Help with daily activities like meals and personal care Specialized support for dementia and Alzheimer’s Short-term stay for rest or caregiver relief Community living with meals and social programsAssisted Living
Memory Care
Respite Care
Retirement Home
Some retirement communities are defined by their size or their amenities, but Governors Walk Retirement Residence, part of the Metta Lifestyles family, is defined by something harder to manufacture: genuine warmth. Located at 150 Stanley Avenue in the historic New Edinburgh neighbourhood of Ottawa, this intimate, fully renovated boutique residence offers assisted living, memory care, and respite care within a beautifully restored heritage building. With just 74 suites, every resident is known by name, and the relationships formed here between residents, families, and staff are at the heart of what makes this community so distinctive.
If you are researching care options for a parent or loved one, understanding what each level of care actually looks like in daily life can make all the difference. At Governors Walk, there are several thoughtfully supported options to consider.
Assisted Living is a strong fit for seniors who are largely independent but benefit from some help with day-to-day tasks like bathing, dressing, or medication management. It offers the right balance of support and autonomy, allowing your parent to maintain their sense of self while having caring staff nearby whenever needed. One of the most reassuring aspects of Governors Walk is that residents can age in place, meaning that as care needs evolve over time, they do not have to uproot themselves and move somewhere new.
Memory Care at Governors Walk is a specialized program designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The dedicated Memory Care floor is a secured environment, offering structure, safety, and a team of staff who are experienced in dementia support at all stages. What sets this program apart is the genuine effort to honour each resident’s personal history and identity. From individualized programming to small group activities, the focus is always on dignity, calm, and meaningful engagement.
Respite Care is available for two important situations: seniors recovering from an illness, surgery, or injury who need short-term support, and family caregivers who need a break to rest and recharge. Governors Walk also offers short-term respite stays specifically within the Memory Care program, which is a valuable option for families caring for a loved one with dementia at home. A short stay can give your loved one access to a safe, structured, memory-friendly environment while you take the time you need. It also offers a gentle, low-pressure way to explore whether a longer-term Memory Care placement might be the right fit for your family.
Governors Walk has been thoughtfully renovated to create spaces that feel both beautiful and livable. Inside the heritage building, residents enjoy access to comfortable common areas that invite conversation and relaxation, along with a café and bistro where snacks are available at any time of day or night. Chef-prepared meals are served three times daily, with dining rooms designed to make mealtimes a social and enjoyable part of the day. A private dining room is also available for those special occasions when families want to share a meal together in a more intimate setting.
For those who love the outdoors, the stunning terrace, cozy patios, and beautifully maintained gardens and grounds offer a safe and welcoming space to enjoy fresh air across the seasons. A secured walkout garden with a gazebo is available for Memory Care residents, ensuring everyone has access to outdoor space in an environment designed with their safety in mind. Inside, a movie theatre provides entertainment, and gardening activities offer residents a hands-on, purposeful hobby. Excursions and outings bring variety and joy to daily life, while a cognitive enrichment program and worship services round out the social and spiritual offerings available to residents.
Practical day-to-day needs are also well covered. General housekeeping, laundry and dry cleaning services, and parking are all part of life at Governors Walk, so residents and their families can focus on what matters most rather than worrying about logistics.
One truly unique feature worth mentioning is the interactive sensory murals found in the common areas. Inspired by familiar, comforting scenes from everyday life, these murals are designed specifically to evoke positive memories and encourage calm, meaningful engagement, particularly for residents living with dementia. They also serve as a wonderful touchpoint for families during visits, sparking conversations and connections that might not otherwise happen.
Families choose Governors Walk for a combination of reasons that go beyond any single feature. The smaller scale of the community, with just 74 suites, means higher staffing ratios and more personalized attention for every resident. Staff members are not rotating through a large, impersonal building. Many have been part of this community for years, building genuine relationships with the people they care for and developing a deep understanding of each resident’s preferences, routines, and history.
The ability to age in place is another important practical advantage. Families do not want to go through the emotional and logistical challenge of moving a parent more than once. Knowing that Governors Walk can accommodate a range of care needs, from lighter assisted living support through to enhanced dementia care, provides real peace of mind for the long term.
Around-the-clock nursing staff and an emergency call pendant system mean that professional support is always accessible, day or night. Medication management, continence care, oxygen and diabetes support, and door-to-door service for meals and activities are all part of the care framework here, ensuring residents receive consistent, attentive support as a natural part of their daily lives.
Governors Walk sits in the quiet, tree-lined neighbourhood of New Edinburgh, one of Ottawa’s most storied and charming residential areas. The setting offers a genuine sense of retreat from the bustle of the city while remaining close to everything families need. The grounds themselves are beautifully kept, with gardens and outdoor spaces that change with the seasons and give residents a living connection to the natural world throughout the year. For seniors who value being able to step outside and feel the sun, smell fresh greenery, or simply sit quietly in a garden, this location delivers that experience in abundance. The combination of a peaceful residential neighbourhood, well-tended outdoor spaces, and a secured garden for Memory Care residents means that nature is never far away, no matter a resident’s care level or mobility.
Disclaimer: We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information about each senior living community featured on our site. However, details such as amenities, services, and care levels may change over time. We recommend visiting the facility’s official website or contacting them directly to confirm the most current offerings and availability.