Many of the 55-plus demographic are choosing to live in a residential setting because of the benefits: consolidated living expenses, no yard work, amenities and services, and increased social opportunities. With a growing number of baby boomers reaching that age, the demand for new seniors’ residences continues. Retirement community organizations are building new homes to meet the demand and, over the years, more diversity in living space and planned programs and activities have become available, as well as a wider range of options for individual budgets – from luxury to economical.
To help meet the demand, these three new senior residences on Vancouver Island are expected to open over the next year or so.
TERRACES AT HIGHGATE
Trillium Communities, a locally owned and operated organization known for their track-record of providing beautiful retirement communities and boutique-style long-term care homes (current locations in Victoria, Colwood, Nanaimo, Abbotsford, Sidney and Shawnigan Lake), is adding 78 new individual living suites and 30 long-term care units to their existing community at Mt. Tolmie, Saanich. The Mt. Tolmie neighbourhood is stacked with amenities and within a two-block radius, there are banks, a pharmacy, a lab, various shops, restaurants, churches and frequent walker and wheelchair-friendly buses.
“The Terraces at Highgate will feature a central dining room with vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and a view to a zen-like outdoor private garden,” says Kris Coventry, Chief Operations Officer for Trillium Communities. “There will be landscaped walkways around the property, which, together with an indoor gym and bowling alley, will provide lots of opportunity to exercise and socialize. Spacious activity rooms will provide space for gatherings and organized activities where like-minded residents can forge new friendships and stay active.”
“Activities and outings will be arranged for all tastes and abilities, like yoga, tai chi, cards and board games, local entertainers, bingo, arts & crafts and dancing. We’re also incorporating a children’s daycare and are excited about this intergenerational use of the property.”
Terraces at Highgate will also feature a full-cinema experience (complete with popcorn!) private theatre, a library with computers, and a hair salon and day spa, which will be open to the public, but will offer residents special rates.
“Our priority is to provide all residents with every comfort and convenience,” says Tammy Fowler, General Manager at Trillium Highgate Lodge. “We believe that happiness and well-being is achieved through positive social interactions, keeping the mind and body active, and lots of laughter.”
Trillium will be hosting a Community Open House in the next few months to unveil the Terraces at Highgate model and invite conversation about this exciting project, so stay tuned.
AQUARA BY ELEMENT
Another new build, slated for 2021 completion, is happening in the Songhees area of Vic West, just over the Johnson Street bridge. Aquara will have a total of 157 suites, including 47 condos, 75 rental suites, and 35 licensed-care suites. It will be the first 65+ community in Victoria to offer a combination of rentals, condos, independent and supportive living and care, and the only aging-in-place residence to provide a choice to own or rent.
“We designed our suites to allow aging-in-place,” says Erin Van Zant, Sales, Leasing and Marketing Manager for Aquara, “with consideration to features such as tub and shower access, advanced security with an integrated fob system that combines suite and amenity access, as well as emergency response. An aging-in-place community gives residents the option to live independently, add supportive living as and when needed, and have priority access to licensed care. Also, as couples don’t always need the same level of care, Aquara offers the option for them to tailor to their individual needs and remain together.”
With a location in the residential harbourside neighbourhood, just one block from the ocean, Aquara residents will be able to access services, amenities and infrastructure within walking distance or just a short drive away in Victoria’s downtown. The community will feature bright, modern West Coast décor, and amenities will include more than 30,000 square feet of space for dining, activities, theatre, salon/barber, gym, yoga studio, a business centre, and a rooftop patio for BBQs and lounging.
“At Aquara, we will offer intergenerational opportunities and programming,” says Van Zant. “We know that both younger and senior generations benefit from these interactions. For example, there will be crafts with grandchildren, private dining for family functions, and university/student talks onsite about current events or research.”
If you’re interested in learning more about Aquara’s condo pre-sales and rental reservations, their Discovery Centre at #110-645 Tyee Road is open from Wednesday through Saturday, noon-5 p.m., or by appointment at 250-940-5155.
NANAIMO AFFORDABLE HOUSING SOCIETY
Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society (NAHS) currently operates 14 affordable social housing properties for citizens with mental health issues, families, singles and seniors. Each property has a different rental fee structure, depending on the time it was constructed and the target population. NAHS was formed in 1990 by a group of community members concerned about the growing need for affordable rental accommodation in Nanaimo.
The Society is building a new complex with 57 one-bedroom units for independent 65+ seniors at 20 Prideaux Street. Each unit will be approximately 650-square feet, with a full kitchen and a bathroom with walk-in shower. Heating will be electric baseboard, and each unit will have its own electric hot water tank. Hydro will be the tenant’s responsibility.
“The project is a short walk from Nanaimo’s picturesque waterfront and close to downtown, Millstone River and Barsby Park,” says Jim Spinelli, CEO for NAHS. “There will be laundry rooms, scooter parking and a small amenity space that can be used for tenant meetings and functions. The complex will be smoke-free and there will be an outside smoking kiosk. The building is being developed under the Initiative for Housing Innovation program of the Province of BC, which helps to ensure the rents can be set at approximately 25 per cent below the current market rents for newly built rental properties in Nanaimo.”
Additionally, NAHS is expanding Buttertubs Place, another of their affordable senior housing complexes that will add 159 units and will be ready for new tenants in early 2021.
It is anticipated the residence at 20 Prideaux Street will open in spring of 2020.
For more information, visit these websites:
Terraces at Highgate: www.trilliumcommunities.com/location/the-terraces-at-highgate/
Aquara by element: http://aquara.elementlifestyleretirement.com/
Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society: https://nahs.ca/project/mt-benson-projects/
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