The courtyard at GEF Strathcona Place has become a bright, welcoming space thanks to a series of upgrades over the past few years. New benches, picnic tables with umbrellas, swing chairs, fresh sod, and rebuilt flower beds have all enhanced the landscape. For the 228 seniors who live in the nine-storey building, the courtyard is now a favourite spot to visit with neighbours, enjoy fresh air, and build friendships.
These improvements go beyond repairs – they create a space that supports well-being and community. With funding from the Government of Alberta, and as one of several buildings owned by the Alberta Social Housing Corporation, the refreshed courtyard adds lasting value while enriching seniors’ daily lives.
“More people are participating and gathering outside now. A group of us come out here in the evenings and chat. One night someone even brought out an accordion and played music and we started dancing.”
– Laurie N., Strathcona Place
“When seniors have a beautiful, safe environment to gather, it encourages social connection, physical activity, and a sense of belonging, which are all vital to quality of life. Our Facilities team takes great pride in knowing that the work we do directly impacts people’s daily experiences. My hope is that every improvement we make helps clients feel at home and reinforces that they are valued members of the GEF community.”
The infrastructure upgrades also inspired tenants to take on a creative project of their own: repainting the courtyard pond. Brenda, a tenant known for her love of painting, imagined turning the pond into a colourful mural featuring a mermaid, octopus, dolphins, a turtle, and fish.
“I wanted the pond to be colourful…beautiful from all angles of the building whether you were looking at it from the side, or from the top.”
– Brenda B., Strathcona Place
Teamwork in Action
Brenda started the outlines, and soon others joined in. The Housekeeping department even pitched in on breaks.
“It was nice to get to know the tenants one on one in this way. I’d never painted before and found it to be relaxing. Other tenants would bring us coffee and snacks, and visit with us while we worked on the pond. I’m happy that I could help out where I could.”
– Sami H., Housekeeping Aide, Strathcona Place
“I love how a lot of people who didn’t think they had the painting talent, joined the project and found it to be fun and therapeutic! I saw how the project brought them joy, and that brought me joy!”
— Brenda B., Strathcona Place
Six more neighbours picked up brushes, and soon the pond project was full of laughter and storytelling.
“I loved working on the pond with Brenda and everyone involved. We shared so many laughs and funny stories. In fact, the pond’s name is ‘Henrietta (the mermaid) and the Mystical Storytellers’ after the many stories we all shared while working on it together.”
– Linda S., Strathcona Place
Pride in Community
The pond now adds colour and character, but more importantly, it reflects the pride tenants feel in their home.
“This whole project, from the pond to the courtyard, is a great example of a community coming together to beautify and individualize it for the betterment of all. From one tenant diligently watering the new sod to ensure it thrives, to another tenant gardener who carefully removed and replanted the flowers and plants during the garden bed repairs – the pride of ownership at this community is remarkable.”
— Peggy Caine, Portfolio Manager, Strathcona Place
A Lasting Legacy
What began as a courtyard revitalization grew into something bigger: an opportunity for tenants and staff to create something meaningful together.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring this project to life. Whether it’s lending a hand, sharing your skills, or just joining in, get involved in your own community! You never know what lasting memories and legacies you might help create.
Summer BBQs bring our apartment communities together. This past month, the BBQ fun continued, with new faces and an extra reason to celebrate. Two new communities officially joined the GEF family!
Burgers, BBQS, and New Neighbours
Tenants from both Tegler Manor and Tegler Terrace enjoyed their first GEF Summer BBQ where seniors and staff had the opportunity to get to know each other better. There was good food, laughter, prizes, and plenty of connections made. It was a great way to welcome everyone into this new chapter together.
Tegler Manor BBQ
“I’ve lived at Tegler Manor for 14 years. It’s a nice, quiet building, and close to everything. We often see each other in the halls as we come and go and say ‘hello’, but I enjoyed today’s GEF BBQ because we were able to sit down with each other, have fun, and socialize.”
— Lucita C., Tegler Manor
Tegler Terrace BBQ
“I’ve been at Tegler Terrace for 4 years and have met many wonderful people. Most tenants are over 85 with a few of us in our early 70’s known as ‘the kids’! This was the first of many events with GEF, and it was nice to see what they do compared to what we do as a social committee. The best part is always visiting with one another and the laughter. You know it’s a good time when the volume in the room keeps going up!”
— Joanne E., Tegler Terrace
Two Buildings, One Warm Welcome
Tegler Manor and Tegler Terrace have been home to Edmonton seniors for decades, and now they’ll continue that tradition as part of GEF. With their addition, we can now provide nearly 4,000 low-to-moderate income seniors with access to affordable housing and services in 43 building locations across Edmonton.
