Margie Smith and Margarette Moar-Bell

Margie Smith, Margarette Moar-Bell

The Banff Community Wellness Centre project is a living example of what true collaboration looks like. Margie Smith and Margarette Moar-Bell brought together more than 20 partners, many of whom had previously never worked side by side, to co-create a new model of care for the Bow Valley. During the planning phase, they facilitated space-design workshops to ensure the centre’s layout could support mental health, primary care and addictions services.

Margie and Margarette practiced good stewardship by turning unused space near Banff Mineral Springs Hospital into a new multi-service wellness centre. By starting with an existing space, they saved money, sped up the project and allowed more funding to go directly toward programs, equipment and services to support patients and families and freed up space in the hospital.

They helped create a shared-care model where doctors, mental health and addiction support, social agencies and visiting specialists can all work in one coordinated space. Partnerships within the project helped strengthen primary care in the Bow Valley. Due to Margie and Margarette’s thoughtful leadership, the centre will open with more services, welcoming spaces and strong support from partners across the Bow Valley.

What makes the Banff Community Wellness Centre so special is how deeply it is shaped by the voices of the people who live in the Bow Valley. Margie and Margarette ensured patients, families and residents were involved from the very first conversations. Their stories shaped the centre in meaningful ways.