So pretty!! I’m not a pro landscaper but I would think planters would work well in your weather. So I’d do planters on the front porch with some pretty plants, flowers , or maybe even small lemon trees.
And then boxwoods in the ground.

I’m not a fan of plantings in front of walkways. I feel that they hide the walkways and distract from the main focus of the home: the front door.

I would like to see a couple of BIG planters on the porch and some flowering shrubs in small groupings halfway between the house and the street (NOT placed so as to obstruct the view of the front door).

Low groundcover plants.

Growing conditions vary tremendously in Ontario depending upon location. You have a blank slate here. Your home is lovely and a beautiful border in front of it would enhance its curb appeal. Given the setback from the road, it will be important to get scale right. I think you would benefit from getting some local advice. There are many factors to consider: zone, hours of sun, soil conditions … and if you are in a rural or semi rural location … deer. I would ask around or go to a local nursery (not big box store) and ask if there is someone they could recommend to help you design a plan for your border … or even your yard. I think this would save you a lot of grief, experimentation and money.

I'd go low. Maybe phlox subulata for spring, planted with bulbs. I like tulips, but the critters do, too. Daffs aren't as tasty. You can find salvias with little height for summer color. That leaves fall. I'm drawing a blank.

That said, kinnikinnik is evergreen, attractive and probably native to you.

I would also go low. Your house looks nice as is--don't fall into the trap of surrounding it with shrubs.

If you want to do the work, you can do bulbs for spring, annuals for summer, and late annuals/brassicas for fall. But only if you like gardening :) and don't mind the seasonal expense.

You could also look into carpet roses that are 2 feet tall. Pink or peach would go really well with the house.