Lea Hibbs with her 2026 Alberta Continuing Care Association Innovator of the Year award
What began as listening to residents has grown into an award-winning example of innovation in continuing care.
Lea Hibbs, LPN supervisor at St. Teresa Place in Calgary, has been named the Alberta Continuing Care Association's Innovator of the Year for creating the Joy West balcony garden, an accessible gardening program that has improved quality of life for residents.
The idea came from conversations with residents who shared how much they missed gardening. Many could no longer safely access the outdoor gardening beds because of declining mobility and health challenges. Rather than accepting those limitations, Lea found a new way forward
Watch Lea’s story ACCA Innovator of the year: Lea Hibbs
She envisioned a balcony garden where residents could continue to experience the joy, purpose and social connection that gardening provides. Residents became partners in the project, helping choose what to grow, including flowers, vegetables, beans and strawberries. They also selected themes, colours and decorations as the garden changed with the seasons.
Working with residents, families and Joy West staff and the recreation team, Lea transformed the space using donated and repurposed materials while keeping costs low. She developed practical solutions, including lightweight watering bottles that residents could easily manage on their own.
The impact has been significant
Covenant's relationship with the Catholic Church in Alberta has shaped the organization's mission to care for the whole person — body, mind and soul. The appointment of Archbishop-Designate Hero comes as Covenant continues to advance its vision to transform health care and create vibrant communities of health and healing across the province.
"Residents who were previously unable to participate in gardening now spend time planting, watering and caring for the garden. Families have noted renewed pride, engagement and enjoyment among their loved ones.
For one resident facing significant mental health challenges and multiple health conditions, the garden became a source of peace and purpose. With encouragement from Lea and the care team, the resident embraced a leadership role as the garden supervisor.
The Alberta Continuing Care Association recognized the initiative as an innovation that challenged the status quo and measurably improved quality of care and quality of life.
Lea was also recognized as a 2026 Covenant Mission Award nominee for her compassion, creativity and commitment to person-centered care.
Her achievement reflects Covenant's commitment to delivering excellent, compassionate, whole-person care while creating vibrant communities of health
and healing.
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