To make sure Meaford Haven delivers on our goal of a Three-Seasons Retirement Community that truly caters to the active 50-plus folks who’ll be moving here, we went straight to the source for opinions and ideas – those same folks. Our virtual focus group results are coming in, and here’s an idea of what they had to say.

To begin with, the Three-Seasons Community idea seems to have struck a chord. The retirement residence concept got strong support from both the folks who are nearing the age it will cater to – and the younger group of active retirees. Everyone was in favour of having a medical/commercial building on-site. A community centre/clubhouse also got high marks. And the mix of attached garden bungalow homes and three-story condo apartments was popular across the age groups.

A low-speed drive with limited access to discourage traffic is one of the key elements of Meaford Haven’s pedestrian-friendly approach, and a good two thirds of the respondents heartily agree. Most are also eager to see strolling paths winding through the community (with benches here and there to sit and enjoy the view) and buildings clustered in groups (with ample open space and nature on the property).

Speaking of nature, prospective residents placed a great importance on maintaining woodlands and preserving rare species – such as the butternut trees that grace the area. Maintaining and rehabilitating a stream through the woodland also found unanimous support. And where we do plant and rehabilitate, the vote is for “naturalscaping”, with no invasive species allowed.

To get complete details on the results to the community design focus group, click
here.