Bethshan Gardens really is Cloverdale`s senior retirement residence

Fifth
Anniversary
RETIREMENT
RESIDENCE
2009 -2014
O
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
A
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
I
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