Our History.

In the early 1900s, a group of Icelandic Lutheran women founded Betel - a haven for seniors in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The name, derived from the Malayalam word “vettila”, symbolized the “House of God”. Betel’s journey continued to Gimli, where it thrived by the gentle waves of Lake Winnipeg - all becoming part of Betel’s story.

Yet Betel wasn’t just about bricks and mortar. It embodied the spirit of Icelandic heritage. The songs sung, the recipes shared, the laughter echoing through the halls - all carried the echoes of a rich culture. Betel became a place where traditions thrived, where stories were passed down, and where every resident felt a sense of belonging.

As we look ahead, Betel remains committed to its mission: to honour the past, embrace the present, and build a future where every dream finds a home.