A recent report by Point2 revealed Ontario’s top-five happiest cities: Caledon, Milton, Halton Hills, Clarington, and Burlington. These cities showcased unique strengths that contributed to their happiness ranking.
Key Categories for Happiness:
- Economy and real estate
- Health and well-being
- Community and environment
- Location and demographics
At first Caledon which is one of the happiest cities, scored 67/100, excelled in the economy and real estate, boasting a high homeownership rate and substantial after-tax income. This town, an hour from Toronto, holds appeal with its rural charm.
The study embraced diversity. In Caledon, 29.2% are foreign-born, enriching the community fabric. Newcomers, arriving mainly from India, Italy, and the UK, contribute to its vibrancy.
Quebec’s Impact on Happiness:
Quebec towns like Terrebonne, Blainville, and Repentigny led in economy and real estate happiness indicators. Blainville shone with low unemployment.
Health and well-being championed by Granby, Saint-Hyacinthe, and others owed partly to shorter working hours in Quebec. Statistics Canada data highlighted the lower prevalence of mood disorders in Quebec compared to other provinces.
Community and Environment Insights:
St. John’s in Newfoundland and Labrador stood out for its vibrant community, greenery, and strong sense of belonging. Charity donations flourished here.
Regina and Saskatoon boasted high volunteerism and low stress levels. Saskatoon earned the title of second most stress-free large city.
Location and Demographics Dynamics:
Safety thrived in Milton, Halton Hills, Burlington, and Oakville. These cities enjoyed low crime severity. Commute times of 15–30 minutes were common, contributing to well-being. Mississauga ranked as the most walkable.
Milton emerged with low divorce rates, reflecting strong marital bonds. As happiness metrics shift, Ontario’s cities embrace diverse strengths for all to thrive.
