Shelly Totino moved to Lindsay with her family in September 2024
Newcomer

The Lindsay Advocate: Why did you choose to move to here?
Shelly Totino: We chose Lindsay for its affordability. As a young family from the Durham Region, we found that the kind of home we needed was no longer within our budget there. We were looking for a home with ample space for our two kids, as well as for my dad, who would be moving in with us. Lindsay stood out. It felt like the perfect fit for our family’s needs.
The Lindsay Advocate: What is your favourite thing about Kawartha Lakes so far?
Shelly Totino: What we love most is how safe and welcoming it feels. While there are always complaints on those Facebook groups about things like homelessness in the area, these are challenges faced by communities across Ontario. We’ve also really enjoyed the small-town vibes. It’s refreshing to feel part of a community where people look out for one another. For our kids, Logie Park has quickly become a favourite spot, and we’re loving all the nearby trails. After living so close to Toronto for most of my life, it’s amazing to be surrounded by nature instead of concrete. Being able to see trees and forests, even right behind our house, feels like soul-repair after years of city living.
The Lindsay Advocate: What are your favourite local restaurants or shops?
Shelly Totino: Lindsay has some fantastic food! Kindred has become our go-to spot for morning coffee, and if we’re not there, the Lindsay Street Tim Hortons has some of the nicest people. The guy who mans the drive-thru telling me to “rock on!” every morning has certainly made a difference in my day. For dining out, we’ve loved Pie Eyed Monk, and Masala Kraft is great for take-out.
The Lindsay Advocate: What do you think is missing from Kawartha Lakes?
Shelly Totino: A few more options for shopping and activities. For starters, I’ll say it — a Walmart! I know people worry it could impact small businesses, but realistically, it would just provide more affordable shopping options. Right now, we find ourselves driving to Port Perry or Peterborough far too often to pick up essentials like baby formula. We’d also love to see more restaurants and cafes in town, especially higher-end, non-chain options. As big foodies, we really enjoy supporting local and trying unique spots. Finally, there could be more activities for kids, especially indoor ones. A few indoor playgrounds would be a game-changer. As well, more opportunities for Dads to connect. As a stay-at-home parent, my husband is often looking for ways to connect. There are a ton of Mom groups, but not much for Dads.
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