Within the next two years, Île-des-Chênes will have a unique housing development that caters specifically to the needs and desires of seniors.

On November 19, Ritchot’s council gave a thumbs up to an adult-living housing complex proposed by Rockwell Planning and Development. The model is a repeat of something the company already has or is building in La Broquerie, Ste. Anne, and Beausejour.

The development is planned for a 20-acre section of land at the corner of north Main Street and Highway 405. The site allows for a total of 316 units, which will include apartment suites and row housing with attached garages. The development will be built in four phases over the course of the next few years.

The south section of the parcel will feature a recreation centre, dog park, pickleball court, walking trails, as well as gazebos and campfire areas for the exclusive use of the adult residents.

“My company and my sister companies have built over 430 units of 55-plus in southern Manitoba,” a Rockwell representative told council. “We have waiting lists for all [of them]. That’s why I know it’s going to do very well in Île-des-Chênes. It’s closer to the city and there’s nothing really like it around here.”

All of the units will be rentals ranging in price from about $1,050 for an entry-level apartment to about $2,000 for a 1,200-square-foot bungalow with garage.

“In Ste. Anne, where I started, I was making condos,” he added. “[But seniors] are selling their houses and now they have money. It’s a budget thing and the rentals [were in higher demand].”

The first phase will begin with 63 bungalow-style units and a 54-suite three-storey apartment with an underground parkade. This phase will also include the recreation amenities.

When questioned about the company’s flexibility regarding the age of tenants, the Rockwell rep said there will certainly be some.

“We get the odd person that is 50 or 45,” he said. “The main thing is, no kids. To protect our investment, this is what [we’ve decided]. If I start letting in younger people, that’s just going to hurt us.”

A neighbour to the proposed development queried council on the speed limit along north Main Street, which is currently set at 90 kilometres per hour.

“Because this is going to become a more rural residential area, we can look at changing that,” Mayor Chris Ewen said.

CAO Shane Ray assured her that a sidewalk will be built from the development right to the town’s core area.

“I’m looking forward to getting this started,” said councillor Shane Pelletier. “55-plus will be a benefit to this whole region, especially one of this magnitude.”