A project by Progressive Intercultural Services Society

PICS Society, the largest non-profit in Canada serving the South Asian community since 1987, is currently developing “Guru Nanak Diversity Village,” a 125-bed long-term care facility designed to meet the unique cultural and social needs of South Asian seniors. PICS offers a variety of programs and services, including employment assistance, settlement support, language services, social programs, and housing services.

GNDV Collage

GNDV Groundbreaking Ceremony

The Guru Nanak Diversity Village (GNDV) groundbreaking ceremony in Surrey marked a historic milestone for culturally sensitive senior care in British Columbia. Led by the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, the $123 million, 125-bed long-term care facility embodies the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji—promoting dignity, equality, and compassion for all. Held on 175A Street in Cloverdale, the event brought together Premier David Eby, Ministers Rachna Singh and Harry Bains, Mayor Brenda Locke, community leaders, and donors to celebrate this long-awaited vision. The ceremony began with an Ardas (Sikh prayer) and concluded with the symbolic turning of soil and the unveiling of “Guru Nanak Village Way.” Once complete, GNDV will offer multilingual, culturally tailored care for seniors under Fraser Health, reflecting Surrey’s diversity and spirit of seva (selfless service).

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

At Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, we are committed to keeping our community informed and engaged as the Guru Nanak Diversity Village (GNDV) project progresses. Each month, we provide detailed updates on the construction milestones, key developments, and community partnerships shaping this historic long-term care facility in Surrey. These updates highlight the ongoing work to bring to life a 125-bed, culturally inclusive home that reflects the values of compassion, dignity, and seva (selfless service) inspired by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. From foundation work and structural progress to upcoming phases and community contributions, our goal is to ensure transparency and collective pride in this shared journey. We invite everyone to follow these monthly updates on our official website and social media channels as we move closer to making the Guru Nanak Diversity Village a reality for our seniors and families.

OUR SUPPORTERS

"I am excited about PICS’s project to support our seniors. When I was a little kid, I used...

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Ravi Khalon
MLA for Delta North
"I am excited about PICS’s project to support our seniors. When I was a little kid, I used to go with my grandfather to the Gurdwara, and he used to always say that we need a place for our seniors as they get older- that was a fight 40 years ago. PICS Guru Nanak Diversity Village is going to offer a place to them with dignified care."
Ravi Khalon
MLA for Delta North
"Dear Ms. Grewal & Mr. Cheema. Thank you so much for your generosity and time in hosting me at the ...

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Josie Osborne
Minister of Health of British Columbia
"Dear Ms. Grewal & Mr. Cheema. Thank you so much for your generosity and time in hosting me at the PICS Assisted Living Facility in Surrey. I learned so much by listening to you and the facility staff, and meeting residents and day-program Visitors. You have created a warm, welcoming, and beautiful home for people, and I am so grateful for the services you are providing through PICS to people. All my best, Josie Osborne"
Josie Osborne
Minister of Health of British Columbia
"Since 1987, PICS Society has offered an impressive array of services and programs aimed to promote intercultural inclusion, understanding and respect. ...

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Honourable David Eby
Premier of British Columbia
"Since 1987, PICS Society has offered an impressive array of services and programs aimed to promote intercultural inclusion, understanding and respect. One of their most significant projects has been the development of Guru Nanak Diversity Village, a culturally sensitive long-term care facility in Surrey for South Asian residents. This project will help meet the care needs of a rapidly growing senior population south of the Fraser River. Our government is pleased to provide the majority of the funding needed for PICS Society to achieve its vision, and funds raised through tonight's gala will provide further support for this impactful project that will care for our seniors for generations to come."
Honourable David Eby
Premier of British Columbia
“It is a matter of immense pleasure and honor for us to dedicate and name the upcoming long-term care facility...

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Satbir Singh Cheema
President & CEO - PICS Society
“It is a matter of immense pleasure and honor for us to dedicate and name the upcoming long-term care facility after Guru Nanak Dev Ji; symbolizing his ideals of equality of all human beings, irrespective of birth, gender, caste, and color; and his universal message that ‘there is one God and one human race.’ Guru Nanak Diversity Village is perhaps the biggest community project being built outside of the Indian subcontinent to commemorate Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th birth anniversary.”
Satbir Singh Cheema
President & CEO - PICS Society
“Supporting seniors’ health care within our community is vital and the Friends of PICS Gala & Fundraiser is doing just...

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Brenda Locke
Mayor - City of Surrey, BC
“Supporting seniors’ health care within our community is vital and the Friends of PICS Gala & Fundraiser is doing just that by raising funds toward the Guru Nanak Diversity Village for a 125 bed Long-Term Care Facility. I am very supportive the initiative that PICS is taking as well as the outcomes of the funding from the Province of British Columbia.”
Brenda Locke
Mayor - City of Surrey, BC
"Across our province, our senior population continues to grow, which is why investments into services such as long-term care beds ...

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Adrian Dix
Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs of British Columbia
"Across our province, our senior population continues to grow, which is why investments into services such as long-term care beds are so important. With the addition of these new beds in the Fraser Health region, we are ensuring services for seniors are in place to support people for many years to come."
Adrian Dix
Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs of British Columbia
"Our Government is pleased to fund the much-needed community project, the Guru Nanak Diversity Village – a 125-bed long-term...

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John Horgan
Former Premier - BC
"Our Government is pleased to fund the much-needed community project, the Guru Nanak Diversity Village – a 125-bed long-term care facility being built by PICS Society, that will provide culturally sensitive care to our seniors. I am very happy to see the overwhelming support from all sections of the community for this important project."
John Horgan
Former Premier - BC
"With Surrey’s population of citizens 65 years of age and older set to rise considerably over the next 25 years...

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Justin Trudeau
Former Prime Minister Of Canada
"With Surrey’s population of citizens 65 years of age and older set to rise considerably over the next 25 years, PICS Diversity Village will fulfill a vital need in the community. This long-term care facility will offer high quality, culturally-sensitive programs, and services to seniors of South Asian descent, providing them with the care, companionship, and sense of independence that allows them to live fulfilling lives."
Justin Trudeau
Former Prime Minister Of Canada