Green Acres Foundation History
Green Acres Lodge, 1960
Celebrating 65 years of serving seniors!
On April 11, 2025, Green Acres Foundation will celebrate 65 years of serving seniors in Southern Alberta, making it “old enough to be a senior itself!” Since 1960, the Foundation has been a cornerstone of the community, offering affordable housing and care services to seniors. Over the years, we have evolved and adapted, continually enhancing our services to meet the changing needs of the community.
Early Days of Senior Care
To understand how far we’ve come, let’s look back to the 1950s. There was growing concern about the increasing number of senior citizens occupying active treatment beds in hospitals. Most of these seniors didn’t require intensive medical care, just some support with daily living. This highlighted the need for a new type of facility — a place that could provide seniors with the support they needed without occupying hospital resources.
That sparked a big shift. In 1958, the Government of Alberta introduced the Seniors Lodge Program- an innovative program to provide affordable housing and essential services to seniors. Municipalities across Alberta partnered in this initiative, and foundations were formed – governed by a board of directors – to oversee and manage each lodge that was built. It was a turning point to how we care for older adults.
Green Acres Foundation in the Beginning
Green Acres Foundation was established on April 11, 1960, originally in partnership with four municipalities, Lethbridge, County of Lethbridge, Coaldale, and Nobleford. The Foundation was created to oversee the new Green Acres Lodge in Lethbridge, which opened its doors on September 1, 1960.
The lodge was a modest one-story building with a capacity for just 50 people. Each room was just over 100 square feet, and seniors had to share common bathrooms. While the accommodations were simple, the Foundation’s goal was clear — to provide seniors a safe, supportive place to live independently, with assistance available when needed.
Green Acres Foundation Today
Fast forward to today, and Green Acres Foundation has grown to over 20 locations across Southern Alberta and more communities, including the towns of Coalhurst, Picture Butte, and Village of Barons.
Throughout the years the Foundation has continuously upgraded its buildings to better serve the needs of seniors in our community. In 1999, the humble one-story Green Acres Lodge building was replaced with a modern senior living community, Pemmican Lodge. We’ve continued to expand options for retirement living, helping seniors find the path that’s right for them.
Much has changed over 65 years, including attitudes towards aging. Today senior communities are more than just “retirement homes,” they are thriving communities focused on independence, affordability, quality care, and connection. Senior care now includes a variety of enriching activities such as planned events, bus outings, and recreational therapy, ensuring every resident has opportunities for wellness, and personal connection.
Green Acres Foundation in the Future
Abbey Road Terrace, 2024
The future of senior housing and care is always evolving – and we’re ready for it! In 2024, we completed construction of the historic Abbey Road Terrace apartment building, with exciting plans for more affordable housing projects in the future. Here’s to 65 years of serving Alberta’s seniors and many more to follow!
See why Green Acres is a great place to live! Call us to book a tour today!
403-328-1155