GEF Seniors Housing is the largest not-for-profit seniors housing organization in Alberta. We provide friendly, affordable, secure housing and services to more than 3,500 seniors in Edmonton. With the help of our employees, volunteers and donors, we make a difference in the community and give peace of mind to seniors and their families.
GEF Seniors Housing was established in 1959 under provincial legislation called The Homes for the Aged Act. In the 1960's the government wanted to build retirement homes throughout Alberta, called lodges, for low income seniors. The province continued to build these homes until 1984.
An agreement made between the City of Edmonton and the Province of Alberta saw the City provide land for the buildings and the Province to construct the lodge. To facilitate the administration of the lodges, Foundations were established to serve one or more municipal districts or counties in the province. Each city, town and village contained within the Foundation's boundary had the option of becoming a contracting municipality to the Foundation. Any annual operating deficit then became the responsibility of that municipality.