Transforming the experience of aging 

As momentum builds around the Made in Canada movement, United Active Living stands proudly as a company that has always embodied those values, in addition to a culture and history of challenging the status quo. Built and grown in Calgary, the company and its founders have long believed that world-class experiences can be created right here at home. 

That same homegrown spirit and local pride, rooted in innovation and a belief that we can do better, also drives United’s mission to reimagine what aging can look like.

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A legacy ready for reinvention

In the latter half of the 20th century, senior living followed a well-worn playbook. Facilities were often institutional, designed around efficiency and clinical needs rather than social, emotional, or intellectual wellbeing. 

For many, moving into a ‘home’ meant fear that final years would be marked by isolation, loss of independence, and diminishing purpose. Cognitive decline was met with added lifestyle limitations: security measures and locked doors, rather than efforts to preserve choice, freedom, and connection.

This once-standard model is being reshaped by a new vision that’s challenging the status quo and bringing a new lens to how older adults live, age, and connect.

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A new approach takes shape

United Active Living was founded on the belief that older adult communities could be part of the energy redefining the experience of aging. Co-founder Don Douglas, a real estate developer, saw potential in changing demographics and emerging needs. “We thought there had to be another lifestyle option that included care services, but also offered a great life experience. Something people really wanted,” Don says. “We saw the common model for dementia care where things were locked down. We thought there could be another way.”

Alongside co-founder Michael Kanovsky, Don and their early partners envisioned a community model that went beyond housing: one that could fundamentally change how people experience aging.

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Learning by doing

The early years of United's journey were marked by hands-on involvement. "It was a steep learning curve," says Michael. "We hired the team, developed the model, and adjusted as we went. Not everything worked, but we were committed to doing things differently."

The company’s first community, River Ridge in St. Albert, set the stage for a new vision in older adult living, one that would truly take root in Calgary with the opening of Garrison Green in 2008. It was in Calgary that the company’s integrated living model began to truly take shape.

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The integrated model: Built around people

The foundation of United’s approach was built on three core pillars: lifelong learning, creative expression, and active living. Each informed community design, programming, and health and wellness services. Integration was another key feature, making it possible for couples to remain together, even with differing care needs. It also meant those living with cognitive impairment would remain engaged as valued members of the community, free to continue to explore their talents, engage in learning, and maintain an active lifestyle.

United Minds, the company’s cognitive and social support services, emerged from this philosophy of integration. United Minds services are an award-winning offering, also recognized as unique across North America.

“At some point in our lives, we’ll have a loved one whose needs are changing and we’ll want to look for the best option for them,” Don says. “We want United to be a place where people can find a different way forward for themselves or their family. We see our offering as a compelling solution to an unmet need.” 

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Rooted locally

That commitment to doing things differently and to creating something truly engaging and life-enhancing, has been shaped not only by vision, but by place. Calgary has been the backdrop and the catalyst for United’s evolution, as United has established local partnerships, fostered creative energy, and cultivated the community spirit that brings the model to life.

United’s local connections are not just a point of pride: they are also a core business advantage. Calgary’s vibrant arts, culture, and academic communities provide rich partnership opportunities that enhance the resident experience. From lectures by university professors to performances with top local arts organizations, the city’s creative energy is woven into daily life at United. This unique offering is often described by residents as something they couldn’t find in other communities.

“When I stepped into Garrison Green, I immediately knew I was home,” says Katherine, who moved into the community in November 2024. “I loved the atmosphere, but what really sealed the deal was the unique programming. I have always had a passion for live theatre, music, and the arts. No other community has opportunities to experience live performances like United.” 

Katherine continues, “After my husband passed away, it became difficult for me to find the motivation to book tickets and make my way to a performance by myself. Now, I can simply sign up and go, and I have friends sitting in the rows next to me! We have had amazing experiences: meeting the Calgary Philharmonic musicians after a performance, attending lectures from university professors, and enjoying performances and talks right here at home. I’m so happy I chose United. It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself.”  

“We’re not just operating in Calgary, we’re part of it,” says United Active Living President and CEO Kim O’Brien. “That local connection allows us to offer residents experiences they simply can’t get anywhere else.”

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Scaling with purpose

In 2015, United opened its Fish Creek West and Fish Creek North campus in Midnapore, near Fish Creek Provincial Park. Then in December 2024, the company acquired three established Calgary communities: Lake Bonavista Village, The Lodge at Valley Ridge, and Trinity Lodge.

What does growth mean for an organization born from the idea of questioning the status quo?

“As a company proudly established in Calgary and born from innovative thinking, growth allows us to deepen what makes United special, bringing locally rooted, unique Calgary experiences into residents’ daily lives,” says Kim. “For residents, that means delivering rich programming and experiences that reflect the best of our city, alongside a wellness approach that centers on the person. For investors, it means scaling a proven model that delivers meaningful outcomes while staying true to our local identity.”

Looking ahead

The company’s growth remains driven by both rising demand and a commitment to elevating what older adult living can be. Michael elaborates, “A skilled chef can take ingredients common in every kitchen and make something special. At United it’s much the same. The people and a culture of thinking differently transforms common elements into a unique offering.” He explains it’s this ethos of innovation that’s the unique signature of working – and living – in a United Active Living community.

Don agrees: "We’ve added real value to the local industry by filling a gap. There’s plenty of room to expand our impact and continue to redefine the experience of aging."

Co-founders Don and Michael have stood behind the vision of United from their initial investment into the business. And while being investors in this space has held its share of challenges, a global pandemic among them, proof of their passion is found by speaking with their family and friends, several who have chosen United communities as home. 

“I have dear friends and family living in our communities,” says Don. “I take great comfort in the fact that we’ve built a place we get excited about when considering our later years. Even though it’s not what I was thinking about when I first got into this business, having this option for senior living has become even more important as my own parents age. As I’m aging.”

What began as a local start-up challenging traditional ways of doing things has become a way of life to reimagine what’s possible. From its earliest days, United dared to believe that growing older could mean growing richer in connection, purpose, and possibility. As it expands its impact, the commitment remains to delivering a unique approach to older adult living, one that is vibrant, people-focused, and proudly rooted in the community it calls home.