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Large retirement residence proposed for Alma

The 200-unit retirement residence will have a rural feel with an orchard and greenhouse
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Township of Mapleton sign. Keegan Kozolanka/GuelphToday file photo

MAPLETON – A 200-unit retirement residence being proposed for Alma has Mapleton council’s approval to move forward in the application process. 

Andrea Sinclair, planner at architecture firm MHBC, said to council the concept behind the development, called Desired Living, is to promote green energy with a net-zero building and to give those who have lived in rural communities a familiar place to retire.

“It doesn’t have the urban feel that a lot of retirement residences have,” Sinclair said to council. “We’re looking to incorporate agricultural elements such as greenhouses and orchards so the seniors living in this residence can continue to enjoy the open space and working with the land they’ve had their whole career.”

Stuart Roxburgh, CEO of Desired Living, said the greenhouse production will be an additional source of income selling extra produce to farmer’s markets or even developing a small market on site. 

Roxburgh was also offering the town a 15 per cent stake as a partnership so the township gets revenue from the complex as well. 

“Obviously I do not know your financial background, I do not know your financial books but any interest-free money that would be able to be given at this point would be very much appreciated,” Roxburgh said to council, noting that they are seeking provincial and federal grants as well. 

“What I'm looking at is keeping the community together and keeping our culture together. That’s why I’m looking at a partnership with you folks.”

Roxburgh estimated the building will bring 60 to 80 jobs to the area in the form of PSWs, greenhouse workers, kitchen staff, groundskeepers and others. 

Mayor Gregg Davidson said large developments like this wouldn’t normally be built in a small hamlet such as Alma but there is a need for this in the county. 

“I’ve certainly been on the listening edge of this for well over two years now for the need in our community, and Wellington County the entire community, of having a place for seniors to go,” Davidson said to council. 

Mapleton council unanimously voted to approve the report and directed staff to continue to work with the developers on this project. 


Keegan Kozolanka

About the Author: Keegan Kozolanka

Keegan Kozolanka is a general assignment reporter for EloraFergusToday, covering Wellington County. Keegan has been working with Village Media for more than two years and helped launch EloraFergusToday in 2021.
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