A developer is hoping to create a “retirement park” in Ramara.
Township council heard from Al Soorty, of Al Soorty Developments, during a recent meeting.
“Orillia is the most booming town right now for retirees,” Soorty said, but noted there isn’t a retirement facility in Ramara like the one he’s proposing.
“I’d like to build a community … who don’t have to leave Ramara Township. I think this is the best thing that could happen to our neighbours and community who could have a place of their own.”
Soorty owns six parcels of land on Willison Sideroad, close to the Casino Rama parking lot. The area is currently zoned destination commercial, so he is hoping council will eventually support rezoning it to allow for the retirement park.
It also falls within the Rama Road corridor, a large swath of land that is being pegged for future development, Mayor Basil Clarke noted. Those plans include commercial and residential projects, but provincial policy states commercial development must take place before residential.
Clarke said council is hoping to address those concerns through the updating of the township’s Official Plan.
A zoning amendment for Soorty’s proposed development is not on the table at this time. He just wants the public to know about his plans, said Deputy Mayor Joe Gough.
“He wants to do the right thing and go through all the official channels as to how it needs to be done,” he said.
The development, which Soorty estimated would cost at least $16 million to build, would consist of independent and assisted-living units, Soorty said, adding residents would have access to nursing care and personal support workers.
“It would be a really high-end product that Ramara Township and the council would be proud of,” he said.
The units would be rented for $3,000 to $3,500.
“We’re trying to make it as affordable as we can,” Soorty said.
In his report to council, he pointed to the township’s population growth to strengthen his case for the retirement park.
“People moving into the township account for the largest share of population growth compared with people born to families in the township. The township has a large and growing number of older persons,” he wrote.
“Persons aged 55 years and over account for 45 per cent of the resident population. This compares with 30 per cent for all of Ontario. This reflects Ramara as a destination for seniors and retirees.”
He also said his proposed development stands out.
“Unlike at a conventional nursing home, here residents enjoy premium amenities including a concierge, fitness centre, games area and more. Licensed dining rooms serve extraordinary cuisine prepared fresh by in-house chefs, and you’re free to take your meals when and where you like,” he wrote.
“You’ll also have a choice of recreational retirement living activities such as exercise classes, creative workshops, social events and cultural excursions.”
Council voted to receive the presentation as information.
