YWCA Banff

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Banff, AB
YWCA Banff

Shaping a safe and inclusive Bow Valley that empowers women and their families for a better future.

24-Hour Support Line: 403-760-3200

Available Services at YWCA Banff:

• Emergency Shelter – shelter spaces for people of any gender fleeing domestic or sexual violence

• Domestic and Sexual Violence Outreach – supportive counselling and information for anyone who has experienced or been impacted by domestic or sexual violence

• Project Home – short-term housing options with crisis support for B

ow Valley residents

• Affordable Housing Residence – longer-term permanent residence
YWCA Contact Information:

06/05/2026

Our community showed up for Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

This May, the Harmony Project spread awareness about sexual violence prevalence and prevention in the Bow Valley to over 8,700 people.

As a community, we took the following actions:
🎨 Created a collaborative art piece and colouring book reflecting on safety and belonging
🎙️ Listened to the Overheard Podcast on violence prevention and workplace culture
📖 Read books exploring root causes and the meaning of consent from the Banff Public Library’s Harmony Project reading list
🤍 Showed up all month long to local events

Together, we are creating a more informed and empathetic community—and a future free from sexual violence.

Let’s keep talking, listening, and creating positive change. If you want to get involved with sexual violence prevention, learn more about the Harmony Project: https://ywcabanff.ca/programs-services/harmony-project

05/29/2026

Our recent Women’s Circle events focused on painting self-portraits, soapstone carving and spending time in nature 🎨

This Sexual Violence Awareness Month, we brought women and gender diverse people together to connect to each other and themselves.

⛰️Creating healthy and safe relationships with our community members is an important step to prevent sexual violence. Consent belongs in mountain culture.

05/25/2026

Join us for the final week of Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

🌲 Women’s Circle – Forest Bathing: Participate in forest bathing, an activity to allow you to connect with nature in a way that is relaxing, respectful, and rejuvenating. The walk will help you feel at ease while gaining mental and physical health benefits. Meet at the Professional Development Centre at the Banff Centre at 6 p.m.

👧🏾 Power of Being a Girl: A one-day empowerment conference for girls and gender-diverse youth in Grades 4–6 (ages 8–12) who feel comfortable in a girl-centred space. Through interactive workshops, youth-friendly discussions, and inspiring women speakers, participants will explore healthy relationships, consent, body image, gender norms, self-worth, and leadership. Meet at Meeting Room 1, Fenlands Recreation Centre at 9:30 a.m.

📽️ Film for Thought: Join us for this event as part of the Bow Valley Pride Network’s Films for Thought series. This evening will feature a screening of “Moonlight” and engaging panel discussion (speakers to be announced). This month’s theme focuses on Sexual Violence Awareness Month, with the topic specifically related to sexual violence awareness and prevention in LGBTQIA+ communities. Screening at artsPlace at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $12, if cost is a barrier, please reach out to [email protected] for a free ticket.

Register here: https://ywcabanff.ca/programs-services/harmony-project/svam/

05/22/2026

What can you say to a friend or family member who has experienced sexual violence?

🤍 I believe you.
🤍 This is not your fault.
🤍 I’m here to listen.

YWCA Banff is a proud member of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services—a network of specialized sexual violence and trauma specific services.

If you’re looking for resources to help support someone in your life, let us know. We’re here to help.

05/21/2026

Ten years in the making, and it all started with you. 💜

Our community’s generosity over the past decade has been the bedrock of the Higher Ground project, and today, that dedication has unlocked a massive milestone.

We are thrilled to announce that the Government of Alberta has committed $20.15 million toward Phase 1 of Higher Ground in Canmore, helping us bring 120 affordable housing units to life. Our deepest thanks go to Premier Smith’s Government and Minister Jason Nixon for this vital investment.

What does this mean for the journey ahead?

This incredible contribution represents 25% of our Phase 1 fundraising goal. Because Higher Ground is a major, multi-phase project designed to reshape how we address housing insecurity and violence in our region, we still have a mountain to climb.

Thank you to the Town of Canmore and everyone who has backed us from day one. We’ve reached an amazing vantage point, but the summit is still ahead – and we’re ready to get there together.

05/20/2026

In the Bow Valley, consent can look like:

⛷️ Respecting a friend’s limits at the ski hill
🍺 Engaging in respectful interactions in the bar
🧗🏻‍♀️ Setting boundaries with your climbing partner

Consent is freely given, responsible, and informed. It belongs in mountain culture.

05/18/2026

Meet new people, have fun, and participate in reflective conversations at our events this week.

🌟 Vibe and Thrive Teen Program: A welcoming space for young people to connect, relax, and build community. Designed as both a social hub and a learning space, the program helps youth develop confidence, connection, and a stronger sense of belonging. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Meet at Banff Public Library at 6 p.m.

🎨 Women’s Circle – Self Portrait: In this guided experience for up to 10 participants, you will create an impressionistic self-portrait while reflecting on what safety, belonging, and personal boundaries mean to you. No experience needed. Meet at YWCA Banff at 6 p.m.

🧗🏼 Climbing and Consent with CYAN and the Harmony Project: Join the Canmore Young Adult Network - CYAN and the Harmony Project for a thoughtful and interactive Climbing and Consent session at Elevation Place. We’ll begin with a 30-minute guided conversation led by Ren (they/them), exploring how consent shows up in climbing spaces and everyday life. Meet at Elevation Place at 6 p.m.

By participating in welcoming and inclusive spaces, you can help us create a mountain culture free from sexual violence.

Register: https://ywcabanff.ca/programs-services/harmony-project/svam/

05/15/2026

Consent belongs in mountain culture. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and included in the Bow Valley.

💭 Reflecting on gender norms, societal power dynamics, and toxic masculinity fosters empathy and understanding. It helps challenge attitudes and beliefs that contribute to sexual violence, including harassment, abuse, and assault.

👉 By learning together, we can create a safer more inclusive Bow Valley. Join us at one of our events this May!

Register here: https://ywcabanff.ca/programs-services/harmony-project/svam/

05/14/2026

Sexual violence isn’t just an individual experience; it’s shaped by the communities we build together.

This Sexual Violence Awareness Month, YWCAs across Alberta are highlighting how safety is community-built. From believing, to listening without judgment, to simply showing up, everyday actions play a powerful role in creating safer spaces.

Did you know two out of three (67%) of Albertans know a survivor of sexual assault or abuse? Believing people when they share their story matters. It reduces harm, breaks isolation and helps create cultures where violence is less likely to be ignored.

Safety grows when we practice care, visibility and responsibility together.

05/08/2026

YWCA Banff is a proud member of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services—a network of specialized sexual violence and trauma specific services.

🤝 When it comes to supporting survivors, collaboration is key. We work with groups in the Bow Valley and across the province to create safer, more inclusive spaces. Everyone has a role in ending sexual violence.

📅 Join one of our community events for Sexual Violence Awareness Month this May.

Address

102 Spray Avenue
Banff, AB
T1L1A6

Telephone

+14037623560

Website

http://ywcabanff.ca/, https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/hopefortheholidays2025

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