Berwick Qualicum Beach, a retirement community in the making for three years, had its grand opening on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Conversations about building a fifth retirement community in the downtown area, the height of the facility and other development concerns were brought up during the three years since Berwick was first proposed to Qualicum Beach council.
However, Berwick was moved forward when council voted 4-1 for the project in March of 2017. The company, which has six other locations throughout the Island and in Kamloops, provides “independent senior living” — a combination of a rental unit and hospitality services.
Krysta Robins, community relations manager for Berwick, said having a rental community like this means a lot to their residents, and that the location right in town is especially important to those living there.
“Our residents in this community, it’s definitely needed for residents to have a place to gather, to have their friends and family and it’s such a beautiful location,” she said. “It’s so close to town, all of the amenities, so being in the heart of town makes a big difference.”
READ MORE: Berwick Retirement Communities development gets some praise from Qualicum Beach town council
Robins said the units are 80 per cent full at this time, with 78 residents living at Berwick as of the opening.
Studio suites start at $3,370 per month, with the two-bedroom suites going for up to $5,265. Prices include 24/7 service, all meals and snacks, heat, electricity, cable and internet, housekeeping services, social programs and other amenities.
