15 November 2022
Almost 50 residents of Valleyview will soon be calling Gilchrist Commons home.
There were lots of smiles on Monday, Nov. 14 as the first group of Valleyview residents arrived at their new homes along with a team of Silvera employees and well wishers to get them settled.
As they entered the building, the new residents were awed by blue and grey balloons and welcome home banners.
“I love it,” said new resident Neil Roth, 80, about Gilchrist. “I can’t wait to get my furniture in here.”
New resident Arlene Schlegel, 78, said she’s happy to be leaving some of Valleyview’s challenges behind her.
“This is much more modern,” said Schlegel. “It feels newer, that’s for sure. The windows at Valleyview were getting a little bit drafty.”
The residents of Valleyview began moving out on Nov. 14. The move was necessary because the building is old and no longer viable to operate as a home for seniors. The province is considering other options for the building, which is owned by the Government of Alberta and sits on land owned by the City of Calgary. Valleyview’s residents will be fully moved out by Nov. 24.
Gilchrist Commons is a new supportive living community in northeast Calgary in the community of Pineridge. The building opened in August 2022 with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony in September.
The new, 115-suite building includes large windows, built-in cabinetry, walk-in showers, individual temperature controls, three meals a day in a large bright dining room, a 24/7 coffee station, on-site laundry, a salon, spa, business centre, future convenience store, pharmacy, multi-purpose area, common area fireplaces and optional underground parking.