Why retirement is great at Swan Lake Village

What Is Swan Lake Village? 

Swan Lake is a popular adult lifestyle community in Markham Ontario, located on 16th Avenue between Highway 48 & 9th Line, right next to Swan Lake in Markham.  Known for its resort-style amenities and active retirement living, this gated neighbourhood features over 1,000 homes, many social clubs, activities galore  and a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere.

Created in the 90's by two developers looking for bungalow retirement communities for their parents, Swan Lake was envisioned as a 55+ community.  Built in 6 phases; eventually Daniels took over the development.  Now the community features a selection of condominiums of many shapes and styles: bungalow townhomes; low rise condos and a few detached condo homes.   There are 649 homes in Swan Lake with construction taking place from 1997 - 2010

At the heart of Swan Lake is the Swan Club, with an indoor pool, gym and meeting rooms/party room, outdoor bbq terraces & shuffleboard court. The incredible amentities make Swan Lake Village one of the most sought-after active adult communities near Toronto. 

Homes are condos, with monthly fees covering, amenity access, landscaping, and snow removal —providing a truly maintenance-free lifestyle. The townhomes and detached homes have full basments, your own outdoor space & garages - just like living in your own home. 

The community is gated for security and privacy and has 24 hour on-site security staff. 

Recreation & Amenities at Swan Lake Village

One of the main reasons people choose to buy a home in Swan Lake Village is the incredible range of amenities and activities designed for an active, social, and wellness-focused retirement lifestyle:

Highlights include: 

3 outdoor pools

3 sets of outdoor tennis courts 

4 outdoor pickle ball courts

3 satellite clubhouses

Swan Club:

Indoor Pool

Gym 

large event hall

BBQ deck

shuffleboard courts

At  Swan Lake, there’s always something happening—whether you want to stay active, meet new friends, or simply relax. 

Location and Surroundings:

Swan Lake itself is a public park managed by the City of Markham.  A gravel pit in the 1960s and 1970s, Swan Lake is currently a community feature near the heart of Historic Markham Village, surrounded by multiple trails, a playground and urban development.

 

Located just north and west of Markham Hospital you're close to lots of things to do in Markham including a plaza with pharmacy & dental office just steps away and shopping at the popular Garden Basket.  You're also a quick drive to charming Markham main street with shops and boutiques, and the Markham Museum.  You're ideally situated just minutes from 2 Markham GO stations (Markham and Mt. Joy) for easy commuting into Toronto. 

Bungalows in Swan Lake Village

Homes in Swan Lake are bungalows designed for comfort and convenience of one level living.   Floorplans typically feature open living spaces, single-floor layouts, and low-maintenance designs that suit a relaxed retirement lifestyle.   All homes have basements and garages.  There are some detached homes, and 2 storey models available, but even the 2 storey homes have the primary bedroom suite on the main floor. 

You'll find a variety of styles including one floor; bungalofts (generally with an open loft/family room & bathroom on the second floor) and two story homes.  Most are townhouses - connected to your neighbour; but built with quiet and privacy in mind.

2 styles of "Bungalofts" in Swan Lake

In this model you can see the living room with cathedral ceiling with a sunroom addition:

and a typical smaller floorplan with garage, back deck and greenspace



Low rise condos in Swan Lake Village


 


There are 4 low rise condos on the Boardwalk in Swan Lake.  All of the condos feature nicely sized suites starting at 1000 sq ft with either a private terrace or balcony.  As a resident of the condos you're able to access the resort-style amenities.  

Condominium Ownership in Swan Lake Village - what's included in your monthly fees? 

The exterior maintenance and repair of the condo units is managed by each of the four condo corporations.  The grounds and other buildings and amenities are managed by the Village Amenities Committee (VAC).  Unit owners pay monthly maintenance fees to cover all these costs which include snow removal, grass cutting and ongoing maintenance and repairs.  External doors, windows & roof replacements and maintenance are all covered by the condo corporation.  

Unlike life or land lease ownership cannot be restricted in condos.  However,  Swan Lake Village has 2 person Maximum Occupancy Rule to comply with the Ontario Human rights code.   Some exceptions can be made for homeowners that may have a developmentally challenged adult dependant. 

