A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
Governors Walk Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles vs. Carp Commons Retirement Village - Verve Senior Living

GOVERNORS WALK RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

Governors Walk's setting in a historic monastery in the established New Edinburgh neighbourhood hints at the disciplined compassion, soulful community, and peaceful living you'll find here. The care here caters to people’s needs, served enthusiastically by the staff. It offers a grounded, holistic approach to senior living.

CARP COMMONS RETIREMENT VILLAGE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

This is the kind of place where people will discover how great senior living can be. The staff and the building environment help create a community where people make friends, form bonds, and enjoy life in a group of senior peers. Those who have lived alone will find great friends here and learn to enjoy life anew. People’s lives improve immensely here.

GOVERNORS WALK RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

Wonderful, caring staff who have a long tenure working at Governors Walk. Located in a beautiful, quaint neighbourhood across from Stanley Park with a wonderful Roof Top Terrace overlooking Parliament Hill, where you can enjoy viewing the fireworks. Residents and families also enjoy barbecues on the Roof Top Terrace, along with staff taking them for walks to Stanley Park when the weather permits.

The place is great.

Governors Walk merges the traditions of its past with progressive, ambitious care programs. Its unique boutique residence neighboring the GG's residence and Stanley Park is nestled into one of Ottawa's most beautiful neighborhoods. A perfect place to Age in Place in style and dignity.

Governor’s Walk was the perfect choice after my 92-year-old father’s three-month hospital stay. Walking to the dining room was a challenge at first, but within a few months, thanks to the many tree-lined river paths, the safe, scenic neighborhood, nearby Rideau Hall grounds, and easy access to grocery stores and restaurants, he can walk several kilometres with his walker. The small residence means the friendly, professional staff know everyone by name, and medication management gives us peace of mind. The food has greatly improved, which he really appreciates. He loves his unit, furnished with his favorite belongings. Governor’s Walk also fared well during a recent COVID outbreak, controlling the spread and adapting procedures. It truly was the right choice!

After a knee surgery, I checked into Governors Walk on Stanley for respite care and I was so very glad I did so. My stay was a great factor in my post surgery recovery and I would recommend this to everyone as our hospitals release people too early post surgery due to a lack of beds and care services. Governors Walk has amazing staff who are friendly willing and go above and beyond to make people feel comfortable and cared for. The individual and common rooms are clean, spacious and bright and the meals are truly very good. I took the opportunity to chat with a couple permanent residents of Governors Walk in the resident’s lounge and dining room and they all made very positive comments in regard to living here. I will not hesitate to return and to recommend it to friends who are seeking a good and safe place for their elderly relatives. My stay was a very positive experience.

CARP COMMONS RETIREMENT VILLAGE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Choosing a retirement residence for my mother was not easy. The staff at Carp Commons made the entire process reassuring and stress-free. They were kind, courteous, and informative, never pressuring us and supporting us every step.

I am writing to share how pleased I am with the experience my mother is having at Carp Commons Retirement Village. She moved there in April 2025 and is thriving. The staff have been truly amazing and demonstrate genuine care for the residents. My mother is always engaged, whether she is attending an event or activity on-site or signing up for an excursion outside the residence. Thank you for providing such a wonderful environment for her. She is proud to call the Carp Commons home.

On behalf of my mother, Ann Barnes, I would like to sincerely thank all of the staff at Carp Commons retirement community for demonstrating care and compassion during her recent 17-day respite stay while my wife and I were on vacation. It was crystal clear to me from the initial assessment she had back in June that my mother was going to be in good hands. She felt like she was family in the Carp Commons retirement community as soon as her first day of respite, which is a testament to a well-managed facility. She was enthusiastic about joining the ongoing programs that were offered, such as drum fit, zumba, and others, and was not disappointed, to say the least, about what was delivered. The lifestyle enrichment manager had her finger on the pulse by continuing to remind my mother of the programs and services that she thought she would be interested in and, more importantly, that she would enjoy. My mother mentioned to me during the drive home how delicious the food was and how friendly the entire kitchen staff was, and in particular, the servers. Everyone working in their specific roles in the home has the primary interest to ensure all the residents are always happy by smiling while carrying out their duties. Great to see and hear about, and not something you see often in today’s fast-paced world. During her first few nights, the PSWs on duty were caring enough to check on my mother to ensure she was comfortable, which was nice and reassuring for her. The local village atmosphere of everyone in the home was also a good sign and made my mother feel comfortable right away. I am grateful to the entire team at Carp Commons retirement community for the effort you put into your daily work and in treating all the residents, including my mother, as they deserve to be treated. You made a huge impact on not only my mother but also on me.

