The first of its kind opening in the area, Aspenwood is an exciting new collection of high-quality homes being built in Prince George.
This new gated development of 261 standalone homes for active adults 55+ offers a variety of two-bedroom and three-bedroom floor plans with interior design choices. All homes are one-level (patio homes) with limited stairs to navigate, which is a considerate benefit as residents age and mobility is presently, or could become, an issue.
Did the developers of Aspenwood conceptualize this as a ‘if we build it, they will come?’ idea, or is this more of a retirement housing supply and demand answer? As Freeport Industries co-owners Chris Inkster, president and Todd Venier, CEO. Inkster both state, “nothing like this has been built in Prince George that we are aware of, and the feedback we got from local realtors and residents is that this is something the community needed.”
Venier and his family have been developing land lease communities throughout B.C. and Alberta for almost forty years.With headquarters based in Westbank, B.C., Freeport has been the exclusive builder for Retire West Communities for nearly 20, with a 285 unit development just completed in West Kelowna.
Freeport has an indoor facility based in Westbank, where their homes will be built and then shipped to Prince George. “The modular construction concept is gaining momentum,” says Inkster. “You have control over your own trades and don’t have to depend on good weather. There is repeatability with the same guys working on each facet of the build, like plumbers and general labour. There are less deliveries, less waste, a cleaner build, and materials are not sitting in the mud getting rained on.”
Phase one of Aspenwood is being built now, with phase one consisting of twenty-six lots. The next phases will be built over the next eight to ten years. Freeport sees the average interested home buyer’s age around sixty-five, active, semi-retired or retired, and wanting to stay close to their adult children and grandchildren – right in Prince George.
Many are snowbirds, heading south for the winter, and knowing they can leave their home in safe care in a gated community offers peace of mind. Snow removal and common area maintenance, on demand hot water, quality windows and other amenities add to the appeal.
Being able to choose a floor plan that fits exactly how one’s home should be built, especially for aging adults, is a plus, and as Inkster shares, “we can do wider doorways for wheelchair accessibility, special showers, and handrails. We can make accommodations that help people stay in their homes longer.”
The Aspenwood Clubhouse will be a gathering place for all residents. The airy, light-filled space is planned to have a kitchen ideal for group gatherings, a pool table, a big screen TV for watching the game together, a cozy fireplace, a fitness room and more.
As Inkster puts it, “as we get older, especially in retirement, it’s important to keep and develop relationships in our lives, it helps you stay healthier.”
Aspenwood’s furnished show home and sales centre is open and ready for business. For more information, visit aspenwoodliving.ca/register-now
