6 The Cloverdale Reporter Thursday, September 25, 2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014 The Cloverdale Reporter 7
Fifth Anniversary
RETIREMENT RESIDENCE
2009 -2014
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n behalf of Surrey City Council, it is my distinct pleasure to congratulate the staff, residents, and Cloverdale Senior Citizens Housing Society on the 5th Anniversary of Bethshan Gardens Retirement Residence!
Bethshan Gardens really is Cloverdale’s senior retirement residence
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s the story goes, Bethshan Gardens started from an incident of homelessness in the early 1950s. A citizen of Cloverdale was found deceased in the forest. While the United Church minister and the undertaker were burying the gentleman, they agreed something better must be available for people down on their luck. From that idea, volunteers came together to form the Cloverdale Senior Citizens Society in 1956. The society obtained CMHC financing to build 16 cottages for the housing of low-income seniors in Cloverdale. Many people enjoyed safe and reasonable accommodation over the next 60 years. However, as time passed, the cottages fell into disrepair. Despite noble efforts, the cost of repair started to show the cottages were beyond their useful life. Volunteers again rallied to rejuvenate the original objective of the society. In 2005, the board of directors
decided that a new building needed to be developed and the work on this idea began. As with all good initiatives, there were sizable roadblocks. The largest of these was the financing of a $10 million project. Funders and regulators tried to dissuade the board from proceeding. They didn’t realize the resolve of the directors. Undaunted, construction funds were secured from the Ontario teachers pension fund and construction was started in 2007. The destruction of the old cottages needed to be done before construction began. This was the hardest decision that had to be made as it entailed the relocation of the then-current residents. As difficult as it was, the board handled it with their usual care and consideration. During the summer and winter of 2008, construction of the fourstorey building brought new life to the 59 Avenue site. Neighbors watched and supervised as Bethshan Gardens was reborn. A project coordinator oversaw the interests of the society through
construction to ensure future residents had units to live in that were well built. The board of directors toured the building almost monthly. In October, when the roof was not completed, the board stepped lightly in the darkness to review progress, despite the rain from above. With City inspections complete, the building was opened January 15, 2009. Beautiful interior finishes welcomed guests and dignitaries to the official opening ceremonies a few months later. Mayor Dianne Watts and residents cut the ribbon to signify Bethshan Gardens open to the citizens of Cloverdale. Four residents moved in on opening day, two of whom are still enjoying life at Bethshan Gardens. During the first week of organizing, cooking and welcoming other residents, it was decided to have a congratulatory and complementary glass of wine with Sunday dinner. That tradition continues today. Over the next five years, more than 100 residents have enjoyed their suites at Bethshan Gardens.
Sixty different staff members have had employment. Bethshan Gardens offers one and two bedroom units on four floors. Rents are all inclusive so there are no worries for residents about routine expenses. Two meals a day, light weekly housekeeping service, overnight emergency response staff and a variety of activities are included in the monthly fee. Rents are modest compared to the marketplace in keeping with the intent of providing housing to lower income individuals. The non-profit ownership of Bethshan Gardens also assists in keeping rent to modest levels. Bethshan Gardens is home to 70 people, singles and couples. A home-like philosophy determines many day-to-day decisions. Small pets are welcomed. Modification of suites to residents taste is encouraged. A casual, friendly atmosphere provides a comfortable living style for residents. A large common room provides an ideal venue for movie night, bingo, crafts or just reading from the library. A new bus
has been added to the service offered. Trips to Krause Berry Farm, Steveston and Crescent Beach have already been enjoyed by residents. The inaugural run of the bus was with residents in the Cloverdale Rodeo Parade. More than 75 per cent of the current residents have an association with Cloverdale. They have either lived here or are moving here to be near family in Cloverdale. Eight veterans also call Bethshan Gardens home. Bethshan Gardens really is Cloverdale’s seniors retirement community. The future looks bright for Bethshan Gardens. Many more residents will be cared for in this independent living retirement residence. The first five years are just the beginning.
We welcome any donations in support of the seniors at Bethshan Gardens.
17528 59TH AVENUE | SURREY | 778-373-0299 | BETHSHANGARDENS.ORG OWNED BY CLOVERDALE SENIORS CITIZEN HOUSING SOCIETY
Seniors Citizen Housing Society Board of Directors
The non-profit ownership structure allows for affordable, comfortable and independent living at this beautiful senior’s residence in the heart of Cloverdale, and it is apparent that the values by which Bethsham Gardens was founded upon continue to resonate. I would also like to thank the staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts and dedication to those living in this wonderful home. Best wishes for continued success. Sincerely,
Dianne L. Watts Mayor
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t is my pleasure to congratulate Bethshan Gardens on five years of service to the Cloverdale community. As an independent living residence for seniors, Bethshan Gardens offers affordable housing in a warm and friendly environment right here in Cloverdale. Operated by the Cloverdale Senior Citizen’s Housing Society, a non-profit organization, which has provided housing for seniors in the Cloverdale area for over 50 years; the society’s mission is to support senior citizens in Surrey-Cloverdale while optimizing their quality of life. I look forward to Bethshan Gardens providing quality seniors services and housing options for many years to come. Sincerely,
Stephanie Cadieux, MLA Surrey - Cloverdale