More of what people say about this community
We've collected reviews and testimonials from around the web that are relevant to you: those from residents and their loved ones.
Lori St. Louis, family member
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.
Wilf Steimle, visitor or friend
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Leanne Masellis, visitor or friend
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.
Debra Orton, family member
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!
Jody Martin, family member
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!
Doreen Pennell, visitor or friend
I have visited Holland Gardens several times and have found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. And the Food -- great~~
Michael and Kim Slater , family member
My mother resided at Holland Gardens on the memory care floor from 2022 - 2024. She was diagnosed with dementia some years earlier, and by 2022, she could no longer live safely at home plus needed supervised health checks and medication management. Holland Gardens and a few other places were recommended by a nurse at our local hospital, so we made arrangements for a tour. We were very impressed with all their memory care program had to offer & competitive pricing, so we moved her in a short time later.
The two years she lived and was cared for at Holland Gardens prior to her passing in Nov. 2024 were outstanding. The administration was excellent to work with. They explained everything in detail, from standard costs plus a few options that included in-residence health care. There were no surprises. Memory care is expensive, but they were very fair on pricing.
We visited on a regular basis and came to know many of the care workers, they are wonderful, friendly, caring & empathetic. The kitchen staff are great and provide fantastic meals plus snacks & treats. I ate with my mom on a few occasions and can personally attest to the excellent food quality & generous servings. I have no regrets about having my mom, Dianne, live at Holland Gardens; she was well cared for, kept safe, and treated with respect & dignity. Holland Gardens is a first-rate retirement home with an excellent memory care program that keeps the residents engaged & well supervised.
I highly recommend Holland Gardens Retirement Residence, especially if you need memory care for a loved one; they are first-rate! We all were treated like family, and most importantly, my mom was well cared for from the beginning to her passing.
Debbi Accettura, family member
My mother has been at Holland Gardens for 2 years! The staff is number 1. Friendly, attentive, and caring! Their number one priority is the residents' well-being. The residents are very open and welcoming!
My mom was made to feel comfortable from the moment she arrived! It’s home!!
The facility is always clean and fresh! Meals are delicious! Lots of activities to keep you busy !! They have outings also!
My mom is never bored!
Ken and Barb, resident
From day one we have had nothing but great experiences. Our first tour was friendly, simple and extremely polite. Our personal privacy was not invaded and since arriving here in December of 2024 nothing has changed. The staff, the entire staff are warm, friendly and accommodating. We receive housekeeping once a week and our suite is dusted, vacuumed, and any garbage and all recyclables are removed. The bathroom is cleaned, and all our linens and towels are washed and dried and even returned the same day.
The meals are delicious, filling and well varied. The servers are fabulous and look after your every request. They are courteous and very pleasant. Fantastic is the best way to describe them! Alcoholic beverages are always available if that is your desire. Breakfast is available –either self serve or you can take it back to your suite and have it in privacy if you desire.
Entertainment is varied and interesting – horse racing, bingo, Jeopardy, Bridge, Euchre, Pass the Ace, any card game a group wants to play. We haven’t missed a celebration. Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, Robbie Burns, St Patrick’s Day. We celebrate them all and Holland Gardens is willing to try any suggestions that the residents put forward. Today we were invited to pick up a glass vase and fill it with a variety of beautiful flowers. Our creations came back to our suite at no cost to us.
Now that summer is here, we often take our lunch and supper out on the patio and enjoy the sun and clear skies. We have BBQ meals that are served both outside and inside throughout the summer. Holland Gardens welcomes guests to enjoy meals anytime you wish. Prices are reasonable or can be charged to your account. At least 4 times a month we go out in the community to enjoy meals for outings such as the casino in Orillia, Bingo in Newmarket and Sutton. The transportation is provided by competent drivers who are all courteous and extremely safe. The rules of the road are adhered to. Pets are permitted.
It was a huge decision to leave our home of 87 years, friends and familiar happy places. The only thing we feel we left now is the freezing cold temperatures and the snow that didn’t bother us but that we’ve found very little of here.
The 100 plus residents that we’ve met since moving here are all 100% great people.
If you are planning a retirement move, be sure to take a close look at Holland Gardens in Bradford, Ontario.
Madisyn B, family member
My Grandma loves it here🥰 Amazing staff!
