The New Bethany Calgary:
Care and Home Reimagined
The Province of Alberta included funding in its 2023 budget to revitalize the Bethany Calgary Care Centre in the neighbourhood of Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill. The project will see the development of a new and home-like care centre that will serve current and future residents.
As one of the oldest care centres in Alberta, and despite numerous renovations since its inception in 1969, the existing building no longer meets modern standards and designs for care environments. The new care home will sit on the southeast corner of the site next to the existing care home, which will allow residents to remain in place and maintain much-needed healthcare system capacity during construction.
Bethany appreciates the patience, understanding, and support of our neighbours as we move forward with this important project. Together, we can ensure that the redevelopment not only meets the needs of residents of the community living at Bethany Calgary but also contributes positively to the broader community we all share.
NEWS & UPDATES
Decades of Care in the Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill Community
Bethany Calgary has been part of the Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill community since 1945, providing compassionate care and support to Calgarians. The redevelopment of Bethany Calgary into a modern, state-of-the-art care home represents not only a significant milestone for Bethany but also a valuable opportunity to retain continuing care spaces in an accessible, inner-city neighborhood. This allows local families and aging spouses to stay connected, with residents remaining part of a familiar community they call home.
A Modernized Care Home of the Future
The new Bethany Calgary will provide an upgraded environment for 420 residents, including seniors and adults with disabilities. The new building will feature private rooms, each with an ensuite, enhancing comfort and dignity for every resident. Designed with community in mind, this redevelopment introduces welcoming spaces for residents, their families, and the public, including garden areas, gathering spaces, and a bistro for both residents and visitors to enjoy. Funding from the project includes a $114M grant from the Government of Alberta as well as a $20M capital campaign led by the Bethany Care Foundation.
Creating Neighborhoods Within a Home
The new design introduces a design of “homes within a home” with small, 14-rooms with private ensuites that feature their own dining and living spaces. Like houses along a neighborhood street, each home will have a unique character, fostering a warm, personalized environment that feels familiar and welcoming. This small-home model reflects Bethany’s commitment to high-quality, person-centered care.
Maintaining Strong Community Connections
Many residents have called Bethany Calgary home for years. The ties our residents share with the community are long-lasting; 30 residents have been with us for over 10 years, and our longest-residing resident has been here for 24 years.
Minimizing Disruption During Construction
Construction of the new care home will take place on the southeast corner of the current site, with the building targeted for completion by fall 2027. Bethany appreciates the patience, understanding, and support of our neighbours as we move forward with this important project.
The Next Chapter for Bethany Calgary
With this new development, Bethany Calgary will continue its legacy of caring for Calgarians while providing a fresh, modern space that enhances community engagement, comfort, and connection for all who call Bethany home. The redevelopment of this site will not only meet the needs of our residents who call Bethany Calgary home but also be a hub for the community we all share
SITE VISION
The development uses a mix of 5 to 7 storeys to help create a contextually scaled design that is fitted to the escarpment.
Since the funding and project announcement in April 2023, Bethany has been working on a vision and design for the site. The redevelopment of this site will not only meet the needs of our residents who call Bethany Calgary home but also be a hub for the community we all share.
Our vision is that the redeveloped Bethany Calgary will bring long-term benefits to our community, including enhanced amenities and a modernized care home that aligns with the needs of residents and neighbours.
PROJECT TIMELINE
BETHANY CARE SOCIETY
For over 79 years, Bethany Care Society has operated as a not-for-profit provider of continuing care and independent, affordable housing to seniors and adults with disabilities. Operating in 24 locations in 8 different communities across Calgary and Central Alberta, Bethany’s mission is creating caring communities. It specializes in managing the care of people with dementia and the provision of special programs for individuals with unique and medically complex care needs.
The Bethany site in Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill first opened in 1945 and currently houses over 400 residents who receive 24-hour-a-day care and support.
