A Tour of Retirement Suites By The Lake

Retirement Suites By The Lake (RSBL) is situated close to my own home and is a landmark I have driven past countless times over the years. It is a building that has always occupied a space in my peripheral awareness, partly because I have known several peers whose parents once lived there. Through my recent engagement with the residence, I discovered that a significant majority of the residents are long-standing members of the local community. They are choosing to age in place within the neighborhood they already know and love.

The location itself is one of its most striking features, perfectly positioned near some of the city’s most breathtaking natural spaces, including Rosetta McClain Gardens, the scenic beaches, and the Scarborough Bluffs. Beyond its geographic appeal, the building possesses a unique physical character owing to its past life as a former hotel. Walking in for my tour with Kathleen, I felt a distinct sense of both familiarity and intrigue. 

During my visit, I also uncovered fascinating local history. The site was originally home to the historic White Castle Inn, a grand structure built in the late 1800s. Tragically, the original inn was destroyed by fire in 1955, but a new structure was quickly rebuilt on the exact same footprint. This second building ultimately evolved into the modern retirement residence we see today, carrying forward a long history of resilience and hospitality.

The Vibrant Lifestyle: Independent Living

There are 92 suites in total at RSBL, currently housing approximately 86 residents. About 60% of this population is in the Independent Living program. As I toured the home with Kathleen, it was immediately evident that these residents are thriving and highly active. The atmosphere does not feel like a traditional facility but rather a lively community of adults. For example, we stopped to chat with one resident who was glowing with excitement after returning from a two-week sunny vacation abroad.

The social energy of the building was palpable throughout the tour. In the dining room, I saw staff members engaging in genuine laughter with residents as they prepared the tables for dinner. In the lounge areas, I observed groups of residents simply chatting and laughing together. In one area, a resident sat comfortably with her dog, while chatting with a friend, illustrating the pet-friendly and relaxed nature of the home. It truly felt like a place where connection is the priority, with its laid-back and inclusive vibe.

Because the building was originally a hotel, the suites are considerably larger than the industry average. Many feature unique, non-standard layouts that you rarely find in purpose-built retirement homes. Some units include private walk-outs or balconies, and they all feel remarkably bright due to the oversized hotel-style windows. Sizes range from cozy studio suites to expansive two-bedroom, two-bathroom configurations. Every suite is equipped with individual climate controls, allowing residents to maintain their own comfort levels. Depending on the season, some residents even enjoy beautiful views of the lake.

Dining is a central part of the experience. The community shares one main dining room with two seating times for each meal to ensure a relaxed pace. Behind the high-quality menu is Red Seal Chef Ian Purdy, who brings extensive experience from high-end resorts, luxury hotels, and his own former restaurant. He views his role as more than just cooking; he is creating a culinary community. To keep things engaging, he hosts special themed events throughout the year, such as lobster dinners, which are always a highlight.

The pricing structure is transparent and all-inclusive. Residents pay a flat monthly fee based on their suite type, which covers all standard inclusions: three meals daily, afternoon tea, weekly housekeeping and laundering of linen, utilities, and all social activities. The daily exercise class is consistently the most popular event, reflecting the residents’ commitment to staying active. Additionally, the residence operates a van for weekly outings to local shops, buffet restaurants, and theatres.

Care and safety are woven into the routine without being intrusive. Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are on-site 24 hours a day, and nursing staff are present daily from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A doctor visits twice monthly, and there is a weekly podiatrist as well as an on-site physiotherapy room. Residents may also choose to supplement their care through Ontario Health at Home or by hiring private caregivers.

Personalized Care: Supportive Living

As needs change, RSBL offers tailored services through their Supportive or Assisted Living tier, which currently accounts for approximately 40% of the population. This allows residents to stay in their familiar environment even as they require more hands-on assistance.

Residents can choose extra support “a la carte,” organized into housekeeping, maintenance, and wellness. This can include daily cleaning, laundry, or practical maintenance tasks like hanging pictures. Wellness services include bathing assistance, medication administration, and dining room escorts. Unique to RSBL, PSW care is scheduled in blocks of time rather than specific tasks—for example, 15 minutes as needed or a dedicated 30 minutes daily. This provides significant flexibility for meeting individual care requirements.

While adaptable, there are clinical limits. RSBL can accommodate a resident-provided Hoyer lift but cannot care for individuals requiring a two-person assist, feeding assistance, or secure memory care for wandering behaviours. In cases where needs exceed what RSBL can provide, they often work with McCowan Retirement Residence for higher levels of clinical care.

Flexibility and Comfort: Short-Term Stays

RSBL offers several short-term stay options, including respite care for surgery recovery or stays when regular caregivers are away. They also encourage “trial stays” for those considering a permanent move. There is a simple two-week minimum, which is popular for post-operative recovery. Fittingly, the residence still maintains a dedicated hotel suite for visiting guests—a charming nod to the building’s history.

A Final Perspective: Overall Impressions

After my visit, I read through a recent newsletter and was struck by its charm. It was filled with local trivia and quirky facts, like a column dedicated to the history of bubble wrap. This captures the essence of RSBL: a community that values lifelong learning and humour. With nightly movie screenings at 7:00 p.m., it is clear that fun and friendship are built into the very fabric of daily life at Retirement Suites By The Lake.