Seventy-seven villas for older adults are being built in Timberstone, kick-starting more long-awaited residential development in that subdivision.
John Sennema, land and economic development manager for the City of Red Deer, said commercial development has been strong in Timberstone — so he’s excited to now see some residential projects starting to happen.
Ontario-based Nautical Lands Group is creating a new community for adults age 55-plus on the south side at 431 Timberlands Drive. It’s called Wellings of Red Deer.
And Mason Martin Homes wants to build townhouses along 67th Street. This project is in the development permit process, added Sennema.
“I am seeing, overall, more economic interest now. I’m getting so many inquiries that I feel maybe we are finally pulling out of a long recession.”
Mayor Ken Johnston mentioned Wellings of Red Deer as an example of encouraging local economic news at last week’s speech to Chamber of Commerce members.
So far, the seven-acre development by Nautical Lands Group is in the planning stage but in-ground servicing was started by the developer, said Sennema.
The Timberstone neighbourhood already has spacious sidewalks and landscaping — work done by the city in about 2014. Sennema believes well-developed neighbourhood was attractive to the Nautical Lands Group.
The Wellings of Red Deer villas will be leased from month to month. The development will consist of 77 one- or two-bedroom villas built within 15 townhome bungalows. These accessible units with in-suite laundry facilities, are for older adults who don’t need medical or home care.
An 8,000 sq. foot clubhouse with a full kitchen, indoor and outdoor space for dining, recreation and fitness space will be built. It will include a full kitchen, a big-screen TV, billiards, shuffleboard, pickleball court, fitness classes and “an informal library.”
A company spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment. But, according to a marketing statement on the Wellings of Red Deer’s website, this is a new concept “where members live in a community without health care, but with maintenance and a clubhouse to encourage connection… sharing and promoting a sense of well-being and good times.”
Nautical Lands has several other “Wellings” type developments in Alberta — in Stettler, Lloydminster, Calgary. Others are in Ontario and Nova Scotia.
lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com
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