Tag: affordable housing

April 22 – Earth Day is a reminder that small actions can make a big difference. At GEF Seniors Housing, sustainability is part of everything we do. Our goal is simple: to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable homes for seniors while reducing our environmental impact.

Our new Energy and Water Management Policy is a practical approach to using resources wisely, lowering utility costs, and ensuring our buildings are efficient for years to come.

But sustainability isn’t just about buildings and infrastructure – it’s about people. That’s why we’re inviting everyone from staff, residents, and volunteers to get involved.

Sustainability starts with the people who live, work and volunteer in our communities.

Use Less, Save More, Live Better

With 41 buildings across Edmonton, we know that small changes add up. Our energy and water management initiatives focus on seven key areas:

✔ Electricity – Installing high-efficiency lighting, occupancy sensors in common areas, and smart energy management systems.


✔ Water Conservation – Using high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, drought-resistant landscaping, and water recycling initiatives.


✔ Natural Gas – Upgrading to high-efficiency units such as HVAC, boilers, and other mechanical systems.


✔ Fuel Usage – Choosing fuel-efficient vehicles and strategic travel routes.


✔ Communication & Engagement – Educating staff and residents about conservation and discussing ideas for improvement.


✔ Emerging Technologies & Continuous Improvement – Exploring and adopting new technology for energy and water conservation while continually conducting performance assessments to improve.

✔ Client Participation – Encouraging simple habits that reduce energy and water use as well as provide incentives for participating in sustainability initiatives.

This work aligns with our Sustainability Framework which helps GEF meet social, environmental, and economic goals while enhancing both the natural environment and the lives of our community members.

Upgrading to high-efficiency light fixtures, turning off taps, using fuel efficient vehicles, and turning off lights when leaving – all help to create a greener future for all.

Real Progress, Real Impact

The progress we have made since the introduction of our Sustainability Framework includes:

🏡 Boiler upgrades at GEF Kiwanis Place and GEF Grace Garden Court – Replacing old 80% efficient boilers with 88% efficient models to reduce fuel use.


🛗 Elevator modernization at GEF Kiwanis Place – Installing gearless motors that use less power.

🔧 Roof replacement at GEF Ansgar Villa – Upgrading to an energy-efficient roofing system with improved durability and insulation.

Upgrades made at GEF communities: Ansgar Villa, Grace Garden Court, and Kiwanis Place are already making a difference.

These upgrades help lower energy costs, reduce pollution, and make our buildings more comfortable for residents. Every dollar saved on utilities is a dollar that can be reinvested in Quality of Life programs that benefit seniors.

In addition, improvements like these help us work towards our goal of achieving ISO 50001: 2018 certification related to energy management.

How You Can Help

Sustainability works best when everyone is involved. Whether it’s turning off unused lights, turning off taps, or finding new ways to save energy, small actions matter.

Watch for posters coming to your GEF communities and take action to use less, save more, and live better!

Together, we can build a future that’s better for seniors and better for our planet.

A Simple Game Creating Special Moments

At GEF Bethany Senior Citizens Home, a new shuffleboard table is doing more than just adding a game to the space – it’s bringing people together. Thanks to generous donations to our Quality of Life Fund, a portion of funds was used to relocate the shuffleboard from another site to its current home at Bethany. Now tenants have a new way to connect, stay active, and enjoy time together.

Bethany’s recreation room had been quiet as of late, but this shuffleboard table is already changing that. Tenants are stopping by, some to play, some to watch, and many to simply enjoy a cup of coffee and chat.

“It’s the perfect activity to get everyone out of their rooms. Once others see us having fun, maybe more will come out to join us! I’m going to start organizing weekly get-togethers and shuffleboard tournaments with prizes.”

– Paul K., Tenant

More Than Just a Game

Shuffleboard is easy to pick up, which makes it inviting for everyone. Some tenants are reliving old memories, while others are trying it for the first time. Most importantly, it’s bringing them together for friendship and fun!

Game on! Paul K. teaches Janice B. how to play shuffleboard for the first time.

