Oceana PARC Living gym.
THE RISE OF RURAL RETIREMENT The changing face of retirement living in small-town B.C. means you can start planning now, by settling into a smaller centre that meets your later-life needs—for about a third less than the big-city cost.
Luxe for Less
By Michelle Hopkins
Every day, 78-year-old Sylvia Lindaas laces up her runners and heads out for a brisk walk—not just once, but twice a day. When the gregarious grandmother was looking for a seniors’ residence, she wanted a modern, young and lively place to call home, in a community offering lots of outdoor activities. Four years ago, the spry senior left the big city behind to move to Kamloops. “I certainly don’t feel as if I’m in a seniors’ home,” Lindaas says, with a laugh in her voice, describing the Residence at Orchards Walk. “This building is uplifting, it’s fun, and I’m having a good time enjoying everything—especially my place.” She chose to move to a smaller B.C. city because, “It’s much better priced than the Lower Mainland and it’s a much newer residence.” Her contemporary, open-concept 670-square-foot apartment features a patio where she can safely entertain family and friends, overlooking lush gardens. A theatre, gym, salon, spa and restaurant are other perks of the residence.
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Right Sizing
For lifestyle and financial reasons, moving to B.C.’s smaller towns is a growing trend amongst seniors. According to the 2019 CMHC Seniors’ Housing Report, the average rent in rural areas, such as the Kootenays or Vancouver Island, can be as much as 35 per cent less than in Greater Vancouver. That translates to an average of $3,632 a month for a one-bedroom package in the Lower Mainland, versus $2,760 a month on average for Vancouver Island or the Central Coast.
Winter 2020/2021
Lina Saba, director of sales and marketing for Park Place Seniors Living, which owns and operates the Residence at Orchards Walk plus 29 others across B.C. and Alberta (as well as assisted living facilities), says Lindaas’ comments are echoed by many residents. “The appeal of small-town residences is its great lifestyle without the expensive price tag of the Lower Mainland.” Saba describes the Park Place lifestyle as one with “five-star resort-style amenities and services” that allows the 55-plus set to live rich and independent lives. For example, she says, “We host happy hours with a wine bar, talent nights similar to cruise ships, and in the restaurant, we offer à la carte dining with lots of options.” Landon Elliott, chief marketing officer for Golden Life Management Corporation, which owns and operates 16 seniors’ residences across the province (including in Cranbrook, Trail and Invermere), says today’s lively seniors’ residences defy all the sedate, blue-haired clichés. “We offer bike rides, lake trips, fundraising dances and food shows every six months, where we bring together residents from different villages to experience the cuisine from various chefs,” adds Elliott.
