Celebrating 50 years with Trinity Lodge

‍In 1975, Calgary was a fledgling city in the making: a city on the rise, with a booming oil and gas industry along with a strong ranching and agriculture identity. The skyline was expanding, and infrastructure to support the growing community was being built at a feverish pace.

With that growth, the need for community support grew too. In response, ground was broken in the newly established community of Kelvin Grove for Trinity Lodge, one of Calgary’s first dedicated retirement residences. Rather than simply providing housing and care in a hospital-like setting, Trinity Lodge set itself apart from its predecessors by building an intentional community with apartment-style suites, amenities such as courtyards, a hotel-style dining room, comfortable common spaces, and engaging programming. The community was designed not only to provide housing and care, but to cultivate connection — creating a true community in its own right.

If these walls could talk

As the times changed, so did Trinity Lodge. The community expanded in 1999, with the addition of a 4-storey tower, and an extensive interior renovation, evolving to accommodate Calgary’s continued population growth. Though the spaces are bright and updated, echoes of the building’s history are still visible: the well-established courtyards, and communal spaces that seem to effortlessly blend the original heart and soul of the building while taking advantage of modern conveniences, adapting to the needs of today’s older adult.

But one thing hasn’t changed: the spirit of community that’s alive and well at Trinity. The community is bound together by the team — many of whom have spent their entire careers here. “Back when I was a student, I walked into Trinity, thinking it was a hotel and wanting to book a room. The receptionist had to explain what Trinity really was,” says Kim Ho, General Manager of Trinity Lodge. She laughs, “The next day, I returned and filled out an application for a server position in the dining room. That was 27 years ago, and I’ve been here ever since.” Kim goes on, “And it’s not just me — nearly 40% of our team have been a part of the community for 15, 20 years, with our longest tenure at 41 years of service. Our team’s dedication is nothing short of extraordinary.”

Head Chef Allan Campbell’s dining room is where many longstanding team members got their start in the community. Allan himself has been at Trinity for 34 years, instilling the values of hospitality and service in those who train under him. Team members carry those values into their work across other departments. “We are a part of their family,” says Allan. “It doesn’t matter what your role is in the community — those connections make a huge difference in everyone’s lives here, and is a big part of who we are.”

Family ties

In late 2024,  Trinity Lodge joined the United Active Living family, and this August, past and present employees, residents, families and loved ones, along with special guest Jyoti Gondek, Mayor of Calgary gathered together to celebrate and look back upon Trinity’s legacy and contributions to the greater community. From lively entertainment provided by the Timeless Jazz Band to the talents of the culinary team on full display, the celebration was in full swing, with residents, team members and friends of Trinity sharing their connections to the community.

“Walking into the community, we knew immediately that Trinity was the perfect fit for United Active Living as we looked to grow in Calgary,” says Kelly Johansson, VP Operations at United, “It was amazing to see how the level of service, the energy and the people and the smiles from the team and the residents. Trinity is a very welcoming place with five decades of community, care, and connection. The milestone is a true reflection of Trinity’s legacy, and of service they provide to the residents.”

Calgary’s Mayor Jyoti Gondek, joined the festivities and spoke from the heart about the value of cultivating community. “This isn’t just a building, this is home, and the folks who work here, are so committed to ensuring you feel that sense of community every day. For the people who choose to live here, you are the soul of this community, you make it what it is. Being surrounded by people who love you, and who care for you through this journey is an incredible thing to have here in our city.”

As the guests moved through the reception enjoying the celebrations, many took in the retrospective gallery of photos from Trinity’s history. Kathy Cleary, VP Strategic Projects at United shared her personal family connection: her grandmother Frances was a resident at Trinity for nearly ten years until her passing in 1995 at 105 years old. “My grandma loved her time at Trinity. She even appeared in one of the brochures.” says Kathy.  “It’s really quite something to be at Trinity now, knowing how wonderful her experience was during her time here. I feel that connection every time I am in the community. It’s a really special feeling.”

Crystal and Anne, longtime friends, both joined Trinity as residents within the past year. Wanting to stay connected, they both decided to move into the community. “I knew it was time to make a change,” says Crystal. “I love being here. I don’t have to worry about anything. The staff are so caring; they’ve become part of my family.” Anne agrees: “It feels like there’s always someone to talk to. Someone will stop by to say hello, sit down for a game of cards, or simply share some company. I feel safe, secure, and free to enjoy life on my own terms. We spend our time as we please, knowing the staff is always here to support us, and that everyone in the community genuinely care about each other.”

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While it’s true that times may change, the need to be a part of a community is everlasting. For the past 50 years Trinity Lodge has become a beacon for older adults in Calgary to find a place to belong — and the future is looking bright. Congratulations Trinity Lodge on 50 years!

Stop by Trinity Lodge’s open house on September 13 and have a closer look at how Trinity is creating community — one connection at a time.