“I’m just learning how to play shuffleboard, and I love it! I used to only come down here to check the mail, but now that we have weekly coffee talks and this new shuffleboard, it’s great to meet up with everyone like this.”

– Janice B., Tenant

The space around the table has become a lively gathering spot, helping to bring vibrancy and energy into the community. Their weekly conversations over coffee, laughter, and friendly shuffleboard competitions have become simple, everyday moments that make the community feel more like home.

Your Support Makes This Possible

The shuffleboard table is just one example of how the Quality of Life Fund has made an impact in helping seniors thrive in their community. Donations fund life enriching opportunities, social activities, and additions that make a real difference.

Want to help create more special moments like this? 

Donate to the Quality of Life Fund and bring more meaningful experiences to seniors across our communities.

The 2024 holiday season was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together. Thanks to the kindness of individuals and businesses, we brought joy to 3,800 seniors across our 41 GEF communities. From festive events to thoughtful gifts, the generosity shown from our donors and volunteers made the holiday season even more special. Scroll through the slideshow of pictures below to look back on some of our favorite moments!

A Record-Breaking Year of Giving

Celebrated on December 3, 2024, this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign was a big success! Together, we raised over $20,000 for our Quality of Life Fund, surpassing last year’s total of $18,000. Every dollar raised helps us enrich the lives of seniors, and we are so grateful to everyone who contributed. Visit our Donor and Volunteer Recognition page to see a list of our supporters.

Making the Holidays Bright

Thanks to our incredible community, we were able to:

• Provide 168 grocery gift cards as well as other gifts to be used as door prizes for seniors at holiday events and upcoming winter festivals across all of our sites.

• Give 285 seniors a magical evening on the Borealis Holiday Lights Tour, completely free of charge.

• Bring vibrant energy to the billiards room at Strathcona Place with a new 32” Smart TV.

• Direct over $2,000 in individual donations to specific GEF communities.

• Contribute $2,500 to the Compassion Fund for those clients most in need.

A Successful Year for Stocking Stuffers for Seniors

The generosity of London Drugs and Albertans made this year’s Stocking Stuffers for Seniors 2024 campaign the biggest one yet! Thanks to their support, a record 1,600 seniors in 20 GEF communities received holiday gifts. Their kindness made the season brighter for so many.

Deck the Halls: Volunteers Made the Season Shine

Nothing says the holidays like twinkling lights and festive decorations! This year, several volunteers gave their time to decorate our communities, adding warmth and cheer to our seniors’ homes.

A special thank you to the Old Navy store team in Edmonton, who not only helped decorate but also donated 310 cozy holiday gift bags for several seniors in our communities — as well as housing applicants waiting for a place to call home.

The Spirit of Giving Continues

The holidays may be over, but the spirit of giving continues all year long. Your support makes all the difference! Donate to our Quality of Life Fund and choose exactly where your gift will go. Together, we can continue to bring joy and connection to the seniors who call GEF their home.

Thanks to all the individuals, businesses, and volunteers for making 2024 so unforgettable. Here’s to another year of compassion, kindness, community, and giving!

Photos: Cindy Stewart (centre) from Old Navy drops off gift bag donations filled with holiday goodies for GEF housing clients.

The holiday season is a time for kindness, connection, and community. This year, thanks to a warm-hearted donation from Old Navy, we had the chance to bring some extra joy to seniors in our city as well as those living in our communities.

In November, Old Navy staff from across Edmonton worked together to assemble 310 holiday gift bags, each filled with something cozy, something fun, something tasty, and something useful. These thoughtful gifts aimed to brighten the days of our residents and housing applicants — and they truly did!

Housing Team Steps in as Santa’s Helpers

The first 100 gift bags were given to the Housing Team who quickly stepped into their holiday roles as Santa’s helpers. During housing interviews in December, staff surprised applicants with these gifts, offering some much-needed cheer during a challenging time.

With over 1,200 seniors currently on our waitlist for housing, and with our buildings at nearly full capacity, Old Navy’s gifts provided support and compassion to seniors waiting for a place to call home.

