A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
Berwick On The Lake vs. Courtyard Gardens - Verve Senior Living

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.

COURTYARD GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Just a few blocks south of the Fraser River, this is an oasis of pleasant living where seniors find renewal thanks to the great food and care provided by staff. Visit in the summer and you'll be very impressed by the outdoor patio. Courtyard Gardens lives up to its name with pleasant floral arrangements spread around the exterior.

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)

COURTYARD GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

The presentation and outreach are excellent. The tour was friendly and casual. Marketing materials are very detailed and pleasantly presented. Maryam was very receptive to constructive feedback and input. Excellent.

Went for a tour with my mom and found the facility very clean, organized, and well laid-out in terms of facilities. The staff was friendly and importantly, the residents appeared well taken care of and happy, even with the unplanned interactions. In particular, the community relations manager was notable in her approach to my mom, friendly, caring, and has engaged her occasionally after the visit.

Incredibly wonderful staff and atmosphere.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Courtyard Gardens Retirement Home, and I must say it exceeded every expectation, my mother will be in amazing hands. From the moment you enter, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with beautifully landscaped gardens and a thoughtfully designed interior that feels cozy. All the staff is very attentive, I can definitely say my mother will be well taken care of. Lauren was amazing and thorough, answered every question we had, and made us feel really comfortable with our choice. Highly recommend.

Recently I have been looking and touring retirement residences for my parents. Courtyard gardens in particular stood out to us and the staff are very attentive, kind, and compassionate. Lauren gave us an exceptional tour and answered all of our questions with detail and patience. If you have been looking around for homes, I would definitely give this residence a chance. I would also ask for Lauren. She put us at ease.

Amanda Hill, management

Carol Tong, daughter of resident

Shirley Bakaway, resident

Quiteria Kobayashi, resident (2024)

Eva Difonzo, resident (2024)

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.

COURTYARD GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

At Courtyard Gardens, our goal is to encourage & support your independence. Enjoy the comfort & privacy of your own spacious suites, amenities, daily activities & services from our 24/7 dedicated team, that are designed to support you through life’s changes. Residents & pets truly feel like extended family! Our inclusive community operates on the pillars of respect & empowerment, with programs to enrich & inspire your day & lifestyle options that allow you to age gracefully in place.

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.

COURTYARD GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Our Resident Ambassador Program is a nice way to introduce new residents to our community. We have a very full life enrichment program lead by our coordinator who has worked at our community since opening. Courtyard Gardens offers a full continuum of care from Independent, Assisted and Long-Term Care.

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.”

COURTYARD GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

At Verve and Courtyard Gardens, we understand that moving to a new home is a big life change, which is why our 90‑Day Move‑In Program is thoughtfully designed to ease the transition and help residents feel comfortable, confident, and connected from the very beginning. During this time, our team provides extra support, regular check‑ins, and personalized guidance to ensure each resident settles in at their own pace. In addition, our Resident Ambassadors play a special role by welcoming new residents, offering friendly introductions, and helping them get to know the community, activities, and spaces—making Courtyard Gardens feel like home even faster.

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.

COURTYARD GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

At Courtyard Gardens, residents have access to a full continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, and long-term care within the same community. As needs evolve, our team works closely with residents and families to arrange the appropriate level of support so people can remain in familiar surroundings while receiving more assistance. We want to help residents age in place with continuity, dignity, and reassurance. This is also ideal for couples whose care needs may diverge over time.

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.

COURTYARD GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

If you favour privacy in a small residence with limited shared spaces or minimalist services, you may prefer something else. Courtyard Gardens appeals to seniors who appreciate community life and the reassurance of having multiple levels of care available in one place. Our residents value connection, support, and the ability to remain in one place as needs change.

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.

COURTYARD GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Many residents are pleasantly surprised by the multicultural character of the community. People from many backgrounds live here, diversity that’s reflected in daily conversations, celebrations, and the overall atmosphere of welcome. That creates a richness in everyday life that residents often come to value very quickly.

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.

COURTYARD GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Over the next five years, we’ll continue to strengthen the qualities that residents already value here: supportive relationships, inclusiveness, and the ability to age in place within a single community. Our focus will remain on maintaining a welcoming environment while ensuring residents continue to receive the care and lifestyle opportunities they need as life evolves.

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.

COURTYARD GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Building has been part of Richmond community for 32 years. 2.Staff have worked here from beginninng.3. Some of our residents have had their family members live here over the course of 32 years. 4. We offer the ability for residents to age in place with our continuum of care.5. Location - ten-minute walk from mall, senior's centre, and library across the street. Accessible.