Rural Boom: Why more millennials are flocking to small town Canada

Summary

The video explores the trend of millennials leaving Canada's major cities to embrace rural life, focusing on Markdale, Ontario. Amid the pandemic, young families are moving to small towns like Markdale in search of affordable housing, a closer connection to nature, and an improved work-life balance. However, this migration is creating challenges, including rising real estate prices and labor shortages. While some locals welcome the revitalization, others worry about the rapid changes. The shift reflects a broader reconsideration of lifestyle priorities, with many looking for space to raise families and start businesses in rural environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Millennials are moving away from major cities like Toronto to small towns like Markdale, Ontario, in search of a quieter, more affordable lifestyle.
• 😀 Simone Weinstein and Celeste Lopretto moved to Markdale in 2020 to start a small-scale farm and vegan meal delivery service, The Conscious Kitchen.
• 😀 Markdale's population of 1,200 is growing rapidly due to the influx of new residents seeking a rural lifestyle post-pandemic.
• 😀 The pandemic played a major role in reversing the trend of young people leaving rural areas for cities, as many sought space and affordability outside urban centers.
• 😀 New developments and infrastructure projects, such as a new supermarket, hospital, and subdivisions, are transforming Markdale into a more vibrant town.
• 😀 While the town's growth is exciting for many, some long-time residents fear that rapid change is eroding the town's traditional character and pace.
• 😀 Housing prices in Markdale have surged, with some properties tripling in value in just a few years, pushing locals out of the housing market.
• 😀 Despite the challenges of higher real estate prices, newcomers like Graham Demarsh and Ashley Patrick appreciate the community spirit and outdoor lifestyle of rural living.
• 😀 Markdale's local businesses, such as Chapman's Ice Cream, are struggling with labor shortages due to the influx of people who are not seeking manual or unskilled labor jobs.
• 😀 Long-time residents like Patricia Ewingwood have faced housing challenges due to rising rents and limited availability, leading to increased living costs and relocation.
• 😀 The small-town revival in Markdale is part of a broader trend across rural Canada, with more people reconsidering where and how they want to live after the pandemic.

Q & A

Why did Simone Weinstein and Celeste Lopretto decide to move to Markdale?

Simone and Celeste decided to move to Markdale after feeling overwhelmed by the rising housing prices in Toronto and Guelph. They were also drawn to the idea of starting a small-scale farm and running a vegan meal delivery service in a more affordable, rural environment.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted migration patterns in Canada?

The pandemic has led many young people, particularly millennials, to reconsider living in big cities. With remote work becoming more common and housing prices skyrocketing in urban areas, many have chosen to move to rural towns like Markdale, seeking more space, a quieter lifestyle, and affordable housing.

What changes have occurred in Markdale since Simone and Celeste moved there?

Since Simone and Celeste moved to Markdale, the town has seen significant growth, including the arrival of new businesses, a supermarket, a Tim Hortons, and the construction of a new hospital and subdivisions. These developments indicate a broader revitalization of the area.

What challenges have long-time residents of Markdale faced due to the influx of newcomers?

Long-time residents of Markdale have expressed concerns about gentrification, with rising housing prices making it difficult for locals to afford homes. Some worry that the rapid changes may alter the character of the town, while others are concerned about being pushed out of the housing market.

How have the real estate prices in Markdale changed since the pandemic began?

Real estate prices in Markdale have surged dramatically. Some properties have tripled in value in just a few years, with a 40% increase in housing prices over the past year. Homes that once took several months to sell are now selling in as little as 24 hours.

What impact has the migration of newcomers had on local businesses like Chapman's Ice Cream?

The influx of newcomers has led to a labor shortage for businesses like Chapman's Ice Cream. Many longtime employees have been forced to sell their homes and move due to rising housing costs. While more people are moving in, they are generally seeking jobs that require higher skill levels, which is not helping the unskilled labor market in the area.

What role has Akash Desai played in the transformation of Markdale?

Akash Desai, the deputy mayor of Grey Highlands (which includes Markdale), has worked to make the area more attractive to younger people. His involvement in local politics aims to revitalize the community by creating a welcoming environment for newcomers, especially those seeking a more rural lifestyle.

How has the change in Markdale affected the local school system?

The local elementary school, which was on the verge of closing due to low enrollment, is now being replaced with a brand-new facility as part of the town's revitalization. This reflects the growing population and increased demand for educational services in the area.

What challenges are newcomers like Ashley and Graham facing in Markdale?

Ashley and Graham, who moved to Markdale from Toronto, are adjusting to life in a small town. While they appreciate the peace and outdoor lifestyle, they miss the convenience of late-night food delivery and are navigating the higher cost of living, which includes the lack of services like Uber Eats.

What are some of the broader implications of the migration from cities to rural towns like Markdale?

The migration trend from cities to rural areas has the potential to revitalize small towns, but it also presents challenges like rising housing prices, gentrification, and labor shortages in industries reliant on unskilled workers. The shift reflects a broader societal change in how people prioritize lifestyle, affordability, and work-life balance in the post-pandemic world.