I was thoroughly impressed after our initial tour. First few days after move-in, I was amazed; the staff went above and beyond our expectations. So much relevant and accessible programming, amazing and varied food options. And the community culture is fantastic! So many great residents there. Now we are close to a year in, and we are still impressed!! Huge thank you for a local, properly supported, and run retirement village. Great big kudos to all the staff: cleaners, wait staff, nurses, receptionists, planners, customer service, maintenance; everyone has shown attention to caring for the residence and each other, along with humor and great training!

Really can't say enough great things about Carp Commons. My dad moved in recently, and we spent some time with visits prior to him making the decision. It's more than the physical building layout, although it's very well designed and executed. It feels more like a 5-star club or resort than a seniors living property. The menu is planned out for the week with multiple choices for lunch and dinner, including appetizers and desserts. What puts it over the top for me is the quality of the staff. I'm not sure how they do their training and recruiting, but it's incredible - it has to be experienced to believe it. And I have experience in both "For Profit" as well as "Not for Profit" homes, dealing with my mom. We also had a chance to speak to several residents, and they all had the same very positive things to say about it. Very happy my dad chose it.

Chris Bishop, management

Lee and Louise Wainwright, residents (2024)

GOVERNORS WALK RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

Nestled in New Edinburgh, Governors Walk is steps away from the picturesque Rideau River and Stanley Park. A former monastery and friary, Governors Walk is designed to pay respect to the past while featuring a modern touch. Offering a wide range of suite styles and options to suit every senior's taste and designed to maximize independence. Our health and wellness team provide all the comforts and reassurance you will need to live an active and social lifestyle.

CARP COMMONS RETIREMENT VILLAGE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home. Every day, we create opportunities for our residents to discover new things about themselves, the people around them and the world we live in, helping redefine what it means to be aging, together. Retirement living can be active, inspiring, and fulfilling. We know because we help make it a reality every day.

GOVERNORS WALK RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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CARP COMMONS RETIREMENT VILLAGE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Everything we do is focused on helping residents have a great day, every day. We strive to create a community where people feel energized by daily life through meaningful activities, shared meals, and genuine friendships. Residents aren’t just participants here; they help shape the experience. That sense of involvement makes each day feel more personal and more rewarding.

GOVERNORS WALK RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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CARP COMMONS RETIREMENT VILLAGE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

We place a strong emphasis on making the first weeks feel welcoming, social, and easy to navigate. Our team takes time to introduce new residents to the rhythms of daily life—meals, activities, and key touchpoints—while helping them connect with others in the community. Because our programming reflects resident input, new residents quickly find opportunities that feel natural and enjoyable to join.

GOVERNORS WALK RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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CARP COMMONS RETIREMENT VILLAGE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Residents can access a full range of support—including independent living, independent supportive living, assisted living, memory care, as well as respite and convalescent care—within one connected community. As needs evolve, our Health and Wellness team works closely with residents and families to adjust support in a way that feels seamless and reassuring, so there is continuity without losing the sense of home.

GOVERNORS WALK RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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CARP COMMONS RETIREMENT VILLAGE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Someone looking for an urban lifestyle or one with minimal community interaction may find another environment more suitable. Carp Commons is ideal for seniors who want a warm, engaged community where connection, participation, and shared experiences make every day great.

GOVERNORS WALK RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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CARP COMMONS RETIREMENT VILLAGE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Residents are often surprised by how quickly daily life begins to feel fuller and more enjoyable. What may begin as a practical move often becomes something more—new friendships, more shared moments, and a renewed sense of purpose in everyday routines. Many find that they are not just living here, but truly enjoying each day.

GOVERNORS WALK RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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CARP COMMONS RETIREMENT VILLAGE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

We’ll continue to build on our commitment to helping residents have a great day, every day. That means continuing to listen, adapt, and evolve our programs, services, and care to reflect what matters most to the people who live here. Our goal is to grow in ways that feel personal, engaging, and true to the community we have built.

GOVERNORS WALK RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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CARP COMMONS RETIREMENT VILLAGE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

We are a modern retirement village that opened in 2019 with 124 suites.
We offer independent living, independent supportive living, assisted living, memory care, as well as respite and convalescent care.
Our approach is centred on helping residents have a great day, every day, with programming shaped by resident input.
Community life is active and engaging, with strong participation in dining, events, and daily activities.
We are located just west of Ottawa in Carp, offering a quieter setting while remaining close to Kanata and the city’s west end.