Life Lease Living: A Smart Alternative to Traditional Retirement Homes in Chilliwack

Choosing where to live in retirement is about more than just bricks and mortar. Retirement living should be secure, simple, and grounded in community. There is a unique option that checks all those boxes: a Life Lease. It’s an innovative approach to seniors living that gives you the freedom and comfort of your own home, without the stress of ownership.

Are you looking ahead to your next chapter, or helping a loved one prepare for theirs? Here’s why a life lease might be the smartest move you can make.

What is a life lease?

A life lease is a long-term, prepaid lease that allows residents to live independently in their own suite without the responsibilities that come with traditional homeownership. It’s not a strata, not freehold, and does not involve owning land. Instead, it allows you to enjoy the suite and focus on what matters to you most for as long as you need.

At Elim Village, residents pay for a 29-year lease, giving them full use of their suite while the property itself remains under the stewardship of the Elim Housing Chilliwack Society. This means you get the benefit of long-term housing without having to worry about market fluctuations, repairs, or resale. It’s a great solution for anyone exploring affordable housing for seniors – all while being part of a compassionate, Christian retirement community.

Why a life lease is ideal for seniors living in a supportive community

A life lease at Elim Village offers significant lifestyle and financial advantages that make it stand out among 60+ retirement living options in the Fraser Valley.

• Stability: Your lease isn’t tied to the real estate market, so you’re protected from unpredictable shifts in value – ideal for anyone seeking a dependable retirement home in Chilliwack.
• Lower costs: No property transfer tax, no GST, and no monthly strata fees or levies, making your finances more predictable – a key advantage when comparing seniors housing options.
• Maintenance-free living: Say goodbye to yardwork and home repairs! Elim takes care of everything from landscaping to suite maintenance, so you can enjoy life in a truly supportive seniors housing environment.
• Priority access: If your needs change, you’ll have priority to move to another housing type within the community – a true aging in place model that ensures you can stay in the community you love.
• No hassle exit: When it’s time to move out, Elim saves you the hassle of selling the suite yourself and finding a buyer. That means no Realtor fees, no commissions, and no surprises.

What residents are saying about the life lease

Many Elim residents find that a life lease offers the perfect balance of independence, support, and simplicity. Just ask Evelyn Rempel who moved into Independent Living at Elim Village Garrison Crossing with her husband Henry in 2018. They transitioned out of their life lease five years later when they moved to Independent Plus at The Hawthorn.

“It was good because we didn’t have to sell our unit. It was so simple,” Evelyn says. “We just signed the papers – there was nothing to it. That definitely was a big plus.”

For the Rempels, the maintenance-free lifestyle was a major benefit:

“We never had to worry about taking care of the outside or any leaks,” Evelyn says. “If our stove or fridge broke down, they took care of it. I loved that concept.”

The right time to make the move to Independent Living

With construction underway on The Cedar, Elim Village’s last Independent Living building in Chilliwack, there’s never been a better time to consider a life lease. Opening in 2026, moving to The Cedar gives you plenty of time to downsize on your terms and prepare for an exciting new chapter in a vibrant, active seniors community.

Explore one of the best retirement homes in the Fraser Valley

Whether you’re seeking luxury retirement living, a trusted Christian retirement community, or somewhere that supports aging in place for seniors, you can live your life to the fullest at Elim Village Garrison Crossing.

Learn more about Elim’s retirement homes in Surrey or Chilliwack at elimvillage.com, by calling 604-769-0022, or by emailing garrisoncrossing@elimvillage.com. Stay up to date with Elim’s latest offerings by subscribing to our mailing list.