Claudine Bernier
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Santé Courville marked its 90th anniversary on Sept. 11 with a warm and festive celebration at its Waterloo facility, bringing together residents, family members, staff, and community partners to honour nearly a century of compassionate care and family-driven leadership.
Founded in 1935 by Vivian Doe Courville, the organization has remained in the hands of the Courville family for four generations. From its beginnings as the Vivian Courville Nursing Home in Stukely Sud, the institution has grown into a two-location network in Waterloo and Laval, now overseen by Kenneth Courville, with active involvement from his children Wylliam and Karolyne.
“The beauty of the story is that it has always belonged to the Courville family,” said Sonia Arès, assistant to the director general at Santé Courville, in an interview on the day of the celebration. “They’re the ones managing everything. They sit on the board and keep the original spirit alive.”
The anniversary celebration was held in the facility’s lower hall beginning at 11:30 a.m. and included a full schedule of activities for residents and guests alike. “We had a lovely lunch with residents and their families,” said Arès. “The volunteers and employees joined us, and the meal was served by our treasurer and colleagues. They prepared an excellent meal.”
In the afternoon, a mini petting farm delighted residents in the sunlit courtyard, a favourite among the facility’s many interactive activities. “We welcomed [a local] farm, and it brought great joy to our residents,” Arès said.
Santé Courville has long been known for its innovation and commitment to excellence. In 1970, it became the first privately operated long-term care centre in Quebec to receive official designation as a CHSLD (centre d’hébergement de soins de longue durée) under the province’s public healthcare system. It achieved Accreditation Canada recognition in 1975 and received the Médaille du Mérite in 1983 from then-MP Jean Joly.
“These milestones remind us of how far we’ve come,” said Arès. “But more than that, they reflect our constant effort to adapt and grow with the evolving needs of seniors.”
Arès emphasized that the organization’s success is not just due to family stewardship, but also the enduring support of the local community. “We owe this journey to the unwavering commitment of families, volunteers, and partners,” she said. “They’ve helped us create not only a healthcare institution, but a true home for our residents.”
Looking forward, Santé Courville plans to continue its legacy of person-centred care with a focus on quality, dignity, and community connection. “As we celebrate this milestone, we are also thinking about the future,” said Arès. “The needs of our seniors are changing, and we are committed to evolving with them.”
The event also marked an opportunity to reflect on the past and strengthen bonds between generations. “This day was about sharing memories and looking forward with optimism,” Arès said.
For Santé Courville, 90 years is not just a number—it is a testament to trust, tradition, and continued dedication to elder care in Quebec.