In our Inspiring Leaders Series, we interview visionaries driven by a passion for excellence that’s manifest in Canada’s most innovative retirement communities.
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Leaders behind some of Canada’s finest 55 plus and active adult lifestyle communitie are driven to create compelling daily experiences for residents. Communities take their lead from similar communities throughout the USA, but leaders offer a characteristically Canadian emphasis on listening to constituents, while building in some of the country’s most spectacularly desirable landscapes. Below, see interviews with some of the people behind some of the most progressive communities in the country, including both those now welcoming residents and others that are just coming out of the planning stage.
Angela Kelly, incoming director of operations, River Crest Estates
Angela Kelly brings a wealth of experience in working with older Canadians to River Crest Estates in Niagara Falls. She understands that people want flexibility in their lifestyle and housing options, and they want to retain as much freedom as possible as they age. In the interview below, she shares what makes River Crest uniquely appealing to older Ontarians from throughout the Golden Horseshoe. This includes proprietary or unique developments in technology, living arrangements, and ownership options.
The baby boomer or the 50 plus active adult, right now, is looking for a retirement lifestyle. In that lifestyle, they're looking for that adventure, that fun, a resort type setting [where] they will have the option to take advantage of amenities and services as they need them, they will have the option to age gracefully. And in that setting, we're offering a variety of options as far as ownership, size of units, caregiving, and more.
Tony DiFruscio, President, St. Elizabeth Village
Tony DiFruscio aspires to create a full customer experience for members of St. Elizabeth Village. Think of a daily experience that’s every bit as enthralling as a day at Disneyworld but targeted at empty nesters like you. Here, he shares eureka moments that influenced the community’s development, how they create a seamless experience from end-to-end in this 114-acre natural oasis, and his excitement at the launch of Upper Mill Pond, the village’s newest build.
Our job is to listen to residents, in terms of what customer experience they would like out of it, and ensure that we can facilitate that. I always say, 'This is the palette.' They get to paint their life here... We facilitate their desires, and we continue to listen and grow with our residents.
