Strengthening Seniors’ Care Through Strategic Leadership

Transformational community projects rarely begin with construction. They begin with leaders who understand the complexity of social infrastructure, the responsibility of stewarding public trust, and the long-term commitment required to move large-scale developments forward. For Bethany Care Society, one of Alberta’s most respected not-for-profit providers of continuing care, Fergal has been one of those leaders.

Through years of volunteer service and strategic guidance, including his current role as Board Chair, Fergal has played an instrumental role in shaping the future of seniors’ care in Calgary and across Alberta.

Guiding One of Alberta’s Largest Seniors’ Care Developments

One of Fergal’s most significant early contributions was his leadership in developing an innovative procurement strategy for the redevelopment of Bethany Calgary, a new $217-million seniors’ care centre and auxiliary hospital.

The development is now under construction, thanks to significant grant contributions from the Government of Alberta. The new facility will deliver 420 state-of-the-art beds under the 2023 Continuing Care design guidelines with culturally responsive, community-connected supports. It represents one of the largest investments in continuing care infrastructure in the province.

Fergal’s work included shaping the project delivery model, aligning diverse stakeholder groups, and overseeing the procurement of design and construction partners. His leadership helped ensure the project moved forward with clarity, financial rigour, and long-term sustainability.

A Strategic Vision for Aging Well in Place

Beyond the capital project, Fergal also led a comprehensive portfolio review for Bethany Care Society. This work examined every Bethany-owned property across Alberta, assessing:

• Redevelopment potential

• Opportunities for site expansion

• Alignment with Bethany’s Campus of Care model

• The physical, social, and clinical supports required for residents to age well in place

The Campus of Care approach is foundational to Bethany’s mission. It brings together housing, wellness, community connection, and health care in ways that allow seniors to move through different stages of aging without losing stability, belonging, or access to the services they need.

Fergal’s analysis provided a strategic roadmap for Bethany’s future-focused evolution of care delivery, ensuring the organization has the insight and foresight required to maintain, expand or replace its assets responsibly and intentionally for decades to come.

Volunteer Leadership That Shapes System Impact

Today, as Board Chair, Fergal continues to guide Bethany with a steady focus on integrity, long-term planning, and community impact. His volunteer leadership has positioned the organization to navigate a period of significant change in Alberta’s continuing care system, while advancing a vision of care that is dignified, person-centred, and deeply connected to the community.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Care and Connection

Once complete, the new Bethany Calgary care centre will provide 420 new spaces for seniors and adults with disabilities in need of compassionate care. It will offer a model of care built on respect, stability, and meaningful connection, values that are core to Bethany’s identity and central to Fergal’s leadership.

Projects of this magnitude do not move forward without champions who bring vision, strategy, and persistence to the table. Fergal’s work, both as a development management consultant and as a volunteer board member, demonstrates the profound impact that skilled, thoughtful leadership can have on essential community infrastructure.

Learn more about the project and how you can support here.