A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
Parkland Ajax vs. The Village of Taunton Mills

PARKLAND AJAX

Parkland Ajax offers seniors improvement on every level, creating an experience you won’t find elsewhere, especially living by yourself. Shannex locations across the GTA encourage seniors to create lives they love. Parkland Ajax is state-of-the-art senior living, rife with amenities that include a concierge service, a fitness studio, spa services, a hairdresser, in-house movie theatre, and lots of fun activities, from bocce, bingo, and shuffleboard, to arts and crafts. But Shannex goes much deeper than those things.

THE VILLAGE OF TAUNTON MILLS

You'll love it at Taunton Mills if you miss that old small town feeling of yesteryear, along with the easy friendships that setting fostered. There's also a wide variety of activities to choose from here, including movie nights, horseshoes, exercising, just hanging out on the patio, or outings. Onsite pampering includes a beauty salon and barber shop.

PARKLAND AJAX

We were lucky enough to attend the High Tea Party that was provided by Ashley Williams and her team at Parkland. The staff at Parkland are always offering enjoyable entertainment and activities for the residents, but this event was truly special. The vintage teacups, teapots, delicious sandwiches, and treats brought back treasured memories, as high tea was something that my family really enjoyed but rarely experienced. The live violin music was an extra bonus and added to the ambiance. It was an afternoon to chat with friends and meet new people in such an elegant setting. We appreciate that this was all provided without any additional charge. Thank you to Ashley and her team, who went that extra mile to create a wonderful experience.

I was invited to give a presentation at Parkland Ajax in January 2026. The audience was welcoming, engaged, and so many asked thoughtful questions! The facility is beautiful and comfortable, and residents have a lot of options for recreation and socialization. Highly recommend for independent active seniors looking to downsize and be part of a wonderful community.

Having visited several times with my sister (a resident at Parkland Ajax), I decided to make the transition myself. During the first months of residence, I was skeptical of my choice to move and whether or not I had made the right decision. However, I soon came to enjoy the courteous welcome and prompt assistance provided by staff, house-keepers and dining room staff, and often on a first-name basis. Meals are provided by friendly servers, with a variety of selections and adjusted to suit the customer. Young and new part-time working college students are quickly trained to become efficient servers. I personally, with limited participation at the multitude of available events, have much enjoyed the opportunity to meet and interact with several friendly resident acquaintances on a first-name basis and in a family-style environment. That, together with the kindly interaction of caring staff, I consider myself to be well taken care of. I find comfort going forward, with the staff's five-star assistance, confident I have made the correct choice.

Parkland Ajax is a beautiful residence and has every amenity you can think of. Their caring staff is what sets them apart. Lisa, Ashley & Eloisa from the management team are thoughtful, caring, and compassionate.

Came for a tour and everyone was friendly, the community was lively with recreational activities running, and the food was amazing! Also attended the holiday market and loved all the vendors, atmosphere, and entertainment! Everyone was so friendly, and I got a ton of Christmas presents that day.

THE VILLAGE OF TAUNTON MILLS

This place is very efficient. I'm new to the area and have used it twice, and both times it took me approximately 5 minutes to get in and get out. I'm super happy with the service here.

Have nothing but great things to say about The Village of Taunton Mills. My parents moved there 9 months ago. The staff was tremendous in assisting us through several moves required as a result of health issues that arose. Special kudos to everyone in the marketing department with extra special kudos going to Amanda Sturgeon who has been there for us every step of the way 😃

Just over a year ago (May 2024), with the help of another with whom I share responsibility for personal care, we moved a dear friend into Taunton Mills Retirement Home after looking at several such places. It turns out we were exceedingly fortunate. The place is terrific. There is a cafe in the very large lobby area where you can find coffee or tea (often a cookie or a muffin too!) and spend some time chatting or collecting your thoughts around a visit. There is a lovely sitting area adjacent to a fish pond, which is occasionally visited by a Great Blue Heron. Wonderful food, a hair salon, billiards table, so much more. Frankly, it doesn't look like a "home" of any sort. What you cannot determine when checking out a place like this is the quality of the staff and the care your loved one will receive. I write this review primarily because of the staff. In our case, the people in charge seem to work under the direction of Ms. Amanda Sturgeon, "neighbourhood coordinator," who often finishes her communications with us with a "Thank you for your understanding," when the thanks should go entirely in the other direction. Our friend has gone down hill quickly recently and her behaviour is scarcely believable. The burden and nature of the care M. now requires is beyond anything I would expect. This review is the smallest of thank yous for work way over and above.

Staff are always so friendly and helpful. I appreciate all that they do to assist my mother at this stage of her life.

Thank you so much for bending over backwards on behalf of the Dodds’. You guys are fantastic!

PARKLAND AJAX

Parkland offers a personalized blend of freedom and comfort. Residents at Parkland Ajax have access to a continuum of lifestyle options including Lifestyle Apartments and Supportive Living, providing peace of mind knowing additional services and support are available as your needs change over time. Residents and family members can take comfort knowing our communities are beautifully designed, professionally staffed and a place where safety is a top priority.