A Small Gift, A Big Impact

The reactions from applicants were heartwarming. Many shared how a simple gift turned their day around, bringing a bit of light and joy when they needed it most.

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The remainder of the gift bags were delivered to thankful residents and tenants at various GEF communities over the holiday season.

Old Navy team delivers gift bags to happy residents and tenants.

Thank You, Old Navy!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Old Navy and to our dedicated GEF staff for helping make this holiday season brighter for our community. Your generosity through this campaign truly warmed hearts — along with heads, hands and toes!

Join Us in Spreading Cheer All Year Round

As we continue to support seniors in our communities, we invite you to be a part of spreading happiness and cheer throughout 2025. Click here to learn more about how you can help us make a difference.

Together, we can brighten someone’s day, warm their heart, and remind them of hopeful days ahead.

Photos from left to right: Jacquie Eales and her husband Brent Webster; the birthday gal and her 60th birthday balloons; Jacquie and her son Brad

This year Jacquie Eales celebrated a milestone—her 60th birthday—but it was not your typical affair focused on all things cake, candles and cocktails (though there was still plenty of that on hand!) For the birthday gal, what was most important to her was gathering with her nearest and dearest on a special night that focused on GIVING back.

“Turning 60 gave me time to reflect on my past, be grateful for the present, and plan my future with more intention. I realized I don’t need more stuff. But I know there are many others that do.”

As a former member and chair of the GEF Seniors Housing Board of Directors, Jacquie has spent years advocating for and supporting vulnerable seniors. On her 60^th birthday, Jacquie took her commitment to the next level by fundraising for GEF’s Quality of Life Fund, which helps seniors facing financial hardship to thrive by ensuring they have access to basic needs and resources. 

A Party with a Purpose

Rather than receiving traditional birthday gifts, Jacquie invited her 40 guests to donate to GEF Seniors Housing. Jacquie’s guests were not surprised by this unique party idea – in fact they were supportive.

“It’s easy to do an Honorary Gifting event like this because you’re getting people together anyway, so use it to plant the seed and create awareness. Every donation big or small can make a difference. Even if someone gives $20 – if everyone in the room does the same, it grows.”

– Jacquie Eales, Philanthropist

Jacquie’s purposeful party raised nearly $3,800 that goes towards providing necessary items like mattresses, home furnishings, and kitchen wares to seniors most in need when moving into GEF communities.

Understanding Seniors’ Needs

In 2014, while working with GEF on a University of Alberta research project, Jacquie interviewed dozens of low-income residents to learn firsthand what contributes to their quality of life. This work was foundational to the development of GEF’s Quality of Life Philosophy, which is based on choice, dignity, well-being, accountability, and kindness.

“GEF has been a hidden gem in our community for 65 years providing homes to seniors with limited incomes. I wanted to create awareness about this organization.”

It was during her time as a board member from 2016 to 2022 that she saw firsthand the significant changes in need and the increasing complexity in circumstances of GEF’s clients. GEF’s Outreach Team identifies these clients and works with organizations like FIND to provide basic items such as beds, new mattresses, chairs, side tables, lamps, dishes, and cookware.

“Donations like these help GEF to support seniors—many of whom are coming from precarious situations—continue to maintain their dignity notwithstanding the journeys that have brought them to our doors.”

– Shanika Donalds, Director of Housing and Client Services, GEF Seniors Housing

A Legacy of Compassion

Jacquie’s long-standing passion for caring for older adults started with her grandparents and continued with her mother who was the Assistant Director at a long-term care centre. On days off from school, Jacquie and her brother volunteered at the centre and enjoyed portering, doing residents’ hair, and playing cards with them.

“We had early exposure to older adults and all their wonderful wisdom. My mother and her career in long-term care was also a tremendous example for us.”

Jacquie’s mom, Joan, donates her large book collection to GEF’s library project.

