beautiful exterior grounds of chartwell empress kanata retirement residence

Visit us today and see why now is the right time to embrace senior living.

Welcome to Chartwell Empress Kanata

170 McGibbon Drive, Kanata, Ontario K2L 4H5

Embrace a vibrant retirement living in an intimate, modern setting within our trusted community, surrounded by nature in Katimivik, Kanata.

Step through the doors of Chartwell Empress Kanata and you’ll be welcomed by warmth, friendship, and a true sense of belonging. Nestled in the peaceful, tree-lined Katimavik neighbourhood, our cozy and inviting retirement residence offers independent living and a dedicated Memory Living neighbourhood—designed to feel like home, and tailored to help you live each day with comfort, confidence, and connection.

Explore our Living Options

Chartwell Open House

January 16th & 17th | 10am-4pm

Experience the joy & connection that make residents love calling Chartwell home.

Comfort, connection, and care in a familiar setting

Our retirement home in Kanata South is rooted in real community values. Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat or a supportive setting for a loved one, we offer flexible living options designed for comfort and peace of mind. It’s not unusual to see grandchildren visiting on the walk to school or families popping in for a visit with the family dog—it’s all part of life here. Being a smaller residence means you’re never just a number: you’re known, supported, and included. That’s what makes our residence feel like home. And with pet-friendly living, even your four-legged family member is welcome.

A trusted home with deep community roots

Well-established in the Kanata community, our retirement residence is known for the caring nature of our long-service staff and the welcoming setting they help create. We take pride in opening our doors to neighbours, whether it’s for regular Bridge Club games in our lounge or simply to share in the sense of connection that defines our home. Residents enjoy popular Thursday Happy Hours, summer ice-cream socials, peaceful strolls under the canopy of mature trees, and quiet moments in our well-stocked library. Amenities like our on-site theatre, chapel, salon, garden planters, and newly renovated bistro enhance everyday life—providing both comfort and opportunities to engage, relax, and thrive.

library at chartwell empress kanata retirement residence

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open concept 1 bedroom suite at chartwell empress kanata retirement residence

1 bedroom suite living room at chartwell empress kanata retirement residence

Studio suite living area at chartwell empress kanata retirement residence

cozy 1 bedroom suite at chartwell empress kanata retirement residence

1 bedroom kitchenette at chartwell empress kanata retirement residence

dining room at chartwell empress kanata retirement residence

bistro at chartwell empress kanata retirement residence

lounge with tv at chartwell empress kanata retirement residence

gazebo at chartwell empress kanata retirement residence

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Flexible care and support

To ensure personalized support, our Care Assist program—an offering of à la carte wellness services and all-inclusive care packages—further provides you with the flexibility to add or remove services. This empowers you to create a customized care plan that meets your unique needs, preferences, and abilities so you can feel your best each day.

Support & Care

Chartwell staff is assisting senior male resident walking down an aisle / Le personnel de Chartwell aide un résident âgé à marcher dans l'allée

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image of half of a living room showing a couch, coffee table and a book basket on the floor

A selection of inviting suites

Starting from $3,201/month

Whatever your priorities when it comes to suites, you’ll have options at Chartwell Empress Kanata. If you’re looking for independent living, you can choose from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suite options in various sizes. Studio suites are available in our secure Memory Living neighbourhood.

Explore our suite plans

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Care Assist in Kanata at Chartwell Empress Kanata

Wondering what types of care services are available at Chartwell Empress Kanata? Chartwell’s Care Assist Program is designed to help you or a loved one achieve the comfort and quality of life you desire in your retirement residence. We collaborate with you or your loved one to provide a customized care experience that reflects your unique healthcare needs, from light to moderate to heavy care. Visit our Care Assist page to explore our various à la carte services and care options.

