A brand-new retirement home for seniors is expected to break ground in the empty lot next to Banners restaurant this spring.
The 133-unit, state-of-the-art facility which will be owned by Berwick Retirement Communities, is slated for construction on two downtown lots situated on the corner of 16th Avenue and Roberts’ Reach.
Jessica Stigant, community relations manager for Berwick Retirement Communities, said the company plans to break ground on the facility this April, with an opening date sometime in the fall of 2014. Still, Stigant said what will be known as Berwick by the Sea is already gaining popularity.
“We’ve had lots of interest in it and people wanting to sign up,” Stigant said. “There’s a lot of pretty excited people wanting to go on the wait list.”
Berwick by the Sea will cater to seniors who have the ability to live on their own but don’t want the responsibility of having to cook anymore and who are looking to socialize with others. The facility will include a games room, an exercise room, a small theatre, two lawn bowling greens, a bistro and a rooftop garden and greenhouse. Berwick by the Sea will also feature ground level gardens and landscaping, with a walking path circling the building.
Residents will live in either a studio room, a one-bedroom, a two bedroom with two bathrooms, or in the penthouse. Stigant said one of the building’s greatest features will be its location.
“We’ll have an ocean view,” Stigant said. “The dining room will have beautiful ocean views and because not all of the residents will have a room with an ocean view the amenity spaces will have ocean views so all the residents can enjoy the spot.”
Residents will pay a monthly rate which will include meals, recreational programs, emergency response services, heat and Hydro.
Campbell River’s facility will be Berwick’s sixth, joining facilities in Kamloops, Comox, Nanaimo, and two in Victoria.
Berwick established itself in 1989 when it opened Berwick House in Victoria.
Since then, the company has grown and prides itself on setting the standard for retirement residences.
According to Berwick’s website, the company offers “resort-style retirement residences” and the “quality of life for all residents...is unparalleled.”