A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
VIVA Thornhill Woods vs. Forestview Retirement Residence

VIVA THORNHILL WOODS

Thornhill Woods is ideal for seniors who have family in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Markham, and who want to improve their health and their happiness by living in a high quality environment, with excellent care. The hallmark of life here is the spacious suites and excellent dining, but the good living goes well beyond those features. For starters, there are movie nights in the onsite theatre, an onsite pub, and a café, all part of a thriving community where seniors get the companionship and care they deserve.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Forestview Retirement Residence offers pure elegance for Downsview, Willowdale, and North York seniors. One unique aspect here is a monthly residents' meeting, where your opinion gets heard on issues like upcoming events, as well as any other suggestions you have. That extra personal attention is seen also in the care options available. There are regular services like laundry and medication management, of course, but Forestview goes beyond that.

VIVA THORNHILL WOODS

Our team member Denise visited Viva Thornhill Woods and was very happy to see an elegant community with warm and friendly staff to greet you. The lounge area invites you to grab a drink, sit down, and listen to the piano.

I recently visited a friend here. I was very impressed by every person on the staff whom I met. Each person was genuinely caring and professional. I enjoyed a lovely lunch served by attentive and friendly dining room staff. The food was delicious (especially the home-made soup) and so beautifully presented that I took a picture.

A couple of months ago my mom came to visit us for a month. We chose to host her at Viva since the facility was much more convenient and prepared for her (no stairs and no bathtub to climb). She not only enjoyed her stay and welcomed us with coffee in every opportunity we picked her up, but also made good friends who invited her to seat with them for lunch or dinner, even though she spoke little English. She enjoyed very much the food, the musical events and the quiet of her spacious room. We all enjoyed the swimming pool with her and felt welcome all the time.

V!VA is a first-class retirement community, supported by a first-class team. In particular, Wendy T, who serves as the Community Relations Manager, is exceptional and has helped make the transition for my parents into the community both a seamless and positive one. Thank you, V!VA, for taking such good care of my mom and dad!

Wendy Teperman, Community Relations Manager at Viva Thornhill Woods Retirement Resident is a beacon of warmth and support. Her unwavering dedication and genuine compassion supported my mother’s first step into the Viva Life! Our tour was so welcoming and a genuine opportunity to see what life would be like living at Viva Thornhill Woods. Wendy embodies the epitome of exceptional service and genuine care. Mom has now comfortably settled into the Viva Life, where she enjoys daily warm greetings, forming new friendships, embraces fresh opportunities, and receives daily support from Wendy, coupled with the remarkable care and friendliness of the staff.

Life at VIVA Thornhill Woods is truly great! It's their philosophy… As a matter of fact, when you call, the first words out of the concierge are "Thank you for calling VIVA Thornhill Woods. How can I make your day great?” They truly strive to do this for their residents and their families. My mom likes participating in the activities. She really looks forward to going on outings and shopping ... Read more

Ellyn Rubin, daughter of resident

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

I have just moved my mother to Forestview, initially on an assisted living program following a hip replacement and then to independent living. Diana was amazing to deal with, and so is everyone else who works there. Mom is loving it, and everybody is extremely friendly.

My mother moved in while we were away on vacation, and the experience was fabulous! She was well looked after, and the staff treated her very well! Thank you, Diana and Dulce! Would definitely do it again if needed.

I can’t say enough about Forestview! The staff goes above and beyond in terms of care. The staff is warm, friendly, and approachable, and resident safety is a top priority. The suites are comfortable, the food is good, and the activities, outings and special events make this place feel like “home.” This is a great place, and I would highly recommend it.

We stayed at Forrestview for a month while our home was being renovated, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. Leading up to our stay, we were both quite anxious about the change, but within just a few days, we felt comfortable and at home. The staff were warm and welcoming, and the other residents quickly made us feel part of the community. We especially enjoyed the social atmosphere — there was always something to do, from organized activities to casual chats in the common areas. The outdoor spaces were lovely for walks, and the environment overall felt calm, safe, and inclusive. We appreciated that Forrestview embraces people of all spiritual backgrounds, creating a truly diverse and respectful community. The food was... well-balanced and nourishing, and the maintenance staff were quick to fix any small issues that came up. Everyone we met was kind and attentive, and that made all the difference. We left feeling grateful for the care and thoughtfulness we experienced throughout our stay. Should we ever need to move out of our home permanently, Forrestview would be at the top of our list.

The staff managers at Forestview, especially Diana, Dulce, and Azam, have been nothing short of phenomenal in helping my father to feel at home, happy, and safe in his new retirement home. This is new for us all and my family and I could not be more grateful for the kindness and care all the staff at Forestview have demonstrated in getting my Dad settled. The building and surrounding landscape is clean and beautiful, and I feel I made the right decision for my parent with Forestview.

