URSA

What URSA does

Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA) is a Calgary-based non-profit charitable organization founded in 1985 that delivers rehabilitation and support services to individuals with disabilities across Alberta. The organization operates three core service lines: Brain Injury Services (including Easy Street, a life-sized simulated city street for relearning daily living skills; the Brain Injury Services Day Program; and Supports for Community Living Services); Developmental Disability Services (24-hour staffed Residential Services, Wholistic Day Programs, and the Airdrie-based North Stars program); and Specialized Services (Indigenous Services via Kootenay Lodge, Children's Services via The Cub House for medically fragile children, and Assessment and Customized Programs). URSA also operates the URSA Retreat Centre, an 18-acre accessible recreation facility acquired in 2009.

URSA serves more than 300 individuals annually across Calgary and Airdrie through over 25 programs, with an average of 100 volunteers per year and a workforce in the 251-500 range. It does not operate proprietary technology platforms, AI systems, or digital products; service delivery is conducted in physical community settings, group homes, and the Easy Street rehabilitation environment using conventional clinical and social-service methods. Customer acquisition occurs through government referral pathways rather than commercial sales channels.

URSA's revenue is generated primarily through managed-service contracts with Alberta Human Services programs — specifically the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program, Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), and the Alberta Brain Injury Initiative — supplemented by fee-for-service arrangements with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and private insurers for program graduates. URSA holds registered charity status (Revenue Canada Charitable Number 108160904RR0001) and supplements government funding with community donations and fundraising events, including an annual fundraising goal of $120,000 for 2026-2027. The organization is governed independently with no parent company or external equity backing.

Name

URSA

Legal name

Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA)

Website

https://ursa-rehab.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

URSA is a Calgary-based non-profit charitable organization founded in 1985 that delivers rehabilitation, residential, and community support services to over 300 individuals with brain injuries, developmental disabilities, and complex medical needs annually across Calgary and Airdrie, Alberta.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Rehabilitation Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Adult Day Rehabilitation & Therapy Programs (PT/OT/SLP) (HLADAIAD), Adult Day Respite Programs (Daytime Relief) (HLADAKAC)

Keywords

• Disability rehabilitation services
• Community-based support
• Residential disability care
• Brain injury rehabilitation
• Developmental disability services

Headquarters

HQ city

Calgary

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Program Funding: Primary revenue stream from government-funded programs including Alberta Human Services - Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD), Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), and Alberta Brain Injury Initiative. These programs fund residential services, day programs, and community support services for individuals with disabilities.
2. Fee for Service: Some services are funded through fee-for-service arrangements including WCB (Workers' Compensation Board) and private insurance company funding arrangements. URSA has developed an affordable fee for service program schedule for graduates of the Supports for Community Living Services program.
3. Donations and Fundraising: URSA relies on community donations to fund 'extras' beyond government-funded operations. The annual fundraising goal for 2026-2027 is estimated at $120,000. Revenue Canada Charitable Number: 108160904RR0001.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

URSA (Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency) is a Calgary-based non-profit charitable organization that provides community-based rehabilitation, residential, and day program services for individuals with developmental disabilities and brain injuries. The organization operates over 25 programs across Calgary and Airdrie, including specialized facilities such as Easy Street (a life-sized replica city street for brain injury rehabilitation) and Kootenay Lodge (culturally-focused supported housing for Indigenous individuals with disabilities).

Product overview

URSA (Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency) is a Calgary-based non-profit charitable organization established in 1985 that provides rehabilitation and support services to individuals with disabilities. The organization operates a multi-service portfolio structured around three core service lines: Brain Injury Services (featuring Easy Street, a life-sized simulated community environment for rehabilitation), Developmental Disability Services (including Residential Services, Airdrie Program, and Wholistic Day Programs), and Specialized Services (comprising Indigenous Services/Kootenay Lodge, Children's Services/Cub House, and Assessment and Customized Programs). URSA also operates the Retreat Centre as an 18-acre accessible recreation facility. Programs range from 10 hours per week in-home support to 24-hour staffed residences, serving hundreds of individuals annually across Calgary and Airdrie locations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Easy Street: A life-sized replica of a city street with shops, vehicles, and a bank designed to help brain injury survivors relearn everyday living skills in a safe environment.
• Kootenay Lodge
• The Cub House
• Bob Ward Residence
• Aurora Explorers
• North Stars

Products and services

• Easy Street

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 300 individuals supported annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered notable, core and minor.

