West 5, Sifton’s poweredby- the-sun community, is welcoming a new milestone with the launch of the Riverstone retiree apartment complex.

“We’re very excited and proud of this project,” says Sylvie Lucas, Sifton’s vice president, retirement living. “It’s unique and catered to the lifestyles of the retiree demographic.

“We’ve taken attention to detail based on our experience with other senior living buildings, with things from a structural perspective like spacing and lighting, as well as underground parking and security.”

Sifton fosters community spirit and a feeling of collegiality among the retiree residents.

Lucas adds that including features like concierge service and bi-weekly housekeeping in the rent sets Riverstone apart. Also making it special are the rooftop Skylight restaurant, On The Rocks bar and an outdoor patio overlooking a green roof.

In addition to supporting West 5’s sustainability culture, she says the green roof is “a great feature from an aesthetic point of view, quite lovely and lush.” A future rooftop garden is also planned, which will facilitate growing herbs and vegetables for the kitchen, enhancing a menu focused on local fare being showcased by the executive chef.

Riverstone residents can enjoy some complimentary meals at the onsite restaurant each month.

Lucas says the views from the eighth-floor rooftop – natural vistas including Kains Woods and Riverbend Park – are breathtaking. “They’re gorgeous. I’ve had the opportunity to view them through all seasons. In the fall, it’s really quite spectacular.”

Riverstone residents can also enjoy the bonus of having a number of complimentary meals at the restaurant each month. The 113 one- and two-bedroom suites, some with dens, range from 650 to 1,250 square feet, with soaring ceilings.

The décor reflects the surrounding countryside: wood, stone and natural finishes. These include wood-grain kitchen cabinetry complemented by quartz countertops. The natural colour palette is emphasized in the floor with walnut wood grain vinyl plank and neutral ceramic tile flooring.

Walk-in showers with moulded seating are an additional convenience. Each unit has a private balcony or patio, with oversized terrace doors flooding the open-concept interiors with natural light.

In keeping with West 5’s environmental reputation as one of the world’s most state-of-the-art SMART communities, solar-powered and 100 per cent energy efficient - Riverstone incorporates numerous green elements. These include solar panels, provision for electric vehicle chargers, ENERGY STAR appliances, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, custom LED lighting, keyless suite access and composting/recycling programs.

The apartments’ décor reflects nature’s colours. Finishes include wood-grain kitchen cabinetry, walnut-toned vinyl flooring and ceramic tile flooring in neutral tones.

“We’re quite proud of the fact that we’re the first neighbourhood powered by the sun in Ontario, and I love that we’re able to offer our retiree community an option to live here,” Lucas says.

Other building amenities include a first-floor fitness studio, fireplace lounge with a full kitchen and adjacent games room. Leisure activities, events and social clubs are planned.

Fostering community spirit by relationship building is an important factor, Lucas maintains. “As people move in, they’ll get to know the family within the community. So, there’s always someone for support.”

Riverstone is truly a community within a community, she says. “Our tenants will have a broad range of services to enhance their lifestyle under one roof and within the West 5 community.”

The apartments’ décor reflects nature’s colours. Finishes include wood-grain kitchen cabinetry, walnut-toned vinyl flooring and ceramic tile flooring in neutral tones.

The neighbourhood encompasses a growing variety of personal and commercial resources, such as retail shops and medical services. Residents will be able to access many businesses in the area: spas, a yoga studio, cosmetic clinic, animal clinic and a micro-pub.

“It’s good for our retiree clientele to have so much within the community. If there’s transportation or weather challenges, everything they might need is just footsteps away,” says Lucas.

The community is easily accessible to major highways and downtown London. It is also surrounded by nature with walking trails. Kains Woods is at the doorstep; Sifton Bog just up the road, as well as nearby golf courses and parklands.

"So, for those who love an active lifestyle or those who want to get into one now that they are retired and have more time, there are plenty of opportunities," Lucas says.