H D Butters, resident
We have been in Holland Gardens a week and already we feel it's our home. The staff are super to everyone, so friendly & helpful. The residents welcomed us with warm "hellos" and great conversations. The atmosphere is warm, the food is excellent and the staff cater to our every need. Just a super place!
We recently had a Mediterranean Cruise Week celebration. We had a wonderful time because the activities, the decorations, and the meals were outstanding. We had more fun than some of the real cruises we've attended. Congratulations to "Captain" Shelley and all the Holland Gardens "crew" for such a super week!
Yvonne Marleau, family member
We have recently moved our Mom to Holland Gardens from Sudbury and every day we are more and more thankful that we have. Our Mom came from another retirement home so we are aware of how they can be run and our expectations have been met 200% more than what we received before.
The staff are always ready to help our Mom to make her stay better. The activities are what she enjoys the most for they are endless. The staff have made her feel so at home and this was an element my husband and I were concerned about with moving her so far away from her home.
She has not once said she misses her old home and continues to praise Holland Gardens endlessly. What a relief, for it can be concerning to the families that they did not do the right thing. If anyone is hesitant please don't be, and come [to Holland Gardens to] enjoy what we see daily!!
Mark Weston, family member
One of our family members has been a resident for almost three years - as far as we are concerned the entire experience has been excellent on all fronts.
From our first "tour" in 2021 with Shelley Snoulten thru to today we simply have no complaints. Any facility worth its salt will ensure people receive a warm welcome at reception but that theme permeates Holland Gardens. Regardless of the day, they are having all staff members bring courtesy and a smile to the corridors & suites of the building. When dealing with the elderly requests can be odd and over the top but even those are handled with care & grace.
It's no secret that the dining facilities and quality of food can "make or break" the day of a resident and HG has this well in hand. The menu & quality of food are wonderful (and they are happy to prepare ala carte should the menu of the day not fit the bill) but the dining room goes well beyond this. The servers are attentive & courteous knowing many of the residents on a first-name basis. Rounding out the food, servers & environment is the attention to detail such as doubled table cloths with color changes between lunch & dinner and matching cutlery at every comfortable chair. After every sitting the dining room is cleaned and prepared for the next meal - the dining room is ready and welcoming to any passerby.
The nurses, housekeeping, and maintenance staff all bring seamless care to everyone they encounter - these people are the very pulse of HG.
None of this is by accident - anyone paying attention knows this trickles down from the top and in the case of Holland Gardens that means Shelley Snoulten - if you have a family member in Holland Gardens they are ultimately in Shelley's care and rest assured they are in the very best of hands. I'm a fan - Shelley brings the perfect combination of business acumen, care, compassion, and discipline... Speaking for our family's experience - Holland Gardens has exceeded our every expectation.
Marilyn Oswin, resident
The time came when my husband and I decided on senior living. We went to many residences but when we walked into the doorway and inside we just felt at home at Holland Gardens Seniors Residence. It was beautifully decorated with that “at home” feeling and everyone we met was so friendly. We had an appointment with Melissa who showed us around and we were happy to make the decision to move to Holland Gardens. Melissa was so honest and helpful in every way. If it wasn’t for Melissa the outcome might have been different. Selling in this economy was not easy but Melissa helped us with every step along the way. Gary and I have now been here for awhile and just love it. So many activities and a pool table, theatre, gym, spa and gourmet meals What more could you ask for and we are close to our children and grandchildren as well. We are in our early 80’s and we just love it here in our 2 bedroom apt. as well as a balcony to read a book on.
K D, family member
Holland Gardens is a beautiful place to live! My parents have lived there for a year now, and we have nothing but good things to say. It has such a homey, welcoming feel from the moment you walk in the front door. The building, itself, is beautiful and well kept, but it’s the incredible staff who make it exceptional... they consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, and are so kind and attentive to the needs and concerns of the residents. The meals are not only consistently delicious, but also beautifully presented, and they switch up the menus regularly to incorporate a lot of variety. I would say that the only downside of this place is that I’m still too young to live there, lol. My husband and I would move there in a heartbeat if we could! :)
Mark Roberts, family member
After touring three different retirement homes in the area we found Holland Gardens to be a perfect match for my mother! We really like the great variety of spacious apartments with beautiful views. Dining meals, a caring nursing staff, medication administration and proximity to shopping were among our top concerns and Holland Gardens had everything we were looking for!
