Cogir Marks 30-Year Milestone with Expansion to Over 100 US Senior Living Communities

Cogir is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of innovation, growth, and a people-first approach to real estate and senior living. The company's journey from a small Canadian venture to managing over 100 communities in the United States alone represents a significant achievement in the senior living industry.

The company's foundation dates back to 1995 when Serge G. Duguay, a passionate real estate entrepreneur in Québec, Canada, founded Cogir at age 55. Initially focusing on revitalizing shopping centers, Serge enlisted his 17-year-old son, Mathieu Duguay, to help manage a property, sparking what would become a lifelong dedication to community-building. This early collaboration established the family-oriented approach that would characterize Cogir's development.

By 1999, Cogir had expanded into residential and retirement living, marking its initial entry into what would become its core business. In 2004, a significant transition occurred when Serge passed leadership to Mathieu, selling him the company while remaining actively involved. Under Mathieu's guidance, Cogir continued to diversify, launching its own development and construction division in 2008 to manage projects from initial concept through completion.

A pivotal moment in Cogir's expansion came in 2013 when the company partnered with Welltower, a global leader in health and wellness real estate. This partnership laid the groundwork for international expansion and positioned Cogir for significant growth in the United States market. The collaboration with Welltower proved instrumental in Cogir's cross-border success, leading to their first US partnership in 2018 when they acquired 12 communities across Washington and California.

The company's US presence solidified in 2020 with the official establishment of Cogir USA, complete with a dedicated leadership team and ambitious vision for growth. Today, Cogir USA manages over 100 communities across the country, offering vibrant senior living experiences rooted in human connection, creativity, and excellence. The company's approach encompasses exceptional dining, comprehensive wellness programming, and purpose-driven care while maintaining its founding values.

Mathieu Duguay, CEO of Cogir, reflected on the company's journey, stating, "Thirty years ago, we set out to create spaces where people could thrive, not just live. Today, with over 100 communities in the U.S. and a legacy of innovation behind us, we're just getting started." This statement underscores the company's ongoing commitment to its original mission while looking toward future growth opportunities.

As Cogir celebrates this milestone, the company remains focused on building communities that foster joy, connection, and purpose for both residents and team members. The recognition as one of ASHA's top 10 senior living providers highlights Cogir's standing in the industry and its dedication to advancing its presence in the US market. For additional information about Cogir Senior Living and its communities, visit https://www.cogirusa.com.

The company's three-decade evolution from a single Canadian venture to a major US senior living provider demonstrates the potential for sustained growth in the aging services sector. Cogir's success story offers insights into strategic expansion, partnership development, and maintaining core values during rapid growth, providing valuable lessons for other organizations in the senior living and real estate industries.