Who are you as a community?

At Berwick On the Park in Kamloops, with its panoramic mountain and valley views and our high standard of elegance, you’ll feel like you’re actually on top of the world. Impeccably manicured gardens, walking paths, gazebos, ponds and recreation features offer limitless options for fun and relaxation. Inside, the high-quality décor and plentiful amenities ensure you’ll enjoy an unparalleled standard of living.

• Ownership: Private. A member of Berwick Retirement Communities

What do you do differently or uniquely well?

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.

What supports do you offer residents as they adjust to life there?

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.”

How are residents supported if their needs change?

Our focus is on helping residents maintain their independence while ensuring support is available if circumstances change. Residents can arrange additional services and personal supports as needed, allowing them to remain comfortably in their suite while continuing to enjoy the programs, dining, and community life that define daily living at the residence. If a resident eventually requires 24-hour nursing care, the resident and family would work with Island Health for assessment and placement in a licensed long-term care home, and the Berwick team will help support the process.

Under what conditions would you advise someone against choosing your community?

Someone seeking a very urban high-rise environment or a highly clinical care setting should find another type of residence more aligned with their expectations. Berwick on the Park tends to appeal to seniors who enjoy an active retirement lifestyle in a beautiful setting. Residents value the welcoming atmosphere, opportunities for social engagement, and access to wellness and recreational programming.

What might residents find surprising about your community?

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.

How will your community change in the next five years?

In the coming years, we’ll continue building on the qualities residents already value—attentive service, engaging programming, and a lifestyle that supports independence and wellbeing. The focus will remain on enhancing the resident experience through thoughtful services, wellness initiatives, and community activities while preserving the welcoming environment that defines life at Berwick.

What five facts about your community should people know?

- The average tenure of the management team at Berwick on the Park is 10.6 years
- Berwick on the Park is the only Berwick community that boasts a saltwater reef tank! Our tank is equipped with hard and soft coral, a wide selection of sea anemone and fish such as regal blue, yellow and red sea tang, clownfish, and sea urchins.
- Our community is equipped with panoramic, unobstructed views of the North and South Thompson River as well as Mount Peter and Paul.
- Our back garden, with a trickling waterfall that flows into a pond, is often referred to as Berwick’s Hidden Gem
- We opened it’s doors, September 23rd, 2002. We still have an original staff member here that works in our kitchen, 21 years later!