A new model for seniors housing in South Surrey
Published 11:33 am Monday, May 18, 2026
By Ken Fraser, Executive Director of VRS Communities Seniors Living, owner and operator of Pacific Carlton Seniors Community in South Surrey
When I was 21 years old, I broke my neck in a diving accident and have been confined to a wheelchair ever since. Three years after my accident I was hired by VRS Communities, a non-profit organization based in Vancouver, as a housing placement officer.
My job was to find wheelchair accessible housing in the community for individuals in wheelchairs. This was no easy task in 1982.
I was passionate about my work, and it showed. I was later promoted to Accountant and then to Executive Director, a position I have held for the past 30 years.
Ken Fraser, Executive Director of VRS Communities Seniors Living, owner and operator of Pacific Carlton Seniors Community in South Surrey.
At VRS Communities we have been creating housing solutions and services for clients in British Columbia for almost 50 years. Our story is one rooted in integrity, perseverance, and inspiration.
Beginning our journey as a non-profit serving persons with disabilities, we now proudly serve thousands of individuals throughout the province including seniors and families. We believe in building communities where everyone experiences belonging, growth and independence.
A decade ago, we identified a need in the South Surrey seniors community for a high quality, affordable housing option for middle-income seniors. There were many high-end independent seniors living projects and some subsidized facilities in the market, but not a lot of options for middle-income retirees to live in a safe and supported environment.
From this calling, a vision for VRS Seniors Living was born. We now proudly own and operate 13 seniors communities throughout B.C. and Alberta and have more in the planning stage.
Unique to VRS Seniors Living, including Pacific Carlton Seniors Community in South Surrey, is its commitment to quality and affordability.
What is unique about our seniors residences, is our commitment to quality and affordability – matching our words with the actions we take each day to bring those benefits back to our residents. Our bottom line is not something of interest to the board of directors – the exception being if we are running at a surplus, we are charging too much, or need to increase services. With this model we believe in a new way forward for seniors housing.
We are committed to bringing our service model to many communities in BC and to prove we can compete by delivering a better retirement solution for our seniors.
This service model is what makes life at Pacific Carlton Seniors Community so fulfilling. Part of the Canadian owned, non-profit VRS Communities Society, Pacific Carlton creates a warm and welcoming community where everyone knows you by name. Welcome to a new way forward in seniors living.