A large property between Tyee Plaza and McDonald’s will soon be home to a new, six-storey building.
The tenants?
Seniors.
Berwick Retirement Communities is planning to build a 123-unit retirement housing complex and is eying a January opening date. The Campbell River facility would be the company’s sixth, joining units in Kamloops, Comox, Nanaimo, and two in Victoria.
“We’re looking forward to building in Campbell River,” said William Bomhof, who represented Berwick in a delegation to council Tuesday night. “We think we have a good piece of property.”
The site of the future Berwick facility is a downtown waterfront piece of land – actually two lots – on the corner of 16th Avenue and Roberts’ Reach.
Berwick plans to build a mix of bachelor, one and two-bedroom units with a large dining room, library, exercise room, theatre, patio and gardens. The facility will include 62 underground parking spaces and will boast landscaping around the perimeter of the building as well as in a courtyard in the centre of the facility.
Berwick’s application also includes a roof-top patio for residents, a recreation area with two lawn bowling pitches, as well as private balconies in addition to communal outdoor space.
The facility will be clad with a mix of wood, concrete board and stone with a varied colour scheme, balconies and windows along the front of the building. Access to the facility will be via 16th Avenue.
Berwick’s roots trace back to 1989 when it opened Berwick House in Victoria. Since then, the company has grown and prides itself on setting the standard for retirement residences.
“We own and operate retirement homes and we like to think they’re the best retirement homes because we hire the best staff,” Bomhof said.
According to Berwick’s website, the company offers “resort-style retirement residences” and “the quality of life for all residents...is unparalleled.”
Bomhof said Berwick’s Campbell River facility will be a private residence and independent living.
“We provide a home, three meals a day and a program that will keep you busy (all day long) if that’s what you wish,” he said.