Our Centre
A New Centre for Compassionate Care in the Bow Valley
We are excited to share the vision for the Pestell Centre for Compassionate Care in the Bow Valley—an inclusive space designed to support individuals and families as they navigate the challenges of life-changing illnesses. This Centre will stand as a living testament to the values that Bow Valley Palliative holds dear: dignity, care, and excellence. It will be a peaceful and welcoming haven, where those in need of palliative care can find solace, surrounded by compassionate volunteers, skilled healthcare professionals, and a community that deeply cares.
This Centre will support people at every stage of the palliative journey—from diagnosis and living well, to end of life. It will also offer a place for grief support for families and loved ones, creating a space to heal and reflect during challenging times. With your support, this dream of a “home away from home” for the Bow Valley community will become a reality.
Latest Update
April 2026
Last month, we spoke about the work underway to build the access road to our site. Progress continues as the deep utilities are being prepared leading to the land where our Centre will be built. Work has also begun on the Centre land where clearing has started ready for construction to begin. As we visit the land, we see the incredible views that will be available to all of those visiting and residing in the Centre. It is surrounded by natural habitat that will continue to welcome wildlife, ensuring that important connection with nature remains.
Our Banff Open House was held on April 23, 2026, and it was wonderful to see so many people dropping by to hear about the plans and to ask questions about the Centre and what will be available and to whom. With such a beautiful building and spectacular views, many have thought that this will be a private space only open to those who can afford it. The Pestell Centre for Compassionate Care and the programs and services that we provide are very much for everyone in Bow Valley. It is a community hub for us all to enjoy, feel welcome, safe, and able to be alone with our thoughts or engage with others. Our doors will be open to everyone who has a life-changing diagnosis, their families, and loved ones, as well as those experiencing grief that goes with this journey and the inevitable bereavement.
April 2026
We are excited to share that things are moving forward and work has begun on the access road to our site where the Pestell Centre for Compassionate Care will be built.
As well as extending the road, the development includes laying the necessary utilities which will service the Centre when it is open. All of this work is being generously undertaken by the McCaffery’s who are ensuring that we will have all the services right to the entrance of our land. It truly is an exciting time.
As the Centre begins to move from vision to reality, our efforts are increasingly focused on fundraising and being able to maintain the construction momentum as well as ensure that we can open our doors to our first clients as quickly as possible. Thanks to those donors who have long been supporters of Bow Valley Palliative, their support has been instrumental in getting us to this point and will provide the ability for us to move ahead with construction as quickly as possible.
We are excited to meet with others with an interest in our project to share our vision, why our Centre is so important to the Bow Valley and how the community can be a part of making this much-needed project a reality. Continuing to raise the funds necessary as quickly as possible is critical in the face of rising costs and increasing demand for our programs and services.
Come find out more about our project at our Open House in Banff on April 23 from 4.30-6.30pm in the Fenlands Recreation Centre or contact us at 403 707 7111 or info@bvpal.ca to connect with our team and arrange a time that is convenient for you.
March 2026
Theresa Radwell, Bow Valley Palliative CEO, was interviewed by the Rocky Mountain Outlook to provide an update about the Pestell Centre for Compassionate Care to our Bow Valley Community.
“New Canmore palliative care centre aims to keep end-of-life close to home – $25M hospice centre planned for Canmore to provide eight beds and barrier-free end-of-life care in Bow Valley”
Read the full article here: https://www.rmoutlook.com/canmore/new-canmore-palliative-care-centre-aims-to-keep-end-of-life-close-to-home-11916764?utm_source=Email_Share&utm_medium=Email_Share&utm_campaign=Email_Share
February 2026
Despite the slowdown over the holidays, we have begun the New Year with a new energy, making progress on a number of fronts.
CANA, who we have engaged as our construction manager, have completed most of the tendering process and although there have been variations either way on individual quotes; overall, the budget remains steady. The final report will be presented to the BVP Board once complete at the end of the month.