Swan Lake Village Homes for Sale: What Buyers Should Know

Homes for sale in Swan Lake Village vary in size and price, but all include access to the community’s exclusive amenities.  Unlike other life lease communities like Wilmot Creek, it's a very simple and straightforward purchase as they are all condos and don't require any special approval by Swan Lake Village. 

How much do Condos cost in Swan Lake Village?

At the time I wrote this article, the low rise condos have been selling from from $750,000 - $950,000 prices vary depending on the size, renovations, view and whether there is extra or EV parking or an additional storage locker.   Condos range in size from 1,000 - over 1600 sq. ft.

How much do bungalows cost in Swan Lake Village?

At the time I wrote this article, the low rise condos have been selling from from $750,000 - $950,000 prices vary depending on the size, renovations, view and whether there is extra or EV parking or an additional storage locker.   Condos range in size from 1,000 - over 1600 sq. ft.

How do I find homes for sale in Swan Lake Village?

Want to know more? I have created two special search pages for homes in Swan Lake Village

Here are the links:

Bungalows for sale in Swan Lake Village

Condos for sale in Swan Lake Village

Why I know so much about Swan Lake Village: 

My mother, aunt and uncle all bought pre-costruction bungalow townhouses in Swan Lake Village and were among the first 100 residents.  My mother lived here until she moved into the Swan Lake Amica retirement residence next door. 

My mother in particular enjoyed the friendly community; the many formal and informal social groups.  Neighbours know each other, social opportunities are endless, and the lifestyle is vibrant, active and relaxed.  She was still able to garden and enjoy her outdoor space knowing that as a widow she had exterior maintenance taken care of.  The gated community kept my mind at ease as it's safe and secure. 

Moving to Swan Lake Village: 

Pros and Cons of Living in Swan Lake Village

Pros:

  • Resort-style amenities and clubs
  • Gated security and safe, friendly environment
  • Beautiful setting on the shores of Swan Lake park
  • Maintenance-free lifestyle with monthly fees covering services & exterior maintenance
  • You can renovate it to make it your own
  • Well kept and manicured common green spaces
  • "lock up and go" if you love to travel or are a snowbird
  • Homes are bungalows, so no stairs, all your living is on one level
  • Satellite clubhouses with pools and courts mean you don't have to travel far to enjoy the facilities
  • Easy & straightforward to purchase
  • All the bungalows have basements and garages just like freehold homes

Cons:

  • Because its popular and close to Toronto they are more expensive than options in Newcastle, Clarington & further East (but cheaper than Stouffille or Ballantrae)
  • You maintain your own furnace and interior of the home so still bear that expense (although that's the same in all bungalow communities)
  • You may be in competition because of the popularity

How to Buy or Sell a Home in Swan Lake Village

If you’re considering a move to Swan Lake Village, it helps to work with a real estate agent familiar with 55+ communities.  Understanding the monthly fees to help avoid surprises.  A seniors real estate specialist like me can also help you with selling and downsizing your existing home.  Unlike some retirement communities that may have exclusive sales agents , you can use whatever Real Estate agent you like to buy or sell in Swan Lake




Frequently Asked Questions About Swan Lake Village


Q: Where is Swan Lake Village located?

A: Swan Lake Village is in **Greensborough MLS district of Markham, ON**, on 16th Avenue between 9th Line & Markham Rd. (Hwy 48)

Q: Is Swan Lake Village only for retirees?

A: No, you don't have to be retired, there is no restriction on age. The developers designed it for active adults and retirees who want a maintenance-free, resort-style lifestyle.   There is a maximum occupancy rule of 2. 

Q: What is the ownership structure at Swan Lake Village?

A: Homes are all condos, whether you are buying a bungalow, bungaloft, bungalow townhome or low rise condo.

Q: What amenities does Wilmot Creek offer?

A: Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness centre, and a full social calendar of activities.

Q: Do buyers need special approval to purchase a home in Swan Lake Village?

A: No you just need to be able to purchase it like you would a conventional condo

Q: How much are the monthly fees at Swan Lake Village?**

A: Condo fees start around $1,100 + up for apartments and $1,037.00 & up for bungalows at the time this article was written.

Q: Are pets allowed in Swan Lake Village?

A: Yes, Swan Lake is pet-friendly. 

Q: What types of homes are available at Swan Lake Village?

