Margie and Gerry Couture

“The best part about this job is meeting a variety of people and the relationships we have with the people who live here.”

This story is part of the 2019 Annual Report.

Before Margie and Gerry Couture became Resident Managers in 1986 at Kimberly Way in Hamilton East, they were residents of Victoria Park at Limeridge Road and Carson Drive for nine years.

“We moved-in in 1977.” Margie recalls. Gerry, more of a quiet man, gives his wife of 48 years the phone. “We have the advantage of seeing both sides of the coin. As a tenant, I have no complaints, whatever work orders I put in were done. We had good conversations with the office and we can’t say nothing but good as a tenant. So, we start thinking to ourselves, how about we work for the company? They have been good to us, and Gerry knows how to fix things, and I know how to clean!”

On May 1st, 1986, the couple became the Resident Managers at Kimberly Way. “We took over as Resident Managers and lived in a 3-storey townhouse. In 2021, it would be our 34 years as Resident Managers at Victoria Park.” Margie, with a sharp memory said, “The best part about this job is meeting a variety of people and the relationships we have with the people who live here. I used to at one point know everyone’s dog names.”

“The best part about this job is meeting a variety of people and the relationships we have with the people who lives here. I used to at one point know everyone’s dog names.”

As Resident Managers, Margie and Gerry take great care of their residents. “I think if you talk to some of the residents, they would say Gerry is a pretty good guy because we go a little bit beyond, a little bit extra. Like a tenant loses their keys and we had to change their locks, we would give them a couple of extra keys.” Margie says.

The couple would open up their own home for their neighbours. “I’ve cooked turkey dinners and roast beef dinners because their oven elements were gone during the middle of cooking. I say bring it over to my place and finish cooking it, and we will get the oven contracted out for repairs immediately!”

“Everyone knows each other, knows each other’s kids, and the only reason people would leave here would be either buying a house somewhere, or a job situation where they have to relocate.” Margie explains.

Margie and Gerry see Victoria Park will continue on the good work for the community in the coming next 45 years. “I envision it will continue to always keep the community spirit and to always provide great subsidized housing.” Margie explains that residents do see the work put into their community, “like, we just got new siding, new roads and fencing. People do see where their money is going. They can see something is done from their rent, and it is more than just taking a picture and with walls in the background, it is a home.”

As to why the couple stayed with Victoria Park for more than 44 years? “I raised my kids here. My grandkids know some of the other kids here. If it wasn’t for the residents, we wouldn’t have had a job. It’s as simple as that. My blood, sweat and tears are here. It’s my home. I can’t imagine living anywhere else other than here. I love my home.”