This Octogenarian Just Loves Cascade Court by Lt. Colonel George T. Oystryk (R)

May 7th, 1999, my wife and I took the plunge. After lengthy discussions and decision-making, we moved into Cascade Court in Abbotsford, B.C..

This beautiful 4-story complex of 84 luxury apartments for retired people has met and exceeded all our expectations of living the good life in this beautiful community. Our apartment overlooks the picturesque Cascade Mountain Range with the center of attraction being the famous and spectacular Mount Baker. This well-known landmark is just over 65 km away, across the border into Washington State. In fact, the Sumas border crossing, located at the southern region of Abbotsford is merely a few kilometers from our apartment.

Conveniently located in the Fraser Valley, we are within a one-hour drive to the Greater Vancouver area to the west, Chilliwack just a short drive down the highway to the east, with the exciting resort of Harrison Hot Springs, the mighty Fraser River and historic Mission a short drive to the north and northeast.

There is truly a sense of convenience and access to all these wonderful places from Cascade Court. Abbotsford Airport is already famous for its annual air show, and this facility now offers direct flights to centres eastward as far as Toronto. Our surrounding neighborhood offers the outstanding convenience of retail stores within minutes. A mini-mall to the south and other retail outlets in the other direction makes shopping accessible and a real pleasure. Our apartment has an exceptionally convenient and sensible design with a sense of spaciousness and elegance.

Our layout is called “The Selkirk”. It is a two-bedroom plan with two bathrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen and pantry/storage all ensuite. Ample light and windows add spaciousness to the apartment. The master bedroom is located on one side of the apartment and has the convenience of a private bathroom and shower. The closets are generous in size and feature mirror doors, which also adds elegance and a sense of space. The kitchen is large and airy with an open concept leading to the dining room and living room, but separated by a half-wall.

It is equipped with six appliances (including a full-size washer and dryer in the store-room off the kitchen) and is also large enough for a breakfast nook. Gazing out to view the mountains is one of our favourite occupations at mealtimes. The living room has a gas fireplace that not only sets a wonderful mood, but also provides heat in addition to the electric heating in every room during the winter. The air-conditioning in our unit (an option available for an additional fee) is a dream during the summertime.

The suites are designed with many details geared to accommodate seniors. Each floor has a small lounge area and the main lobby has extended facilities for social gatherings with a fireplace and sofas. A games room and post-office for delivery and mail pick-up is across the hall. A woodworking and hobby room is available to the hobbiest. Beautifully landscaped grounds with garden plots, flowerbeds, walkways by the fountain and benches are designed for strolling and enjoying the outdoors.

Secured parking and storage facilities are available. Guest Rooms are also available for one’s extra guests. Perhaps the most significant and satisfying part of our wonderful home is the close proximity to the Abbotsford Corps Church. The lively attendance of over 250 people provides wonderful Christian fellowship and worship at our doorstep. Numerous programs and activities are offered to all ages. The Dining Room is utilized as an old-fashioned Gospel Meeting place on Sunday nights. We believe Abbotsford has some of the friendliest people in its congregation and is truly a blessed community church.

One of the finest features of Cascade Court is its affordability. A reasonable down payment put us into possession of our apartment. The advantage of the “LIFE-LEASE” system of ownership is that if we ever need to sell, Grace Communities Corporation will sell the property and offers a refund of the original purchase price less reimbursement costs if sold within 120 days. Grace Communities Corporation guarantees to purchase this property back at market value, minimum 90% of our purchase price. This offer is a superb safeguarding of our property for our estate, considering the usual ups and downs of property markets. We can’t lose!

It is hard to put into words just how very pleased my wife and I are, as owners of a Cascade Court apartment. Our quality of life has improved dramatically with the accessibility of all the amenities mentioned. We find ourselves as busy as we want to be with social events, and as private as we wish to be. There is tremendous peace of mind with so much at our disposal in terms of lifestyle. The security and well being that comes with living in a beautiful home surrounded by convenience and opportunity has enriched our senior years and we are most happy to be “Cascaders”!

We thank God for The Salvation Army and The Salvation Army Community Church who seeded the vision for Cascade Court. The officers and soldiers put in many hours of manual labour and administration to make Cascade Court a possibility.