Happy
TogeTHer
Built-in features cater to multi-generational families
By Jim Timlick – Photos by Marianne Helm
>> Keeping a home in the family for generations
is nothing new. Neither is the idea of several genera-
tions of a family sharing that same house, but it's be-
coming an increasingly common phenomenon here
in Manitoba and across the country.
According to Statistics Canada, the 2011 Census
showed there were 362,600 multi-generational
households in the country. That represents 2.7% of
all Canadian households — a number experts expect
to climb as more newcomers arrive and an increas-
ing number of adult children begin caring for aging
parents.
Jeff McArthur, a sales representative for Signature
Homes, says those numbers don't come as a surprise
to anyone involved in the real estate or home build-
ing industries.
"It's been happening here for several years now, especially in the
south end of the city where a lot of families have grandparents
staying with their family," he says. "There are a lot more situations
like that now. I think this will become more and more common in
the future."
This trend has had a noticeable influence on Manitoba home build-
ers. Many now offer designs created with multi-generational fami-
lies in mind, incorporating features such as front entrances with no
steps, additional main floor bedrooms and extra wide doorways to
accommodate aging parents who may require a wheelchair.
Arin Comack, assistant general manager of Ventura Custom
Homes, says one of his company's most popular current designs
was created specifically for people whose elderly parents live with
them. The two-storey, 2,070-square-foot design features three
bedrooms, three bathrooms, a second-storey loft and separate liv-
ing, dining and family rooms.
Sandwich Generation
86 Parade of Homes Spring 2015
