You may have heard the term “Come From Away” – it’s how people in Newfoundland refer to visitors or people new to the province.

At Tapestry, we have our own “Come From Away” community of people who have made a long haul move to their new homes at Tapestry at Village Gate West. We have seen a recent influx of people moving here from Northern Ontario, Quebec, and even British Columbia.

These long moves can be a homecoming – retirees who have moved away from the Toronto area to smaller communities – or, they can be moves to be closer to family members who live in the Toronto area.

Making a move to a new community can seem daunting at first, but Lisa Holland, Sales Manager at Tapestry, says the community in and around Tapestry couldn’t be more welcoming and convenient. “Etobicoke, where we are located, is in Metro Toronto but it still seems like a small community,” Lisa says. “Tapestry sits on the land where the Dominion grocery store (now known as Metro) was originally located. It’s a landmark that people from the neighbourhood remember.”

And, Lisa says, if the area is new to you, not to worry – residents and employees alike are happy to help you find your footing. “Tapestry is very community focused. We have a resident-led welcoming committee, and our in-house drivers are happy to take newcomers on a tour of the area so you can see how close the important amenities are,” Lisa adds.

Lally, who has lived at Tapestry for just over six months, made the move from Red Rock, Ontario (close to Thunder Bay). When her daughter wanted to visit Lally at her previous home, it meant a flight to Thunder Bay and then an hour and a half drive. After Lally’s husband passed away, she decided it would be better to live closer to her daughter and son who live near Toronto and in Guelph, respectively.

And while the two-day drive (in January, in the snow) to get to Tapestry from Red Rock was quite an adventure (they narrowly missed hitting a moose on the road), Lally says she’s happy with her choice.

“I thoroughly enjoy it here,” Lally says. “I like the people, and I really love the employees here – they are so bright and cheerful and they are more than helpful. They go out of their way for us.”

When considering a move to Tapestry in another city or province, you might not be able to make the trip for an in-person tour. Lisa and her team have that covered.

“What has helped a lot with our long haul moves is when our Move-In Coordinators get on FaceTime with new residents,” Lisa says. “They can get a video tour of the residents’ existing space, ask family members to provide measurements, and give advice on how their furniture and other items can fit into their new home at Tapestry.” Tapestry is also happy to arrange a phone call for new or prospective residents with current residents who can tell you what it’s like to live here, and also be that first friendly face when you move in.

When you make a long haul move, often you might arrive before your belongings do. That’s no problem, says Lisa. “We encourage people to come here and stay in one of our guest suites, and then once your furniture arrives, we get your new home set up and ready for you to move right in,” she adds.

Tapestry can even coordinate cross-Canada moves, for example from British Columbia to Ontario, and can also recommend reliable moving companies, real estate agents, lawyers, and other resources to help make sure the move goes smoothly. New residents from other provinces are also often surprised to find how easy it is to find a family doctor in Ontario, including doctors who will visit you at your home at Tapestry.

“Everything we do to help you plan and make your move to Tapestry is designed to help put you and your family at ease,” Lisa adds.

Living closer to family, and having their help when you need it, can be the best reward for making a long haul move. If you are considering making a move to retirement living, please contact us. We would be pleased to help you plan and coordinate your move, no matter from how far away.