A new home (for bees) at Albright Gardens Retirement Community

Albright Gardens Retirement Community (AGRC) welcomed a new community of residents to the 25

acre property owned by The United Church of Canada Property Trust (UCC).   A buzzing hive of busy bees now graces the lawn along Hixon Street. It’s evidence of environmental awareness.

Whether it is intended to provide extra pollinators for Niagara’s many vineyards is not entirely clear.  The bees will help flowers bloom in the residents’ garden plots.  AGRC's human residents are also pleased the bees have come to support the growth of the grape crop on the other side of Hixon Street. The Niagara Peninsula, one might say, is a beehive of wineries.

The Gardens' beehive is a symbol of the hope that AGRC may one day become an affordable housing community for many more residents to enjoy this spectacular setting.  KindredWorks.ca is the UCC’s vehicle for re-development consulting and planning.

An Affordable Housing Community

In the first half of the twentieth century the site was a producing farm.  That all changed in the 1950s when the Rev. Raymund Albright decided to donate the family farm to the UCC.

Albright was very conscious of UCC ministry personnel who had lived in manses and served on low church salaries and, upon retirement, received even lower pensions. So, his aim was to transform the farm into a little paradise for retired personnel to enjoy in their “golden years.”

Wonderfully, Elsie Watt of St. Andrew’s UC, Toronto, shared the vision and donated $100,000 to build

the first 12!! frame units on Watt Circle. In the next decade or two, more property was bought so that

additional brick homes could be built. Now there are  41 two-bedroom units, some with

basements, plus a “Friendship Centre”, which provides community gathering space and houses the

Community Support Services of Niagara’s Beamsville office.

Retiring in Albright Gardens

In line with their generous vision, Albright and Watt aimed to make it possible to live well even on modest incomes in the Gardens of Beamsville. Currently, sky-rocketing rents in Canada’s urban area claim more than the suggested 30% of income for housing.  Many ministry personnel, especially those starting ordered ministry in mid-life or later, will not have been able to grow sufficient pension credits or housing equity.

The AGRC rents currently range from $900 to $1250 per month – roughly 70% of market prices,

depending on size and amenities of the unit leased. As a retirement community, applicants must be 55+ years of age, capable of living independently, retiring or retired from UCC employment, and normally members of the UCC Pension Plan.  As a ministry of the UCC, the AGRC is an Affirming Community and celebrates the ethnic diversity of God's global human family.

Some residents have lived in the Gardens for more than 25 years. Others have been there but a year or two. Their reports are clear:  AGRC is a friendly place, where cultivating community is cherished

because it means there is help when help is needed; but freedom is cultivated so that residents can

pursue their personal interests and projects in peace and comfort.  The testimony of some residents can be heard and seen on the AGRC website: https://albrightgardens.ca.

Amenities Include

- A garden setting with lawns and trees that the landscapers trim and prune, and, in winter,  clear snow and ice.   

- Canada's Bruce Trail passes through the south end of the property.  A Memorial Trail at the north end is for pleasant walks and honours previous residents.

- The site's vista overlooks Beamsville and Lake Ontario as far as Toronto.  Niagara Falls is just 45 minutes away.

- The beautiful Escarpment, horticultural attractions, and wineries of the Niagara Peninsula beckon.

- Health and medical services are readily available in nearby St. Catharines, to the east, and Hamilton

to the west.

- Bus, train, and plane transportation is readily accessible.

- The Community Support Services of Niagara is ready to provide help when independent living becomes  challenging.

- Albright Centre is a long-term care facility – a welcome neighbour on the adjacent property, planning for an additional extended-care facility.

- A Tenants' Association gives voice to residents’ concerns, organizes social occasions and

excursion outings, and liaises with the Owner /or/ Agent.

- An experienced Property Manager understands the special aspects of this residential community and works to ensure that homes and grounds are safe, comfortable, secure, and welcoming.

Visit

Come to Beamsville and drive around the site. You’ll be impressed and pleased to discover this special place.   Take QEW, exit "Ontario Street Beamsville", take Mountain Road up the Escarpment, turn left on Edelheim Road, and there you are.  Visit some other charming villages of Niagara when there.

Visit the website for a map and other information: : https://albrightgardens.ca

For More Information or to Add Your Name to the Wait List contact:

Shabri Properties Ltd.

Rental Housing Administrator: Leila Thompson   

[email protected].  Tel. 905 684 6333 or 1 289 362 1105 ext. 232.