A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
Living Water Retirement Residence vs. Holland Gardens - Verve Senior Living

LIVING WATER RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Living Water Retirement Residence in Collingwood presents a refreshing vision of retirement living, making lifelong learning, creative expression, and active living a part of every day. The community is designed to support independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Each option fosters an engaging, personalized lifestyle. Residents enjoy the vibrancy of a community where friendships come naturally, and every day offers new opportunities for enrichment.

HOLLAND GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Holland Gardens offers a full continuum of care in an ultra-modern retirement community, replete with features. It's a unique experience in Bradford! Independent seniors can move in on their own and acquire care as they need it; this also creates an opportunity for couples with different care requirements to remain together in the same building. Making the move out of a traditional family home into a senior living community is challenging but Holland Gardens makes it inviting.

LIVING WATER RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

It was a pleasure attending the Living Water Retirement luncheon at Bear Estate with my mom and our family friend. We really enjoyed meeting and speaking with Larry Law and his talented team. Learning about their inspiring vision and caring resort-style community was truly comforting as we start exploring independent senior living. We look forward to touring the model suites soon!

The Living Waters luncheon was very nice. The food was amazing. If the chef is theirs, then this is place I want to retire. The owner, Mr. Law, is a wonderful man. Very dedicated to the residents of Living Waters and also the staff. I’m looking forward to seeing the new residence open. I think it’s probably one of the best places to live out your years.

What truly sets Living Water Retirement Residence apart is the commitment of the owner and team to creating a warm, supportive environment where seniors can thrive. I have no doubt that this will be a wonderful place to call home. Highly recommend!

HOLLAND GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt warm, welcoming, and genuinely caring. A special thank you to Mel, the Community Relations Manager, who was truly outstanding. She took the time to answer all of my questions with patience and honesty, and her passion for what she does really shows. She made what could have been a stressful decision feel reassuring and even uplifting. The staff, residents, and overall environment left a lasting impression on me. It’s clear that this is a place where people are treated with dignity, respect, and kindness. After this visit, I feel confident that my parents will be in excellent hands. I highly recommend this community to anyone looking for a supportive and compassionate place for their loved ones.

We recently had an experience with Holland Gardens that genuinely exceeded anything we could have expected. On very short notice, we were trying to navigate a difficult situation for my father following strong recommendations from his doctors that he move into assisted living to focus on getting well. We reached out to Holland Gardens, and from that moment forward, everything about our experience was exceptional. ⠀ Mel, in particular, went far beyond what anyone could reasonably expect. She not only arranged a full tour on essentially zero notice, but thoughtfully created a truly memorable and personal experience for my father. Knowing he had just celebrated his 95th birthday and had been hoping for something special, she arranged a beautiful, tailored lunch for him. It was an incredibly kind and thoughtful gesture, and it spoke volumes about the care and attention she brings to her work. ⠀ Every single person we encountered, both staff and residents, was warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. There was a consistency to it that you don’t often see. It didn’t feel staged or performative. It felt real. The atmosphere strikes that rare balance of being both professionally run and deeply human. The level of detail throughout the residence is remarkable. From the quality of the environment to the way people interact, it is clear that this is a place where care, dignity, and community are taken seriously every single day. ⠀ In the end, despite the strong medical advice and what was clearly an outstanding opportunity, my father made the difficult decision to return home, fully aware that a room like this may not be available again. That made it all the more important for us to acknowledge just how extraordinary Holland Gardens is. ⠀ Our experience aligns completely with the many other reviews here. This is not just a well-run residence. It is a genuinely special place, built around people who care deeply about what they do.

Our staff member, Denise, visited Holland Gardens Residence and found it to be an inviting contemporary retirement residence with a cozy home-like feel. Met with Melissa, Community Relations Manager, who provided informative information and took the time to explain.

A warm, wonderful time spent being invited into the community of Holland Gardens. Susan and Mel were delightful in their presentation of the suites and all the amenities of this lovely retirement destination. A person could do no better and would thrive here!

My mother lived at Holland Gardens for 4 years and loved every minute of it. They have great outings, entertainment, and activities, but what she loved the most was the people. She considered them family. Everyone working there is caring and friendly, and helpful. It didn’t matter what job they did. Whether it was the management or the dining room servers, or the woman who cleaned her room, she loved them all. I also have to say how great the PSWs and medical staff were. They helped my mom immensely when she broke her wrist and arm, and I was very grateful for them. I don’t know if it’s because of how great the place was run and how wonderful everyone was, but my mom made great friends there. They all seem to look after each other and ensure everyone is included. If you’re looking for a place to move to, or a place for your parent/ parents to live, you can’t go wrong with Holland Gardens!

Sandy Forrest, daughter of resident

Heather and David Butters, residents (2024)

LIVING WATER RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

At Living Water Retirement Residence, we are a warm and welcoming resort-style community built on connection, care and quality of life. We are a place where seniors can embrace independence without sacrificing support - where peace of mind meets vibrant living. Located in the beautiful town of Collingwood on Southern Georgian Bay, we offer more than a residence, we offer a way of life: One that nurtures well being through nutritious meals, holistic wellness, beautiful surroundings and meaningful relationships. One that respects privacy, encourages activity, and invites joy into each day. For families, we are trusted partners. For seniors, we are a place to call home.

