A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
Berwick Comox Valley vs. Berwick On The Lake

BERWICK COMOX VALLEY

Berwick offers spectacular locations across Vancouver Island, and Comox Valley is one more example; like Parksville, the climate combined with the beauty of the area make it very desirable. Berwick Comox Valley is a retirement destination on its own, with superior features and amenities, a lively schedule of activities, and the tight-knit community that's found a home here.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

Berwick Retirement creates some of the most beautiful communities in BC, many at some of the most attractive waterfront locations in the province. Berwick on the Lake impresses on every level, and we’re hard-pressed to isolate factors to highlight, but the location, care, and dining here are certainly a few.

BERWICK COMOX VALLEY

Berwick Comox Valley - accessibility to local shopping, medical and dental offices, walking distance to Marina, Filberg and Mac Laing Parks, a variety of suites with views over Comox Ave., or the park and tennis courts, security, a variety of meals and most of all, friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. There are bus trips on a regular basis to shopping in Courtenay and Naniamo, scenic tours and outings to suit everyone. It's a good life!

My mother lives here and it appears very friendly and warm. Very clean and well managed in my humble opinion.

This staff here is just fabulous. Fabulous. If there is a heaven on the planet, then I’m sitting in it. I tell people that are visiting or touring here, ‘If you join us, you’ll never regret it. Just as an example: we are having family here for a family celebration and we were looking at the wine list, and [a staff member] said ‘Mr. Denford suggests that you try this wine – it’s his favourite, and if you like that, you can have it for the same price as the next one we were going to go for that was less expensive.’ You know, you don’t get that very often – personalized service like that.

The big thing here is the staff. The waiters and waitresses – they are so good with elderly people. They are so patient. The staff are so marvelous. It’s not like you are institutional, they are so warm with you. You’re not a number sitting at a table at all. It’s just not like that here.

Berwick is home for my mother. It’s everything that she could possibly want. It has everything she wants and stuff that she didn’t even know she wanted.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

Wonderful place! Great staff, residents, and atmosphere. The view from the dining room is absolutely stunning!

What first attracted us to Berwick is the lake. The whole of the residence is focused on looking out on the lake. From the entrance on the second floor, the immediate beauty of the dining room is viewed with the tall ceilings and breathtaking windows. We have been living here for nearly a year, and have experienced the changing seasons. In spring the property comes to life with the gardens blooming. The symphony concerts at the lakeside. In summer, residents and guests gather on the dock, to watch the people paddling, fishing, swimming, small boats. The joy of eating on the patios under umbrellas whether it is a fabulous barbecue or a simple ice cream snack. Autumn with the fall colours mirrored in the lake. The bird life year-round. While none of us like snow because of outdoor walking, the breathtaking vista of the frozen lake and snow-laden trees in brilliant sunshine is incomparable. Year-round the path outside is used by residents, and kept clear for walking. A favourite of many of us is the library with its solarium. The lake brings a feeling of vacation and casual living which suits us.

A lovely location to move to in retirement. It has all the latest amenities, the menu looks great and it overlooks a lake.

My mother stayed at Berwick years ago ... she loved it.

The food is really wonderful. We have two choices everyday for both lunch and dinner. There’s a pub which is a little less formal. And the bistro is a third eating area, where you can ‘help yourself.’

I wanted to come here because I had back and leg problems. Standing up to prepare meals was hard. We were eating more prepared meals and that sort of thing. I like not having to think about what we’re having, then to stand up and prepare it. It was a big enough job to cook for the two of us, without others, but now, we sit with new people every night. And we love to hear about their lives. Some people here we’ve gotten quite close to.

