Nestled in the heart of the Niagara region, Thorold is a thriving community where small-town charm meets modern conveniences. Known for its rich history and scenic canal-side views, Thorold offers a welcoming environment for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Its proximity to iconic destinations like Niagara Falls, the Niagara Escarpment, and renowned wineries gives residents easy access to nature and cultural experiences. As the city grows, it retains its close-knit community feel, with new businesses and developments enhancing its appeal. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy picturesque trails and parks, while the evolving downtown offers local shops and dining, making Thorold an affordable gem for those seeking both tranquility and urban amenities.

When it comes to putting a personal stamp on our homes, you can’t go wrong by adding artwork. Art helps define the personality of a space, and it can dramatically improve the look of any room. And while most of us do have art woven throughout our homes, it’s often limited to a painting or a picture in a frame. If you’re looking to shake up the art in your home, here are some simple ways to do so.

Want more decor inspiration and advice for your next decor project? Check out our 4-part Love Design, Live Empire video series with designer Dominique De Freitas and subscribe to receive the episodes directly to your inbox along with exclusive bonus content including our curated style guides and expert tips and inspiration.

In episode one of our four-part video series, we go behind the scenes with Dominic De Freitas and the figure3 team as they conceptualize four unique model home styles in Thorold – Shabby Chic, Modern Scandi, Industrial Ranch and Manor Estate.

Schools play a major role in the growth of your family, and are often one of the most important considerations when buying a new home. To help Legacy homeowners in the Niagara area navigate their way through their new school options, we’ve put together this guide on all things education.

In our experience, nothing compares to an actual visit. Sometimes reports and stats don’t take into account the amazing teachers and staff or overall atmosphere of a school. At the end of the day, different kids connect with different environments and what works for one family might be different for the next. We highly recommend visiting each school to determine what’s best for your kids.

School District

Our Legacy community in Thorold falls under the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN). Here’s everything you need to know about the school options located inside Legacy’s School Boundary. Please note Principals may change mid-year. Download a copy of DSBN’s Legacy School Boundary information sheet here.

Elementary Schools

Quaker Road Public School (Website)

• Address: 333 Quaker Rd, Welland, L3C 3G7
• Phone: 905-732-5412
• Grade Range: JK – Grade 8
• Size: 290
• Distance from Legacy: 5-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Robotics, Glee Club, Writing Club, Silver Birch and Read Maple reading clubs
• Sports: Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Three Pitch, Track and Field, Volleyball

Secondary Schools

E.L. Crossley Secondary School (Website)

• Address: 350 Hwy 20, Fonthill, L0S 1E0
• Phone: 905-892-2635
• Grade Range: Grade 9 – 12
• Distance form Legacy: 6-minute drive
• Size: 900
• Extra Curriculars: Chess Team, DECA, EARTH, Interact, ISCF, Model Builders, Ski Club, Student Council
• Sports: Cross Country, Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Swimming, Badminton, Curling, Wrestling, Lacrosse, Rowing, Baseball/Softball, Soccer, Track and Field

Out of Boundary Education

There are also several school options outside of Legacy’s School Boundary. In order to enroll students in a school outside of your boundary you must seek Alternate Attendance and gain approval by the Principal. Please note that if students are approved for attendance, there is no transportation provided.

Gordon Public School (Website)

• Address: 468 Thorold Rd W, Welland, L3C 3W6
• Phone: 905-734-3730
• Grade Range: Grade 1 – 8
• Distance from Legacy: 10-minute drive
• Size: 510
• Extra Curriculars: Chess Club, Guitar Club, Skip Team, Silver Birch Reading Club, Guitar Club
• Sports: Badminton, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Cross Country, Track and Field, Gymnastics, Dance, Three-Pitch
• French Immersion: Primary, Junior, and Intermediate

Fitch Street Public School (Website)

• Address: 164 Fitch St, Welland, L3C 4V5
• Phone: 905-732-3683
• Grade Range: Grade 1 – 8
• Distance from Legacy: 10-minute drive
• Size: 300
• Extra Curriculars: Mad Science, Choir, Red Maple and Silver Birch Reading Club
• Sports: Track and Field, Badminton, Basketball

Glynn A Green Public School (Website)

• Address: 1353 Pelham St. Fonthill, ON L0S1E0
• Phone: 905-892-3821
• Grade Range: JK – 8
• Distance from Legacy: 7-minute drive
• Size: N/A
• Extra Curriculars: Book Fair, Yearend trips, Art Attack, Robot Rumble, Choir, Family Reading Programme, Guitar Club, Chess, Library Club, Caribou Math, Coding Club, Lego Robotic Club, Science Fair, Library Helpers, Math Olympics, Me to We, Public Speaking, Student Parliament, Tech Challenge, Yoga Club
• Sports: Track and Field finals, Golf, Bike Rodeo, Badminton, Basketball, Volleyball, Three Pitch, Soccer, Volleyball
• French Immersion: N/A

