Northwest of the city, Chelmsford and Azilda (the former Town of Rayside-Balfour) give you small-town living with all the basics close to home. Both communities have deep francophone roots and a friendly, everybody-knows-everybody feel. According to the City’s Move to Sudbury guide, about 64% of Chelmsford residents and 60% of Azilda residents speak both English and French.
Getting Around
The City’s Move to Sudbury guide puts Azilda about 15 km and Chelmsford about 20 km northwest of downtown Sudbury. GOVA Transit serves both communities, and many residents commute into the city for work.
Shopping and Services
Chelmsford is the shopping hub for the area, with Place Bonaventure Mall, grocery stores, pharmacies and local and chain restaurants. Azilda has its own grocery store, pharmacy and restaurants, and Place Bonaventure is about 10 minutes away. Both communities have a Citizen Service Centre and library.
Parks, Lakes and Recreation
- Whitewater Lake Park in Azilda, off Laurier Street West, with a beach, washrooms, canteen, playground, splash pad and pavilion
- Whitson River Waterway Trail in Chelmsford
- Chelmsford Community Centre and Arena on Edward Avenue and the Dr. Edgar Leclair Community Centre and Arena on St. Agnes Street in Azilda
- Lionel E. Lalonde Centre in Azilda, with a gym, fitness room and exercise programs
- Splash pads, skateboard parks, ball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, and outdoor rinks
Schools
- Chelmsford Valley District Composite School on Highway 144, a K-12 school serving Chelmsford, Azilda and the surrounding communities
- Chelmsford Public School and St. Charles Catholic Elementary School
- École publique Franco-Nord and École Ste-Marie in Azilda (French-language elementary)
Confirm boundaries for a specific address with the school board.
Homes in Chelmsford and Azilda
You will find a mix of bungalows, split-levels and two-storey family homes on quiet residential streets, plus semis, townhouses and apartments in Chelmsford, and larger lots and rural acreages around the edges. Azilda has a long farming history, and some properties still have room for gardens, garages and toys. Many buyers come here for more space for their budget while staying a reasonable drive from the city.
Who Chelmsford and Azilda Suit
- Families who want a small-town feel with schools, rinks and a beach close by
- Bilingual and francophone households
- Buyers who want a larger lot, a garage or a bit of land
Some rural properties are on private wells and septic systems, so it is worth checking services before you buy. We can help you ask the right questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far are Chelmsford and Azilda from downtown Sudbury?
The City’s Move to Sudbury guide puts Azilda about 15 km and Chelmsford about 20 km northwest of downtown. Both are served by GOVA Transit.
Is there a beach in Azilda?
Yes. Whitewater Lake Park, off Laurier Street West, has a beach, splash pad, playground, canteen and pavilion.
What high school serves Chelmsford and Azilda?
Chelmsford Valley District Composite School on Highway 144 is a K-12 school serving Chelmsford, Azilda and nearby communities. Confirm boundaries for a specific address with the board.
Thinking About Chelmsford & Azilda?
Whether you are buying your first home, moving up or getting ready to sell, Team KING knows Chelmsford & Azilda street by street. Call us at (705) 988-1022, find out what your home is worth with a free home evaluation, or send us a message and we will get back to you quickly.
With about 64% of Chelmsford residents and 60% of Azilda residents speaking both English and French, many local buyers and sellers want an agent who does too: Shawn Boucher (705-923-7118) and Aleks McTaggart (705-561-0946) offer full service in English and French. Service en français disponible : agents immobiliers bilingues à Sudbury.