The need for seniors housing in the Cochrane District has never been clearer. A 28-unit expansion at Cadence Residence in Cochrane has already opened and is fully leased -- with a waiting list that continues to grow. The Cochrane District Services Board said the expansion brings the total number of units at Cadence Residence to 59. The project was approved in 2024, with construction beginning last year. Officials said the demand for the new units reflects a broader housing challenge for older adults across the district, particularly as the population ages and more seniors look for options that allow them to remain independent while receiving support. Lindsay Cumming, the board’s director of housing, said the goal is to help people age in place and reduce pressure on long-term care systems. “The longer we can keep people in retirement living, the better it’ll be on the whole system,” said Cumming. Cochrane Mayor Peter Politis said the expansion is an important addition not just for the town, but for the wider region. “This is the only seniors retirement residence in the entire region outside of Timmins,” Politis said. “The beauty about this is it’s not just a Cochrane success story. It’s a success story for Cochrane District Services Board.” On-site services for residents The addition provides independent living with access to on-site programming and support services. Most new residents come from Cochrane and surrounding municipalities, with some also returning to the area to retire. Cadence Residence manager Tina Turner said many residents tend to stay long-term once they move in. “There is one magical component with Cadence residents,” she said. “When seniors move in here, they don’t move out ... So our seniors are moving in for years.” Cochrane resident Lois Dillon said she’d move in tomorrow. “It’s awesome. It’s very, very, very beautiful,” Dillon said. Officials said there are now approximately 40 people on the Cadence Residence waiting list. The Cochrane District Services Board told CTV News that a large-scale affordable housing development across northern Ontario will be announced at a later date.