VIVA THORNHILL WOODS

Discover premier retirement living at V!VA Thornhill Woods, where warmth, comfort, and community come together. Located in the heart of Vaughan, our vibrant residence offers a welcoming environment designed to support your lifestyle—whether you’re seeking the freedom of independent living or the peace of mind that comes with assisted living. Residents enjoy spacious, modern suites, chef-prepared meals, engaging daily programs, and exceptional amenities including a fitness studio, indoor heated salt water pool, theatre, and salon. With personalized wellness support, a dedicated team of caring professionals, and a community that feels like family, life at V!VA Thornhill Woods is about more than just living—it’s about thriving.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Forestview Retirement Residence is a place where natural beauty and modern living come together in perfect balance. Overlooking a beautiful, tree-lined ravine and the West Don Parkland Conservation Area, the residence offers a serene setting—while remaining just moments from the conveniences, services, and energy of North York. Designed with both comfort and flexibility in mind, Forestview is a thoughtfully appointed five-storey community with 128 suites, each offering a warm and welcoming place to call home. Here, residents can enjoy a lifestyle that adapts with them, supported by customizable services and a range of living options that make it easy to age in place with confidence and dignity. Whether you’re seeking the independence of a maintenance-free lifestyle, the added reassurance of assisted living, or a short-term stay for recovery or respite, Forestview provides the right level of support—when and how you need it. Throughout the residence, inviting amenities and shared spaces are designed to enrich daily life, foster connection, and support well-being at every stage. At its heart, Forestview is a community defined by comfort, care, and a deep respect for each resident’s journey—offering not just a place to live, but a place to truly belong.

VIVA THORNHILL WOODS

Discover a retirement community that redefines senior living at V!VA Thornhill Woods. What sets us apart? Start with our luxurious Heated Saltwater Pool, perfect for both relaxation and rejuvenation. Savor exceptional flavors at Perks! Café, or indulge in our V!VAlicious Dining options featuring fresh, chef-prepared meals crafted with care. Enjoy the warmth and vibrancy of our bright, spacious common areas, designed to foster connection and comfort, as well as our thoughtfully designed resident suites that make you feel right at home.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Choosing a retirement residence often comes down to everyday experiences and trust in care. Forestview Retirement Residence stands out in North York through its warm, relationship-driven approach, where staff truly know each resident. Flexible, personalized services allow care to evolve, supporting independent living, assisted living, and short-term stays in one familiar setting. Surrounded by a peaceful ravine, it offers rare access to nature alongside urban convenience. Residents enjoy engaging dining, welcoming shared spaces, and a strong sense of community shaped by resident feedback and ambassador programs. The result is a vibrant environment where residents feel at home and families feel confident in their care.

VIVA THORNHILL WOODS

At V!VA Thornhill Woods Retirement Community, we’re committed to making your transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our dedicated Move-In Coordinator works closely with you every step of the way, offering personalized guidance to help you settle into your new home. To simplify the process, we connect you with trusted resources, including professional downsizing companies to help organize and streamline your belongings, as well as junk removal services to take care of any unnecessary clutter. From move-in day to building a new routine, we’re here to ensure you feel at home from the moment you arrive.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Moving into a new home is a meaningful step, and Forestview makes the transition welcoming for residents and families. Through the Resident Ambassador program, newcomers are paired with friendly peers who offer companionship, share meals, and help them settle in. At the same time, dedicated team members ensure every detail is thoughtfully addressed, with leaders connecting personally to understand each resident’s needs and preferences. The Dining Services Manager learns dietary preferences, while the Life Enrichment Manager introduces activities and social opportunities. Together, these touches create a warm, supported start where residents feel comfortable, confident, and at home.

VIVA THORNHILL WOODS

At V!VA Thornhill Woods Retirement Community, we understand that needs can evolve over time, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If a resident’s care requirements change, we provide a seamless transition to ensure they continue to thrive. For those moving from Independent Living to Assisted Living, we offer enhanced care services tailored to their unique needs while allowing them to stay in a familiar and comforting environment. Should a higher level of support be required, we work closely with families and residents to facilitate a move to Long-Term Care, ensuring a smooth and compassionate process.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Residents are regularly supported through ongoing assessments every six months, ensuring any changes in care needs are identified early. As needs evolve, residents may transition from independent living to assisted living, where they receive priority placement and additional support. We also offer flexible care packages within independent living to help residents remain in their suites longer. If further assistance is required, outside support services can be arranged. Our housekeeping and dining staff play an active role in monitoring residents’ well-being and communicating changes, helping ensure a smooth and supportive transition within the community.

VIVA THORNHILL WOODS

A family friendly and very active community with daily activity programming throughout the year.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

We have three large plots in our backyard that are used to grow vegetables and a few different types of berries. It is a joint venture with our Resident run Gardening Club and our Culinary team. When the produce is ripe, we clean them off and serve them within our dining room. This is about as local as you can get!

VIVA THORNHILL WOODS

The V!VA Advantage Program: The Happier Here Guarantee

Health and wellness and 24/7 medical support

Lifestyles team utilizes Welbi Platformed to design personalized programs for enhanced Life Enrichment

Move-In Support: Dedicated resources such as a Move-In Coordinator

Jewish style cuisine with kosher meats, separate or meat and dairy, and no shellfish or pork served

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

1. Forestview is only 5 years old, making us the newest Retirement Residence in North York.
2. We are located within a large campus with walking paths through out.
3. We are owned by Advent Health Care Corporation. It is a faith based not-for-profit, offering more affordable rates.
4. We have won the 2022 and 2023 Consumer Choice Award for business excellence in the category of Senior Care/Retirement Residences within the Toronto Central Region.
5. A warm, welcoming community, with caring, attentive team members.