THE VILLAGE OF TAUNTON MILLS

Our Village is a proud part of a Canadian family tradition of community building that goes back 70 years. The first Schlegel family home became the foundation of what Schlegel Villages is today. Here at The Village of Taunton Mills, we offer several lifestyle options to meet a variety of needs. Our continuum of care allows for residents to age with us in place as their needs change. The residents we serve come from a range of backgrounds that thread together the fabric of our community, and while we know resident-centredness is a term that many lean on these days, we truly do focus on each individual’s wishes to guide our approach to service. Our Signature Programs help us focus on the individuality of each resident we serve. Our LIVING in My Today dementia care philosophy, for example, was developed by our team and our partners alongside people with lived experience. This provides our team the opportunity to learn exactly what it means to support a person who is experiencing the changing perceptions of dementia. We also celebrate the Wisdom of the Elder as another Signature Program, thanks to the inspiration of our founder Ron Schlegel. Ron once said: “The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders,” and we honour the individual and collective wisdom of those we serve in ways large and small.

PARKLAND AJAX

• Large suites - ranging from 461 sq. ft. to 1408 sq. ft.
• Chauffeur onsite
• 300 underground parking spots available
• Offering independent living with full kitchens, optional meal plans, at least one balcony, in suite washer & dryer.
• Offers the most inclusive Supportive care services within the Durham region. Memory care, Assisted Living and Enriched Care

THE VILLAGE OF TAUNTON MILLS

The Village concept that sets us apart was always meant to create a living space for seniors that feels like a small town. In many ways this is similar to the experience our founder, Ron Schlegel, had growing up in Ailsa Craig outside of London, Ont. Our Main Street connects to the Town Square as the social spine of the Village. Together these spaces allow for indoor and accessible options for residents to live life as they always have. Ron also envisioned the Village as community hubs for seniors and others from the surrounding community. His vision was to connect the Village to the broader community to enhance the lives of residents as well as support those living outside the Village.

PARKLAND AJAX

The Parkland journey is one that is supported from the moment you decide to make Parkland your new home. Our team includes a move – in coordinator who will support you every step of the way. We also pride ourselves in aligning with local community businesses whose passion is to ensure that our residents transitions are as stress free as possible.

THE VILLAGE OF TAUNTON MILLS

Each resident who calls the Village home, comes with a unique life story. By completing our My Experience (ME) Form, you help us better understand your life, experiences, values and preferences. In order to support you to live well within our village, we need to begin by hearing your story. Your dedicated Village Experience Coordinator helps guide you through this paperwork and helps make the move-in experience as smooth as possible. Our resident Welcoming Committee strives to help their new neighbours feel welcomed and connected.

PARKLAND AJAX

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THE VILLAGE OF TAUNTON MILLS

The Village of Taunton Mills offers a continuum of care, including independent living, retirement living apartments, assisted care, memory care, and long-term care. This allows residents to access additional support as their needs evolve while remaining in a familiar village environment with people they know.

PARKLAND AJAX

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THE VILLAGE OF TAUNTON MILLS

Taunton Mills may not be the right fit for someone looking for a very private or independent lifestyle without much connection to others. Life in the Village is designed to feel like a small town, where relationships, shared spaces, and daily interaction are part of the experience. Residents should also be comfortable living in a community where fellow neighbours have a variety of different care needs. We are a full continuum of care Village and we strive to make it a place where everyone belongs. We’re best suited for people who want to be part of a community—to know their neighbours, to be known by name, and to live in a place where connection and belonging are part of everyday life.

PARKLAND AJAX

Exceeding expectation: Life at Parkland is, all about you. As a family-owned business your preferences and feedback inspire all our offerings from menus to meal options to activities, services and accommodations. We strive to ensure that you are able to live life your way. From our Independent lifestyle suites (full kitchen, in suite washer and dryer, a la carte service options and packages) to our Supportive Care suites ( Assisted Living, Memory & Enriched Care), our residents have peace of mind knowing that they can truly age in place within their Parkland Ajax residence.

THE VILLAGE OF TAUNTON MILLS

New residents often say “I wish I had done this sooner!” They’re surprised by how quickly they become absorbed in the community and how fast new friendships develop. In no time at all, everybody knows their name and like in any small town, a walk down Main Street is an opportunity to connect with friends and new acquaintances. People are also surprised by opportunities offered to grow and learn in their new community. They find new passions like hosting a podcast, riding a mechanical bull, becoming an artist or fulfilling a lifelong dream of skydiving. As they say, the possibilities are endless.

PARKLAND AJAX

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THE VILLAGE OF TAUNTON MILLS

The Village of Taunton Mills will continue strengthening its village model, supporting residents to stay connected, engaged, and able to age in place. The focus will remain on meaningful programming, strong relationships, and an active community environment.

PARKLAND AJAX

• A personalized blend of freedom & comfort :
Lifestyle Apartments: for independent active seniors looking to redefine downsizing with access to amenities, packages, services & recreation. Includes full kitchens & in suite washer & dryer.
Our Assisted Living, Memory & Enriched Care are uniquely designed so residents can access increasing levels of support as their needs & preferences.
• Amenities: Indoor heated pool, Fitness Area, Movie Theatre, Private Dining Room, Great Hall, Lounge, & General Store.
• Boasting 300 underground parking spaces, available for residents, guests, & staff.
• Physician onsite
• Dine when you like and how you like with our flexible dining options.

THE VILLAGE OF TAUNTON MILLS

Ask us about our:
Ruby Restaurant: Schlegel Village’s hidden gem
#ElderWisdom: Stories from the Green Bench Podcast
Program for Active Living
Riverstone Spa
Signature Programs