As a former Speech Language Pathologist, Jacquie says her work in geriatric rehabilitation to help seniors regain communication skills after suffering strokes and other neurological impairments was very rewarding. Now happily retired, when she’s not busy on the playground with her two grandchildren, Jacquie continues to support GEF in new ways.

“The best way to start is to simply ask, ‘How can I help?’ Volunteering time, donating goods, or even just spreading the word about GEF are all ways people can help.”

Ways to Get Involved

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or simply want to give back, there are many ways to help.

• DONATE – Dedicate donation to Seniors Most in Need.
• FUNDRAISE for GEF: Honorary Gifting, Charity of Choice, and DIY Fundraiser.
• VOLUNTEER with us.

Generosity is a gift that never expires and sometimes the greatest gifts are the ones that lift others up.

GEF marked its 65th anniversary by celebrating the joys of seniorhood and the vibrancy of its communities. The celebrations kicked off during Seniors’ Week in June and culminated with the unveiling of the 65^th Anniversary Mosaic Art Project on October 1, the International Day of the Older Person. Here’s a look back at our celebrations.

A “Vibrant Community” Unveiled

First launched at the 65th anniversary kick-off event in June, the Mosaic Art Project came together over the summer and became the legacy project of our anniversary year. Artists Kelly Jans & Lisa Kutzner, who are also GEF staff members, worked collaboratively with residents and tenants from across our 41 communities to create the artwork. They chose sunflowers as the overall theme of the composition because the cheerful yellow petals remind us to embrace joy, seek out light, and stand tall in the face of adversity – a fitting description of seniorhood itself. Residents and tenants contributed to the mosaic by expressing what being a senior means to them. Participants did not necessarily know about the sunflower theme when they painted their individual canvases.

All was revealed at the October 1 event, which took place at Strathcona Place Apartments, was livestreamed on YouTube, and featured the creators of the masterpiece as the V.I.Ps. Project participants were invited to share their personal stories during an innovative open-mic segment. While each story was unique, they all reflected the optimism, resilience, embodiment of life, warmth, and longevity that seniorhood represents.

“We wanted to focus on one impactful activity that would leave a memorable impression on our community. “Vibrant Community” reflects the unique lived experiences of each individual within our communities as well as the creativity and vibrancy that exists in our communities as a whole.”

– Bernadette DeSantis, GEF Seniors Housing Director of Communications and Engagement,
Chair of the 65th Anniversary Committee.

Community members chose to name the mosaic “Vibrant Community” in honour of GEF’s rich history and vision to create vibrant affordable communities for seniors. The artwork will be on display at GEF’s Central Services location, and a photograph of the mosaic will be displayed in each GEF community for all to enjoy.

A recording of the unveiling event is available on our YouTube Channel.

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Community Celebrations

Throughout the summer, tenants and staff, residents and their families were invited to celebrate the 65th Anniversary at their annual Lodge Summer Fairs and Apartment Barbecues. The weather cooperated for many of the outdoor events, but even when the events had to move indoors due to extreme weather conditions, there was plenty of fun and food had by all.

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Together We Thrive: Celebrating Seniors and our Supporters

Stunning displays of culinary and visual artistry at Art Walk.

Seniors’ Week (June 3 to 9) is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of seniors, and with GEF becoming a senior itself, we chose June 6 to kick off our celebration of seniors and seniors-serving organizations. We gathered with our partners in the community at McQueen Place Lodge to mark 65 years of supporting low-income seniors to thrive in their Golden Years. Special guests included representatives from the Alberta Government, City of Edmonton, Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association (ASCHA), Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE), and members of the GEF Board of Directors. The event showcased the culinary and visual artists from our GEF communities. With this being our Sapphire Anniversary, we chose blue as our theme colour because it symbolizes loyalty and peacefulness in a long lasting relationship. A local school group collaborated with our seniors to produce the “wings” display which became a fun photo booth at the kick off event and summer fairs.

McQueen Place Lodge residents and staff enjoy the celebration.

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Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

A HUGE thanks goes out to all of our 400 + GEF staff, whose dedication and commitment to creating a warm, friendly, and welcoming environment for everyone who lives in, works at, or visits our communities have brought us to where we are today and will help us get to where we want to be in the future.

