Single dwellings , multiple dwellings or Apartments ?

  003.  Several years ago I held two local meetings to gauge the need and likes of seniors  as they consider moving to a less expensive life - less expensive than a large home that likely doesn't have many energy updates  yet attracts a hefty property tax bill , hefty heating bills and multiple chores like grass cutting and snow removal .   
     The consensus at that time was for a smaller stand alone home of about 750Sq. Feet .  One that was built to gather solar passive heating along with over code insulation  .    Climate information for this shore is virtually not existing  .    The closest on reccord gives us the Debert weather station history .   Our shore is very different as most already know . 

    One of the ways to gain that smaller home was by a Life Lease .   Pay a fixed amount prior to moving in and enjoy living there for as long as the senior(s) is / are living or able to live safely there .    When that time arrives the Lease is resold to someone on the wait list  and the sale amount , less expenses , goes to the estate of the recently exited lessee .
     Monthly expenses such as a share of the property tax(s) ,  snow removal and grass cutting and other community shared costs  are payable monthly while living in the community  .   A meal plan is offered and payable monthly .    Residents may have other costs such as an assistant to deal with weekly or daily house keeping or personal assistance . 

    More recently another way of sharing community costs is starting to be seen in Canada ;  It is a small apartment building of about 10 apartments with a shared living room , shared kitchen / dining room  . It looks like a large two story house .   This works for those that might not have the available capital to own a small community home  or for another reason would prefer an apartment  where you wouldn't have to go outdoors on nasty weather days and yet you are part of a community of 10 to 20 persons .

     And finally there is the town house concept  with a Life Lease plan .    And a nearby community building with kitchen & dining room  , and shared meeting space for crafts , watching sports events or movies on TV .   
      These are all things that we need to have a shared conversation about .   
   

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