In my many years of living here in North Grenville, I have seen so many changes. Some, in my opinion, good, others not so good. Working for the Times, I have noticed that most of what happens here in our area is due to the hard work of our retired seniors. With the growth, there has been a need for retirement homes, as many people choose North Grenville to retire to. The new Kemptville Retirement Residence is a welcome addition to our community.
Eric Chartrand, managing partner of the new Kemptville Retirement Living home, generously gave me a tour of the place. On entering the residence, the first thing that struck me, and stayed with me during the entire tour, was the amount of natural light flowing through. During my visit, residents were gathering in the large main hall to listen to a band that was just beginning to set up. My first stop was the elegant dining room, surrounded by large windows, allowing the outdoors to feel closer. The dining room also has a separate room for those occasions when a family wishes to entertain family or friends in a more private and home-like atmosphere. I was shown the menu, which changes daily and with a variety of choices, and also a separate one, should none of the above appeal to diners.
Moving on from the dining room, I was given a tour of the rooms. So impressive; once again with large windows, giving the place an air of spaciousness. Even the angles of the rooms were different from what I have seen in other residences. As we walked down the corridors, we would be greeted warmly by residents (heading to the common room to listen to the live music), each individual known by name by Eric. Each level has open common rooms, looking out onto the South Branch River.
From there, I was given a tour of the lower level, with its billiard room, hairdressing salon, library (dutifully maintained by a resident), an exercise room, and a cinema with a big screen. The billiard room is quite large, with its own kitchenette. Eric has plans to reach out to the community to allow them use of the space for free. This would be offered to groups such as Kemptville & District Home Support, or any other group needing space for an event. Again, the room has many windows.
Outside the building, there is a large terrace, with tables, chairs and umbrellas. The place, to me, looked more like a resort than a retirement home. I was just very impressed with the entire tour.
Right now, they have eighty five residents living there, and another forty registered to move in before Christmas. Not only has this retirement home been much needed here, but it has also created over seventy-five new jobs, once occupancy has stabilised, for our area.
I thanked Eric for taking the time out of his busy schedule, and, as I left, I could hear the band playing away in the background.