For their role in our journey to becoming Alberta’s largest non-profit social housing operator for seniors, this year’s staff appreciation theme was ‘Enjoy the Journey’, and staff received “Explore the City” summer fun packs. If you’re looking for opportunities to connect, give back, and positively influence seniors’ quality of life, click here to join our dedicated team.

We also give gratitude to our board members, community partners, volunteers, donors, residents, tenants, friends and family members. Thank you all for being a vital part of our 65 years of service to the community. If you’d like to get involved and support our Vibrant Community check out the ‘Get Involved’ tab on our website to volunteer or donate. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of seniors.

Special thanks to the 65th Anniversary Committee for their role in making the celebrations so memorable.

Let’s enjoy the journey ahead knowing that every small step we each take today paves the way for tomorrow.

When Stanley Construction first met with tenants of Knox-Met Manor to describe their plan to replace the windows of the seven-story building – with the seniors still living in their units – tenants thought it would be impossible. How could they live in a construction zone for six months, with no windows, in the middle of the summer? By the time the project wrapped up, the seniors and the construction team were sad to say goodbye to each other. What happened to bring about this happy ending to a challenging project?

Building Lasting Connections

Throughout the project, the Stanley team demonstrated a remarkable commitment to being senior-friendly, and treated the seniors with the utmost respect, ensuring the work did not come before their Quality of Life.

Over time, the workers’ kindness grew on the tenants, and they formed friendships. One tenant (pictured above with a few of the Stanley crew members) would occasionally prepare lunches for the workers, which the workers appreciated.

At the September 12 wrap-up BBQ hosted by Stanley with support from Cooper Equipment Rentals, both sides expressed how much they cherished the connections that were formed and how much they will miss one another.

The great new windows were almost a bonus compared to the relationships formed during the construction project!

A Sustainable Upgrade

The new windows are triple pane, PVC, casement style windows with a special coating that reflects solar rays, helping to keep the suites cooler in the Summer. In total, 159 suite windows and 18 shared area windows were replaced, contributing to greater energy efficiency.

To further enhance tenant comfort and energy efficiency, GEF made sure to install new roller-type solar shades on all of the suite windows facing south.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

This project exemplifies the kind of partnership we aim to foster between our community partners and the clients we serve. As part of our Quality of Life Philosophy, we promote and encourage relationships between seniors, staff, and communities based on respect, kindness, and compassion.

We invite other vendors and partners to collaborate with us to enrich the lives of seniors and to give back to our community.

Visit our donations page to learn more about our current campaigns and contribute to our Quality of Life fund. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of seniors.

It’s been just over two years since Ottewell Terrace opened its door in the east-end Edmonton neighbourhood. The building added a whole new set of options for seniors living in the area, adding GEF Seniors Housing’s affordable apartments program that sees rent set at 10 to 15 per cent below market value in the area, and set a new standard for how GEF Seniors Housing approached new capital building projects.

“We were already established in the neighbourhood with Ottewell Place lodge and St. Nicholas apartments,” says GEF Seniors Housing CEO Raymond Swonek. “So we knew we wouldn’t encounter any apprehension with affordable housing being built in the area. Rather, what we encountered was a lot of excitement and anticipation for this new building and that drove some really interesting conversations with the community.”

GEF Seniors Housing held community consultation meetings before any ground was broken on the project. This helped to ensure the neighbourhood was on board with the project and that they were kept in the loop throughout the entire process. It was during the community consultation meetings that the idea of integrating a daycare centre into the building came to light.

“I was already aware of all the research that had gone into the benefits of intergenerational programming both for seniors and for children,” Swonek says. “The idea of having easy access to this kind of programming was very appealing for both us and for Primrose Place Family Centre. Since moving in, it’s been a highly successful partnership and brought a lot of value not just to the seniors and the children but to the community as a whole.”