The land is currently being cleared in accordance with the FireSmart requests of the Town of Canmore and we hope to begin the remainder of the clearing as soon as possible. Our Development Permit is anticipated any day, and our Building Permit is ready for submission. Construction of the building itself is anticipated to commence at the end of March/beginning of April, with completion in Summer 2027.
We are very appreciative of the confidence from our donors in our vision and our ability to achieve it. Thanks to their early donations, we will have accumulated funds to begin construction. As we start work on our Centre, we are looking to our community for their generosity and support in fundraising towards the build to ensure that we can open the doors and welcome our community once complete. There are many ways in which you can help, from making one off gifts of cash, stocks, and shares or committing to spread a donation across several years to make it more affordable. We also have ways that you can commit to affordable monthly donations and support community events where you can have fun while raising funds. Following the success of our Canmore Open House in November, we will be holding similar events throughout the year across the Bow Valley, giving everyone the opportunity to find out more, see the plans for the building, and discuss the kind of support that will be available once it is open.
Of course, you don’t need to wait until then! We are always happy to meet and to share our plans and talk with you about how you can help! Just call 403-707-7111 to arrange a time.
How the Centre Will Serve the Bow Valley
The Pestell Centre for Compassionate Care and Hospice will offer a range of services designed to meet the holistic needs of individuals and families, including:
Residential and Community-Based Care
Combining the best of both residential hospice care and community outreach, ensuring that all Bow Valley residents can receive the care they need, in the comfort of their own homes or at the Centre.
Healing Environment
A serene, state-of-the-art facility designed to nurture the spirit as much as the body. Thoughtful spaces that incorporate natural light, open vistas, and therapeutic features will foster peace and comfort.
Integrated Care Model
The Centre will bring together healthcare professionals, volunteers, and community partners, working collaboratively to provide individualized care and support. This will create a seamless experience for families, where every need is addressed, and each step of the palliative journey is met with compassion and expertise.
Facility Features
The Centre will feature a range of amenities designed to create a peaceful and supportive environment, including:
- Residential Hospice Suites: Eight private beds offering 24/7 care, allowing individuals to live out their final days with dignity, comfort, and peace.
- Respite Care Areas: Designed for family members and caregivers who need a break while knowing their loved one is being cared for in a safe, nurturing space.
- Therapeutic Spaces: Rooms designed for individual and group therapies, focusing on both physical and emotional healing.
- Accessible Outdoor Areas: Beautiful gardens and accessible outdoor spaces that promote relaxation and provide a connection to nature.
- Conservatory and Reflection Spaces: Tranquil indoor areas where families can come together, reflect, or find solitude during difficult moments.
- Natural Light and Scenic Views: Thoughtfully designed spaces that take advantage of the natural beauty of the Bow Valley, creating a calming, restorative environment.
Supporting Services at the Centre
The Centre will provide a full spectrum of palliative care services, including:
- 24/7 Residential Hospice Care
- Symptom Management
- Individualized Care Plans
- Respite Care for Families
- Grief and Bereavement Programs
- Caregiver Wellness Workshops
- Community-Based Services
- Holistic, Wraparound Care Approach
This facility will allow us to meet the growing needs of our community, ensuring everyone has access to compassionate care close to home.
Pestell Centre for Compassionate Care
Follow Our Journey: Centre Development Timeline
The creation of the Pestell Centre for Compassionate Care and Hospice is a significant undertaking, and we are thrilled to take this journey with you, our community. Here is an outline of our key milestones:
Key Partners
This important project would not be possible without the support of our dedicated partners. From the early planning stages to the final construction and operation, we are grateful for the organizations and individuals who share our vision and contribute their expertise, time, and resources. We will be highlighting our key partners as the project progresses.
Support the Centre Today
The Pestell Centre for Compassionate Care and Hospice will be a place where the Bow Valley community can access compassionate, high-quality care during life’s most difficult moments. We need your help to make this vision a reality.
Donate Today
Every donation brings us closer to opening the doors of the Centre. Join us in building a place that will provide comfort, dignity, and support to individuals and families for generations to come.