A: Most homes are bungalow-style, single-floor layouts designed for convenience and comfort. Homes vary in size, features, and price,some offering views of Swan Lake park. 

Thinking of moving to Swan Lake Village?  Here's how to get started:  Call me at 416-562-5002 or email me at:  [email protected]

Articles on other popular retirement communities in Toronto and the GTA:

Q&A's to purchasing a home in Wilmot Creek

Discover your dream retirement property in East Toronto and Durham regions

Why retire at Wilmot Creek?

Helpful articles for downsizers and their families in the GTA: 

Pros and cons to renting after a downsize

Your essential guide to selling your parents home


Jan 22, 2026

Recent Blog Posts

Sep 29, 2026

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) in Ontario had some major updates and legislative changes that took effect September 21, 2026.   Thes introduce significant procedural shifts for both landlords and tenants in Ontario, and should improve delays.

Key updates of the September 21 2026 LTB Changes are: 


Shorter N4 Notice Period (7 Days): The notice period for an N4 form (Notice to End a Tenancy Early for Non-Payment of Rent) has been reduced from 14 days to 7 days for monthly, yearly, and fixed-term tenancies. This compresses the window a tenant has to pay missed rent before a landlord can file an L1 application with the LTB.

N12 Personal-Use Eviction Compensation Exception:  Landlords serving an N12 notice (for personal use by themselves, a purchaser, or close family members) can now waive the standard requirement to pay one month's rent as compensation, provided they give at least 120 days' notice and the termination date aligns with the end of a rental period or term.

Persistent Late Payment has been defined (N8): Regulation changes establish a clear, written benchmark for persistent late payment under an N8 notice—defined specifically as "three or more occasions of rent being paid more than seven days late" within a six-month lookback period.

T5 Application Deadline Update: The deadline for a tenant to file a T5 application (for bad faith evictions or related issues) has been updated to two years after the date the tenant moves out

(Note: Other concurrent administrative shifts surrounding LTB reviews, fine structures, and general procedures have rolled out through mid-2026 to streamline case processing timelines.)

What these changes mean if you're a landlord:

These updated regulations provide sharper tools to manage cash flow and streamline property operations when challenges arise. With the N4 notice period compressed to just seven days, you can address non-payment of rent much faster, reducing the window of financial exposure. Additionally, the option to waive the one-month compensation fee on an N12 notice—provided you give at least 120 days' notice—offers welcome flexibility when transitioning a property back for personal or family use. Meanwhile, the clear benchmark for persistent late payment under an N8 removes previous gray areas, making it straightforward to document chronic payment issues and take decisive action.

What these changes mean if you're a renter: 

The shifting landscape means timelines and procedural windows require your utmost attention to protect your housing stability. Because the N4 notice period for missed rent has dropped from 14 days down to seven, you have a much narrower window to catch up on arrears before a landlord can file with the LTB. On the plus side, clarity around rules like the two-year deadline for filing T5 bad-faith applications gives you a solid, predictable timeframe to hold landlords accountable if an eviction turns out to be unlawful. Staying proactive with your communication and keeping meticulous payment records are your best defenses under these tighter rules.

Maximum Prosecution Fines for Landlords in Ontario:

For severe violations of the RTA—such as illegal lockouts, bad-faith evictions, or shutting off vital services—landlords can be prosecuted. Maximum fine thresholds are:   

  • Individuals: Up to $100,000   
  • Corporations: Up to $500,000  

Bad Faith Evictions (N12 / N13): If a landlord evicts a tenant for personal use or renovations and fails to follow through (e.g., re-renting the unit out immediately at a higher rate), a tenant can file a T5 application. Penalties ordered by the LTB can include:   

  • Paying the tenant up to 12 months of their last rent charged.   
  • Covering the difference in rent between the old unit and the tenant’s new home for up to one year.   
  • Covering reasonable out-of-pocket moving, storage, and related expenses.  

Other landlord behaviours that may result in fines or penalties are:  Illegal Lockouts, interfere with reasonable enjoyment, changing locks without following proper legal eviction processes, or harassing a tenant to force them out, are major offenses., intentionally cutting off or interfering with the supply of heat, electricity, fuel, hot/cold water, or gas is strictly prohibited.   Unlawful Rent Collection: Charging rent above allowable guidelines without an approved Above-Guideline Increase (AGI), illegally retaining deposits, or failing to pay annual interest on rent deposits results in mandatory rebates to the tenant (via T1 applications).   

