New developments meet the changing needs of Calgary's retirees

Whether they are looking for resort-style living or downtown connectivity, 55-plus Calgarians have several customized housing options available to them at the city's newest retirement-living communities.

The Journey Club at Westman Village.
Courtesy Jayman Built

Jayman Built's Journey Club at Westman Village - Mahogany
Nestled into multi-generational Westman Village on Mahogany Lake is the Journey Club. Residents thrive in an active "age in place" retirement community offering independent living with a-la-carte care support for individual needs.

"We're a service culture, here to work for our residents to provide the finest experience," said Al Boileau, executive director with the Journey Club.

"We have full concierge service available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and a driving service."
Beautifully appointed suites feature full kitchens – although meals are also provided – in-suite laundry facilities, individualized temperature controls and spacious balconies with mountain views.

Steps away is the Village Centre private amenity club.

"Our amenities are geared to residents' well-being. We have indoor walking tracks, a gymnasium, saltwater pools, indoor gardens, an art studio, wine cellar and woodworking shop," said Boileau.

"It's part and parcel with the monthly leasing fee to support quality of life."

Onsite retail, medical, dental and pharmaceutical services lend convenience while residents and guests dine lakeside at Chairman's Steakhouse, enjoy brunch at Diner Deluxe or sway to live music at Headquarters Restaurant and jazz lounge.

Beautifully landscaped courtyards, fountains and pathways surround the Journey Club, and kayaking, boating and beaches are available at Mahogany Lake.

"We have very happy residents and are already over 50 per cent occupied," said Boileau.

"We're in the middle of the action and there's a real buzz here. It's an amazing place to live."

Riverwalk Retirement Residence in Cliff Bungalow.
Courtesy Verve Senior Living

Verve's Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Cliff Bungalow
Calgary's next generation of retirees will soon live it up, literally, in the vibrant inner city. Verve's Riverwalk Retirement Residence in Cliff Bungalow is slated for move-in early in 2022.

"We're really excited about building in the urban core. It's not so typical for retirement residences," said Joseph Gesualdi, director of development planning at Verve Senior Living.

"With Fourth Street, one of Calgary's most vibrant streets, right there, it's a very unique spot. It has great surrounding communities, amazing retail presence, and the river and pathway systems just to the south."

The 12-storey, 141-unit rental building with underground parking will offer "continuum care," so residents can easily transition from independent living to more assistance, including memory care, as needs evolve.

The building will house multiple dining destinations, from casual bistro-bar lounging to the formal dining experience, as well as a dedicated wellness centre, games room and theatre-chapel. Large outdoor terraces will provide incredible south-facing views of the Elbow River.

The convenience and excitement of downtown living includes retail, grocery, medical services, banking, transit, restaurants and entertainment, all right outside the door. Plus, Riverwalk Retirement intends to bring the community in as much as residents enjoy going out.

"We're looking to foster long-term relationships within the community with programs that bring in local groups, schools and speakers," said Gesualdi.

"We hope local residents will eventually come in to our retirement residence, and we're also considering the community at large. It is an important part of creating a complete community."