This article is part of a series called Transforming communities with Sustainable Affordable Housing. The series demonstrates how energy-efficient, community-centered housing can foster resilience and well-being. Discover practical solutions for affordable, climate-friendly homes that improve lives and build a sustainable future.

In the heart of Banff, AB, YWCA Banff’s Courtyard Project—now called Priscilla’s Place—has transformed the lives of its residents. Completed in late 2022, this net-zero, pet-friendly complex offers more than just housing. It provides security and a fresh start for those in need, fostering dignity, stability, and community. Supported by the Green Municipal Fund’s (GMF) Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative, Priscilla’s Place demonstrates how sustainable affordable housing can be a game-changer.

A new beginning for residents

Priscilla’s Place fills a critical gap in Banff’s housing crisis, providing 33 energy-efficient units to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. “We’ve been in a housing crisis forever,” said Ebony Rempel, CEO of YWCA Banff. “And it’s not just a lack of housing—it’s about having suitable, safe and quality spaces.”

For some residents, Priscilla’s Place is the first stable home they’ve had in years. “There was one couple who were sleeping in their car the week before they moved in,” shared Rempel. “We were rearranging space in our facility just to store people’s furniture and luggage because they’d ended their previous housing arrangements and had nowhere to go.”

In her role as CEO, Rempel doesn’t typically oversee move-ins, but the urgency of the housing crisis called for all hands on deck. “I was doing a walk-through with a woman moving into her unit, and as I was showing her the space, the doorknob fell off the closet,” she recalled with a laugh. “I told her, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll get that fixed.’ But she just looked at me and said, ‘I don’t care about that—where do I sign?’” Rempel reflected on how moments like this underline the transformative impact of having a place to call home: “It was the first time she’d ever been on the lease of her own place.”

Sustainable design for lasting resilience

Priscilla’s Place is not just affordable housing—it’s designed with sustainability in mind. The building features energy-efficient elements, including heat recovery ventilation and modular construction, helping reduce utility costs and minimize environmental impact. The pet-friendly design, bike storage facilities and proximity to trails and public transit align with Banff’s active, sustainable lifestyle, ensuring residents enjoy affordability, convenience and comfort. For example, the bike storage room—large enough to accommodate all 33 units—is consistently packed, while the parking lot remains largely empty. 

“It’s a reflection of how people here live—close to nature, with a strong focus on sustainability,” Rempel observed.

Overwhelming demand and lessons learned

YWCA Banff was surprised by the overwhelming response to the project. “We held an online info session during the pandemic, expecting a small turnout,” Rempel recalled. “Hundreds of people showed up, and applications flooded in.” Priscilla’s Place filled quickly, but the high demand underscored the need for continued housing development in the region.

Balancing high demand with the organization’s mission to serve the most vulnerable was a challenge. “We care deeply about supporting those most in need, but that also meant having to say no to others,” said Rempel. “That was tough—it really brought home how limited affordable housing options are in our community.”

A foundation for stability and independence

At Priscilla’s Place, residents are welcome to stay as long as they need. “Our model is about creating sustainable, permanent housing,” explained Rempel. “We’re not in the business of unhousing people. If someone’s income exceeds the income threshold, we help them transition into independent living.”

The building’s location next to a daycare has created additional opportunities for residents to build community and support each other. 

“One resident babysits her friend’s daughter during an overlap between daycare hours,” Rempel shared. “It’s those little connections that make a big difference.”

Future plans and growing impact

Priscilla’s Place is just the beginning for YWCA Banff. The organization is planning two major projects: a renovation of its main building—the former Mineral Springs Hospital—and a new development in Canmore called Higher Ground. “Higher Ground will be a mix of affordable housing, a women’s shelter, and community hub spaces for social services,” said Rempel. “We’re working with the Town of Canmore to make it a reality.”

Reflecting on Priscilla’s Place, Rempel emphasized how much the organization has learned. “The build was stressful—we faced cost escalations and delays during the pandemic—but we got through it. Now, we have the confidence to do more. Building affordable, sustainable housing isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.”

A model for community and sustainability

Priscilla’s Place shows how affordable housing can be both sustainable and community-centered. It’s not just a building; it’s a lifeline for people who need it most.  

“This project has been really incredible—for the residents and for us as an organization. Many of the people moving in have faced tough circumstances, and giving them a space that’s safe, beautiful, and affordable has been really special.”