For more information on Bill 60 & the Residential Tenancies Act visit: 

Ontario Government Website bill 60

Ontario Residential Tenancies act 2006

Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario

Landlord Tenant Board Decisions through OpenRoom

LTB of Ontario Decision Data Catalogue

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Sep 20, 2026

The core concern for most Toronto downsizers: 

Downsizing from a long-time family home is as much an emotional hurdle as it is a logistical one. Sellers often ask how to sort through a lifetime of accumulated possessions without feeling completely overwhelmed.  

In the Greater Toronto Area, this has led to a massive demand for specialized local resources. Families frequently ask how to vet professional senior move managers, how local online estate auctions (such as those servicing Ontario via platforms like MaxSold or Transition Squad) handle a large volume of items items, and what local charities or consignment options will accept remaining items.  

My personal experience as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist:

My clients are often overwhelmed with the task of sorting through a lifetime of accumulated possessions (and collections) without feeling completely overwhelmed.   Here are some tips I have learned helping many of my sellers through this exact process:

  1. Start as early as possible - if you’re planning a move start a year before.  Sort into piles of ‘junk’, ‘sell’ & keep. 
  2. Tackle one room at a time starting with an unused guest room. Use the cleared room to stage the items from other rooms so your house stays organized.
  3. Use the "pomodoro' method - remember the little tomato kitchen timers?  Set a timer to 20 minutes - work through as much as possible - then take a break.  Admire your progress.  Repeat for another 20 minutes.  Breaking up the tasks makes things easier. 
  4. Selling things?  Do your resarch beforehand  The value of your items & the modern methods of selling may be vastly different than you imagine.  A little research ahead of time will help you understand what works best for you.  
  5. Bring in professionals to consult - a decluttering expert or realtors like me (who work hands on) will help you and your family break down the process, work with you to come up with a plan so you don’t have a nervous breakdown!

The main ways to sell a lot of belongings in Toronto if you're downsizing  

Personal on-line sales like Kijiji & Facebook marketplace:

Garage sales:

On-line platforms like Carrot, E-bay etc. 

On line auction houses/estate auctions like Transition Squad or MaxSold 

Consignment Stores:

Auction houses like Sotheby's

On-site estate sales

Pros and cons of each method of selling:

 Personal on-line sales like Kijiji & Facebook marketplace:

  • Pros:  you can set your own prices, take your own pictures & write your own descriptions - you have full control, you keep 100% of your sales
  • Cons: strangers show up to your door; they may haggle or "ghost' you - ask a lot of questions then become unresponsive, it may take a long time to sell things

Garage sales:

  • Pros: you can sell a bunch of things at once, it all happens in one day and people will leave with their purchases, often there are neighbourhood sales organized that will draw bigger crowds, you keep 100% of your sales
  • Cons:  if you don't like haggling, this is not for you, advertising is usually limited to your neighbourhood, weather may not co-operate

On-line platforms like Carrot, E-bay etc. 

  • Pros:  you can set your own prices, take your own pictures & write your own descriptions - you have full control
  • Cons: strangers show up to your door; they may haggle or "ghost' you - ask a lot of questions then become unresponsive, it may take a long time to sell things, both are not as popular as Facebook marketplace, there is a fee for selling items, you have to arrange pack & to ship items by mail to buyers that are not local - so not good for larger, heavy items

On line auction houses/estate auctions like Transition Squad or MaxSold 

  • Pros:  people bid on your items & pay on line.  No haggling.  Pick up is generally a specific and limited window.   A great way to sell a lot of items at once.  You can manage your own auction (pictures, descriptions & posting) or pay a service to have someone else manage it for you. 
  • Cons: The auctions charge a percentage which is non-negotiable.  Managing an auction is labour intensive, so expect to pay by the hour for someone to do it for you.  MaxSold starts all auctions at a dollar, with no reserve - but has a large database of potential buyers.  Transition Squad has reserve bidding, but a much smaller database of potential buyers

Consignment Stores:

  • Pros: good for higher end items that may sell for more but not in the fine art/antique category.  Buyers will pick them up from the store so you don't have to deliver.
  • Cons: they are picky and will only accept items that they know they can sell (apply with pictures to the consignment store to find out if an item is acceptable), generally the longer it take to sell the less you will make, the consignment store will have a fee, you have to arrange to get your items to the store & pick them up if they don't sell.  There are not as many consignment stores as there used to be. 

