Homes for Sale in Columbia Forest

 
Clair Hill has a lot to offer outdoor-enthusiasts, as well. The Waterloo Golf Academy in the west of Clair Hill has a 9-hole course, a full-length driving range, a family-friendly mini-putt course, and more. Hikers, walkers, and explorers can delight in a few things: firstly, northern Clair Hill has access to the start (and end!) point of the Waterloo GeoTime Trail.
 
This 4km trail runs in a loop through western Waterloo, with 18 signs along the path providing a fascinating glimpse into Waterloo’s geological history. The GeoTime Trail was created in 2007, to celebrate Waterloo’s 150 th birthday (Abraham Erb would be proud).
 
Arguably, one of Waterloo’s ‘best-kept secrets’ is Clair Forest (or ‘Forested Hills’), a huge forested area that features the rippling waters of Clair Creek, and over 12 kilometers of trails. It’s beautiful, it’s quiet, and perhaps most importantly to Clair Hill residents, it’s right next door. The Westside Trails, as they’re called, stretch along Clair Hill and Waterloo’s western border.
 
Amazingly, this is just scratching the surface of what’s available near and in Clair Hill – there’s even more to explore and discover, from the Rhineland SWM Pond to outdoor skating rinks. Clair Hill is truly a wonderful area.
 

Education

For parents/guardians (and future parents/guardians), it’s important to note what educational facilities are nearby – and what they offer – when you’re moving or buying a new home. Clair Hill residents have great access to several schools. Within Clair Hill’s boundaries is Edna Staebler Public School, located at 450 Bernary Drive.
 
Having opened its doors in 2007, it’s one of Kitchener-Waterloo’s newest schools. Edna Staebler is part of the public school board (WRDSB), and it serves Kindergarten to Grade 8 (with an option for French Immersion starting at Grade 1).
 
Over 900 students attend Edna Staebler. Students attending the Catholic school board (WCDSB) are zoned for St. Nicholas Catholic School (also Kindergarten to Grade 8), around 3 kilometers north of Clair Hill in the Laurelwood neighbourhood.
 
It should be noted that in 2015-16, St. Nicholas tied as the number one elementary school in Waterloo, according to the Fraser Institute. Catholic high school students are zoned for Resurrection Catholic Secondary School, located south of Clair Hill near the Kitchener/Waterloo border (a WRX article on Resurrection, and the other WCDSB secondary schools in Kitchener-Waterloo, is forthcoming).
 
For increasingly many students, schooling does not end at secondary school. And Clair Hill is well-situated to enable post-secondary education for its residents. The University of Waterloo is a short drive away, off of Columbia Street, and Wilfrid Laurier University is just a little further. A few minutes further still is the Waterloo Campus of Conestoga College.
 
Clair Hill is close enough to commute to and from the universities or college (by foot, by car, or by public transit [or other, more creative, means of transportation]) yet far enough that it feels separate, and residents need not worry about noise or busy streets.
 
This is great for post-secondary students, and for anyone interested in working for one of the institutions – they are among the largest employers in Kitchener-Waterloo.
 

To Clarify and Conclude

Clair Hill residents never need to travel far. Whether it’s schools, shopping, or outdoor activities, they’ve got it all – either within the neighbourhood boundaries, or a short drive/walk/bus ride away. As they say in Clair Hill: ‘life’s a fair thrill at Clair Hill.’ Well, I hope they say that, at least, because it’s true.
 

Written by Will Kummer

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