Discover inspiring affordable housing projects that are transforming communities across Canada

Affordable housing and sustainability are converging in exciting ways. This series highlights impactful projects funded by the Green Municipal Fund’s (GMF) Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative, demonstrating how energy-efficient, community-centered housing can foster resilience and well-being.

Read the series to learn more about the people, communities, and innovative approaches driving affordable, sustainable housing projects nationwide. Discover practical solutions for affordable, climate-friendly homes that improve lives and build a sustainable future.

Articles in the series

YWCA Banff’s Priscilla’s Place: Stability and community in Banff

• YWCA Banff’s Priscilla’s Place provides 33 net-zero, affordable units that offer stability, security, and a new beginning for individuals and families facing housing challenges. Discover how this pet-friendly complex, complete with bike storage and energy-efficient features, has brought comfort and resilience to its residents in Banff.

Rossland Yards: A new chapter for housing in Rossland, BC 

• In Rossland, BC, Rossland Yards has created a welcoming home for local workers. Read about how this 37-unit development balances affordability with sustainability, featuring energy-saving amenities like triple-pane windows and heat pumps, while fostering a tight-knit community through local partnerships.

Pine Tree Park: Renewable energy brings resilience to Cape Breton 

• New Dawn Enterprises’ Pine Tree Park in Cape Breton, NS, is redefining affordable housing with deep energy retrofits and the largest solar array on the island. This project has reduced energy bills for residents and brought a sense of pride to the community, highlighting how renewable energy can elevate quality of life for all.

CABN Co Foundation: Net-zero living in eastern Ontario

• CABN Co’s net-zero housing project offers practical solutions for off-grid, affordable living, where rapid construction and innovative design have turned a pilot home into a model for sustainable growth. Explore how CABN’s approach enables quick, cost-effective building in remote areas and its vision for expanding sustainable housing nationwide.

Heartland Housing Foundation: Building a sustainable future in Fort Saskatchewan

• In Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Heartland Housing Foundation's new net-zero energy building has transformed the local affordable housing landscape. Explore how this innovative 83-unit complex meets high sustainability standards while addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in the area. 

Aspen Heights: Stability and sustainability in Saskatoon

• Aspen Heights, developed by the National Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC), offers 56 energy-efficient, affordable townhomes in Saskatoon, SK, providing security and support for low-income families, including individuals with specialized needs. Discover how this community-focused development, featuring sustainable design and innovative heating solutions, is transforming lives and setting a new standard for affordable housing in Saskatchewan.

This series was inspired by National Housing Day and the transformative power of SAH funding to create lasting, community-driven change.

As Canadian municipalities grow, local governments are looking for innovative ways to accommodate, service and support new residents and businesses. As a result, the need for strategic, fiscally responsible and environmentally conscious land-use planning is more important than ever. To support municipalities on this journey, we partnered with the Sustainability Solutions Group (SSG), with support from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), to develop two essential tools to help local governments balance housing, commerce and agriculture with long-term climate and financial sustainability.

Hear from experts as they guide participants through innovative tools and strategies, including the Land-Use Impact Calculator (LUIC) and the Guide: Climate and financial impacts of land-use decisions, showcasing practical examples and successful approaches from municipalities across Canada.

This webinar was delivered in English with French simultaneous interpretation.

Watch the webinar recording to learn more about:

• How to effectively use the Land-Use Impact Calculator to analyze project implications.
• Key strategies from the Land-Use Guide for making sustainable land-use decisions.
• Practical steps to apply these tools to your municipality’s specific needs.
• Insights from case studies on successful land-use planning.
• Methods to integrate these resources into your decision-making process for enhanced sustainability.

Panelists:

• Jeremy Murphy, Sustainability Solutions Group
• Noah Purves-Smith, Sustainability Solutions Group

The Land-Use Planning Tools initiative is delivered by FCM through our Green Municipal Fund, in partnership with the Sustainability Solutions Group (SSG) and supported by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Discover how climate data can drive your municipality's adaptation initiatives. As key players in climate adaptation, municipalities across Canada are uniquely positioned to leverage climate data to strengthen adaptation efforts. This one-hour webinar explored how climate data could inform and support your municipality’s climate adaptation efforts.

