Residents eager for Cochrane retirement facility to expand

A retirement facility in the Town of Cochrane is undergoing an expansion. The Cochrane District Services Board owns and operates the complex and recently approved the new construction.

The board decided to move forward with plans to build more units at the Cadence Residence retirement facility and some residents can’t wait.

“I'm ready to leave home now," said Denise Cotgrave, who is on the waiting list.

"(I) want to be with other people and live a better life, I guess.”

“Because I'm 73, it's hard to keep up my house by myself," added Dianne Bradley, who is also on the waiting list.

"And I just love the community here. I try to come up to the events that they have and participate just to get to know more and more people. And it's a wonderful home.”

In total, 28 apartments geared for independent living will be attached to the north side of the facility.

Officials said the expansion will also help boost the local housing economy.

“Because many of our seniors live in large, beautiful homes and right now they don't have anywhere to go," said Tina Turner of Cadence Residence.

A retirement facility in the Town of Cochrane is undergoing an expansion. The Cochrane District Services Board owns and operates the complex and recently approved the new construction. (Photo from video)

"So by Cadence expanding, it's going to allow them a nice place to move to and also have opportunities for the housing market for our younger families that are looking for accommodations right here in Cochrane.”

There are currently 31 units that are home to dozens of people. Each comes with its own front door and residents said it’s a good place to live.

"Well, for me, it's the best thing because I was a teacher and I've worked here almost all my life and I have good friends that are around me all the time," said resident Rose Aline Genier.

"Whenever I need help, someone is there for me."

Cochrane Mayor Peter Politis said the additional units will help reduce the waiting list, which currently sits at around 65, and make the facility more financially viable.

“It’s been hard to try to stay in the black in that facility," Politis said.

"This expansion not only provides more room for that huge waiting (list) for that facility, but it provides them the opportunity now to get into the block because it can generate the revenue they need to make it a stable operation.”

Construction begins in the spring and the plan is to have it ready to welcome new residents in January 2026.

Officials say it’s never too early to get on the waiting list.

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“We certainly are open to receiving applications from any senior that is looking," Turner said.

"We currently have a couple of seniors from our neighbouring communities in York Falls, and we have had applications all the way from Nova Scotia. We have some from Toronto, Sudbury. So, we certainly are open and don't discriminate.”

Turner said the unique seniors home allows people to live in a carefree living environment as they age with dignity and independence.