Tegler Manor is a 14-story building with 101 units, right in downtown Edmonton at 9943–110 Street.
Tegler Terrace is a five-story building with 83 units and takes up a full city block at 9918–149 Street. Both offer two-bedroom apartments and are already full of friendly faces.
Looking Ahead
With the addition of these two new communities, GEF is taking an exciting step toward our strategic goalof growing by 1,000 units over five years. The transition to GEF ensures the Tegler buildings remain designated as affordable housing for seniors in Edmonton. But with nearly 1,300 seniors on our waitlist for housing, we need and want to do more. Donations to the Building for Life Fund enable us to increase the number of housing units we own or operate.
Welcome to everyone at Tegler Manor and Tegler Terrace! We’re so happy to have you join the GEF family.
At GEF, we believe in more than just providing a place to live – we believe in building vibrant, welcoming communities. One of the opportunities we provide for people to come together is the annual summer BBQs in our apartment buildings.
BBQs, Burgers & Belonging
Staff, tenants, and community partners come together for tasty food, live music, fun prizes, and lots of smiles. It’s an afternoon of laughs, full plates, and memorable moments.
“I look forward to these get-togethers! I recommend everyone try to come out to more of these community events.”
Debbie G., Avenwood Corner
“We see people that we don’t often see. It’s a nice way to connect and socialize.”
Johanna F., Avenwood Corner
The music, the dancing, and the friendly faces all add up to something really special. Press ▶️ PLAY to see the toe-tapping tunes at GEF Groat House Apartments.
Tenants at GEF Trinity Lutheran had a great time singing and dancing at their sunny Summer BBQ. Press ▶️ PLAY.
Even those who prefer their own space find joy in seeing their neighbours having fun.
“I typically like to be more solitary. I enjoy doing my own thing. But what I like about the BBQs is seeing everyone having fun, seeing how everyone’s doing, and seeing the new faces!”
Holly K., Bateman Manor
Community Partners and Staff get in the Spirit
“We’re such a person-centred organization. We love the interaction between staff and residents, which is so important for building relationships.”
Peggy Caine, Manager, Portfolio 8
“It’s the food, the music, the mingling – what’s not to love? You can’t help but feel good when you’re surrounded by so much positive energy and fun!”
Theresa Fielden, SAGE Seniors Association Edmonton
Share Your Story!
As the Summer BBQS continue, we want to hear how you’re creating vibrant communities in your own buildings. Whether it’s a special event, or a creative idea to engage and connect – tell us your story! Share your favourite moments with us at communications@gef.org and don’t forget to include your photos!
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Elaine Ginter was over the moon when she was finally reunited with her dog, Pepper. Pepper, a Bichon cross, was with Elaine for five years before they were separated. After living without Pepper for over a year at Porta Place, Elaine couldn’t be happier that GEF implemented a pet policy. Pepper is the very first furry resident of GEF Seniors Housing, and is fitting in quite well!
The new pet policy, which was rolled out in January 2020, went through months and months of work to develop, to ensure that each pet that is brought into one of our communities fits perfectly into our family. There are certain criteria that a pet has to meet, but the overall goal is to enhance the quality of life of our seniors.
Pepper moved in with Elaine’s daughter while she was getting settled at Porta Place. It was hard for her, as Pepper is like the son she never had. Elaine could go over and visit Pepper, but it was never the same. After continuously asking about the pet policy, Elaine was truly on cloud nine when she was told Pepper was able to move in with her. “I felt like my life had a purpose again. It meant the world to me!”
Having Pepper back in her life full-time means Elaine is getting out of the house more. She needs to take him out to do his business, and they go for walks and car rides. Pepper gives Elaine a reason to stay motivated and get active!
“There were a few neighbours that were hesitant with this new policy and having a dog live in their building, but when they got to know Pepper and what a sweet dog he is, everyone was on board,” said Elaine. “When we get off the elevator, everyone says ‘Hi Pepper’ and gives him some love.”
It even took Pepper some time to adjust to his new living situation. “At my daughter’s house, he was so used to being let out the back or front door. Now we have to go in an elevator to go outside. He used to be scared of the elevator but has now since gotten used to it. Whenever we get to our floor, he knows exactly which door to go to – which door is home!”
“I do love it here at GEF! My neighbours, the staff – they are all so wonderful! Everyone is doing an amazing job, and I have settled in quite nicely,” said Elaine. “But it has made my experience even better, having my Pepper here with me! I wouldn’t change it for the world!”
