A new 126 unit seniors development is officially open in Owen Sound.
A grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting was held at Owen Sound Gardens Wednesday.
Residence Sales and Marketing Manager Kelsey Wellhauser says about 50 per cent of the retirement residence’s suites have filled up since June 6th. “We have studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units,” says Wellhauser.
The building, which has four storeys and a bright, modern interior is located at 1545 14th Street East in Owen Sound, beside the newly constructed Southbridge Care Homes long-term care home which is nearing completion as well. Across the street, there are new semi-detached homes being constructed.
The residence offers independent living and personalized care options. Three meals are prepared daily. There is also an ‘a la carte’ menu option. There is a weekly housekeeping and laundry service, fitness and recreation activities, a hair salon, foot care visits, 24/7 medical staff, a dining room with a baby grand piano, a coffee lounge and bar, as well as programming including cooking demonstrations and baking classes.
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy was on hand for the ribbon cutting, and notes, “This is a very important deal for Owen Sound. This is 126 units for seniors to move into,” says Boddy, explaining it frees up three or four bedroom houses for families to move into.
He says, “When I became Mayor in 2014, we gave out very few building permits for new houses or new homes. This year and last year, we will have opened up approximately 350-370 housing units. About 300 of those are rentals, so we’re far ahead of the curve for the rest of the province for developing rental housing and certainly have turned it around with more housing going into the community and more investment.”
Wellhauser also says there is also the option of a short-term stay, which may appeal to those who don’t want to do winter upkeep of a home, or who perhaps need temporary supportive care.
