At a glance
Who it’s for: People considering a move to Bolivar Creek or comparing seniors’ living options in Surrey
What it covers: Why leadership matters and what the BC Care Providers Award says about Park Place Seniors Living
Why it matters: The people behind a community shape how it feels to live there every day
Award-winning leadership reflects long-term experience and consistent values, and that has a direct impact on how a seniors community is run.
If you’re considering a move to a community like Bolivar Creek in Surrey, British Columbia one of the most important questions isn’t just about the building: it’s about who the people behind it are – Park Place Seniors Living.
At Park Place Seniors Living, a Canadian-owned seniors living organization, the leadership of this organization was recently recognized when founders Al and Jenny Jina received the Ed Helfrich Long-Service Excellence Award from the BC Care Providers Association.
Al and Jenny’s Leadership and Impact
Those who have worked with Al and Jenny know their leadership is grounded and practical. They unwaveringly focus on doing what is best for residents, families, and care teams, guided by purpose rather than praise or self-recognition.
With a background in nursing, a master’s degree in Adult Education, and a Fellowship in Gerontology, Jenny has spent her entire career caring for seniors. Her early experience instilled the importance of giving seniors dignity and preventing institutionalization of care. This led her to work tirelessly to make Park Place feel like home for all residents. Because of her leadership, Park Place communities are known as warm, person-centred environments that help everyone feel welcome and comfortable to be themselves.
With commerce and law degrees from the University of Alberta, Al has created deep systemic change in seniors’ care. From serving on provincial committees to advising on legislation, his influence has strengthened the foundations of seniors’ care across Canada. Serving on multiple committees over his career, and his contributions have brought important insight to Park Place’s residences.
Over the years, sound decision-making and a clear understanding of what quality care looks like in the real world have shaped both Al and Jenny’s work. Their leadership provides a strong foundation for the entire organization to rely on, enabling us to move forward from a position of strength.
What does this award really say about the team behind Bolivar Creek?
The Ed Helfrich Long-Service Excellence Award is given to individuals who have made a lasting contribution to seniors’ care over many years.
It reflects:
- Long-term commitment to the sector
- Consistency in leadership
- A track record of building and operating communities over time
Al and Jenny Jina have spent more than three decades in seniors living, starting with a single community and growing Park Place into a network across Canada.
This recognition is not about a single achievement; it reflects how they’ve approached their work over time. It’s this approach and hard work ethic that is the backbone of Bolivar Creek, meaning that seniors who reside at this retirement residence in Surrey truly benefit from over three decades of this hard work.
What does this mean for Bolivar Creek?
At Bolivar Creek in Surrey, British Columbia, that same leadership approach carries into the community.
While the community itself is new to the Park Place family, the way it is run is based on decades of experience in seniors living. The focus is on creating a place where residents can maintain independence while feeling supported in their day-to-day routines.
This includes:
- A consistent approach to how the community operates
- A focus on connection and daily interaction
- An environment designed to be easy to live in
For someone considering independent living, this combination can make the transition feel more comfortable.
Why do people look for this kind of experience?
When people begin comparing seniors’ living options, there is often a point where the focus shifts. Instead of asking “what does the building look like?”, deeper, more meaningful questions start to emerge, such as “what will it feel like when I live here?”
Leadership plays a large role in that second question. A community backed by long-term experience often feels more settled and less uncertain over time. With an established set of systems, and operating guidelines, these experiences become well thought-out so that all seniors receive an enriched lifestyle when making the move to Bolivar Creek.
What does this mean for you or your family?
For residents, it often means a more consistent and predictable day-to-day experience.
For families, it can provide reassurance that the community is being managed with care and experience. That confidence tends to come not from one feature, but from how everything works together.
See how this shows up in everyday life
If you’re considering a move to Bolivar Creek Seniors Community in Surrey, it may be worth looking beyond the physical space and asking a simple question: Who is running this community, and how do they approach their work?
At Park Place Seniors Living, recognition like the BC Care Providers Award reflects a long-term approach to seniors living, one that continues to shape both established communities and newer ones.