HOLLAND GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Holland Gardens Retirement Residence is the perfect place to live, laugh and enjoy life. We are an exciting community that offers a luxurious resort-inspired lifestyle. Holland Gardens is located in the heart of a vibrant neighbourhood, making it the ideal place for inspired senior living. Our talented culinary team will delight with great food creations. Perhaps having a great time is on the agenda? There is a wide variety of life enrichment activities to help you stay active and engaged. Named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the third consecutive year (2023–2025) the prestigious award recognizes Verve’s proven leadership in retirement residence management, its strong and values‑driven employee culture, and its ongoing focus on innovation and exceptional resident experience across its communities.

LIVING WATER RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

At Living Water Retirement Residence, we are not just a place to live, we are a family owned community where seniors can thrive in comfort, dignity and style.
Owned by Larry Law, he has the hands on approach that puts people before policies, and care before convenience
We offer chef inspired meals that nourish body and spirit, served in a warm, communal dining setting where every meal feels like home.
We provide resort-styling living - situated on 700 acres of resort amenities to lifestyle that blends leisure, independence, and enrichment. "A place where children will visit Mom and Dad for Love and Stay for a Vacation"

HOLLAND GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

We offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care. We don’t like to think of ourselves as a typical senior living community — we’re a family. Every resident is treated with care and served with a smile every day.

LIVING WATER RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

We understand that moving into a new home is a big step; one deserves care, compassion, and support every step of the way. To help new residents adjust with confidence and comfort, we offer a comprehensive circle of care that goes beyond the basics:
Our Executive Director is here to get to know each resident personally, ensuring individual needs are understood and supported from day one. A dedicated RPN alongside a compassionate team of PSWs and UCPs, provides attentive, daily support tailored to each resident's lifestyle and wellness goals. We partner with Silver Fox Pharmacy, ensuring seamless access to personalized medication management . At Living Water, wellness means more than health; it means feeling at home and being cared for.

HOLLAND GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Some of the supports we offer to residents when they arrive are, the entire management team introduces themselves. Our housekeeping lead visits and explains about meal times and how to work the washing machines. We also, introduce new residents to existing residents so they feel comfortable in the activites and dining room.

LIVING WATER RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Our community primarily offers independent living, and we do not have on-site support for residents with existing assisted-living needs. We do coordinate some outside support services that allow our residents to maintain their independence for as long as possible.

If a resident's needs change and they develop memory issues or other conditions requiring specialized care, our experienced team is dedicated to assisting them in finding a suitable community that can provide better services.

HOLLAND GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Residents are supported through a full continuum of care that includes independent living, independent supportive living, assisted living, and memory care. As needs evolve, our Health and Wellness team works closely with residents and families to adjust support in a way that feels seamless and reassuring. The goal is to allow residents to remain within a familiar community while receiving the level of care that best supports their well-being.

LIVING WATER RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

People who are not independent and require a two person lift in and out of bed. Also, people accustomed to or looking for elaborate facilities and luxury finishings might not find our more home-like community appealing.

HOLLAND GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

If your focus is on a private lifestyle with minimal interaction, you might find another setting more suitable. Holland Gardens is designed for seniors who value connection, supportive services, and a community where daily life includes both care and meaningful engagement.

LIVING WATER RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Living Water Retirement Residence is partnered with Living Water Resorts which has multiple restaurants on site, therefore all the meals provided to our residents will be chef-inspired and delicious.

HOLLAND GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Times have changed a lot. Now, older adults are proactively choosing retirement living because they’re attracted to the lifestyle, the services and amenities, and the peace of mind associated with knowing their needs can be taken care of, both today and tomorrow

LIVING WATER RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Phase one is a soft launch of 45 Suites. In five years time Living Water Retirement Residence will have a total of 129 Suites on Six Floors

HOLLAND GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

We’ll continue to build on the strengths that define Holland Gardens: personalized support, a warm, friendly, vibrant atmosphere, and a strong sense of community. Our focus is on evolving our care and lifestyle offerings in ways that remain responsive to residents while preserving the comfort and familiarity that make this feel like home.

LIVING WATER RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

1. Few retirement communities offer direct access to resort-style amenities like seating areas near Georgian Bay, and tranquil walking paths towards town or along the golf course.
2. While the hotel and the residence operate separately, they share the same hospitality, maintenance and infrastructure.
3.All prepared meals are chef-inspired. Since the Resort has restaurants on site, the same fresh ingredients will be prepared for the communal dining experience at the Residence
4.With on-site Chapel, Hair Salon/Spa, games room, Gym and access to a Wellness Coordinator, we care for the whole person - mind body and soul all under one roof
5.Living Water Retirement Residence is not a retro-fitted facility; it is a thoughtfully designed.

HOLLAND GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Black eyed Susans are the town flower
First real estate tycoon was a women named Letita Magee
Restoration garage is filmed on Water St, downtown Bradford
We are the 4th fastest growing city in Canada
William Osler, the most influential physician in Canadian history, was born in Bond Head, a hamlet next to Bradford