Our History
It all began in 1967 due to the urging of Marion Wilder from the Bracondale Gospel Hall to purchase land and build a home which provided a Christian environment for seniors and those requiring nursing care in the Toronto area. A Board of Directors was formed and land was purchased in Unionville. Construction commenced on October 1969 and after one year of construction, the first residents moved in. It was so well received that by March 1971, discussions were being held about a second phase.
Phase two of Bethany Lodge was completed in 1975 and was a great success too. By the early 1980’s Bethany Manor was built for residents who wished to live at Bethany but did not require long term care. The Manor was located beside the Lodge but attached by a hallway. It included two floors of private apartments and on the main floor an auditorium, kitchen facilities for special functions, laundry and a swimming pool. At that time, residents of Bethany Lodge and Manor ate together in the Lodge dining room.
In 1995, The Courts was built as a third residence on the property that offered life lease apartments for independent living. For those 55 and older, this home provided the opportunity to be with friends in a Christian environment in the Bethany community.
In 1999, renovations took place in the Lodge which included upgrading and expanding the nursing stations on each level and renovating an area on the lower level to create an octagon-shaped sitting room complete with a glass ceiling and situated next to an outdoor patio. In the Manor, a new and separate dining room was completed in 2003 on the site of the former swimming pool and Manor residents began enjoying meals in their own dining room.
During 2003 and 2004‚ plans were being drawn up for our largest renovation since the initial construction of Bethany Lodge. In 2005‚ after 35 years of service and in compliance with new government regulations‚ Bethany Lodge residents went to a temporary location called Bethany West located on the Baycrest campus in Toronto. On March 27th 2007‚ the newly built Bethany Lodge opened and welcomed 87 residents back home to Unionville. The new Bethany Lodge was built to accommodate 128 residents in four resident home areas.
The Bethany community accomplished Miss Wilder’s vision to provide a Christian home for seniors. It continues to innovate to offer a wider range of services and adapt to the needs of its residents.