Soon to be duck owner questions

I live in north east Ontario and we are planning to get some ducks in the spring as pets. Most likely get some layers but where do I start? I would make a hutch but we have foxes and skunks around. So do I put it right at the house, or is it safe out in the yard? They seem to be safe to roam freely but should I do a pen/run? I really would love just free range yard ducks. It gets -35c here in the winter, what do I do in the fall? I have googled but all I get is AI and seems like end of year you get rid of the ducks if you don’t have a barn which I don’t like. Thanks