Myrna Green, resident (2024)

Kitty and Jeff Mcallister , residents (2024)

BERWICK COMOX VALLEY

Berwick Comox Valley offers a resort-style retirement residence in a convenient downtown setting. This is West Coast living at its finest, truly affordable luxury—from carefully tended gardens and picturesque ponds outside, to the rooftop Lighthouse Lounge and a greenhouse with wonderful views of the waterfront inside. The options for relaxation and fun are limitless, so you can truly enjoy your active, independent lifestyle to the fullest. Come live on Vancouver Island with us in one of the most sought-after communities.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

The definition of resort-style retirement living, Berwick on the Lake’s gorgeous, peaceful setting on Long Lake in Nanaimo is perfectly complemented by the superior quality of the amenities and services we provide. This is affordable luxury at its finest, with an abundance of fine features along with 24/7 monitoring & security. Contact us today to arrange a personal tour. We look forward to seeing you.

BERWICK COMOX VALLEY

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 and lounges to a grab n' go Bistro (Choices on the Fly) 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.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

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.

BERWICK COMOX VALLEY

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.”

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

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.”

BERWICK COMOX VALLEY

At Berwick Comox Valley, residents are supported through a retirement lifestyle that emphasizes independence while ensuring help is available when needed. The residence offers services and supports that can be arranged and scheduled as needs evolve, allowing residents to continue living comfortably in their suite while maintaining their routines and connections within the community. If a resident eventually needs nursing care, our team supports the resident and family as they coordinate with private care facilities or Island Health regarding assessment and long-term care options.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

As residents’ needs evolve, they live comfortably through the availability of both independent living and assisted living within the same community. Services and supports can be arranged to provide additional assistance while residents remain in familiar surroundings. The focus is on maintaining independence while ensuring help is available when it is needed. If a resident eventually requires 24-hour nursing care, the resident’s family member should work with Island Health or a local private pay long term care community for assessment and placement in long-term care.

BERWICK COMOX VALLEY

Berwick Comox Valley is designed for seniors who enjoy an active, social retirement lifestyle. Residents here tend to appreciate opportunities for wellness programming, dining, events, and engagement with others. Someone seeking a very quiet setting with minimal activity or a highly clinical care environment should find another type of residence more aligned with their preferences.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

Someone seeking a very basic lifestyle with limited amenities or minimal community interaction may find another setting more aligned with their preferences. Berwick on the Lake appeals to seniors who value a full-service retirement lifestyle with amenities, dining, wellness programs, and opportunities for social engagement.

BERWICK COMOX VALLEY

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.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

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.

BERWICK COMOX VALLEY

In the years ahead, Berwick Comox Valley will continue building on the qualities residents value most: strong community life, engaging wellness programs, and a beautiful setting connected to the surrounding natural environment. We’ll continue to enhance services and experiences that support independence, wellbeing, and meaningful connections among residents.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

Berwick on the Lake will continue building on the qualities residents value most—strong hospitality, engaging programs, and attentive service. The focus will remain on enhancing wellness opportunities and community life while maintaining the welcoming environment and beautiful waterfront setting that define the residence.

BERWICK COMOX VALLEY

- Our ponds entice regular visits (much to the enjoyment of residents and staff, not so much the fish) of Blue Herons, otter, and racoon.
- The two Garry Oaks that were saved when we did our extension have been voted for the list of the most beautiful trees in the Comox Valley.
- We are the only site with a Community Room that was regularly used by outside groups including the White Cane Club, Hospice, toastmasters, Elder college, knitting club, needlepoint group, Philosophy café and church.
- The house that was on the main site in the early 20’s (where the offices are now) was a bootlegger’s house.
- We have the most scooter parking of all the Berwick’s. Boasting 24 spots in 6 converted parking spaces.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

Berwick on the Lake is nestled at one end of beautiful Long Lake. The lake is stocked with trout, bass and is home to a variety of wildlife including Canada Geese, Mallard Ducks, Mergansers, Trumpeter Swans and frogs.

Berwick on the Lake boasts its own floating gazebo and dock where residents can relax and enjoy the activities on the lake which include fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing.

Berwick on the Lake's private dining room displays exquisite and unique stained glass windows that were custom ordered from Germany.

Berwick on the Lake's patio water feature contains a large carefree whimsical frog that instills a sense of fun and lightness to residents and staff alike.