The reason for that reaction is twofold: first, the thought of losing the independence that comes with owning a home can be a hard one to bear. Second (and very much related to the first point), there's the gnawing fear that what you do is going to be dictated to you, either by family or the administration (as well-intended as they might be) at the retirement residence.
According to Barry Greenberg of Newman, Greenberg and Associates, that won't be the case at Winnipeg's newest retirement community, the Canoe Club.
"In my mind, it's the first time a developer (in this case, the Saskatoon-based Caleb Group) has shown an understanding of what the condominium lifestyle should be all about in a retirement community," he says, adding there will be an open house July 16 and 17. "The people who run the Caleb Group really want to hear what customers have to say. When they talk about luxury independent living, they mean it. As people are going to see shortly, if you say you want something, they'll make it happen. It's all about service. The Caleb Group specializes in catering to people and adjusting to customers' wish lists."
Not only will service be of the highest quality, but the amenities will also be second-to-none, says Adele Tosh, head designer for the Caleb Group.
"Let's start with the building itself. It will feature a warm brick exterior with keystone details on the windows; inside and out, the building will be full of fine details," she says. "The nostalgic Canoe Club property also makes for a great location, with the complex being on the Red River, where residents can enjoy scenic river views, the area's natural beauty and calming blue skies. The Canoe Club will be a property for those who have a passion for living well."
No expense has been spared to bring the finest facilities to the Canoe Club, adds Tosh.
"Outside, the grounds will be extensively landscaped, and will feature a decorative gazebo and beautiful water fountain. Inside, colour tones have been designed to flow with ease to create a relaxing environment," she says. "There will be a community caf © with sunny views of the courtyard and river, a fully equipped commercial kitchen where gourmet meals will be available anytime, a classic theatre with large screen where residents can go to enjoy a movie, a library and for those who enjoy staying active, a well-equipped fitness room."
Then there are the suites, which can either be bought or leased. Starting at $242,000 and ranging in size from approximately 600 to 1,500 sq. ft., there will be no fewer than 15 floor plans to choose from. Each suite will have its own private terrace, and selected layouts will feature fireplaces, gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, large dens, second bedrooms and large storage areas. In-suite washers and dryers will also be included for added convenience.
"With the Caleb Group, the key is that they don't tell you how to do things -- you tell them," Greenberg says. "So you can buy or lease a suite, even sell it after a time -- whatever works for you at that time in your life. The main thing is that you're in charge. We will also work with clients to customize their suites to exactly meet their needs. Hardwood floors will be standard, and clients can pick the finishing materials to make the suite exactly what they want it to be."
Tosh says the overall goal is to make the Canoe Club one of Canada's most prestigious independent living residences for seniors. That entails getting the balance just right between providing essential services, yet giving residents the control they require to make their daily lives their own.
"There will be a host of privileges available at the Canoe Club, from concierge service to arrange activities to luxury transportation (limousines, to be precise), morning newspaper delivery, housekeeping service, to programmed activities and events, dry cleaning pickup and delivery and even shoe shine service," she says. "We want to give you the freedom to do the things you really want to do. That means providing the environment and services that will enable you to indulge your senses, embrace your passions and engage your spirit."
Most importantly, says Greenberg's partner, Monica Newman, residents of the Canoe Club will be in control of what they want to do, whether it be going on an impromptu outing to a local shopping centre, or getting a plate of bacon and eggs at three in the morning to quell an insatiable craving.
"People can be afraid of losing their independence when they go into a retirement residence -- not so here," she says. "The Canoe Club has been designed to be a support structure that will actually enable you to stay independent. When you're surrounded by active, vibrant people and can do what you want when you want, chances are good that activity will extend the quality of your life from the enjoyment level alone."
Greenberg adds the Canoe Club is poised to take the concept of 55-plus living to a whole new level.
"This community is going to offer the whole package -- a great location (ideal for family members to come visit), incredible service and the amenities and accommodations that will allow active seniors to enjoy life to the fullest -- on their terms," he says. "The Canoe Club is going to be what luxury, independent living should be all about."
The Canoe Club will be holding an open house on July 16 and 17 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. both days; display suites will be available for viewing and valet parking available. For more information on luxury independent living on the Red, please call 784-3343 or see Canoe Club's website at www.thecanoeclub.ca.
Details
Floor Plans: 15 to choose from
Size: 600 sq. ft. to 1,500 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 1 and 2-bedroom units
Finishing Materials: Hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances
Price: $242,000 and up
Common Element Fees: Please call
Contact: Canoe Club @ 784-3343
Key Features: Scenic, well-positioned location in south St. Vital close to amenities in the south, east and downtown; four-storey brick-faced building with large terraces and suites that feature a wide variety of floor plans; beautiful surroundings on the Red River with mature trees and meticulously landscaped grounds with gazebo and water fountain; service-oriented attitude designed to meet residents' every need