A.K. Wigg Public School (Website)

• Address: 1337 Haist Street, Fonthill, L0S 1E0
• Phone: (905) 892-2605
• Grade Range: JK – 8
• Distance from Legacy: 10-minute drive
• Size: N/A
• Extra Curriculars: Book fairs, Dance Club, Choirs, Early Act Club, Educational Field trips, Talent/Variety Show, Techno challenge, Chess tournaments and clubs, Outdoor Education, Go Girls, Eco Club
• Sports: Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Cross country, Track and field, Three pitch baseball, Jump Rope for Heart, Golfing
• French Immersion: N/A
• Additional Information: K. Wigg school has access to the Pelham Library, the Pelham Arena and Community Centre as well as the “Way To Grow” Day Care Centre located at A. K. Wigg School.

Welland Centennial Secondary School (Website)

• Address: 240 Thorold Rd W, Welland, L3C 3W2
• Phone: 905-735-0700
• Grade Range: Grade 9 – 12
• Distance from Legacy: 9-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Chess Club, Centennial For Christ, Dance Team, Environmental Club, Media Arts Club, Musical Groups, OSAID, Schoolreach, Safe School Team, Ski and Snowboard Club, Student Council, Theatre Tech Club, Vocal Groups, Weight Room
• Sports: Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Curling, Football, Golf, Hockey, Rowing, Rugby, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball
• Extended French Program: Grade 9 – 12

Eastdale Secondary School (Specialized School-to-Work Program) Website

• Address: 170 Wellington St, Welland, L3B 1B3
• Phone: 905-734-7458
• Grade Range: Grade 9 – 12
• Distance from Legacy: 5-minute drive
• Size: 490
• Extra Curriculars: Anime Club, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Chess Club, Drama Club, Environment/Recycling Club, Technical Club, Yearbook
• Sports: Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Slo-Pitch, Soccer, Track and Field, Volleyball, Special Olympics

As one of Empire’s newest communities, we are working with the School Board to establish a smooth and transparent enrollment process for our homeowners and their families. If you have any questions about the schools listed above, we recommend contacting DSBN’s Education Centre at 905-641-1550. For transportation information, please contact Niagara Student Transportation Services at 905-346-0290.

Catholic Schools

The Catholic school system is also an option. Please note that the enrollment process and criteria may differ slightly from the Public School System. Please contact the Niagara Catholic District School Board for more information at (905) 735-0240.

St. Alexander Catholic Elementary School (Website)

• Address: 26 Highway #20 Fonthill, Ontario
• Phone: 905-892-3841
• Grade Range: ELKP – 8
• Distance from Legacy: 8-minute drive
• Size: 408
• Extra Curriculars: Camp Muskoka, Schools Mass/Prayer Service, French Play, Science Club,
• Sports: Track & Field
• French Immersion: N/A
• Child Care: Yes, from JK-Age 12

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Elementary School, Formerly Monsignor Clancy Secondary School (Website)

• Address: 41 Collier Road S. Thorold, ON L2V 3S9
• Phone: 905-227-4910
• Grade Range: K – 8
• Distance from Legacy: 9-minute drive
• Size: 345
• Sports: Soccer, Track & Field

A long soak in the tub is a treasured delight at the end of a long work week — one that shouldn’t be marred by forgetting to grab bath essentials beforehand. The spa-like master bathroom in Empire’s Shabby Chic model is chock-full of accessories that are as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing: a wooden stool doubles up as a perch for bath towels, while a small woven basket tucked beside the tub keeps essentials like soaps, shampoos and loofahs close at hand.

Get the Look:

1. Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash by Aesop, $51, aesop.com. 2. Potted Faux Succulent with White Pot by CB2, $60, cb2.com. 3. Izmir Striped Fouta Bath Towel in Charcoal by Au Lit Fine Linens, $30, aulitfinelinens.com. 4. Wooden Stool by Zara Home, $70, zarahome.com. 5. Snidad Basket by IKEA, $35, ikea.com.

A need for more storage space is one of the most common kitchen woes. Enter the humble baker’s rack, which gives some of the kitchen’s most hard-to-stash items new life as functional display pieces.

Get the Look:

1. Circa 1900 Caged Baker’s Rack Wide Single Shelving by RH, $2,595, rh.com. 2. Bistro 11.5” Serving Bowl by Crate & Barrel, $30, crateandbarrel.com. 3. Hammered Penny Colander in Copper by Thirstystone for Bed, Bath & Beyond, $20, bedbathandbeyond.ca. 4. Open Kitchen Stripe Apron by Williams-Sonoma, $21, williams-sonoma.ca. 5. Chambord 34 Ounce French Press in Stainless Steel by Bodum for Crate & Barrel, $55, crateandbarrel.com.

