CALGARY, July 5, 2018—The Government of Canada recognizes the critical role supporting women plays in building a strong economy that works for everyone. Equal opportunity puts more people in the workforce, drives economic growth and helps more families join the middle class.

Today the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, was joined by the Honourable Sandra Jansen, Minister of Alberta Infrastructure, and His Worship Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary, to announce more than $6 million in federal funding for the new home of the YWCA Calgary.

The funding will go towards developing the first and second floors of the new facility to include multipurpose rooms, classrooms, a community kitchen, fitness centre, childcare centre and an administration area, along with a secure outdoor space in an enclosed courtyard.

Once complete, the new YW will have more space to offer a wide variety of social services and specialized assistance to those who need it most, leading to a brighter future and higher quality of life for all Calgarians.

Quotes

“YW Calgary has provided a safe environment and support services for women in need and their families for more than a century and I am thrilled that we are helping expand and modernize its facilities. The new YW Hub will allow the organization to serve more people and better adapt to changing needs, creating a more inclusive Calgary where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“All Albertans should have a safe, affordable place to call home. I am proud of our government’s work with the federal government and YW Calgary to support women and children fleeing abuse or living in poverty. We are committed to standing up for those who need someone in their corner.”

The Honourable Irfan Sabir, Acting Minister of Seniors and Housing

“The YW Hub is a stellar project that will support some of our most vulnerable citizens with critical programming in a facility designed just for them. The City of Calgary saw the value in this project immediately and I’m proud that we’ve supported it from the very beginning. Together, we are helping vulnerable, low-income Calgarians get the housing and support they need.”

His Worship Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary

“YW Calgary has been working with women and families to help them build connections to community and brighter futures for more than 100 years. With this investment, the Government of Canada joins other levels of government, donors and YW Calgary in supporting the development of welcoming, inclusive spaces thoughtfully designed with a focus on women’s well-being.”

Sue Tomney, Chief Executive Officer, YW Calgary

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada is contributing up to $6,029,368 to this project through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, while the Government of Alberta is providing $8,600,000, and the City of Calgary, $576,363.
  • Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
  • $25.3 billion of this funding will support social infrastructure (including cultural and recreational) in Canadian communities.