For Ontarians of all ages, the four-season playground of Blue Mountain-Collingwood has an inescapable attraction. Millions have been drawn to this iconic area over the years, to ski, swim, hike, bike, golf and more, where the Escarpment meets the Bay. What better setting for the years when career no longer takes up the majority of the week?
Designed for active seniors Royal Windsor at Balmoral Village is located on 23.5 acres in Collingwood’s west end, along the Black Ash Creek, a ten-minute walk from downtown. The community is fast becoming established. Buyers of the freehold bungalows have moved in this year. Balmoral Place retirement residences and seniors' rental apartments are nearing completion. And The Condos at Royal WIndsor at Balmoral Village are preparing for a fall sales launch.
The community will be served by a 30,000 square foot medical and wellness centre, with a full range of medical services available. Residents of Royal Windsor at Balmoral Village will also enjoy an 8,000 square foot state-of-the-art recreation/community centre, to be completed fall 2017. Amenities include pool, pub, library, meeting rooms, and exercise areas, focused on keeping residents active, healthy and entertained. An auto share will also be offered.
Just minutes from the village are waterfront parks and marinas, boating, golfing, skiing, and a host of restaurants, shops and entertainment in downtown Collingwood. Residents can step out their door to the 35km Georgian Trail that connects to the 62km Collingwood Heritage Trail.
Royal Windsor at Balmoral Village resident, Carol Comish loves Collingwood. Living in the area since 2001, she and her late husband were instrumental in getting the Village at Blue Mountain off the ground. Active in the community, Carol choose to move from her lovely house on the mountain to be in a safe environment with a busy social life and amenities within walking distance. “I guess what I like most about the community is that I know so many of the people who will be living there,” says Carol, who enjoys tennis, skiing, book club, biking, snowshoeing, hiking and volunteering. Carol applauds the wellness opportunities and medical centre, which were another bonus to her decision.
Carol has already moved into her house at Royal Windsor at Balmoral. An easy walkout to the deck, slip resistant floors, grab bars, hand shower and touch free taps will make it easier to age in place. In addition, her dog has stairs to the yard with invisible fencing.
“Last week, there was a family of mallard ducks, a doe with her tiny fawn and a huge white egret, all by Black Ash Creek,” she says. “I think this will be the retirement village that will become the example that will be used for many retirement places in the future.”
The Condos at Royal WIndsor at Balmoral Village were the right choice for Bruce West, who chose a two-bedroom design overlooking the golf course. Bruce welcomes the progressive concept of Royal Windsor at Balmoral Village for people who are thinking forward.
“The location and amenities at Royal Windsor at Balmoral Village are unbeatable” says Bruce. Having immediate access to Collingwood’s incredible trail system, essential shopping within a five minute walk, and transit to downtown, we can be active, enjoy friends and stay involved.”
His own 101-year-old mom serves as an example of making the right move at the right time. “She moved into an unassisted apartment 30 years ago and it’s been great for her health. She's active and as sharp as when I was young.” Bruce describes Royal Windsor at Balmoral Village as big news for Collingwood area. "There’s nothing else like it.”
For over a decade, Don Wilson and his wife enjoyed their custom built home in Collingwood, a cottage, and a month or two down in Florida. When the time came to downsize, the Wilsons decided the bungalow-loft semi designs were just the ticket. “Finding a perfect home plus all of the many amenities we could want for now and looking ahead… made the decision to move an easy one,” Don explains.
Like the majority of Collingwood residents, Penny Preston is very active. “I live at the bottom of Blue Mountain but no longer ski. At 75 plus years, snowshoeing seemed safer.”
Penny was interested in the innovative community concept. “I started to talk to other friends about it. We are a fairly close group who have skied, socialized and travelled together for 40 plus years.” Penny met the original developer, Thomas Vincent, through a mutual friend. “His vision and dedication to the project convinced me that this was the perfect place for me."
That was confirmed the day the sales office opened last May. Penny came with friends to find a huge lineup, and the sales office jammed all day. “It was like old home week, as friends and acquaintances united outside to profess their interest and exclaim this would be the 'hot' place to live.”
Penny, who chose a semi-detached bungalow, is looking forward to life at Royal Windsor at Balmoral. “Several of my friends have chosen the condos so we joke that they'll be looking down on me.” She says, “I really like that there are five levels of accommodation depending on your needs, so you never have to search for another place to live as you get older.”
Penny recounts another fun story. “Friends were at a local restaurant and nearby was a table of ladies having a great time toasting, laughing and so on. When my friend asked what they were celebrating, they said 'Two of us just bought places at Royal Windsor at Balmoral!'"
“I foresee this as an active, popular, thriving seniors' community. I feel really lucky to be part of it,” says Penny.
