We recently celebrated our newest community, Parkland Ancaster, located in Hamilton, Ont., with an official grand opening in September 2025. Reefat Talukder, Lifestyle Consultant, had the opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey from the earliest stages of construction to the community it has become today.

With its innovative, purposely designed spaces and forward-thinking approach, Parkland Ancaster is redefining what community living can look like.

For Reefat, the celebration marks a significant turning point, particularly with the introduction of Tiffany Hall, the community’s Supportive Lifestyle building. She shared, “It redefines the meaning of what care should look like for older adults in the community. The continuity of care in Tiffany Hall promotes autonomy and independence among older adults and provides them with flexible options, no matter what stage they are in life.”

The excitement didn’t end there. The unveiling of Webster Hall brought even more energy and connection to the community, opening doors to both new relationships and an elevated culinary experience. From the Grand River Restaurant to the Breton Bistro & Lounge and the Sweet Spot Café, residents are embracing the idea that “where staying means dining out” and that “choice is always on the menu”. Reefat noted the expressions on residents’ faces when they first walked through Webster Hall, “they did not need to use words to express what they felt in the moment; their look of awe and excitement said it all.”

When asked to share her most meaningful memory from her time at Parkland Ancaster, Reefat admitted that, thus far, there have been many moments that stand out, but one has stayed with her. She recalled when the daughters of the first Tiffany Hall resident expressed how long it had been since they had seen their parents happy and thriving until moving into Parkland Ancaster. What touched her most was hearing how grateful the family was for placing their trust in the team. “I will never forget the smile on their faces,” she said. “In that moment, all I could think about was how we really worked together as a team to ensure our residents have the best experience in retirement living and live their best life.”

Reefat has had a front-row seat to the transformation of Parkland Ancaster, watching it grow from a hole in the ground to a beautiful community. She describes the experience as both inspiring and exhilarating. “The bond that I have fostered with our residents over the years, from speaking about Parkland Ancaster and painting a picture of what we will be to physically walking through the hallways and viewing every fine detail, has been such a great experience.” 

We are truly grateful to have Reefat as part of the Parkland Ancaster team. Her passion, dedication, and connection to the community shine through every day.