A lot of retirees seek out warmer climes for the winter months, and for some Meaford Haven residents, the sun may call come November. But others recognize that while Meaford summers are warm and sunny and full of activities on and around Southern Georgian Bay, and Meaford autumns indulge with fall colours and foods and beautiful views – winter can be just as fulfilling and active as the other seasons.

Staying fit and active during winter is as easy as stepping outside your door and stepping into a pair of snowshoes or cross country skis. Meaford Haven sits where the town ends and the country begins. And as we’ve mentioned often enough here, opportunities abound to ski, downhill ski, skate, snowshoe, curl or take to the snowmobile trails.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to incorporate snow shoveling into your fitness routine; that’ll already be taken care of. But living in a community with other active retirees, you’ll find it easy to meet up a gang to take part in all kinds of activities – maybe even a little street hockey. And the community clubhouse could be the perfect place to join friends for indoor fitness and healthy activities, such as yoga or Pilates.

Meaford’s Land Force Central Area Training Centre – or the “base” – offers the use of its fitness facilities – including a number of high-tech equipment rooms and gyms – to the Meaford community. It’s less than 10 minutes from Meaford Haven, and a single visit or a monthly pass is remarkably affordable.

Here’s another reason to get out of the house during the shorter days of winter. Living in a resort region, you’ll find lots of opportunities for part-time or seasonal employment to keep you busy (and bringing in some bonus income). Ski resorts, such as Blue Mountain, need lift operators and assistants as well as indoor staff during the ski season, and often retirees find this the perfect opportunity to stay active in the community.