Our History
The Foundation
Since its inception in 2003, the Canmore Hospital Foundation (legally the Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation) has been dedicated to enhancing healthcare services in the Bow Valley. Our journey began with the formation of the Canmore Hospital Ladies Auxiliary in 1978, marking the beginning of our commitment to supporting the Canmore General Hospital.
Over the decades, the Foundation has spearheaded numerous monumental initiatives that have significantly impacted healthcare in our community. Beyond capital campaigns that have funded essential renovations such as the labour and delivery rooms, cancer care unit, and palliative care unit, the Foundation has introduced and grown several programs to support the well-being of patients and healthcare professionals alike. From the Staff Appreciation Program to the Scholarship Program and from Cancer Care to the Hospital Gardens Program, these initiatives have touched countless lives and improved the overall healthcare experience in our region.
Additionally, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in securing life-saving medical equipment, generating an endowment fund of over 2 million dollars and counting, and facilitating various community events and fundraisers. Through the dedication of our donors, volunteers, and community partners, we have been able to achieve remarkable milestones and ensure the continued advancement of healthcare in the Bow Valley.
In recent years, the Foundation has embarked upon several significant capital campaigns to further enhance healthcare facilities in our community. In 2016, we launched a significant capital campaign focused on revitalizing the Golden Eagle View Long-Term Care unit, ensuring that long-term care residents have a modern and welcoming space that reflects the unique character of Canmore. This campaign was completed successfully in 2021.
Also in 2016, the Foundation’s Endoscopy Renovation Suite project totalled $126,000 and provided the hospital with an elevated operating room specifically for endoscopy or for use as a second OR in emergency situations. Within the suite, the Foundation was able to provide Automated Endoscope Processors and Table worth $40,000 and an Endoscopy Monitor worth $10,000.
Celebrating the opening of two new labour and delivery rooms in 2017 marked another milestone for the Foundation, showcasing our ongoing commitment to supporting maternal and infant healthcare in the Bow Valley.
In 2018, the Foundation funded the renovation of the Palliative Care Unit, providing comfort and dignity to patients and their families during challenging times.
Most recently, more than $2.2 million was raised to revitalize the emergency department at the Canmore General Hospital, meeting the fundraising goal announced by the Canmore Hospital Foundation. This transformative project, announced in 2022, will improve patient flow, create private patient treatment spaces, and meet current infection prevention and control standards.
Throughout our history, the Foundation has had the privilege of collaborating with countless local businesses and individuals to bring these initiatives to fruition. Initiatives like our annual golf tournament at Silvertip Resort–taking place for over 20 years now, live music events in the community, and various third-party fundraisers have further strengthened our impact and deepened our connections within the Bow Valley community.
Canmore Hospital Ladies Auxiliary in 1982
Mine Rescue Team competing at sports day. Canmore’s first hospital right rear, 1923.
The Canmore General Hospital
The earliest hospitals in Canmore were modest affairs, reflective of the town's humble beginnings. Imagine a small wooden building, tucked away in the heart of the community, where the sounds of miners returning home mingled with the occasional cry of a newborn. Owned and maintained by the Canmore Coal Company, the first hospital served as a lifeline for both miners and townsfolk alike. It was a place where three dedicated doctors, armed with little more than determination and compassion, navigated the rugged terrain of healthcare with steadfast dedication.
Over the years, several hospital sites were established, each one a testament to the town's growing population and expanding needs. There was a hospital downtown, near where Laurence Grassi Middle School now stands, and another on what locals affectionately referred to as Hospital Hill—a nod to its elevated perch overlooking the town.
But it wasn't until 1984 that the Canmore General Hospital, as we know it today, officially opened its doors. Perched on a bench overlooking the town, the hospital heralded a new era of healthcare in Canmore. With its modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment, it was a beacon of hope and healing for the entire Bow Valley.
Back in those days, healthcare in Canmore was a far cry from what it is now. The hospital was a small, bustling hub of activity, where doctors, nurses, and volunteers worked tirelessly to provide care to the community. Resources were scarce, and the challenges were many, but the spirit of resilience and determination prevailed.
Today, the Canmore General Hospital stands as a testament to the progress and growth of the community. What was once a small, modest hospital has evolved into a thriving healthcare facility, serving thousands of patients each year with compassion and expertise. State-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge treatments are now the norm, allowing patients to receive world-class care close to home.
But the journey doesn't end here. As we look to the future, the Canmore Hospital Foundation remains committed to building on the progress of the past. Our mission is clear: to ensure that every resident of the Bow Valley has access to the best possible healthcare, regardless of their circumstances. Through our fundraising efforts and community partnerships, we will continue to invest in medical equipment, programs, and facilities that enhance patient care and improve outcomes.
Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare in Canmore—one patient, one donation, and one community at a time. With your support, the possibilities are endless, and the future is brighter than ever before.
Canmore’s first hospital
Hospital on Hospital Hill
