Maybe there’s something in the breeze off Georgian Bay, or there’s some kind of subterranean energy in the property lying between the water and the Meaford Golf Club. But after a recent encounter, it’s beginning to seem as if the Meaford Haven property was destined to become a retirement community that will enrich all the stages of your retired life, from active retirement to the days when you need more care and attention.

Last week, we bumped into Gunter Neumann on the street and got to chatting about the concept behind Meaford Haven. Now, Gunter has been involved in Meaford politics, business and civic efforts for years. In addition to his artistic and organizational work for various causes, he spearheaded a strategic plan process some years ago, which concluded that Meaford’s location, amenities, and natural beauty gave it great potential to be a wellness destination.

More recently, during a time when the Municipality was going through an Economic Development process, he had an inspiration. When the large property between the golf course and Highway 26 came up for sale, Gunter hiked the property and had visions of it becoming a “retirement, apartment, condominium and nursing home” community, recommending that a committee be struck to attempt to attract interest in such a venture.

Gunter Neumann

“I have inspected the property and would like to invite you to do the same,” Gunter wrote at the time. “It is absolutely fabulous with an extensive beautiful hardwood forest at the back, leading all the way to the golf course. It even has a bit of a stream…”

Well, Gunter’s suggestion didn’t raise a lot of interest at the time from the players involved. But as it turned out, his vision was shared. Today, a few years down the road, Meaford Haven is poised to become Ontario’s first Three Seasons Community™.