Our History

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History

Historical photo of Canterbury Foundation's founding directors and Anglican clergy at the 1971 dedication ceremony

Making Canterbury
Foundation Our Home

In 1969 the Bentall Family Foundation joined with the Dominion Construction Company and decided to build retirement homes in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. In 1971 Ron Grantham, the Edmonton manager of Dominion Construction hoped that the Edmonton project would be owned and operated by a group from the Anglican Parish of Christ Church, his home church.

Ron began recruiting the first Board of Directors from the membership of Christ Church and from St. Timothy’s Anglican Church. It was within the geographical bounds of the Parish of St. Timothy’s that the new facility was to be constructed. The Board of Directors met for the first time on January 17, 1972. In this meeting, the name “Canterbury” was suggested by Rev. Peirce, the Rector of Christ Church at the time.

In 2023, the Board of Canterbury Foundation removed from its membership requirements the need to be a practicing Anglican. However, our By-laws continue to reflect our history in the inclusion of the Rectors of both Christ Church and St. Timothy’s as Honourary Directors of the Foundation.

The Foundation’s activities are now driven by our stated core values, not by the doctrine of any religious organization. We live in a pluralistic society, and our Foundation has changed accordingly.

Canterbury Foundation was incorporated as a charitable not-for-profit organization under the Societies Act of Alberta in March 1972.

Senior women in a historical photo at Canterbury Foundation

A Success Story

We celebrate 40 years of being the seniors’ residence of choice in Edmonton. We give thanks to the visionaries who responded to the needs of seniors 40 years ago and who continue to respond to their changing needs today.
– Wendy King, Past CEO of Canterbury Foundation.

In early 1973, the Dominion Construction Company turned over the Edmonton division of the original project to Canterbury Foundation as owners and operators of the new facility. Construction began in July 1973 and the first resident was welcomed just over a year later, in August 1974. The official opening of this assisted living residence was on September 8, 1974, and is commemorated by the bronze plaque in Canterbury Court.

Senior women chatting and smiling at Canterbury Foundation senior housing

Celebrating over 40 years of home

In 1991, a sod-turning ceremony marked the commencement of the construction of Canterbury Manor, a 127-unit self-contained, independent living senior’s residence. The Manor, which opened in 1992, quickly became a second success story for the Foundation, becoming one of the most popular and highly regarded seniors’ residences in Edmonton.

In 1998, the Foundation again seized the initiative when, in conjunction with a major upgrade and refurbishment of Canterbury Court, a 20-suite special care unit was constructed for residents with Alzheimer’s and similar dementias. This secure dementia care residence was called Canterbury Lane and was the first of its kind in Edmonton.

Canterbury Foundation celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the opening of Canterbury Court in October 2014.

Live Here

Testimonials

Yesterday, as I was leaving, a caregiver was signing in. The receptionist greeted her by name and mentioned that her mom was looking forward to seeing her and how her mom's day had been! Now I know from the research, that caregivers want to be recognized just like this-- included as partners in care. Heidi Hadubiak BN MBA CEC PCC congratulations on your incredible care team.

— Sharon Anderson, PhD in Aging and Family Gerontology
— Mark Henderson, Canterbury Resident
Our mother, who is living with Alzheimer’s, has been thriving at Canterbury with excellent compassionate care and support. Once her illness progresses to the stage where additional, more specialized care is needed, it is a great comfort to know that she will be able to continue to age in place in familiar surroundings with skilled and caring staff.

— D. Baker and Family
My father moved into the Lane when his dementia suddenly worsened 5 years ago. We are very grateful for the home and caring warm environment always provided at Canterbury!

— McIntosh Family
Awesome place to be with. Staff are friendly and caring, management approachable. Highly recommended

— Rose
Very caring staff.

— Scott
Not only is the facility beautiful, but they constantly keep all residents busy with activities that enrich their lives. I have never experienced a facility that cares for the residents as if they were family. If doesn’t matter if it is the consideration shown from management, the patience portrayed by maintenance or friendliness felt by the on floor staff, you could not go wrong with the Canterbury Foundation.

— Michelle Lyall
Fantastic! The staff is always caring, they let you visit your parents, grandparents unless they get sick or you get sick but that is perfectly fine! I love that my grandparents live here.
The staff were very polite and safe when I visited!

— Shane Spurlock
Great place with great people.

— Edmonton City Cabinets
Incredible facility with a beautiful courtyard, professional and caring staff and a great activities program for residents.

— Nicole Lauzon

Give the promise of home.

Canterbury Foundation is a not-for-profit licensed care facility.