Open house brings joy to retirement residents

The Royal Marquis retirement home held an open house on Feb. 22 to show the public its newly restored basement.

In August of 2017, many Windsor residents and business owners experienced severe flooding, including the Royal Marquis retirement home on Grand Marais Ave. Water quickly backed up on Howard Ave. into the parking lot of the building, then poured into the basement. The basement needed to be completely redone.

“The water just kept coming in,” said Anne Marie Millette, General Manager of the Royal Marquis. “We knew within two minutes of the assessment we were inches away from having to fully shut off the electrical, which would have resulted in total evacuation.”

After more than 18 months, the basement area finally re-opened to the delight of the residents, who are now equipped with all-new rooms such as a hair salon, country kitchen, theatre room and other amenities.

“If it was not for the staff, the team, the managers and volunteers none of this would have happened and would have not gone so smoothly,” said Millette.

The open house was to attract new clients to the existing home as well as a celebration for the current residents. Live music, a yoga instructor and lots of food, including a crêpe station, were provided for everyone who showed up.

“Today is a really exciting day,” said Ashley Tuffin, Director of Regional Sales. “Some of the residents have been without activities for a while now, so today is exciting with all the ribbon cuttings, the residents getting a sneak peek, as well as opening the doors to the community.”

With the basement redo now complete, Royal Marquis can continue to bring exciting events and activities to their residents.