BOW VALLEY – Sometimes in order to reach higher ground you need to a little help from your friends.
That’s also true for the YWCA Banff’s Higher Ground project, which is trying to achieve a vision to establish an emergency shelter in the Bow Valley for those seeking refuge from intimate partner violence.
In an effort to incorporate community input into the design process, YWCA staff held a community consultation and design lab at the end of September to support the Bow Valley Higher Ground project.
More than just a shelter space, the YWCA’s plan is to develop hub in Canmore that would provide shelter, transitional housing, supportive affordable housing and wrap-around services in collaboration with other community agencies.
“These conversations will help us to create a housing and service delivery model that is relevant to the Bow Valley context,” said YWCA Banff CEO Connie MacDonald. “The experience reaffirmed Higher Ground’s journey and vision, while presenting some fresh insights into how the project can enhance leading-edge, client-centred service provision in our communities.”
The consultation process invited 70 local and regional leaders to participate in the exercise to share ideas and experiences to help the YWCA in its design process. According to director of programs Reave MacLeod, the participants spoke about the need for the new facility to break down stigma around domestic and sexual violence related issues.
“We were thrilled to see the enthusiasm for bringing a social wellness hub to Canmore,” MacLeod said. “Having a sanctuary for healing where residents can seek help for their vulnerabilities and deepen their ties to community will have a significant impact on the entire Bow Valley.”
The results of the community consultation will guide the YWCA’s next steps, including business planning and program design, establishing partnerships, securing funding and acquiring land.