Designer Dominic De Freitas gives the green light for welcoming colour into our homes.

Ask anyone what their favourite colour is, and not many would tell you that it’s beige or grey. So why is there so much of it in our homes?

This expert mix is perhaps most evident in the living room, where a quartet of vibrant mustard lounge chairs are toned down with silvery grey and white accents, including the area rug. “The neutral colour palette has a grounding effect that creates a visually calm environment, while purposeful pops of colour add excitement,” says Dominic. And to ensure that the sitting area did not feel removed from the rest of the space, Dominic upholstered the lounge chairs in a plush velvet to match the nearby sofa, and used silver, brass and black accents to connect the two zones.

So for the colour curious — those who love the idea of shaking up their palette but can’t commit to large- scale pieces in more daring shades — don’t worry. “You should never feel overwhelmed by colour,” Dominic reminds us. “How much and where you use it will depend on your personality — the key is to know what you can live with, unless you enjoy continually reinventing and refreshing your style. Personally, I only want to paint my walls once!”

Want more decor inspiration? Check out our Manor Estate Style Guide, with exclusive tips from designer Dominique De Freitas and subscribe to receive three more style guides directly to your inbox along with exclusive bonus content and expert tips and inspiration.

Many know Ontario’s Niagara region for its world famous natural wonder, and now as the GTA housing shortage continues on, many more have come to know the area as a great place to call home. At Empire, we’ve been familiar with Niagara for a number of years, with communities in Thorold, Welland, and Niagara Falls, Ontario. Since we began building in the area in 2014, we’ve seen its rapid growth and development first-hand as many new residents have come to the region to raise their families, launch their businesses and pursue education.

In heart of Niagara is the charming City of Thorold – a community rich in history and brimming with culture and activity all within short access to the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Beautiful historical sites, nature trails, parks and playgrounds means Thorold has something for everyone, and is quickly becoming an ideal location for growing families and those looking to experience life with a little more ease.

At the hub of it all, Thorold is only 5 minutes from St. Catherines, 10 minutes from Niagara Falls and 15 minutes from Welland, making day trips out of the city a breeze. And if you’re looking to head south of the border, New York State is only 30 minutes away, making family vacations to the Big Apple all the easier. Read on to discover the top reasons why you should live here, as well as a few of Thorold’s local amenities that make it both an enjoyable and convenient place to call home.

Interested in making the move to Thorold and planting roots? Discover our Legacy and Calderwood communities, and more great reasons why Thorold might be the right fit for you.

Photos courtesy of: Thorold Tourism (Downtown Thorold)

A contemporary mix of traditional and modern styles, the Manor Estate is a transitional home that blends traditional architectural elements with clean-lined furniture and modern finishes. The fine balance of curved and straight lines results in an uncomplicated design that is both comfortable and relaxing while still sophisticated and refined.

Transitional design features a lack of ornamentation and minimal decoration. Colour palettes are typically neutral and subtle and may be monochromatic, with colour found through art and accents rather than upholstery and floors. In designing the Manor Estate model, designer Dominic De Freitas and his team selected a grey hue with a silvery undertone hue for the walls, which made it a natural fit for metallic finishes of silver, brass, copper and rose gold.

To Create This Classic Look, Consider the Following

• Symmetry: the human eye is drawn to symmetry and balance, which means that rooms that feature plenty of it will always be pleasant to look at.
• Create a focal point: much like symmetry, focal points are important because they’re pleasing to the eye and give it a place to rest.
• Hide technology: this doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on integrated furniture, simply that items like a large screen television shouldn’t be front and centre.
• Avoid trends: a neutral backdrop is timeless. Introduce pattern and bold colour through accents; these pieces are a much smaller investment and are easy to swap out if you ever get bored or want to make a change.
• Modernize a traditional home with art: contemporary art is what makes a room feel rooted in the present, no matter the historical period of the furnishings.
• Design rule: feature your most dominant colour at 60%, your secondary colour at 30%, and your accent colour at 10%.

One of the most gratifying moments in the home buying journey is the feeling of walking through your new home for the very first time. In this fourth and final episode, Empire Legacy homeowners get an exclusive first look at the Modern Scandi, Shabby Chic, Manor Estate and Industrial Ranch model homes in Thorold.

Want more decor inspiration and advice for your next decor project? Check out our four-part Love Design, Live Empire video series with designer Dominic De Freitas and subscribe to receive the episodes directly to your inbox along with exclusive bonus content including our curated style guides and expert tips and inspiration.

Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4