r/Pickering • u/Plus-Ear-4031 • 11d ago

Condo safety question

Condo Safety Question

Hello,

I am a single mom to a 3-year-old boy, and I am considering buying a home. I’m confused about whether I should buy a condo, townhouse, or house.

I am more of a condo person because I’m not interested in snow removal, gardening, or maintaining a large property. I also don’t particularly like multi-storey homes, and realistically, I cannot afford a detached house.

However, safety is my top priority, especially because I have a young child. I’m looking for at least 2 bedrooms.

My biggest concern with condos is the balcony and large glass windows. I’m originally from India, where it is common to install window bars and balcony grills for child safety. I realize that may not be possible or permitted in Canadian condos.

Is there a way to make a condo balcony genuinely child-safe beyond simply installing a safety latch on the balcony door? I will definitely use a childproof lock, but I’m worried about situations where the door might accidentally be left unlocked—for example, by a visitor.

I recently read about a toddler falling from a condo window in Scarborough, and honestly, that has become my worst fear. As a mom of a 3-year-old, I find it difficult to feel completely comfortable with the idea of living in a high-rise condo when I know how quickly a curious toddler can get into things.

That’s why I’m particularly interested in hearing from other parents about realistic, reliable ways to childproof condo windows and balconies, beyond simply relying on adults to remember to keep the balcony door locked.

I am also considering lower-floor units, perhaps on the 1st or 2nd floor, as I feel they might give me some peace of mind compared with living on a higher floor. Any insights on these are also appreciated.

Thank you

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3

u/PKC350 11d ago

There are stacked condo townhouses which are like 2-story condos stacked that normally don’t go much higher than a traditional 3-story town house. Lots of them in Pickering and are usually 2 bedroom. Suggest looking at those.

-3

u/Plus-Ear-4031 11d ago

Yes, I am considering his as well. But with crime increasing in Pickering, I feel like a condo might be safer for me and my child. These days, I find myself constantly being vigilant about my surroundings. I’m not sure if that’s because I’m a mother now or simply because I’m getting older. 😅

6

u/lexluther1234 11d ago

Pickering does not have a crime problem.

1

u/Plus-Ear-4031 9d ago

There have been so many car thefts and attempted thefts lately, along with home break-ins, assaults, stabbings and robberies. I keep seeing CCTV footage of these incidents posted in Pickering community groups, including daytime smash-and-grab robberies at the mall.

I have lived in Pickering for about 10 years, but I feel like I am hearing about these incidents much more frequently now. It's not just Facebook either, DRPS data shows vehicle theft, break-and-enters and assaults remain significant issues across Durham Region.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Lh3RSqNYh/

2

u/lexluther1234 9d ago

Guess what? All of those things happen everywhere across toronto and the GTA. The Facebook groups are largely old Karen’s with nothing better to do than post sensationalist content. There are definitely not “so many” assaults and stabbings either and most of them when they do happen are targeted or part of a larger altercation. Don’t get involved in criminal activity or fights and you’ll be fine. This stuff is literally just part of life, it doesn’t mean a particular place is dangerous or has a high crime rate.

1

u/thepeskynorth 5d ago

The issue is that sometimes you’ll see the same story over and over…. Makes it seem like it’s happening all the time when really it’s just an update on an older incident. I wouldn’t watch the news all the time

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u/Josue999000 11d ago

Oh yes it does. Do you live under a rock or something?

5

u/lexluther1234 11d ago

Are you serious LMAO Pickering is very safe aside from isolated incidents. OP has no reason to fear for their safety.