Explore more

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The dining experience

Chartwell Empress Kanata is known for its welcoming and caring atmosphere, which certainly describes our dining program. Our food service team creates a range of dishes for you to choose from and they love to incorporate as many local and seasonal ingredients as possible. Meanwhile, friendly staff serve three daily meals in our dining room, where you can also enjoy flexible dining times, open seating, and a glass of wine. Or help yourself to fruit, light snacks, and baked goods in our bistro.

Menus & Dining Services

Carrot soup in a bowl with carrot, crouton and basil garnish

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Take a closer look at the lifestyle at Chartwell Empress Kanata.

Download our brochure

Senior couple holding each other close smiling

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Activities and amenities

You’ll never run out of fun things to do at Chartwell Empress Kanata, where our energetic staff organize an ever-changing calendar of daily activity programs taking place at the residence. You’ll have choices that are intended to support your well-being from a variety of angles—socially, physically, emotionally, intellectually, and more. We also invite you to join your neighbours as we explore the community together to shop or sightsee. You’re sure to find something that piques your interest, and your participation is always optional. As well, in Memory Living our life enrichment activities are designed to support the unique needs of seniors who are living with dementia.

Activities & Amenities

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Stay Connected With Our Community

Catch a glimpse of our vibrant community in action. From celebrations and outings to everyday smiles, our social feed highlights the friendships and experiences that make Chartwell feel like home.

View Our Facebook Page

Seniors are playing card with happy smile / Les seniors jouent aux cartes avec un sourire joyeux

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Retirement living in Kanata

It’s tough to beat our prime location in Kanata, a popular suburb just west of Ottawa. Our retirement residence is located near Katimavik Road and Terry Fox Drive in a leafy residential neighbourhood in the Katimavik-Hazeldean area of South Kanata, just off highway 417. Amenities and services nearby include grocery stores, eateries, banking, local transit, sports and recreation complexes, and medical clinics. It’s about a 12-minute drive to Queensway Carleton Hospital too.

Things to do in Kanata

Kanata comes from a Huron-Iroquois word that means “come together” or “meeting place”—an apt description for this Ottawa suburb where there’s lots to do. Indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities abound, including many golf clubs, as well as Goulbourn Lawn Bowling Club, Kanata Archery Club, and Stittsville Shooting Ranges. Popular places to enjoy the scenery include the South March Highlands Conservation Forest. Catch the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre or your grandchildren play their favourite sports at numerous recreation complexes. If you like history, you might be fascinated by a visit to Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum, to learn more about the four-storey underground concrete bunker. Art and theatre enthusiasts will appreciate the Ron Maslin Playhouse nearby, as well as our proximity to Ottawa’s National Gallery of Canada and the capital’s many museums and attractions. For shopping, you can head to Kanata Commons, Grand Crossing, Van Leeuwen Centre, or Hazeldean Village, all within about 10 minutes.

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Shopping for retirement homes?

There are many important factors to consider when trying to find the best retirement community for yourself or a loved one. Practical considerations like location, cost and the right support or care services for your unique needs, emotional considerations like how the residence made you feel and your interactions with staff, and so much more. Read our helpful guide today for questions to ask during a tour, topics to discuss with family, and how to make a decision you can feel confident in.

Download our guide

Senior couple in the background holding tiny home in the foreground

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of senior living at Chartwell Empress Kanata?
Chartwell Empress Kanata offers a warm, close-knit retirement lifestyle in the peaceful, tree-lined Katimavik neighbourhood—where personalized support, meaningful connections, and a sense of belonging define everyday life.

