Granville Gardens:
Kerrisdale’s New Retirement Community Feeds the Spirit Story by Sarah Gordon
Photos by Sandra Steier
Finishing touches were being attended to the day I dropped by Granville Gardens, Kerrisdale’s beautiful new retirement community. Anticipation and excitement were in the air as the staff counted down the days to welcome the first residents on February 1st.
volunteered their time to come in for training with Chef Rodrigo who is also the dining services manager.
“Creating meaningful environments and a community is important to us.” Wilma Atchison
Granville Gardens is located at the corner of Granville Street and West 49th Avenue. It is situated conveniently close to amenities in Kerrisdale, Marpole and Oakridge, although with triple glaze windows it feels miles away from city life.
Wilma refers a to survey where seniors ranked “feeding the spirit” as a top priority and identified the importance of programs and services designed to fill this need. The themes of living it, moving it, learning it and sharing it have all been taken into careful consideration by Granville Gardens’ team. Wilma mentions she is looking forward to input regarding the types of programming residents would like to see offered.
General Manager Wilma Atchison met with me to discuss this project, which she has been involved with since construction began. Wilma, Sandra Barr (Assistant General Manager) and the entire Granville Gardens team are passionate about what they do. “To make everyday a good day” is their mission. Going the extra mile is in their nature; on this particular day the kitchen staff had big smiles on their faces as they 16
February 15 - April 15, 2017
Approximately 70 residents will eventually call Granville Gardens home (suites are still available). Wilma points out, “really good friendships will be made” in this 62-suite community. •
www.KerrisdaleInsider.com