Winona

Winona: Hamilton's Lakeside Gem and Growing Community

Step into Winona, a dynamic and expanding community situated on the eastern edge of Hamilton, Ontario. Known for its picturesque lakeside setting, agricultural roots, and a blend of established and developing residential areas, Winona offers a distinct and appealing lifestyle. This area, separate from Winona Park, provides a unique combination of suburban tranquility, access to nature, and convenient connections to both Hamilton's urban core and the Niagara region.

Location: Eastern Hamilton's Scenic Gateway

Winona holds a desirable position in Hamilton's East End, offering both natural beauty and practical accessibility:

• Easternmost Hamilton: Located on the eastern side of Hamilton, extending towards the border with Niagara Region.
• Lakeside Proximity: Benefits from its close proximity to the shores of Lake Ontario, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities.
• Agricultural Heritage: Historically recognized for its rich agricultural land, particularly known for fruit farms and the annual Peach Festival.

Safety and Community Assurance

Winona is considered a secure and family-friendly community within Hamilton. While no specific crime rates for Winona itself were found, the City of Hamilton generally reports lower crime rates compared to provincial and national averages. The community's active participation in local events, like the Winona Peach Festival, and the presence of community centers contribute to a strong collective sense of security and belonging. Hamilton Police Services are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being across all its communities.

Demographics: A Flourishing & Diverse Population

Winona is a consistently populated and ethnically rich community, appealing to a wide range of age groups and household types:

• Population & Households: This community is home to a consistent population, indicating a stable and developing residential area.
• Ethnic Diversity: This community is home to people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, contributing to a rich cultural mix.
• Age Profile: The area appeals to a broad spectrum of ages, including families, young professionals, and established residents.
• Household Composition: Winona's housing stock supports a blend of household types, including families with children and single-person households.

Schools: Serving Local Learners

Winona is served by a selection of public and Catholic schools within its vicinity, providing educational options for local families.

Public Schools (Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board):

• Winona Elementary School: A key local public school.
• Orchard Park Secondary School: Serving the broader East Hamilton area for secondary education.
• Saltfleet District High School
• É Élém Renaissance (French Language Elementary)
• ÉÉ Pavillon de la jeunesse (French Language Elementary)
• ÉS Georges-P-Vanier (French Language Secondary)

Catholic Schools (Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board):

• Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Elementary School
• Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School
• St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School
• St. John Henry Newman Catholic High School
• ÉÉC Notre-Dame (French Language Elementary)
• ÉSAC Mère-Teresa (French Language Secondary)

These schools contribute to the area's family-oriented atmosphere, and some may offer specialized programs such as French Immersion.

Amenities and Recreation

Winona offers a variety of amenities and recreational opportunities, blending local conveniences with access to larger facilities:

• Winona Community Centre: A central hub for local activities and programs, serving as a vital part of the neighbourhood's social fabric.
• Local Parks: The community features parks that often include amenities such as playgrounds, providing spaces for children and families.
• Winona Peach Festival: This renowned annual festival is a major local event, celebrating the area's agricultural heritage and offering entertainment, food, and community gathering.
• Commercial Areas: While primarily residential, local businesses and services are available, contributing to daily convenience.

Community Services

Residents of Winona have access to essential community and healthcare services within and near their neighbourhood:

• Community Centres: The Winona Community Centre (255 Winona Road) is a primary local resource, hosting programs including the Winona EarlyON Centre for families with young children.
• Libraries: The Hamilton Public Library system extends its services to Winona residents. Nearby branches such as the Stoney Creek Library (777 Highway 8) provide access to resources, computers, and various programs.
• Healthcare Facilities: For medical needs, the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (169 Main Street East, Grimsby) is conveniently located nearby, offering emergency, inpatient, and outpatient services. Other clinics and health centres, like Lakeside Health Centre in Stoney Creek, also serve the area.

Transportation and Commute

Winona provides well-developed transportation routes, making it an accessible community for commuters:

• Vehicle Dominance: The majority of Winona residents rely on private vehicles for commuting, benefiting from excellent access to major highways, particularly the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), which connects to Hamilton's core and the Niagara region.
• Public Transit: While primarily vehicle-oriented, public transit options are available, connecting Winona residents to broader Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) routes.
• Commute Times: Given its location, commute times to downtown Hamilton or Niagara can vary but are generally efficient due to highway access.
• Regional Connectivity: Winona's position makes it a strategic location for those commuting to both Hamilton and the Niagara Peninsula.

Cultural and Entertainment Opportunities

Winona offers unique local cultural experiences rooted in its agricultural heritage, alongside access to a broader regional entertainment landscape:

• Winona Peach Festival: This annual event is the cornerstone of Winona's cultural calendar, drawing visitors from across the region for its celebration of local produce, crafts, and entertainment.
• Local Community Events: The Winona Community Centre likely hosts various local events and programs throughout the year, fostering community engagement.
• Niagara Region Proximity: Winona is a gateway to the famous Niagara Wine Region, offering abundant opportunities for culinary tourism, winery visits, and seasonal festivals.
• Hamilton City Attractions: Residents can easily access Hamilton's diverse cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, live music venues, and major sports events, with a short drive.

