As we stepped inside, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted us in their café - a space that felt like stepping into a postcard from Rome, full of warmth and charm. Residents sat in cozy corners, chatting over cappuccinos, the sunlight pouring through floor-to-ceiling windows. It felt like a space that breathed life, designed to make anyone walking through its doors feel welcome and at ease.

A Place to Live, Not Just Stay 

Executive Director Heidi Hadubiak calls it “purposeful architecture,” but it’s so much more than design. Every hallway, every room, every interaction is built around a philosophy of making residents feel at home. “It’s not just about where you stay,” Heidi shares. “It’s about where you truly live.” 

This philosophy extends to their approach to aging in community. Residents can remain within the same supportive environment even as their care needs evolve. Couples, in particular, are able to continue living side by side — avoiding the difficult separation that sometimes comes with transitions in care. As their needs change, they receive support and grace, allowing them to move through life’s stages together.

But Canterbury’s story is about more than its spaces — it’s about the people and the intentional ways they’ve built a community that celebrates everyone who lives there.

Sparking Joy in Everyday Moments

Each week, Canterbury comes alive during happy hour. The sound of clinking glasses, music, and laughter fills the room as residents gather to relax and reconnect. One resident shared, “It’s not just about the snacks. It’s about feeling seen, heard, and valued.” Another noted, “The best part is the entertainment and the chance to socialize with our neighbors. The staff always make sure we're well taken care of.”

On one visit, we saw a table of elegantly dressed older women, complete with beautiful jewelry and charming little purses. Their laughter filled the air as they leaned in to share stories, lovely giggles dancing across the table. It was a scene that could warm even the coldest heart — a moment of unspoken understanding, shared joy, and radiant connection. 

Moments like these remind us that joy doesn’t fade with age; it deepens when shared with others. At Canterbury, every gathering is more than an event; it’s a celebration of community, where life’s simple pleasures become extraordinary through the bonds they create. 

Innovation at the Heart 

Canterbury is not a place that rests on tradition. Their commitment to innovation shines through in programs like the Men’s Shed — the first of its kind in a seniors’ home in Edmonton. This international mental health initiative creates space for men to connect through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations.

This program is especially impactful in a care environment where most residents are women and where traditional programming often focuses on interests like crafts, baking, and dancing. The Men’s Shed gives male residents a space to connect in ways that feel familiar and fulfilling. Whether reminiscing over a game of cards, fixing up an old car, or simply chatting about the past, it provides a sense of purpose and camaraderie that is often hard to find.

For many men, it’s the highlight of their week — a place to feel seen, valued, and at home in a community built with their unique needs in mind.

Building Community Through Connection

Canterbury’s innovation extends beyond social programs. Through a partnership with the Edmonton Public Library, residents receive fresh books every four months — a simple yet powerful way to keep minds active and imaginations sparked.

Small details throughout the Foundation speak volumes about its mission. Guest suites for visiting families are offered free of charge, ensuring loved ones can stay close and connected. A robust resident council empowers community members to actively co-create the culture of their home, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected.

Whether through meaningful programming, thoughtful partnerships, or intentional design, the Canterbury Foundation is crafting a new narrative for aging — one that centres dignity, purpose, and joy. Here, aging isn’t a phase to endure; it’s a chapter to celebrate, filled with laughter, learning, and love. 

Through their work, Canterbury is not just enriching lives; they’re rewriting the narrative of aging. They remind us all that community isn’t just about where you live; it’s about who you share your life with.