Speakers:

• Casey Clunas, Policy Analyst, Canadian Centre for Climate Services, Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Sara MacRae, Manager of Climate & Energy, County of Dufferin
• Jillian Prosser, Leader, Climate Adaptation Team, City of Calgary

This webinar is ideal for municipal staff, climate adaptation professionals, and community leaders seeking to enhance their understanding and implementation of climate data-driven adaptation strategies.

FCM’s Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative is delivered through our Green Municipal Fund and funded by the Government of Canada.

Levels of service (LOS) are specific parameters that describe and measure the extent and quality of services provided by local governments to stakeholders. Successfully defining LOS is achieved through considering a blend of infrastructure, resources and capacity. Common infrastructure for which LOS are usually set include roads, bridges, drinking water and sanitation services. 

The process of documenting LOS encourages municipalities to seek innovative ways to reduce the whole life cost of service delivery. To get started on or to continue your work to document LOS for your municipality, you are invited to access the resources below, which include: 

• A presentation that you can customize to raise awareness of the importance of LOS
• A step-by-step infographic that helps you visualize the process of documenting LOS
• Resources and real-world case studies so you can learn how other municipalities are addressing LOS challenges 

Presentation: Using LOS as a crucial accountability tool

Use this customizable presentation to brief elected officials or other interested parties on the importance of documenting LOS. The presentation also describes how documenting LOS can improve decision-making and advance your municipality’s asset management journey. Designed especially for municipalities that are new to developing LOS, it demystifies the process by outlining questions to be considered and highlighting the benefits.  

Download the presentation today.

Step-by-step infographic: How to document LOS and pathways to action

To begin documenting LOS, your municipality must clearly identify its strategic objectives and the  community’s needs. Once these are identified and communicated, your municipality is ready to embark on the following phases:  

• ​​​​​Identify services and assets 
• Describe current levels of service and identify performance measures 
• Prepare an action plan 
• Measurement and reporting

Key cross-cutting themes that should be embedded throughout the process include climate change; Reconciliation and anti-racism, equity and inclusion; and public consultation. In addition, it is important to recognize the association between LOS and risk processes and how increasing risk can also impact service levels.

Download the infographic.

Explore practical examples: Case studies, workshops, and tools

Below you’ll find select case studies, tools and other resources, including information about hands-on workshops, that share tips and strategies to help you move ahead with your LOS learning and processes.  

Municipal LOS case studies  

• Significant progress in setting LOS in Flagstaff County, AB 
• Advancing municipal processes in Conception Bay South, NL 

Tools and resources 

• Learning journey: Climate resilience and asset management 
  • Resources to integrate climate resilience into asset management, including LOS and risk assessment 
• Northwest Territories Association of Communities’ (NWTAC) levels of service toolkit  
  • A customizable template and guide to help northern municipalities begin the LOS process 
• Atlantic Infrastructure Management (AIM) Network’s Level of service assessment tool 
  • A customizable template to document locally applicable customer LOS statements 
• Asset Management BC’s (AMBC) levels of service tool 
  • A customizable tool that includes examples of LOS statements for common asset types — can be used as a ready-made resource or adjusted to suit specific needs 
• The Federation of Canadian Municipalities' asset management resource library 
  • Tools, guides and more related to a variety of asset management focus areas, including LOS  

The impacts of climate change are experienced differently within and across communities. This web-based factsheet is intended to demystify what is meant by “equitable climate adaptation.” It outlines important terminology, explains why equity matters and discusses why a multi-solving approach that centres equity is essential to successfully reduce climate risks. 

What is equitable climate adaptation? 

Municipalities are uniquely positioned to undertake climate adaptation work right where climate impacts are experienced and with the people being affected on a daily basis. Equitable climate adaptation means taking action to address the impacts of climate change and to build resilience in a way that advances equity and inclusive community engagement. This includes recognizing and understanding the history and context of existing systems and identifying systems of privilege and inequality as well as building and fostering collaborative relationships and partnerships in climate adaptation work, with a particular focus on equity-deserving and marginalized communities. 

Glossary

Climate change adaptation

Actions that reduce or ameliorate the negative impacts of climate change while taking advantage of potential new opportunities. It involves adjusting policies and actions to address observed or expected climate change effects. Adaptation can be reactive (in response to climate impacts) or anticipatory (before impacts are observed). In most circumstances, anticipatory adaptations will be more effective than reactive adaptations and result in fewer damages and lower overall costs.