E J, family member
After a very challenging time being isolated during the pandemic, my mother sold her house and moved into Holland Gardens in an Independent Living Suite in July 2021. We spoke with Shelley during our tour, and she was so welcoming and compassionate that it made a very difficult decision a lot easier. We are very thankful to the wonderful staff who have been so friendly, kind and attentive. My mother has enjoyed many activities and fun events and has met a lot of new friends since she moved in.
The building is impeccably clean and is very well managed. This transition has been a positive one and having a nurse available 24/7 also gives us peace of mind.
We are happy that we found Holland Gardens.
Warren Hunter, family member
My mom has lived there now for almost 2 months. She has changed so much. The environment, the kindness of the staff. She hasn't had one complaint. Not sure why the comments on the food, I have had 3-4 meals all very good. Mom tonight just went for an omelette, she loved it. I have had a veggie omelette too for lunch and thought it was fantastic. Not once in 2 months has she complained about food. Back to the Holland Gardens, I would of never moved mom in here if I knew there was a doubt. Staff... amazing. The grounds impeccable. As soon as you walk in it's like family. Reception is always amazing. And yes it looks like a 5 star resort, but feels like home to mom. The bonus, I can barely get ahold of my mom, because she is always out mingling. That means a lot for people that need to be social. 5/5
Sandy Forrest, family member
[All the staff are] excellent here… To me, they hire me the best. I'm really at ease to call at any time to ask any questions, because they really do care…That makes my experience and my dad's experiences awesome. They listen, they communicate. They take their time with you. They take time with the residents. I see it all around.
The care has made his life much better. He's in his late 90s. He knows they're always there, and that's a great thing. And they're there morning, noon, and the night through. So that makes all the difference. No matter what level, you can come in here [in] independent, memory, care, whatever [level] you're at, you’re being taken care of.. you're being looked after for that level. Independent is more, you do your own thing, you do whatever. Assisted living, they do it [regularly] odd hours, but in every [care level]... it's a whole different experience. So it depends on the age and whatever your situation is in life, whatever you come in here at, or whatever you progress to, you need to know that that level of care is there for your loved ones.
Garth Wright, family member
I can't say enough great things about Holland Gardens. Our Mom was one of the original residents when they opened last year. The building itself is amazing as are the staff. They have all been very supportive on a day-to-day basis [and] when issues have arisen that needed nursing support. The accommodations, food and activities are top notch. The management team has been available at any time when we have needed extra support and assistance. This has been a great move for our Mom and she is in a place of support and care.
Julie Faruggia, family member
My mother recently moved into Holland Gardens on their Memory Care floor. The staff have been very accommodating, kind and helpful with the transition from her home to [her new home] … She is safe and well cared for. The staff genuinely have the clients’ best interest as a priority … Staff have been helpful in providing updates and ensuring my mother is comfortable.
Jim and Lori Nopper, family member
We were extremely impressed at the quality of the building and the staff within. We checked my aunt into the memory care section on February 25th [2020], thank goodness before the arrival of Covid19. The care that my aunt has been receiving is well beyond our expectations. The meals and cleanliness are exceptional with no complaints.
Ed Katkauskas, family member
My 95 year old father moved in 1 year ago, into the independent living section. The staff, location and services at Holland Gardens are first rate ... caring, helpful ... It really is worth every penny to have my dad comfortable, safe, without worries. As well, they have treated the Covid situation quickly, professionally, and with the needs of residents foremost. Our highest recommendation.
The Haylocks, family member
Holland Gardens has a “Hotel Feel”, with all the amenities that anyone could ever need, but also with a “Community Feel” from the moment you walk through the doors. During [our mother’s] first 5 months, she had met so many new friends that sometimes it was hard to reach her as she was always taking part in the many activities that this place has to offer.[During COVID] our Mom & Family have also been extremely reliant on all of the staff @ Holland Gardens to look after [her] well-being … [All our requests have been] met with the level of Care & Respect that anyone could ever ask for.
Hilda Anderson, resident
The people that have been coming to live here are absolutely wonderful. You can't meet a better family and they've got me involved in a lot of things. You couldn't be in a better place. The staff make sure everyone is taken care of. Everyone is important to them. They make everyone in this whole building important to them ... And we have such laughs here, too. It's not just a pleasure, it's a privilege to live here.
