by PAUL RAYNER

If the Crocus Hill Estates situation is to be likened to a journey, then they certainly have reached a major milestone. But there is more down the road as well.

The major living complex located on the farthest northern edge of Aikman Street in Boissevain was given its official opening on October 9. On that day and the next, the public was invited to come and see the completed first phase of the structure, which includes 19 suites, which range from 945 to 1257 square feet.

According to investor Elaine Froese, the event went well.

“It was good,” she stated. “There was lots of interest. I’m not sure of the numbers of people who came right now, because I haven’t read the names on the guest book, but there was a good flow. There were people from Brandon, Shilo, Goodlands, so it was a good event.”

At this point, there are three suites taken in the project, and investors are obviously interested in getting the rest filled as soon as possible. Froese said there are some serious possibilities at this point, but no firm commitments.

“We have people looking seriously, but it doesn’t become definite until they put down their $1,000 deposit. But we are certainly open to people making their deposits.”

Each suite can be had for a $40,000 lease, including the initial $1,000 deposit. Monthly rents range around the $1,000 a month amount, due to size. There are differences – one bathroom or two, for example – but common things like a laundry room per suite – link them and make them much like the homes many occupants will be leaving. Other facilities such as a common room and communal kitchen add to the “community within a community” feel.

Although there are several suites available at this point, they are different from each other, so Froese advises people to get their deposits in for the ones they are looking at.

“If you have a suite in mind,” she said, “it would be better to move sooner than later, or you could be disappointed.”

At the official opening, Bill and Cindy Oberlin, the first people to commit to a suite cut the ribbon in the common room. Among the dignitaries at the event was Arthur-Virden MLA Larry Maguire. He congratulated the investors for their accomplishment and explained that developments like this one will play a role in re-populating rural Manitoba.

“This will not just attract local people,” Maguire stated, “it will be an attraction for Manitoba. You always hear about people moving to the West, but for people in Ontario or Atlantic Canada, this is the West they are relocating to. We also can’t forget those who will want to move back.”
RM of Morton Reeve Bob McCallum pointed to the fact that the investors did a favour not only for themselves and their tenants, but for the community as a whole.

“You people had a vision for what the community needs,” McCallum said, “and it’s been a long haul, and I’m sure there have been frustrating times, times when your patience runs out on you. But now it has all come together and for the community this is great. I hear people from other communities have come for a look. Your patience has paid off.”

Investors gave a great deal of credit to BridgeRoad Developments Ltd., who developed the Crocus Hill project. The Winnipeg based company has been involved in many similar projects, such as those in Morden and Carberry. Harry Funk of BridgeRoad echoed the sentiment that the community was fortunate to have the investors to make the situation happen in Boissevain and said the issue is about community.

“We like to pass that concept on in each town where we build these places,” Funk explained, “it is about friendship and community.”

Extending the Crocus Hill experience to other people in the community was important to Froese as well. For example, she said they built the hallways with people walking during the cold months in mind. People with friends in suites could be buzzed in to get some non-40 below exercise. They can also come and play the Wii game on the big screen TV in the common room.

“We’re open to the community getting good use out of the building,” Froese said. “Our vision is for this to be a community asset.”

The work continues. They need to get the landscaping done to complete Phase I. They are also planning a second phase, which would include 23 more suites and a large banquet room. Already, there is one commitment to that phase, and Froese said there is a benefit to this, as early birds will be able to have some say over the design decisions. However, they will not be moving ahead on that phase until the current one is 80-90% full.

As Froese said, they do not have a target audience for their complex. Anyone can live there, especially active people. Although it is its own community in a sense, there is nothing trapping residents there and keeping them out of the larger community’s functions. Although a commitment of $40,000 is necessary, it is refundable if you choose to move out, so she said it is a situation people can try out and they are covered if they find it is not right for them. In fact, there are many myths regarding the project that can be easily dispelled if one goes to the source.

“We encourage people to come and talk to us directly rather than listen to rumours in the coffee shop.”

They also have a caretaker/manager. Linda Ransom is in that position and Froese said the job includes dealing with different tenant issues like making sure their move happens and coordinating future programs.

The future looks good for Crocus Hill. As Froese said, the possibilities are endless. She referred to Funk’s idea of linking the BridgeRoad family – those living in buildings they developed in different communities – and making large bus trips together. She said Crocus Hill is as much a journey as a destination, something that could continue to grow in different directions.

“There was one gentleman from south of Brandon who said ‘this place blows me away, I never thought it could be this nice’. I heard that over and over. Remember, Boissevain is a wonderful community to come to, one people want to stay in. There will always be new opportunities to use the building. It is our vision for this to be a community asset.”