Delmanor Wynford is a retirement community located in Don Mills, Toronto, operated by Delmanor Communities — a luxury retirement living provider serving the Greater Toronto Area. In this interview, Gonnie, 86, shares what led her and her husband to choose Delmanor Wynford, what daily life looks like for someone who values independence above all else, and what she would tell anyone considering the move.
About Gonnie
| Name | Gonnie |
| Age | 86 |
| Previous neighbourhood | Etobicoke, Toronto |
| Years at Delmanor Wynford | 1.5 years |
| Family | Lives with her 94-year-old husband. Two children, four grandchildren |
| Favourite suite feature | Her two-bedroom, 1,000 sq ft end-unit apartment — with space for her own office, great views year-round, and genuine privacy |
| One word to describe Delmanor Wynford | Home |
A few things you might not know about Gonnie:
- She waited until age 84 to retire — she loved her career as an accountant too much to leave earlier
- She has travelled to 69 countries, with Thailand as her favourite
- She has written a book — including an entire chapter of advice for younger generations
Why Gonnie Chose Delmanor Wynford
A year and a half ago, Gonnie and her husband decided to look at retirement living after recognizing that her husband could no longer tend the garden the way he had always loved to. Their daughter — who lived ten minutes away — suggested Delmanor Wynford.
Question: How many retirement communities did you tour before making your decision?
Gonnie: Just one. As soon as I walked into Delmanor Wynford, I was hooked.
Question: What was it about Delmanor Wynford that drew you in immediately?
Gonnie: The lobby was beautiful and the staff was very warm and welcoming. It felt like home.
| “As soon as I walked into Delmanor Wynford, I was hooked.” — Gonnie, resident at Delmanor Wynford |
Before moving to Delmanor Wynford, Gonnie and her husband were managing a home in Etobicoke — a garden that was becoming harder to tend, and the quiet awareness that the next chapter needed to look different. A year and a half later, Gonnie is reading the New York Times crossword every morning, spending hours on her computer, and having her Earl Grey tea waiting for her at every meal. The decision they made carefully, without wanting to move twice, turned out to be the right one.
What Daily Life Is Like at Delmanor Wynford
Gonnie describes herself as ‘not a joiner.’ Her days are filled with reading, the New York Times crossword, and hours on her computer. Independence is everything — and Delmanor Wynford makes that possible. Residents set their own pace. The community is there when they want it, and steps back when they don’t.
Daily life at Delmanor Wynford may include:
- Restaurant-style dining with attentive, personalized service
- Fitness and wellness programming for residents who wish to participate
- Social events, cultural activities, and organized excursions
- A vibrant community of neighbours — available when you want company
- Spacious, well-appointed suites with the privacy of your own home
What Gonnie Values Most About Living Here
- Her two-bedroom, 1,000 sq ft end-unit apartment — with a dedicated office, views that change with every season, and the privacy she has always valued
- The staff. ‘Warm, welcoming, and friendly’ is how she describes them — without hesitation
- The dining experience. The team knows her by name and has her Earl Grey tea ready at every meal. It is a small detail. It means everything
- The friendships. Despite describing herself as ‘not a joiner,’ Gonnie has made great friends during her time at Delmanor Wynford
| “The staff all know my name — and they have my cup of Earl Grey tea waiting for me at each meal.” — Gonnie, resident at Delmanor Wynford |
Gonnie’s Advice for Seniors Considering Retirement Living
Giving advice to younger generations is something Gonnie takes seriously — she has dedicated an entire chapter of her book to it.
Question: What would you tell someone who is thinking about making the move to retirement living?
Gonnie: Live while you can. Follow a dream if you can. Do what you want. If it doesn’t work, you can start again and try something else. At least you have tried.
What distinguishes Delmanor Wynford
- Located in Don Mills — one of Toronto’s most established, tree-lined residential neighbourhoods
- Spacious suite configurations including one-bedroom, one-bedroom with den, two-bedroom, and two-bedroom with den options
- End-unit suites with exceptional natural light and year-round views
- A vibrant social environment with an active programming calendar
- Independent living and supportive living options designed to adapt as needs change over time
Retirement Living in Don Mills, Toronto
Don Mills is one of Toronto’s most thoughtfully planned and well-loved residential communities, offering seniors a genuine quality of life just northeast of the city’s core. Residents at Delmanor Wynford benefit from:
- A quiet, established neighbourhood with green spaces, mature trees, and a genuine residential character
- Easy access to the Don Valley Parkway and major transit routes for families visiting from across the GTA
- Proximity to Shops at Don Mills — retail, dining, and essential services within easy reach
- Access to healthcare facilities and medical services in the surrounding area
- A central Toronto location that keeps families close and the city within reach
Frequently Asked Questions About Retirement Living at Delmanor Wynford
Q: What is Delmanor Communities?
A: Delmanor Communities is a luxury retirement living provider operating multiple communities across the Greater Toronto Area. Each community is designed around a simple belief: that retirement should feel meaningful, connected, and inspired. Delmanor Wynford in Don Mills, Toronto is one of several Delmanor communities known for its warm atmosphere, personalized care, and vibrant daily life.
Q: Who owns and operates Delmanor Wynford?
A: Delmanor Wynford is proudly part of Delmanor Seniors Communities — a proudly Canadian-owned and operated business with over 23 years in the retirement living industry, and a member of the Tridel Group of Companies. Tridel is one of Canada’s most respected names in residential development, with a legacy built on quality, integrity, and community. Delmanor Seniors Communities operates seven exceptional retirement residences across the Greater Toronto Area.
Q: What is it like to live at Delmanor Wynford?
A: Residents at Delmanor Wynford describe the community as warm, social, and genuinely welcoming. Daily life includes chef-prepared dining with attentive personal service, wellness and fitness programming, social activities and excursions, and access to a community of neighbours in a beautifully designed setting. For residents who value independence, the community is designed to support life on your own terms.
Q: What suite types are available at Delmanor Wynford?
A: Delmanor Wynford offers one-bedroom, one-bedroom with den, two-bedroom, and two-bedroom with den suite options. Suites are spacious and thoughtfully designed — including end-unit options with exceptional light and views. Residents can choose the configuration that best suits their lifestyle and needs.
Q: What levels of care are offered at Delmanor Wynford?
A: Delmanor Wynford offers independent living and supportive living. Care plans are personalized to each resident and reviewed regularly, so support can be adjusted as needs evolve — without requiring a move to a different community.
Q: How do residents build friendships and community at Delmanor Wynford?
A: Through shared dining, social events, organized activities, and the natural rhythm of daily life, residents at Delmanor Wynford frequently form genuine, lasting friendships. Many residents — including those who describe themselves as independent or private — are surprised by the connections they make.
Q: Is Delmanor Wynford a good option for seniors in Don Mills or Toronto?
A: For seniors seeking retirement living in Don Mills or the broader Toronto area, Delmanor Wynford is a well-regarded community within the Delmanor Communities portfolio. It is known for its spacious suite options, warm and attentive staff, vibrant social environment, and a standard of care that adapts to each resident’s individual needs.
Explore Delmanor Wynford
If Gonnie’s story resonates, the best next step is to come and see Delmanor Wynford for yourself. No website can fully convey what it feels like to walk through the doors — to meet the team, share a meal, and experience the community firsthand.
Join Us for Lunch & Tour at Delmanor Wynford → delmanorwynford.com
