A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
Berwick by the Sea vs. Granville Gardens - Verve Senior Living

BERWICK BY THE SEA

Winner of multiple building and design awards, Berwick By the Sea has one of the most breathtaking locations we’ve ever seen, overlooking the Strait of Georgia. It’s a special place that, to our minds, immediately leaps onto a short list of the best retirement communities in all of Canada. For seniors anywhere in the country who’ve been exposed to the beauty of BC and want to retire in “the most beautiful place on earth,” this place is worth taking a closer look at.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Granville Gardens is another exceptional senior care community from Verve Senior Living, with more than 40 years' experience in senior living. Granville Gardens exhibits its penchant for creating a variety of welcoming spaces throughout the community. The main foyer is spacious and includes different places where you can take a quiet moment by yourself or sit with friends and enjoy a chat. The dining room is equally generous in space. Seniors' suites are bright, spacious, and comfortable.

BERWICK BY THE SEA

I moved into Berwick by the Sea, “Independent Living” facilities in July 2020. This was done after considerable research and number crunching to convince myself that it was do able, considering my pension, my savings and the sale of my Condo in Sask. and the savings of the monthly cost of taxes, utilities and condo fees. After 2 ½ years, I am convinced that I made the right decision. Independent living means I am free to come and go as I wish. I am still living alone but there are always fellow residents close by to chat and socialize with. The best part, everything in provided in the monthly rent including all means, utilities, weekly cleaning and laundry service. It’s like living on a Cruise Ship without being on the water. Granted, the rental costs do increase each year but usually in line with taxes and living costs associated with owning and maintaining one’s own home.

For me moving to Berwick by the Sea was never a consideration. I had always owned my own home and that is what I planned to do when I moved to Campbell River. After I investigated the Berwick advantages, I decided I would try it and now it would be difficult for me to consider making a change. At Berwick I have my meals, my housekeeping, my laundry service and most importantly I have found a building full of new friends I can visit with while enjoying the exercise room, the coffee breaks and the many other advantage of retirement living. Berwick has changed my lifestyle – for the better!

Last year I made the decision to explore senior independent living. I took a tour of Berwick and was impressed with what I saw and could see myself living here. When we discussed the monthly rates I wasn’t sure if I could afford it. I was given a package outlining all that Berwick provided including a form where I could outline my current expenses and compare them with what I would pay at Berwick. Much to my surprise, I found that what I was currently paying was more than what I would pay at Berwick. I have since been able to save money each month. It was certainly the right decision for me.

I moved in July into 1 of the larger 2-bedroom, 2 bathroom suites. I , too, did the math, and the totals were so close! If I had chosen a smaller suite, I’d be saving even more. And there are so many activities going on that I am sure I’m saving money over those as well.

When I came here I had a feeling that fills you with calmness and love. I went back and talked to my family and said, “That’s where I want to be.” And I haven’t been sorry for one day.

Larry and Betty Pollard, residents (2024)

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

I came to know about Granville Gardens through the internet. It was listed as the number one retirement home for seniors among the top ten retirement homes for seniors. My senior friend and I went to Granville Gardens at 1550 49th Avenue West, Vancouver, BC V6M 0B3, to see if this retirement home is suitable for my 89-year-old husband and for me. The location was ideal. We can easily go by bus to 4 Catholic churches, either on the east or on the west or on the north or on the south. The residence is just a few steps to bus stops going west if you want to go to Kerrisdale; going east to Metrotown; going south to Richmond, and going north to Downtown Vancouver. Moreover, the residence provides a daily free bus to wherever a resident wants to go within an allowable maximum distance. As soon as we entered the residence, the lobby was bright, clean, welcoming, comfortable, and nicely furnished with upholstered furniture. We were welcomed by a smiling Filipino receptionist who made us feel comfortable with her friendliness. She pleasantly offered us coffee or drinks. A jolly office manager named Sarah took us to her office and talked to us like she was talking with old friends. She took us around the ground floor and showed us different rooms for various activities such as handicrafts/arts, sports, theater, all-day snacks, and a dining area. She also showed us a vacant room for a resident. We were impressed with the caring but joyful way she greeted the residents by their names and the way she had that funny rapport with the chef. I thought that this was truly a special place where one's loneliness would turn into hope and joy. This office manager was certainly the cream of the crop. We laughed with her, and we were impressed with her unique ways of connecting with people. One really has no choice but to like her and/or even love her. We also met the head nurse named Ayne, who spoke with us in the Tagalog language. Her voice was soothing and comforting. She was quite knowledgeable, and during our encounter, I found her to be trustworthy and had a sincere desire to help the elderly. She also explained to us that their prime goal is to give the best to the residents. Before leaving, we were given a gift bag with homemade bread. On our way home, my friend told me that she and her husband would stay at Granville Gardens when it was time for them to move out of their home. In less than two weeks, I was surprised to receive a call from the retirement home's general manager named Michael Tablit, who advised that he wanted to visit us to meet us since he did not have the chance to meet us during our visit to the residence. That very day, he came to our apartment and gave us a gift of homemade bread that he himself had baked. This young, energetic, professional man was the moving force within the Granville Gardens. His goal is to create a close family relationship between the staff and the residents by considering the latter to be grandparents of the former and treating them well as any grandchild would treat and love his/her own grandparents. Moreover, he loves dogs just like we do. The corporation that owns Granville Gardens is indeed fortunate to have a general manager like Michael Tablit. I can see Michael Tablit at the top of the corporation's management in the future. I pray for the success of Michael Tablit in achieving his goal of delivering the best services to seniors, as well in leading his staff to be the best in caring for seniors. I now conclude, based on my personal experience, that Granville Gardens is indeed the best retirement home for seniors in British Columbia, if not in Canada. Its general manager, its office manager, its head nurse, and the full staff have special, unique ways of caring, treating and loving its residents. I give Granville Gardens ten (10) stars for excellence. I highly recommend Granville Gardens to all seniors fortunate enough to live and be a part of Granville Gardens.

