The Vista on Sparks: Taking retirement living to the next level
Discover unparalleled luxury in downtown Ottawa, where breathtaking views, exquisite dining and state-of-the-art amenities create a retirement experience like no other
Author of the article:
Iris Winston • Postmedia Content Works
Published Aug 16, 2024 • Last updated Aug 19, 2024 • 4 minute read
The Vista’s main dining room is located on the top floor of the 18-storey building, providing spectacular views in all directions. SUPPLIED PHOTOS
Spectacular views at a high point downtown with spacious, well-appointed suites and a long list of amenities combine to make The Vista on Sparks a very desirable place to live.
“The way the building has been designed and developed truly makes it feel as though retirement living has been taken to the next level,” says marketing manager Julia Riddick, who has worked in the retirement field for the last six years. This, she adds, is why it was very important to her to join the staff of Ottawa’s newest luxury retirement community, now nearing completion next to Christ Church Cathedral.
“I specifically wanted to be part of The Vista,” she says. “The location and views are incredible. There’s no other luxury retirement residence right downtown, and the walkability and access to everything are right there.”
Her enthusiasm continues as she describes The Vista’s many special features and amenities. For example, the main dining room, complete with an area for private parties, is located on the top floor of the 18-storey building, so that all the residents can enjoy the views of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River and the Gatineau Hills.
The Gatsview pub and lounge, a more casual dining area, is situated on the 17th floor.
Called Cooke’s on the Water, the formal dining room is named after the president and chief operating officer’s mother, as its placement was at her suggestion. The Vista also has two more casual dining areas, the Gatsview pub and lounge on the 17th floor (with an open kitchen) and the Sparks Street Bistro Cafe on the ground floor.
The various dining options ranging from the very casual approach of having a soft ice cream machine (in operation at all times) to the formality of penthouse dining is “marrying the idea of retirement with a high-end hotel,” says Riddick, emphasizing that the aim is to give residents maximum choice at no extra charge.
Called Cooke’s on the Water, the formal dining room is named after the president and chief operating officer’s mother, as its placement was at her suggestion. The Vista also has two more casual dining areas, the Gatsview pub and lounge on the 17th floor (with an open kitchen) and the Sparks Street Bistro Cafe on the ground floor.
The various dining options ranging from the very casual approach of having a soft ice cream machine (in operation at all times) to the formality of penthouse dining is “marrying the idea of retirement with a high-end hotel,” says Riddick, emphasizing that the aim is to give residents maximum choice at no extra charge.
In addition, the dedicated assisted-living floor has its own Courtview Dining and Lounge for residents who prefer the convenience of staying close to their own suites on the accessible third floor.
“There’s a full continuum of care,” says Riddick, explaining that while this floor is focused entirely on residents needing more help, extra support (on an
à la carte basis) can be added for any residents who require it at a later stage of life, without the need for them to move from their independent-living suites. Nursing staff are available 24/7 and residents wear emergency call pendants, so help is always at hand. The goal, she adds, is to fulfil the promise on the company website of providing an opportunity for residents to “age gracefully in place with sophisticated accommodation for each of life’s stages.”
“The suites also fill a market gap,” she says, noting that as well as the spacious one- and two- bedroom suites, there are a number of two-bedroom-with-den suites. “All of the two-bedrooms with dens have two bathrooms and are over 1,000 square feet.”
A relaxing rooftop terrace overlooks Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River and the Gatineau Hills.
Other desirable features include in-suite laundry facilities in all the independent living suites and fully equipped kitchens in the penthouse suites. Another plus for residents in the pet-friendly building is a complimentary pet spa, for when dogs need a shampoo after a muddy walk at a nearby park.
The long list of amenities at The Vista on Sparks includes a heated, saltwater pool, a fitness centre with juice bar, a library, a movie theatre, an art studio and activity room, a beauty salon and spa, a resident board room, and a private town car service. Spacious lounges and outdoor patios with fireplaces for socialization, and personal concierge services are also available for residents.
“Other retirement residences have some amenities that are similar, but not all of them in the same place, as we have,” says Riddick. “The Vista has everything in terms of amenities and location from the big things to the smallest details.”
She highlights one particularly unusual feature. This is the innovation hub, a large space on the 17th floor in which an information technology specialist will be available to help residents manage any issues residents have with social media and computer devices. Also in process is the development of a state-of-the-art virtual reality centre, for anyone interested in trying a new style of amusement.
“We are trying to capture and respond to all needs, by delivering all the things that we know people want and by giving them the chance to try something new,” says Riddick. “Virtual reality is a way for some residents to connect with their teenage grandkids, too.”
For more information or to book your tour of The Vista on Sparks by Signature, which will be ready for occupancy later this summer, visit
www.thevistaonsparks.com or call 613-809-2212.
This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of The Vista on Sparks.
A home for residents to age gracefully in place with sophisticated accommodation for each of life’s stages.
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