New funding brings YWCA Banff’s vision closer to reality
BANFF, AB – May 14, 2026 – Higher Ground received $20 million of government funding yesterday, which takes us to 25% of the funds required to deliver Phase 1 of this project. Higher Ground is our plan to create a purpose-built facility in Canmore that will transform how we deliver programs and services to prevent and address housing insecurity and domestic and sexual violence across the Bow Valley.
YWCA Banff CEO Ebony Rempel says this is incredible news for the project at this early stage.
“We are so grateful to be one of the recipients of this funding. This is the springboard we need to jump into Phase 1 and tangible progress toward bringing desperately needed sustainable housing to the Bow Valley.”
What began as an ambitious idea is becoming more of an achievable reality with every milestone. Last year the Town of Canmore, a major collaborator in this project, announced The Palliser Land Site 7 as the future home of Higher Ground, setting the foundation for what’s to come next.
Yesterday’s announcement by Jason Nixon, Alberta Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services and Eleanor Olszewski, Federal Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development, takes us to nearly a quarter of the funding we require for Phase 1 of the project.
“There are many people to thank – our foundational donors, supporters who are just learning about this project, and Premier Smith and Ministers Nixon and Olszewski. This funding is a vital step forward and although we have a mountain to climb to bring Higher Ground fully to life, we look forward to working together with the community to reach the summit,” added Ebony.