Natural Environment

Winona boasts a pleasant natural environment, characterized by its agricultural landscapes and proximity to Lake Ontario:

• Agricultural Landscape: The area is known for its fruit farms and orchards, contributing to a distinct rural-suburban feel and seasonal beauty.
• Lake Ontario Access: The community's location provides access to Lake Ontario, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and enjoying the shoreline.
• Conservation Areas: Nearby conservation areas along the Niagara Escarpment and shoreline offer trails and green spaces for outdoor recreation, such as Fifty Point Conservation Area in adjacent Winona Park (while this page is for Winona itself, the proximity to such areas is a benefit).
• Green Spaces: Local parks within Winona provide accessible green spaces for residents to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

Future Development

Winona is an area targeted for planned growth and development, particularly through the Fruitland-Winona Secondary Plan. This plan aims to guide future residential and infrastructure expansion:

• Structured Growth: The Fruitland-Winona Secondary Plan Block 1 Servicing Strategy is actively being finalized, enabling the construction of key municipal infrastructure in parallel with development approvals.
• New Residential Options: Future developments include the creation of new residential blocks, such as proposed two-story park-style townhouses and three-story standard and back-to-back townhouses, responding to growing demand.
• Community & Neighbourhood Parks: Planned developments within Block 1 include new neighbourhood parks to serve immediate populations and larger community parks with amenities like washroom facilities, designed for all ages.
• Infrastructure Investment: The plan addresses critical infrastructure, including watercourse realignment and naturalization, ensuring sustainable and ecologically responsible development.

Real Estate Market Stability

Winona's real estate market is active and evolving, reflecting its planned growth and appealing location, primarily offering owner-occupied housing.

• Housing Profile: The dominant housing type in Winona is the single-detached house (89%), with a smaller percentage of row houses (9%). The area features a mix of construction ages, with a significant portion of homes built after 2001 (26% between 2001-2005, 38% between 2006-2010), indicating newer developments.
• Ownership: The community is largely owner-occupied (98%), with a very small percentage of renter-occupied homes, reflecting a strong preference for homeownership.
• Average Home Value: Specific average home prices for the core Winona area (excluding Winona Park as per HoodQ data) were not directly available in the search results. However, Hamilton's overall average residential property price was approximately $791,384 as of April 2025. Given Winona's appeal and new developments, its property values would generally align with, or exceed, the broader Hamilton market, especially for detached homes.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Winona aligns with the overall affordability of the City of Hamilton, which is typically lower than larger metropolitan areas in Ontario.

• Property Taxes: Property taxes in Winona are determined by the assessed value of a property and the City of Hamilton's annual tax rate. These rates are set by the municipality and applied across property classes.
• Utility Costs: Average monthly utility expenses for a typical Hamilton household (encompassing electricity, heating, water, and internet) generally range from $250 to $400. These costs can vary based on home size, age, and energy efficiency.
• Overall Value: Winona offers a strong value proposition, combining an appealing community with access to amenities and a more accessible cost of living compared to denser urban centers.

Martin Group: Your Dedicated Real Estate Partner

Embarking on a real estate journey in a unique and growing community like Winona requires a guiding hand that truly understands its landscape. At Martin Group, we don't just facilitate transactions; we become your dedicated partners, offering an insightful and personalized approach to buying or selling property here.

• Holistic Understanding: We go beyond basic listings, analyzing the distinct nuances of Winona's market, from its agricultural heritage to its planned residential expansions.
• Personalized Strategy: Your unique needs and aspirations are at the core of our strategy, ensuring a tailored approach that aligns with your vision for living in Winona.
• Transparent Guidance: We prioritize clear, honest communication, providing you with all the information needed to make informed decisions every step of the way.
• Seamless Execution: Our meticulous attention to detail and proactive support ensure a smooth, stress-free transaction, from initial consultation to closing.
• Community Connection: We share a deep appreciation for Winona's blend of natural beauty and community spirit, helping you find a home that truly integrates with this desirable lifestyle.

Conclusion

Winona stands as a compelling and evolving community in Hamilton, offering a harmonious blend of scenic beauty, agricultural heritage, and strategic growth. Its welcoming atmosphere, strong local amenities, and planned future developments make it an increasingly desirable place to call home for a wide range of individuals and families. If the allure of Winona's distinct lifestyle resonates with you, let the Martin Group be your dedicated partner. Our commitment to understanding your needs and our profound appreciation for this remarkable community will ensure a successful and rewarding real estate experience as you embark on your journey in Winona.