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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | 65 Bergen Gardens R EN D ER I N GS CO U RT E S Y M M P A RC H I T EC T S I N C .; P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y ED I S O N P RO P ERT I E S BERGEN GARDENS by LAURIE JONES W ith an urgent need for accommodation for elderly residents in Manitoba, par- ticularly those inflicted with cognitive challenges, Edison Properties engaged MMP Architects to design Bergen Gardens. This unique facility incor- porates 149 assisted living suites and four Memory Care communities – or cottages as they are called – each with 12 residents. Two guest suites were included for visiting family members. Scheduled to open in November 2022, the residence incorporates a Town Centre in the building that includes a store, a pub-style bar, and fireside lounge. Residents who live in the independent suites have access to service packages offering increased support to meet their needs as the years go on. "One of the unique things at Bergen Gardens is the meal service," says Robert Cornelius, capital devel- opment manager, Edison Properties. "We provide two meals a day for the 149 suites in assisted living, and three meals a day for the Memory Care resi- dents. But we are also trying to meet them on their terms. If they want a meal outside of the regular hours, we accommodate them. Each Memory Care cottage also has its own resi- dential kitchen where residents have supervised access after-hours. Edison Properties embraces the approach of 'Welcome Home.' We incorporated this guiding principle into the memory care cottages; each entry has a resi- dential-looking door where visitors are greeted and welcomed into their home." It's definitely different than the institutional models currently practiced in Manitoba care homes. Unlike standard drywall construc- tion, Bergen Gardens features Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), bringing a warm touch. "It was important for us to create a natural look with the actual wood," says Cornelius. "The two-sto- rey atrium has full glazing, which brings in plenty of natural light and residents can enjoy looking at the out- door areas around the complex." Robert Wrublowsky, principal at MMP Architects and environmental gerontologist for the firm, explains he brought evidence-based design to the project. "The concept of Memory Care is not new to North America, but it is relatively new to Manitoba where the province currently does not rec- ognize this intermediate level of care that falls between Supportive Housing and Personal Care Home [PCH]. But we know from research that Quality of Life becomes greatly compromised if you are panelled for PCH before you really need it, which unfortunately occurs in this Province too often. That's where Memory Care fits in." Bergen Gardens will be Manitoba's first care project where a true Evidence Based Design process is followed that

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