"Falcon Manor' Residence in Merlin

A successful School reunion last summer has resulted in plans for a retirement residence on the grounds of the former Merlin District High School. Among the 400 attendees several expressed the desire to move back to this area if there were suitable accomodations with amenities to meet their retirement needs.A group let by Jack Peltier and Joy King took their words to heart. They have spent the last year visiting several retirement residences searching for the model that would best suit the need of those who are interested. The residence will be located on the ground of the former Merlin District Hight School and be named Falcon Manor in honor of the former school mascot " the Falcon" 

 The seven acre site has been purchased and a site plan and architectural drawings have been completed. There have been 5 Public meetings to discuss the proposal. Plans for the 30,000 square foot facility include 30 individual, one and two bedroom garden apartments, a great hall, common facilites such as a fully equipped kitchen, exercise room,spa facility and a medical clinic.The residence is not an Assisted Living or Long Term Care facility but designed for Independent Living. 40% of the construction cost has been committed by a private family.The remainders is to be secured through normal Mortgage or other Financing means.

 Falcon Manor is to be managed on a day-to-day basis by Joy King, a registered nurse , with support from a part time administrator, perhaps a resident, along with maintenance staff and the help of community volunteers. The proposal outlines the funding and operations as follows:

1) It will be owned by an Ontario Corporation that is controlled by the anonymous private family.

2) It will be operated on a not-for-profit basis

3) It will be overseen and governed by an advisary committee made up of a majority of area residents. 

 There is a deadline of March 31/2011 to decide if the project will move ahead. The committee members are asking for committments from individuals in the form of a $1000.00 deposit for one of the apartments.If plans do not move ahead the deposit is refundable. If all goes well the project is scheduled to be completed by February or March 2012

 This will be welcome addition to Chatham-Kent. Just another example of what Chatham-Kent has to offer for retirees, downsizers, empty nesters or anyone seeking an affordable lifestyle. Our Motto is IT IS ALL HERE ALL YEAR!

UPDATE APRIL 2/10 Unfortunately this project did not receive enough support to move forward at this time but if anyone is interested I am sure the Merlin Committee would love to hear from you.