Helping you access affordable housing in your community
We're here to help you find the home that’s right for you!
Who We Are
A not for profit, community based organization that provides secure, affordable housing to seniors, individuals and families
The Greater North Foundation (originally known as the Athabasca County Foundation) was formally established as a Foundation on April 3, 1984 and later established as a 'Housing Management Body' on April 1, 1996 by Ministerial Order under the Alberta Housing Act. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 8 appointed members from our Contributing Municipalities and 1 member at large appointed by the Greater North Foundation board.
The Foundation has provided seniors lodge accommodation in the Alberta communities of:
- Athabasca since 1960
- Lac La Biche since 1971
- Boyle since 1978
In 1996 the Foundation was designated as a 'Housing Management Body' and our mandate expanded to include the operations of affordable seniors self-contained housing units and housing programs for non-senior households in our designated regions.
The Foundation operates with the support of the Province of Alberta and fourteen (14) regional Contributing Municipalities.
We currently operate 26 projects (344 units/households) and provide an additional monthly rent supplement to many households residing in market rent accommodation in our region.
The Foundation provides employment to over 80 individuals that support the operations in the areas of: leadership, management, activities, maintenance, cooks, kitchen support, housekeeping support and general aide supports.
The Supportive Lodge Accommodations provide on-site 24 hours per day, 7 days per week non-medical staff.
Homecare services are also available through the Assisted Living Alberta Continuing Care Team and are available on-site during designated hours.
What We Do
Helping seniors, individuals and families find secure and affordable housing
At the Greater North Foundation, we are dedicated to providing safe, affordable, and supportive housing options that help seniors, individuals and families feel at home.
We offer welcoming lodge settings for seniors who desire a supportive living environment, independent apartments for seniors wishing to maintain their autonomy, and affordable housing for families within their communities. For those needing rental assistance outside our organization, we also offer rent supplement benefits to assist eligible applicants with these private market rental costs.
Above all, we approach our work with compassion, dignity, and respect—creating a trusting, caring environment where you and your family feel supported every step of the way.
The Greater North Foundation’s current portfolio includes:
152
Lodge/Supportive Living Units
14
Continuing Care Type B – Unsecured Units (Boyle only)
8
Continuing Care Type B – Secured Units (Boyle only)
118
Senior Independent Self-Contained Units
52
Affordable Community Housing/Family Homes
We also provide program administration for the Rent Benefit Program in Athabasca County, Lac La Biche County including Plamondon, Village of Boyle and MD of Opportunity No.17.
Board of Directors
THE FOUNDATION IS GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF DIRECTORS WITH REPRESENTATION FROM EACH OF THE COMMUNITIES SERVED
As of May 2026
DIRECTOR
Curtis Schoepp
Summer Villages (8)
DIRECTOR
Carol McArther
Member at Large
Currently Seeking Member at Large
The Greater North Foundation Housing Management Body is currently seeking a dedicated and community-minded individual to serve as a Member at Large on our Board of Directors. Position is for a three-year term and will commence October 1, 2026.
Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2026
Leadership & Management Team
Chief Administrative Officer
Wanda Parker
Greater North Foundation
Operations/Finance Manager
Sara Graling
Greater North Foundation
Lac La Biche -
Combined Site Manager
Erica Merkle
Lacalta Lodge / Plamondon Seniors Independent Housing
Lac La Biche Housing
Lori Rosychuk
Seniors Independent Housing / Community Housing
Athabasca –
Combined Site Manager
Wanda Loiselle
Pleasant Valley Lodge / Seniors Independent Housing / Community Housing
Boyle –
Combined Site Manager
Leyann Joyes
Wildrose Villa / Wildrose Villa Assisted Living / Seniors Independent Housing / Community Housing
Maintenance Manager
Doug Ireland
Greater North Foundation
Health, Safety & Licensing Manager
Cari Yowney
Greater North Foundation
Administration Office & Mailing Address
Greater North Foundation
Suite 1, 3603 53rd St
Athabasca, AB
T9S 1A9
©Greater North Foundation. All Rights Reserved.