Equity

An allocation of resources that prioritizes those who have greater needs due to the systematic marginalization of certain groups.

Equity-deserving and marginalized communities

Groups of people who, because of systemic discrimination, face barriers that prevent them from having the same access to resources and opportunities as other members of society, and who need those resources and opportunities to attain just outcomes. These communities are often underrepresented in decision-making processes. In Canada, these groups often include Indigenous people, newcomers, people of colour, women, people with low income and people with limited mobility.

Equity-informed

An approach or strategy that considers and addresses systemic inequalities, historical injustices and power imbalances to aim for fair and just outcomes, particularly for those who have been marginalized.

Inclusive engagement

Identifying and engaging with equity-deserving groups that have an interest in the project or that are or will be impacted by changes. Inclusive engagement reduces barriers to participation, empowers diverse groups within decision-making and builds ongoing relationships and connections.

Meaningful engagement

An intentional process with the purpose of working in inclusive and respectful ways with all stakeholders and rights holders to shape decisions, actions, impacts or change.

It is important to recognize that every organization, region and municipality is unique, and that barriers and inequalities will differ from one community to another and from one individual to another. Reconciliation and anti-racism, equity, inclusion practices come as a part of an ongoing learning process that requires reflexivity, collaboration and relationship-building with genuine regard for humanity and social justice. 

How equitable climate adaptation helps build stronger communities 

Climate impacts are not uniform. They affect people across communities, across Canada and across the world in a variety of ways. In addition, how a climate impact is experienced has to do with existing social, health, physical and systemic barriers or privileges and can exacerbate inequities. Equitable climate adaptation is crucial for building stronger communities for several reasons: 

• Inclusive resilience: By ensuring that all community members can access resources and support, equitable climate adaptation helps everyone withstand and recover from climate impacts. This inclusivity fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. 

• Health and well-being: Equitable adaptation strategies prioritize the health and well-being of all citizens. This includes addressing the specific needs of Indigenous communities, low-income residents and other equity-deserving, at-risk and/or marginalized communities, thereby reducing health disparities and improving overall community health. 

  • Example: Watch this video explaining how mobility-related disabilities can endanger an individual during disasters that require evacuation.  

• Environmental justice: Equitable adaptation ensures that the benefits of climate resilience are shared fairly, preventing certain groups from bearing a disproportionate share of climate-related burdens. This approach promotes fairness and justice, which are foundational to strong, cohesive communities.

  • Example: Climate-related disasters can place LGBTQ2+ people at a greater risk of violence and discrimination. 

• Enhanced infrastructure: Investing in resilient infrastructure that serves all community members equally helps protect against climate impacts like floods and extreme weather. This not only safeguards physical assets but also ensures that essential services remain accessible to everyone. 

  • Example: Poor-quality housing, housing insecurity and lower insurance coverage can increase individuals’ vulnerability to the effects of climate change. Those who are experiencing homelessness or are precariously housed are more vulnerable to extreme weather events. Flooding, extreme heat and wildfires are examples of climate-related events that will increase housing insecurity. 

• Economic stability: By supporting local economies and workers through targeted adaptation measures, communities can better withstand economic shocks from climate events. This stability encourages investment and growth, leading to more robust local economies. 

• Community engagement: Equitable adaptation involves engaging with all community members in planning and decision-making. This inclusive approach ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to more effective and widely supported adaptation strategies. 

Equitable climate adaptation not only addresses immediate climate risks but also builds a foundation for long-term community strength and resilience. 

How can your community benefit from an equitable climate adaptation approach?  

By embedding equity into governance systems, processes and initiatives, municipalities are working toward a more resilient future in which we:  

• Address and mitigate systemic and physical barriers for those Canadians most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. 

• Ensure all Canadians can benefit from and contribute to adaptation actions. 

• Consider and address the realities of the most vulnerable communities. 

• Lessen burdens on groups facing compounding barriers, such as insufficient housing in locations experiencing extreme heat. 

• Reduce costs by proactively preparing for the impacts of climate change. 

• Share risk, expertise, resources, interest and ability to take action amongst a variety of community stakeholders. 

• Deliver on the guiding principles of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, including respecting jurisdictions, upholding Indigenous Peoples’ rights and advancing climate and environmental justice. 

• Contribute and/or deliver on national and international commitments such as Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.