The moment you walked in, you're greeted with compassionate and attentive staff. The place is a clean and comfortable environment, and you feel like you're home. It is not only a top-level care facility, but it's therapy to your soul.

I have been living at Granville Gardens and it is truly the best senior living that I could have hoped to find! I am an independent senior and Granville Gardens offers everything that I need and want at this time in my life. Michael Tablit, the outstanding General Manager of Granville Gardens, has dedicated himself to making sure that with his leadership, this residence is the best possible place for senior living; and all of his management team and staff are truly committed to the well-being of every resident. The accommodations are beautiful, the dining room serves fantastic meals three times a day (all included in the price), the wonderful range of many different activities throughout every day of the week every day of the year are extremely well organized and enjoyable, and I have made new great friends with many of the residents. In addition, the lovely Kerrisdale neighbourhood is within an easy distance, including with Granville Gardens free weekly van shuttle trips for shopping and banking, and the van also takes residents (at no cost) on many different excursions to wonderful locations and attractions in Vancouver. I can join whatever activities I want, or I can spend quiet time by myself. It is the best of both worlds and I want to live here for the rest of my life!

I was greeted by the general manager Michael Tablit upon arrival. He was extremely friendly and made me feel very comfortable. His knowledge and attention to detail was awesome and answered all my questions. He introduced me to some of the residents who all seemed to be happy with him and how things were going. The place was clean and felt organized.

Very courteous, helpful & friendly staff. Residents looked happy and enjoying their stay. Clean and well decorated inside and outdoor facilities well landscaped.

Denise Foster, daughter of resident

BERWICK BY THE SEA

A vibrant community created by caring people where the needs of the residents come first. Welcome to a new standard of retirement living in the heart of beautiful Campbell River, BC. Berwick by the Sea offers flexible, upscale and affordable senior living options. Community, caring and living to the fullest, that’s senior living at Berwick Retirement Communities.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Experience modern retirement living in our boutique-style residence. Granville Gardens offers peace, comfort, and safety nestled in the charming Vancouver neighbourhood of Kerrisdale, where everything you need is at your fingertips. Discover a new passion in our art centre or enjoy socializing in one of our bistro and lounges. The inviting West Coast design surrounded by Japanese-inspired gardens and terraces, exciting seniors’ programming, and 24/7 warm, caring team members are ready to welcome you home to your small oasis in the city.

BERWICK BY THE SEA

Berwick offers a resort-style lifestyle in unparalleled locations throughout British Columbia. it's inspired senior living designed to empower independent seniors to thrive, stay active and engaged. Our resort-style amenities and services enable residents to age on their own terms. With multiple dining venues from restaurant-style dining rooms, a grab n' go Bistro and traditional English pubs offering seasonal menus and local wines, fitness centres with state-of-the-art equipment, many thoughtfully designed multipurpose spaces for more opportunities to engage with others or pursue interests on your own time, expansive suites with kitchenettes, and a robust wellness program all designed to help you maintain your independence.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

At Granville Gardens, our intimate boutique residence, featuring just 62 suites, fosters a unique connection with our residents. This personalized approach is part of our charm. We take the time to understand each resident’s individual preferences, and our attentive staff quickly learns their needs. In our close-knit community, forming meaningful connections with fellow residents is effortless, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

BERWICK BY THE SEA

As advocates for seniors, we believe that by learning about their lives and interests, and helping them articulate their needs and wants, we can truly facilitate the transition from a situation that is not quite working anymore, whether to our community or elsewhere. In the event that one of these amazing people decides to call Berwick their home, we are then able to welcome them in a way that says, “This is home.”

