The Gallery at Bennett Village - Life Lease Retirement Housing in Georgetown, Ontario

Nancy & Graeme Thompson selecting finishes with our Interior Designer, Liza Brenchley

Joyce & Geoff Newman, newlyweds just five years together, met in the pool at their condo. The Newman’s love condo living – for the past 13 years living at the Sands, they can’t imagine looking after maintenance and upkeep of a single family house. After Joyce’s first husband died she lasted 3 months maintaining the large house and grounds. Having downsized to condo living, Joyce and Geoff understand the advantages of a maintenance free lifestyle. “We’re looking ahead – we know that our condo can’t provide for our future needs. Our current condo is lovely but does not have certain features found at The Gallery, such as the generous size bathrooms, walk-in showers, and comfort height toilets. Hopefully our genes are in our favour as both Geoff and my parents are going strong – we think this smart design will only enhance our ‘retirement years’. Right now we’re in the process of finding a place for ‘mother’ … I won’t put my kids through that – as soon as we heard about The Gallery I said to Geoff – this is for us! We were one of the first to sign up, with limited options in Georgetown, we knew we wanted a new condo, with the Bennett Centre as sponsor, this was a winning combination”. says Joyce.

“People ask us why we are moving – you’re so young they say – we say it’s not a retirement home – come to the meetings, see for yourself, we’re looking forward to our new neighbours – everyone’s great.” The Newmans can’t wait to select their finishes as they decide together on how to decorate. Geoff had moved into Joyce’s condo once they got married – The Gallery will be their first home together.

Joyce loves the idea of walking trails “I go … I’m on the go all the time” with 3 grandchildren under the age of 5 – I try and give my daughter some down time. Geoff is still working, an electrician by trade. He’s looking forward to volunteering for habitat for humanity, and working as a ‘handy man’ at The Gallery. He likes the idea of being able to help those who may not be so handy with a hammer or drill! Geoff is also President of Norval Bowling League, and looks forward to hosting parties in the common area. The Guest suite will come in handy for relatives as all Joyce’s sisters and brothers live in the States. Joyce and Geoff plan to join the Gellert Centre to continue their swimming and look forward to the fitness centre at The Gallery to keep active. Avid readers, they are saving books to donate to the library and looking forward to getting involved with social programs. Most of all the Newmans look forward to the construction start – scheduled later this year. “We can hardly wait!” exclaims Joyce.

Longtime Georgetown residents Cyril and Helen Metler, are about to celebrate 49 years together, both retired CIBC bankers see The Gallery as a good investmen and look forward to a new lifestyle. “If anyone listens to the news, to what’s going on out there they realize prices will accelerate as time goes on … it only stands to reason,” says Helen.

They bought their Varley suite last October at pre-construction prices. The Metler’s are familiar with the Life Lease concept due to first hand experience with Cyril’s mother who lives in a Life Lease community in Welland.

“Since 1997, Mom’s been there, it’s turned out very well. We’ve seen what’s happened with those resales, in Welland, a smaller market experiencing high appreciation on resales. By the time the last phase was built, everything was sold, with a healthy waiting list and increasing resale values it has been a sound investment. Georgetown is a conservative community, unfortunately a lot of people have to see ‘proof in the pudding’ before they buy,” says Cyril.

Cyril has sound advice for those fence sitters “people should realize you should do it while you can make your own decisions. There’s a lot you can take with you. “And there is also a lot of (stuff) you don’t need!” replied Helen. “Our children are very supportive, they have seen what happened to their grandparents, they don’t want us to experience the same”. Cyril remarked he is bringing his golf clubs, an avid golfer, Cyril enjoys playing golf with his sons.

Helen just had full knee replacement, and with a two storey home, and looking at the other knee to be done in the near future, she is looking forward to no steps no stairs living at The Gallery.

“We have a fair amount of property, and like to keep this looking nice. This is a lot of work for Cyril. Plus we have a timeshare, 5 weeks at a home resort, we enjoy traveling, The Gallery is a lifestyle we are looking forward to.”

“I am really pleased with the suite layout. Two sets of patio sliding doors off the main bedroom and living room, plus a window in the bathroom is a bonus! We’re just really looking forward to seeing the shovel in the ground!”