It didn’t take long for the 54 suites in Ottewell Terrace to fill up with seniors excited to call the building their new home. For many of the people who moved into Ottewell Terrace, staying in their community was a big deciding factor for where they were going to live. As neighbourhoods in Edmonton age, so do the people who live in them and Swonek explains that when staying in their own homes is no longer safe or suitable for a good quality of life, affordable housing options need to be readily available in the community.

“A big philosophy we live by is ageing in community,” says Swonek. “We’re seeing this kind of demand for affordable senior housing in a lot of neighbourhoods across Edmonton, especially in older communities like Ottewell. People want to stay in their neighbourhoods, stay close to their friends and family, and keep seeing the same doctors and dentists who know them so well. This easily explains why Ottewell Terrace has become one of our most popular buildings for new applicants.”

With the success of Ottewell Terrace, Swonek is looking forward to implementing everything GEF learned from the whole process to new capital projects such as Sakaw Terrace and the new development in Elmwood. One of the biggest reminders he had from the Ottewell Terrace project is how much value affordable housing adds to a community.

“You offer people an affordable place to call home and it immediately changes their lives,” says Swonek. “I think every neighbourhood in Edmonton could benefit from having some affordable housing options. Research time and time again shows that mixed communities are healthier and happier places to live. Ottewell Terrace is just one example of how an affordable housing project can add so much value to a community.”

November is Housing Month, a reminder of how important an issue housing is for everyone and how many challenges a lot of people face when trying to find somewhere affordable and accessible to call home. Young adults, families, and seniors are all affected by the rising housing costs in Edmonton. Governments at all levels have realized that housing is a growing issue for many people and are committing new funds and programs to help address these issues. Despite the growing efforts, many people still struggle with simple necessities that so many take for granted.

“If you spend more than 30 percent of your gross monthly income on housing, you’re considered below the poverty line,” says GEF Seniors Housing CEO Raymond Swonek. GEF Seniors Housing is just one organization participating in Housing Month efforts and activities to promote the need for more affordable housing in Edmonton.

“For many Edmontonians, spending only 30 percent of their income on housing seems like an impossible dream. We serve low-income seniors and offer them affordable housing options. We know the need in Edmonton is great, so we take part in Housing Month to help make sure no one ever has to worry about where they will call home.”

Housing Month started in Toronto with National Housing Day back in 1998. The City of Toronto called out to other municipalities to join them in recognizing the need for affordable housing options in their cities. The City of Edmonton decided to expand on the idea of National Housing Day into a whole month of events, promotions, and publications to educate and inform what affordable and social housing is, how affordable and social housing programs benefit neighbourhoods, and how individuals and communities can help housing organizations serve the people who need the help most.

GEF Seniors Housing is working with the City of Edmonton and other housing organizations such as Homeward Trust, Capital Region Interfaith Housing Initiative, and Capital Region Housing Corporation on a campaign to spur discussions around affordable housing in Edmonton, how to bring more affordable housing to different Edmonton communities, and what steps should be taken to help see more affordable housing projects break ground. Housing Month’s campaign also includes the National Housing Day Luncheon, hosted by Homeward Trust, on Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at the Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel.

“The partnerships we have with the other housing organizations for Housing Month is part of what makes this campaign so strong,” says Swonek. “Every one of these groups does amazing work in this city and is committed to seeing more affordable housing options available to Edmontonians who are in need. I’m so proud to be part of a city and a community that takes housing so seriously.”

Housing Month seeks to highlight current affordable housing projects being built around Edmonton, showcase current affordable housing buildings already established in the city, and exhibit much of the progress made from the support of all levels of government. Though Housing Month is driven by the City of Edmonton, the Provincial Government, and the Federal Government both have worked on major housing strategies that have benefited Edmonton greatly and even started releasing funds already so that housing organizations can begin work on creating new homes.

“I’m optimistic about the future of housing when I see how much all these different organizations and different governmental bodies are all collaborating with this common goal,” says Swonek. “Housing Month displays so much of the progress we’ve made over the years. I’m excited for more communities to become invested in affordable housing and Housing Month is the perfect way to make those connections and build that support.”