The Third Act How a DIY approach has made Toronto condo buildings a better place to age NORC programs can help residents stay social and active. In Ontario, where there is no dedicated funding, volunteers must step forward.
Updated 11 mins ago
June 15, 2025
6 min read
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By Moira WelshStaff Reporter
It all began with a tea party in Gail McNeil's Etobicoke condo.
In mid-February 2023, McNeil and her daughter served scones, jam and good conversation.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Moira Welsh is a Toronto Star journalist leading The Third Act project, pushing for changes in the way older adults live. Follow her on Twitter: @moirawelsh.
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Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'For years, I've been on this journey of trying to find a cottage that would work for us,' she said. But Evanoff and her husband didn't want to incur the burden of constant cottage maintenance — spending vacation days fixing decks and pruning trees. They opted instead to rent over the years, still hoping to one day buy. Then, it happened. They found a cottage not too far from home — for a fraction of the price they thought they'd have to pay, thanks to fractional ownership. Also called co-ownership, it allows people to buy a share of a property with others, whether it's family, friends or even strangers. Affordability sits at the heart of fractionally owned cottages. 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That just seems like a gift,' she said. 'This (fractional ownership) seems like the best-kept secret but I think it's going to catch on … and you're going to see a lot of people tap into this market.' Sports Sunshine Girls Editorial Cartoons Golf Relationships