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

At Granville Gardens, we offer a comprehensive range of ancillary and personal services to help residents settle in comfortably from day one. To ensure a warm welcome, we display photos of new residents, allowing our staff to greet them by name upon arrival. Our team is dedicated to guiding and answering any questions, ensuring that everyone feels at home. We also provide a personalized orientation, where new residents can meet our managers over a cup of tea or coffee for a friendly introduction. Additionally, we thoughtfully suggest tablemates who share common interests, while always encouraging residents to choose their seating preferences.

BERWICK BY THE SEA

At Berwick by the Sea, our focus is on helping you continue living independently, with the flexibility to introduce assistance when needed. We take a personalized approach, getting to know how you like to live, so any added services feel seamless rather than disruptive. It’s also a comfortable option for couples with different needs, where one may require some assistance while the other remains fully independent. You can both live here and enjoy a life together in a setting that feels like your own.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

At Granville Gardens, we respond to changing needs in a way that feels personal and attentive. As support needs evolve, we work closely with residents and families to introduce additional services gradually, ensuring each person continues to feel comfortable, secure, and known. Because we are a smaller community, we are able to notice changes early and respond in a way that feels natural and well integrated into daily life.

BERWICK BY THE SEA

Berwick by the Sea is not be the right fit for someone who needs clinical care. Our community is designed for independent seniors who want to maintain control over their day-to-day life, with support available but not central. Our residents love the coastal lifestyle. They value privacy and choice and enjoy our vibrant residence full of wonderful personalities.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

If you want a larger, more structured environment with a highly standardized approach, or if you are looking for a minimalist approach to living, you might find another setting more suitable. Granville Gardens is the right place for seniors who appreciate a more personal atmosphere, where their voice is heard, and where daily life reflects the preferences and ideas of the people who live here.

BERWICK BY THE SEA

We are proud to be locally-owned and operated by father and son, Gordon and Chris Denford. From the opening of our very first retirement community, the Denford’s realized the importance of creating a warm and welcoming community that put the needs of our residents first. Gordon and Chris are actively involved in the development and operation of each unique location and their philosophy of accessible, approachable and effective listening allows Berwick to adapt quickly to the residents’ changing needs. Their openness and commitment to our residents can be felt in every aspect of life at all our Berwick’s.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Family and friends are often pleasantly surprised by the vibrant lifestyle at Granville Gardens! Our engaging programs and happy residents create a lively atmosphere. Our dedicated Life Enrichment Manager actively collaborates with residents to discover new and unique activities they enjoy. We prioritize understanding their needs in daily activities, offering everything from energizing drum fit sessions and guided painting classes to our beloved Thursday happy hour, where everyone can sing and dance together. There’s always something exciting happening here!

BERWICK BY THE SEA

Berwick by the Sea will continue to refine its coastal lifestyle offering. That means elevating dining, wellness, and shared spaces in ways that reflect how residents want to live today. We’ll keep enhancing opportunities for connection and personal pursuits, in our calm, oceanfront setting.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Over the next five years, we will continue to build on what matters most to our residents—making each day enjoyable, meaningful, and shaped by their input. That means continuing to listen, adapt, and evolve our programs, services, and daily experiences so they reflect the interests and ideas of our community. Our goal is simple: to ensure residents continue to have a great day, every day.

BERWICK BY THE SEA

- The atrium is a Japanese oasis where you can find koi fish & Japanese maples
- There is a picture of Berwick's Interior Designer, Tracy, on the 6th floor hallway with Cathy Painter & her dad Joe Painter fishing in the tyee pool. She was once a fishing guide in this area.
- Berwick overlooks Discovery passage where you can see numerous species of whales, sea life, eagles, cruise ships.
- When Ripple Rock blew at 9:31:02 am April 5, 1958, the sight was stupendous. Seven hundred thousand tons (635,028 tonnes) of rock and water erupted in a blast that reached a height of 1,000 feet (305 m).
- We opened our doors in 2016
- Approximately 80%+ of the residents at BCR are longtime residents of the Campbell River community

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

1. Independent and Assisted Living options available
2. Pet friendly environment
3. Offering wonderful wholesome food & Excellent Life Enrichment Program
4. Two lovely patios for year-round enjoyment
5. Residents are treated like family