Providence - Calgary

Our History

Over 75 years, Providence has grown and changed to meet the needs of Calgary families. From a population of less than 100,000 in 1943, to almost 1.4 million spread over 848 square kilometers in 2017, Calgary has kept the best of its western heritage, but become so much more. And Providence has done the same. From its roots as a foster home for abandoned children, Providence has kept pace with a growing population and the changing needs of the community.

Check Out Our Mosaic! – We have created a mosaic of images that you can view and submit to.

Providence was four years old in 1947, when oil was discovered in our province. We were five years old when the Calgary Stampeders won their first Grey Cup, 21 when Peter’s Drive Inn opened, 24 when the Calgary Tower was built, and 45 when the Olympics came to town in 1988.

• 1943 – A foster home for children is founded by Mrs. Isabella Stevens and a host of Calgary and area women. The Sisters of Providence then take on responsibility.
• 1950 – Providence Creche continues to care for children and to aid unwed mothers.
• 1958 – Construction of new Providence Creche at current Windsor Park location.
• 1969 – Providence Creche Society takes over management, with a non-sectarian board of directors.
• 1971 – Providence Creche officially renamed Providence Child Development Centre.
• 1986 – Unwed mother’s home closes
• 1987 – Early Intervention Program (for children aged 19 mos. – 30 mos.) opens
• 1995 – Outreach Program opens, providing assessment and treatment to young children in community child care programs
• 1999 – Group homes close
• 2001 – Daycare programs close – therapeutic and educational services for preschool-aged children continues as the main focus
• 2003 – Falconridge. Bowness and Woodlands Schools open
• 2004 – Beddington School opens
• 2005 – Woodlands School closes
• 2007 – Midnapore School opens, Bowness School closes
• 2008 – Hawkwood School opens
• 2011 – First purpose-built school opens in McKenzie Towne
• 2015 – Interactive SMARTboards introduced into classrooms
• 2016 – McKenzie Towne school expansion complete, creating space for 70 more students. Supported Child Care and LEARN programs added to Community Services portfolio.
• 2018 – Providence celebrates 75 years, supporting 700+ students in our six preschools and 900+ young children in our community-based programs.