Auction houses like Sotheby's

  • Pros: they sell books, furniture & decorative Art, Jewelry, Paintings & Sculpture, Sports Collectibles, the sell on line or also at auctions, either live or on-line
  • Cons: generally for high end items or fine jewellery, there is a process similar to consigning to see if they will sell your item; they judge condtion and provenance, too.  Fees are about 20% of finaly price, They take about 3 weeks for consideration of an item to sell

On-site estate sales - honestly I am not sure if anyone does these in Toronto anymore! 

Buying household contents in Toronto or the GTA is an urban myth

I see people asking this question all the time on-line.  There is no service in Toronto that will pay you in bulk for a household of items

Any way you would like to sell your items, understand that there is a glut of 'baby boomer' stuff out there.  Younger generations simply don't live the lifestyle of their parents or grandparents - so they don't have space for, or appreciation of things like: Dining room sets, heavy carved furniture, matching bedroom suites, 'good' china, silver or crystal.  With a glut of these items on the market, set your expectations accordingly! 

For more hints and tips, please check out:

How to sort through a lifetime of pictures & slides

30 Day Declutter worksheet

Tips for a smooth move



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Sep 14, 2026

Spectacular ravine setting

Craving something that’s not a cookie-cutter home?  Set on an extraordinary ravine lot, this home is packed full of character and unlike any typical East York bungalow.   With 2 bedrooms upstairs along with a full bath and sunroom overlooking the ravine this home has an open concept main floor with vaulted ceilings. 

Descend the incredible reclaimed wood stairs to the lower level (the basement is on-grade) with a 3rd bedroom/rec-room and 4 pc bath. Also on this level is a walk-out to the back deck, yard and ravine. 

On the other side of the lower level there's a jr 1 bedroom suite with separate laundry, 2 separate entrances, a deck, kitchenette & bedroom with 3 pc ensuite & egress window. It's completely separated from the rest of the house and has been carefully and thoughtfully designed with privacy in mind - right down to a separate outdoor space. 

The serene back yard has lots of table land and ultimate privacy - there's no public space beyond.  If you want to enjoy the Taylor Creek Park system the entrance is at the end of the block. 

Surrounded by established homes & new builds, this is your chance to own a very special home that speaks to calm, stillness and nature in the heart of the city. 

Incredible character and features

The main floor features 100+ year old wide plank reclaimed hardwood floors, an open concept living space with vaulted ceiling & skylights - all overlooking the ravine that dips down to a tributary of Taylor-Massey Creek.

The kitchen ceiling is vaulted with 2 skylights creating an incredible light filled home.  The lower level, accessed by a gorgeous reclaimed wood staircase has a room that can be used as a 3rd bedroom or rec room.  There's a full 4 pc. bathroom, and the entry is heated with a wet bar/kitchenette and dedicated yoga space.  

Video tour of 124 Glenwood Terrace

Privacy & income potential 

Another unique feature of the home is that the the other side of the lower level has been converted into a jr 1 bedroom suite with separate laundry, 2 separate entrances, a deck, kitchenette & bedroom with 3 pc ensuite & egress window. 

It's completely separated from the rest of the house and has been carefully and thoughtfully designed with privacy in mind - right down to a separate outdoor space and deck with privacy screen.  

The ravine

The serene back yard has lots of tableland and ultimate privacy - there's no public space beyond. If you want to enjoy the Taylor Creek Park system the entrance is at the end of the block.  With a gently sloping yard, there's lots of space to enjoy.   Set back from the other homes, it's a truly private oasis. 

Surrounded by established homes & new builds, this is your chance to own a very special home that speaks to calm, stillness and nature in the heart of the city.

For a private showing, message me at 416-562-5002

Craving more details about 124 Glenwood Cres?

Check out the links below:

Full listing details with all the photos

Property Website for 124 Glenwood Cres

Search for Ravine properties in Toronto



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