(Alberta Council of Women's Shelters)

By Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

Alberta government invests in more beds at women’s shelters, including in Brooks, Grande Prairie

Mar 19, 2024 | 11:30 AM

The Alberta government on Tuesday revealed more details of its $5-million investment into creating new spaces at women’s shelters across the province over the next three years, a cash influx first revealed in the 2024 budget.

The new cash builds on the $5 million already invested over the past year to a total of $10 million over a four-year period.

The government’s split the spending up: $5 million in 2023-24, $1.5 million in 2024-25, an additional $1.5 million in 2025-26, and $2 million in 2026-27.

Tanya Fir, Alberta’s minister of arts, culture and status of women, called the funding boost a homegrown approach that gets at the base of the issue.

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“Alberta’s government is engaging extensively to create a made-in-Alberta action plan that supports survivors and addresses the root causes of gender-based violence,” Fir said.

“This funding would help women’s shelters across the province continue to address the needs of women and girls escaping violence, building stronger communities.”

Recipients of the money are located in Brooks, Grand Prairie, Calgary and a variety of other municipalities across Alberta.

In addition, funding will support innovative programs to help meet high demand in rural areas, according to officials.

That includes $350,000 for Rowan House Society’s new, first-of-its-kind program in High River, which empowers women to have agency over their choices while experiencing domestic violence.

The government has also set aside $275,000 for Big Hill Haven in Cochrane, which has no physical shelter and rents units so those fleeing abuse have somewhere local to stay.

Albertans can get 24/7 support by calling or texting the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818.

Phone support is offered in more than 170 languages, including all Indigenous languages spoken in Canada. A 24/7 confidential webchat is also available in English online.