Our History
THE EARLY YEARS: 1940s-1950s
The Association builds four additional duplexes on the north side of E 4th Avenue.
"Digging in to get the old age pensioners' home started at Fourth and Cassiar are these executives from the Senior Citizens Homes Association. From left they are J. E. Paynter, president and general manager; H. B. Coverdale, vice-president; and J. V. Anderson, treasurer. 'Straw boss' of the sod turning is Mrs. H. B. Coverdale."
Four more duplexes are added to the complex. These duplexes are given by Charles Bentall on condition that Beulah pay to move them from their original location on West Georgia Street to their new spot on Cassiar Street.
This photo shows the land before the Cassiar St. homes are placed.
BUILDING STRENGTH: 1960s
Apartments D and E are added.
Aerial of the property in 1963 from George Allen Photography
A 48-unit building is added at 2050 Rupert Street, funded by another one-third grant from the Province and a low-interest loan from the Central Mortgage Housing Corporation.
The photo is of the campus with the addition of the Rupert Residence, 1965. Aerial Photography by George Allen
One of the original duplexes on East 5th Avenue is replaced with a $16,000, two-bedroom house for the Resident Caretaker.
This Diagram is of the property in the late 1960s. Buildings A-F totalled 128 bachelor suites, plus 15 duplexes (30 units) and the caretaker’s house.
AN ERA OF GROWTH: 1990s-2000s
The Fifth Avenue duplexes are replaced with a building comprising 49 1-bedroom units.
The Residence is named after Charles Bentall in recognition of his contributions as a benefactor and trustee of Beulah Garden Homes Society.
Beulah Garden Christian Fellowship is formed into a church.
The congregation has 27 charter members under the ministry of Rev. Bill Boland.
Reverend Bill Kilpatrick becomes Beulah Garden Homes Society’s first Executive Director.
Forty-eight studios and 48 1-bedroom suites are added to Beulah’s offerings when the Beechwood Residence opens.
Residents begin to fill the Cedars Assisted Living Residence, which offers one-bedroom suites with food, cleaning and care services for residents.
Rev. Dr. Paul Pearce becomes Executive Director of Beulah Garden Homes.
THE NEXT CHAPTER: 2010s
Friends of Beulah from over the years gather to celebrate 60 years of Beulah Garden Homes Society. There is much laughter, many hugs, and, of course, cake!
The Centre for Healthy Aging Transitions (CHAT) is launched in collaboration with Myrna Sears at the Carey Institute and Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, with the goal to facilitate a Christian faith-informed approach to healthy aging. Paul Pearce and Mary Dickau are instrumental.
Adrian Dar Santos becomes CEO. During his tenure he initiates a branding transition to "bg Homes."
Residents and staff share stories of kindness and gratitude through the Kindness Counts Campaign.
Jamey McDonald joins as CEO.
The Aspen Green Residence becomes the first residence in the complex to offer a Life Lease framework of housing.
PRESENT DAY: 2020s
“When COVID hit, it was a tough time for all care homes. I was really impressed by the way Hopehill handled COVID.
Gayle Vanags did a wonderful job at The Cedars. As far as I know there wasn’t one death from COVID.
Mary Dickau and her team did a marvelous job. They had so many points of encouragement for both the Cedars and Independent Living."
Myrna Sears Interview, May 29, 2026.
The Society officially becomes Hopehill: Living In Community Society.
Hopehill begins to partner with Kurios, the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada's gap year program for young adults.
The Kurios cohort visits Hopehill each year to learn about, and practice, ministry with seniors.
The Grand Opening for the Dogwood Residence takes place August 27, 2025. Dogwood offers 64 studio and 1-bedroom suites.
Sam Nakai joins as Hopehill's Chief Executive Officer.
The celebrations for the 75th Anniversary of the Beulah Garden Homes Society kick off at Hopehill's SummerFest event.
Hopehill’s residents continue to enjoy over 60 garden plots, weekly activities, and building relationships with one another and the caring staff.
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