Here’s what sets us apart:
- Small, Intimate Residence: Our modest size fosters strong personal connections, helping ensure every resident is known, supported, and included.
- Dedicated Memory Living Neighbourhood: Specialized support and a secure, engaging setting for seniors living with dementia.
- Peaceful Natural Surroundings: Enjoy mature trees, shaded walking paths, and a calm setting perfect for quiet reflection or leisurely strolls.
- Pet-Friendly Living: Residents are welcome to bring their beloved pets—because we know they’re family too.
- Strong Community Roots: With long-service staff and deep ties to the neighbourhood, our home is trusted and well-regarded in Kanata.
- Engaging Lifestyle: From Thursday Happy Hours to ice-cream socials, gardening, bridge clubs, and movie nights in the on-site theatre—there’s always something to enjoy.
- Comfortable Amenities: Relax in our bistro, chapel, salon, or well-stocked library—spaces designed for both comfort and connection.
- Family-Focused Atmosphere: Many residents have loved ones nearby, making visits part of everyday life and creating a true multigenerational spirit.
- Proudly Canadian: Trust in a Canadian company committed to delivering compassionate service, community connection, and the highest standards in retirement living.
At Chartwell Empress Kanata, you’ll find the perfect blend of personalized care, community connection, and peaceful surroundings. [Book a Tour]
Will I lose my independence when I move to a retirement residence?
Not at all! Retirement living is designed to enhance your independence and freedom by relieving you of household maintenance and responsibilities. You’ll enjoy a variety of meal options and meal plans, life-enrichment activities, as well as the freedom and choice to come and go as you please. With retirement living, you are empowered to focus on the people and pursuits that matter most to you.
How much does it cost to live in Chartwell Empress Kanata?
Pricing details can be found in the 'suite plans' section of our website. It is essential to note that costs can vary depending on several factors, including the residence's location, the type of suite you choose, and the level of care services required. Given these variables, we believe it's crucial to offer personalized guidance to help you understand the pricing for residences in your desired area.

To ensure you have a clear understanding and to guide you through the pricing of our residence, our dedicated representatives are at your service. We strongly encourage you to give us a call at 1-855-461-0685, fill out our contact form, or book a tour for a more personalized discussion.
What types of suites are available in Chartwell Empress Kanata?
You can explore our suite layouts by navigating to the "Suite Plans & Pricing" section of our website. To see a suite you're interested in for yourself, we invite you to book a tour.
Can my family come and visit me?
At Chartwell, we understand the value of staying connected to family and friends. Your loved ones are always welcome to drop by at our residences! We also host events throughout the year to help you stay connected with them.

For more specific inquiries, including overnight stay policies, please reach out to your specific residence of interest.
Are pets allowed?
Yes! Our retirement residence is pet-friendly, and residents are responsible for the care of their loyal companions. We strongly encourage you to book a tour to ask about pet-specific restrictions.
Can I decorate my suite?
Yes! We want you to feel comfortable and at home in your new space. Feel free to personalize your suite with your favourite furniture, artwork, and cherished belongings that reflect your personality and style.

Welcome to Chartwell Empress Kanata

Embrace a vibrant retirement living in an intimate, modern setting within our trusted community, surrounded by nature in Katimivik, Kanata.

Comfort, connection, and care in a familiar setting

A trusted home with deep community roots

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Flexible care and support

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A selection of inviting suites

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Care Assist in Kanata at Chartwell Empress Kanata

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The dining experience

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Take a closer look at the lifestyle at Chartwell Empress Kanata.

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Activities and amenities

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Stay Connected With Our Community

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Retirement living in Kanata

Things to do in Kanata

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Shopping for retirement homes?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of senior living at Chartwell Empress Kanata?

Will I lose my independence when I move to a retirement residence?

How much does it cost to live in Chartwell Empress Kanata?

What types of suites are available in Chartwell Empress Kanata?

Can my family come and visit me?

Are pets allowed?

Can I decorate my suite?

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A trusted home with deep community roots

Flexible care and support

A selection of inviting suites

Care Assist in Kanata at Chartwell Empress Kanata

The dining experience

Take a closer look at the lifestyle at Chartwell Empress Kanata.

Activities and amenities

Stay Connected With Our Community

Things to do in Kanata

Shopping for retirement homes?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of senior living at Chartwell Empress Kanata?

Will I lose my independence when I move to a retirement residence?

How much does it cost to live in Chartwell Empress Kanata?

What types of suites are available in Chartwell Empress Kanata?

Can my family come and visit me?

Are pets allowed?

Can I decorate my suite?