
Voted Niagara’s best clothing shop 8 years in a row, Gypsy Alley stocks a carefully curated yet wide selection of men’s, women’s, and children’s fashion and casual wear. They also sponsor an annual model search within the community: winners get a free portfolio session and become the promotional face(s) of the store for a year!
more info