• iA Financial GroupnotableStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025iA Financial Group helped fund the sensory room at URSA's Aurora Explorers program in Calgary, providing a calm, accessible space with bubble tubes and lights to help ease anxiety for individuals with disabilities.
• Porte Development GroupnotableStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025Porte Development Group contributed to funding the sensory room at URSA's Aurora Explorers program, helping create an accessible environment for adults with disabilities.
• Government of AlbertacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2025The Province of Alberta committed $5.7 million to support the Alberta Brain Injury Initiative, which comprises 12 organizations including URSA. This funding supports brain injury survivors in relearning life skills. Minister Jason Nixon announced the funding at URSA's Easy Street facility. Alberta Human Services provides ongoing funding through PDD and other programs.
• Rocky Mountain AdaptivecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 April 2019Rocky Mountain Adaptive partners with URSA for the Rehab on the Mountain program, providing adaptive ski instruction and equipment for brain injury survivors to experience skiing in the Rocky Mountains. Partnership has continued for over 10 years.
• Dave Irwin FoundationnotableStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Foundation partners with URSA for Rehab on the Mountain program supporting brain injury survivors.
• Sunshine VillagenotableStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Ski resort partner for Rehab on the Mountain program, providing venue access for adaptive skiing experiences for brain injury survivors.
• NAVIGATE Financial Group Ltd.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Presented Brain Art 2018 fundraiser event, supporting URSA programs and art therapy initiatives.
• CB MedicalnotableImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2018CB Medical has been a proud partner with URSA for over 20 years, managing medical supplies for clients. Works with URSA staff to provide outstanding service.
• Marshall DrugsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2018Marshall's Prescription Center has partnered with URSA for over 25 years, assisting with medication and clinical needs of clients.
• Repsol Sport CentreminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Repsol Sport Centre works closely with URSA staff and clients to help meet individual fitness goals and achieve active, healthy lifestyles.
• CBC CalgaryminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018CBC Do Crew came to URSA's Bob Ward Group Home, doing painting, building shelves and custom storage cabinet. CBC aired the event and helped organize volunteer efforts.
• JB MusicminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017JB Music Therapy partners with URSA providing music therapy services that help individuals boost mood, recover from injury, decrease stress, and ease difficult life transitions.
• Jon CornishminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Two-time Grey Cup Champion and Calgary Stampeder Legend served as guest speaker at Brain Art 2017, giving inspirational speech about brain injuries and personal concussion experience.
• Super-Fly ApparelminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Super-Fly Apparel creates contemporary outerwear suitable for individuals of all abilities. Donated clothing to URSA clients and volunteers time to support the organization.
• First Calgary FinancialminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Volunteered at URSA's Administration building for Brain Injury Services Day Program, completing various projects.
• Lowe's Signal HillminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Lowe's Hero Makeover Day volunteers painted, set up furniture and created patio space for URSA clients.
• Calgary Marriott Downtown HotelminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015Marriott volunteers participated in 'While You Were Out' projects, painting and personalizing spaces at group homes. Also planted flowers and did yard work.
• Hudson's Bay CompanyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015HBC partnered with URSA for 'The Giving Day' shopping event at Chinook Mall where proceeds from ticket sales supported URSA programs.
• Hopewell Residential CommunitiesnotableStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2012Hopewell Residential donated land for URSA's Copperfield home in Calgary's southeast community. The 6-bedroom barrier-free home was built through this partnership, providing residential services for adults with developmental disabilities.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Cerebral Palsy Alberta: Cerebral Palsy Alberta is an Alberta-based non-profit providing services to individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, including residential, community, and recreation programs. Directly comparable to URSA in mission, non-profit structure, and Alberta geographic focus, serving a similarly vulnerable population.
• Winnifred Stewart Association: Winnifred Stewart Association is an Edmonton-based non-profit providing residential, day program, and community services for adults with developmental disabilities. Directly comparable to URSA in non-profit structure, residential services, and developmental disability focus across Alberta.
• Renfrew Educational Services: Renfrew Educational Services is a Calgary-based non-profit providing education and support programs for children with developmental disabilities and complex needs. Directly comparable to URSA in Alberta geography and overlapping service areas including children's disability services and respite.
• Options Services to Communities: Options Services to Communities is an Alberta-based non-profit providing community-based residential and day services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Directly comparable to URSA in Alberta geography, non-profit structure, and residential/day program service model.
• Blue Heron Support Services: Blue Heron Support Services is an Alberta-based non-profit supporting adults with developmental disabilities through residential and community inclusion programs. Comparable to URSA in non-profit developmental disability services and Alberta geographic footprint.
• Vita Community Living Services: Vita Community Living Services is a Toronto-area non-profit providing residential, day program, and community services for adults with developmental disabilities. Comparable to URSA in non-profit structure and developmental disability service portfolio, though operating in Ontario rather than Alberta.
• Hull Services: Hull Services is a Calgary-based non-profit providing child and family services including residential treatment and programs for children with disabilities and complex needs. Directly comparable in Alberta geography and overlap with URSA's children's services, including The Cub House medically fragile program.

Broad incumbents

• March of Dimes Canada: March of Dimes Canada is a national non-profit providing employment, accessibility, and rehabilitation services to people with disabilities across Canada. Comparable to URSA in non-profit disability services but operates at a national scale with broader programming beyond URSA's regional residential and day program focus.
• CBI Health: CBI Health is a large Canadian for-profit healthcare and rehabilitation services provider offering brain injury rehab, home care, and disability services across multiple provinces. Comparable to URSA in brain injury and rehabilitation services but operates as a broader incumbent with for-profit, multi-service model across Canada.

Emerging players

• Brain Injury Canada: Brain Injury Canada is a national non-profit dedicated to brain injury awareness, education, and advocacy. Comparable to URSA in brain injury focus but operates at a national advocacy level rather than direct service delivery like URSA's Easy Street and brain injury day programs.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/URSAREHAB
• Facebookfacebook.com/UniversalRehab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about URSA