Welland in the News
New retirement residence in Welland ‘feels like a resort
February 21, 2022
New retirement residence in Welland ‘feels like a resort
The Grand Canal Retirement Residence in Welland, JULIE JOCSAK / TORSTAR
People have been moving into the new 130-unit Grand Canal Retirement Residence in Welland on a “regular” and weekly basis since November, putting the facility on pace to be at full capacity by the end of the year if no further government restrictions are put in place, says executive director Terri McBean.
The seniors home, next to the community wellness complex, offers a full-service restaurant overseen by professional chefs, with open and unassigned seating, a unique feature for seniors homes, said McBean during a tour of the site Friday.
“When residents come down, they can sit wherever they’d like,” she said, adding the home “feels like a resort.”
It also has a licensed bar during lunch and dinner. During warmer weather, an extensive patio overlooking the recreational canal will be a popular place to kick back, said McBean, joined by sales consultant Brandy Egerter.
The average cost of a unit is about $4,000 a month, said Egerter, noting that includes every meal, around-the-clock nursing care, housekeeping and a full membership to the wellness complex.
A corridor connecting the residence to the municipal facility next door is nearing completion.
The also welcomes non-permanent tenants through a respite program, allowing people to stay temporararily as a bit of a “vacation” or for a place to recover after surgery, Egerter said.
“Loneliness and isolation can be really difficult during the pandemic,” she said.