Lunch at Venvi The Kensington: A Taste of Retirement Living in Oakville

Choosing the right retirement home can feel overwhelming for families. Many people are not sure what life in a retirement residence actually looks like. What are the suites like? What kind of care is available? And one question that comes up again and again: How is the food?

To help answer these questions, Elderado recently hosted a lunch with Venvi The Kensington, bringing together local professionals who support older adults and their families. The goal was simple: experience retirement living firsthand.

The event included introductions, a tour of the residence, and a lunch prepared by the culinary team at the home. It was a great opportunity to learn more about retirement living in Oakville while connecting with other professionals who help families navigate aging and care decisions.

What Is a “Lunch at” Retirement Home?

The Lunch at series is our initiative to help local professionals better understand retirement living in their area.

(Check out our blog about our Lunch at Bloom Oshawa)

Each lunch brings together a small group of professionals who work with older adults and caregivers. This can include real estate professionals, financial planners, downsizing experts, and others who often help families while they navigate this major life transitions.

The format is intentionally small and simple.

A typical lunch includes:

• Introductions and networking
• A short overview of the retirement residence
• A guided tour of the home and model suites
• Lunch served from the same menu residents enjoy

By keeping the group to about five to seven people, everyone has a chance to ask questions and share their perspective.

For some guests, this is their first time experiencing retirement living.

Lunch at Venvi The Kensington

The lunch took place at Venvi The Kensington, a beautiful retirement residence located right on Lakeshore Road near the Oakville harbour.

The event was hosted by Kerry McShane, Area Lifestyle Consultant at Venvi The Kensington, who welcomed the group and shared insight into the residence and its services.

Attendees included:

• Myra Afidchao — Regional Manager, Alivio Downsizing
• Denny Chuang — Certified Financial Planner, Eagle Partners Financial Solutions
• Brian Cowan — SRES Realtor, Transition With Ease
• Nikoo Faghihi — Financial Planner, RBC Financial Planning
• Damir Strk — Broker, RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Touring Venvi The Kensington

The tour gave everyone a chance to see the a couple of model suites, and the common spaces used by the residents.

One area that stood out was the exterior courtyard, a beautiful outdoor space that immediately impressed the group. It will be a great place come spring to enjoy fresh air, gardening, or simply relax outside.

Another highlight was the library and lounge, which offers a sophisticated and comfortable place for residents to read, socialize, or enjoy quiet time.

The residence also features a wide range of amenities and common areas, including:

• Dining room and bistro
• Movie theatre
• Fitness centre
• Craft kitchen
• Recreation spaces
• Hair salon
• Communal garden
• Private dining room for family gatherings

The building also offers underground parking, elevators, and accessibility features to support residents with mobility needs.

Retirement Living Options and Care

Venvi The Kensington Oakville offers several living options to support residents as their needs change.

These include:

Independent Living
For older adults who want a maintenance-free lifestyle while enjoying social activities and services.

Independent Supportive Living
For residents who want independence but may benefit from occasional support.

Assisted Living
For residents who need more help with daily activities.

Short-Term or Respite Stays
Temporary stays for recovery, caregiver relief, or trying retirement living before making a long-term decision.

The residence offers nursing staff available seven days a week, along with optional services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and on-demand care.

Let’s Talk About the Food

Food is one of the biggest concerns families have when considering a retirement home.

Many people assume the meals will be basic or institutional. In reality, many retirement residences invest heavily in dining because meals are such an important part of daily life.

Our lunch menu was identical to the residents menu for that day.

Soup

Guests could choose between:

• Vegetable noodle soup (daily special)
• Chicken noodle soup

Main Courses

Options included:

• Chicken fingers with fries, salad, and plum sauce (daily special)
• Turkey, cranberry and brie melt sandwich (a la carte feature)
• Tuna salad, egg salad, or club sandwich
• Two eggs any style with toast
• Chef salad with mixed greens, egg, and cold cuts
• Cheese, fruit, and cracker plate

One standout was the Turkey, Cranberry & Brie Melt Sandwich.

It’s very similar to a grilled cheese I enjoyed at Venvi The Kensington when I visited last summer. That grilled cheese actually won the “Eldie Award” for Best Grilled Cheese!

Dessert

Dessert options included:

• Nanaimo bar (daily special)
• Fresh baked cookies
• Ice cream
• Fresh fruit salad
• Pudding
• Jell-O

The Location: Downtown Oakville on the Harbour

Another major highlight of Venvi The Kensington Oakville is its prime location on Lakeshore Road.

The residence sits in the heart of downtown Oakville, close to the harbour and surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Within walking distance, residents can access:

• Local shops and cafés
• Parks and waterfront paths
• Places of worship
• Medical services
• Community spaces

For older adults who want to stay connected to the community, what’s within walking distance can make a big difference.

Why Events Like This Matter

Many professionals help families during major life transitions, but they may not always have the chance to experience retirement homes themselves.

Events like this help bridge that gap.

By touring the home, walking through model suites, and sharing a meal together, attendees gain a deeper understanding of what retirement living actually feels like.

That can help them better guide families who are exploring their options.

Interested in Hosting a “Lunch at” Your Retirement Residence?

Elderado hosts these lunches to help professionals understand retirement living and build stronger connections in the local senior living community.

The events are small, relaxed, and focused on conversation.

If you operate a retirement residence and would like to host a future Lunch at event, we would love to hear from you. Email Daniel with the subject line, “Lunch at [your retirement home]” to [email protected].

Exploring Retirement Homes in Oakville?

If you or your family are starting to explore retirement homes in Oakville, it helps to compare your options and learn what each community offers.

You can explore and compare retirement homes using Elderado here:

elderado.ca/search

If you are curious about availability at retirement residences, you can also join the Retirement Living Availability Registry:

elderado.ca/availability-registry

Finding the right retirement home starts with good information, thoughtful conversations, and sometimes even a great lunch.