Masterpiece West Island – where the livin’ is easy
A salute to new friendships, a new lifestyle - and peace of mind

by Peter Kerr / The Gazette

I recently visited two Masterpiece Retirement Residences in Alberta, and saw first-hand that after several years in business; the original promises of high food quality, friendly and courteous staff, and an elegant living environment have remained consistent.

Montrealers have begun moving into the company’s first ‘community’ in Montreal at Masterpiece West Island in Pointe-Claire. We though it would be useful to have some first-hand accounts from some Montreal-area couples who have selected this magnificent new building to be their home.

Walking down the hallway to meet Anne and John Philips, I couldn’t help but notice the refined elegance of the décor. I could have been in a five star hotel in London, Palm Beach or New York. The large elevator reception area (with richly upholstered and practical built-in benches) opens on either side to wide and tastefully carpeted corridors. After the gracious main entrance, the positive impression continues throughout the building.

Anne and John have a healthy glow, and during our conversation I learn that they are avid golfers and members of Royal Montreal Golf Club. Their passion for the game was so great that they built a retirement home at the golf club. However, 25 years later, they wanted a change in lifestyle; one that didn’t require the maintenance of their Ile Bizard home. Anne jokes; “And I didn’t want to cook anymore!”

The Philips began the process of looking at residences. “We had heard good things about this place, and the fact that it is a brand new building also appealed to us,” noted Anne. “Just by walking into the lobby we could tell that it was first class.” John, who was himself an employer and company owner in his days in the advertising business, picks up the conversation; “It’s not just the top management who are so pleasant, it’s everyone in the building. They treat their people well - and it shows in how agreeable the staff is with the residents”

One of the attractions for the Philips was the location of Masterpiece West Island, at the junction of St-Jean and the Trans Canada. “We’re on the highway in minutes, and Fairview is practically across the street,” comments Anne. “They must have built it well, because we don’t hear any outside noise at all.”

The Philips have been active all their lives – Anne was a Quebec Champion curler, and while at McGill she was the Captain of the Women’s Hockey Team. Anne continues; “There’s lots to do here, and we don’t feel like we’re in an institution. We can eat when we want – we’re not regimented to pre-determined meal times.”

Irene and Hector “Punch” Racicot moved from Hudson to Masterpiece, and are delighted with the choice that was actually made by their daughters. “This is a whole other concept of living – different from anything we’ve seen,” states Irene. Punch agrees, adding; “This is really like a 5 star hotel. We had tried a condo, a smaller house, and another residence – but we’re very, very happy here.”

The Racicot’s apartment is beautifully decorated, and they give full credit to their daughters. Their living room is anchored by the working electric fireplace that is equipped in every suite, plus the flat screen television.

Punch continues; “It’s not lonesome here – we have a bowling alley, pool tables, and card tables downstairs. We have stores across the street – we’re part of the neighbourhood – not off in a corner somewhere. These young people that work here make us feel good. You can age gracefully here.”

Smiling across the room at her husband of 64 years, Irene comments; “We’re living again – we’re really living again…”

“We just had a Grey Cup party that Masterpiece hosted. They asked us what food we thought would be good; and you should have seen the shrimp, ribs, chicken wings, and burgers, they set out for us. We could have fed the two football teams as well!” I’ve moved to the spacious suite that is now home to Pat and Al Berry, who have moved back to Montreal from their retirement home in Sutton, Ontario – located near Lake Simcoe and close to 7 golf courses.

Al had been successful in the business forms business, and he and Pat (who worked as a nurse in a West Island clinic) moved to Toronto to follow his biggest account, Petro-Canada. “We had enjoyed our retirement house in Sutton” noted Pat, “but we knew it was time for us to think about moving back to Montreal to be close to our family, and we didn’t want the trouble of a house. We looked at a residence in Newmarket, but we decided that we really wanted to be close to our family.”

The couple enlisted the help of Pat’s brother to scout the available residences. “He called us and said; “I’ll send you the information on all the places, but there’s only one place you’re going to go to – Masterpiece.” Al continues; “We came here and he was right. This place is 5 star – in all ways!”

Commenting on the staff, Al says; “I think they all went to charm school. It’s easy to see that the owners treat their staff like professionals and with respect. It creates a healthy environment for everybody. It’s like being on a cruise ship!” (Author’s Note: Each year Masterpiece offers its residents a free cruise on board Holland America cruise line.)

Al has been active in community involvement since his days as a Kinsman in Montreal during the mid-50s. He and Pat were involved in fundraising for children’s causes; building the Valois community swimming pool when their kids were young, and now - sure enough - Al had organized a Football Pool for the Grey Cup party.

As we near the end of our conversation, Al comments: “It’s not routine here – they’re always coming up with ideas for new activities – new things to do.”

As in any new community, new neighbours can mean new friendships (and new listeners for those stories your spouse has already heard a hundred times…). It appears that Masterpiece West Island is attracting people who have much in common; drawing on similar experiences from their professional lives, leisure activities and civic involvement. Al Berry commented “We often dine with John and Anne Philips, and someone asked me if we had been lifelong friends, because we seem to get along so well. Actually – we just met when we moved in here!”

General Manager Louis-Phillip Leblanc-Boucher, Assistant GM Stefanie Wagner and their staff are ready to welcome Montrealers to their brand new Masterpiece West Island. They are justifiably proud of this state-of-the-art retirement residence and most importantly - their colleagues. If either Activities Director Christine Lapointe or Hospitality Manager Nathalie Grenier is available; they’d also be happy to join you for a coffee. Who knows, President Tim Garforth-Bles or Nicolas Bouquet, VP National Operations may join you.

Masterpiece West Island is located at 1000 Holiday Avenue in Pointe-Claire. For more information, please call: 514-695-6695 or visit the web site: www.MasterpieceRetirement.com