With many of our virtual focus groups in, we’re starting to get a clear picture of what the Meaford Haven retirement neighbourhood will look like. In keeping with the genuine small-town Ontario heritage appearance that Meaford has naturally acquired over the last century and a half, our prospective residents have voted resoundingly for a “small town Ontario” look for this Southern Georgian Bay retirement community.

The initial survey described that style this way. “This bears a close family resemblance to small towns and villages all around Ontario, such as Meaford. It’s made from modern-day materials and is clearly not 100+ years old, but the buildings make clear reference to the indigenous historic architecture of the area.”

So it seems prospective residents of Meaford Haven want to have it feel and look like an extension of the beautiful town of Meaford.

The other options respondents could choose from generated much less enthusiasm. While a rural look – rustic Ontario farmhouses typical of the surrounding countryside – did get some votes, the Muskoka cottage look and the modern community got a couple of big collective thumbs down. Seems people think that’s been way overdone in other communities in the Southern Georgian Bay area.

Here are a few comments that came in along with the surveys.

Have a look at the Maple Meadows project in Meaford. A very nice looking development. Whatever you do, please don’t go Muskoka Cottage. It will end up looking like all the other Collingwood/Thornbury area developments.

Small town feel, relaxed lifestyle, have lived the big city life and when retired we only want to enjoy the rest of our years in comfort.

The most important thing for me, would be to ensure that the building are adapted towards seniors; no/very few steps, ensuring all properties are built with safety and comfort in mind and opportunities to socialize with other people. For example, slip free floors, possibly cupboards and shelves that rotate, less bending, etc.

I like the look of the old Ontario farmhouses and Georgian manors with zipper edge brickwork, keystone arches, gingerbread trim, oak doors with brass kickplates, stained glass accent windows. An old world exterior but with a modern interior. Like taking an old farm house and stripping it to the clapboards, putting up new stud walls with modern insulation, wiring, plumbing, internet network, entertainment and security wiring, with chair rails and cornice mouldings thrown in for good measure.

See the full results here.

And you can still be part of the design of Meaford Haven by joining in the virtual focus groups.