Priscilla's Place: A bright place to call home in Banff
SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
New construction of sustainable affordable housing
This article is part of a series called How energy-efficient affordable housing is improving the lives of Canadians. The series features the inspiring stories of six Canadians who are living comfortably and saving money thanks to energy-efficient affordable housing.
When Fanny moved into her new apartment at Priscilla’s Place in Banff, AB, the first thing she noticed was the light.
“I used to live in a basement suite,” she says. “It was dark, and I felt a bit depressed. Now I’m on the second floor and get the afternoon sun. It makes such a difference—it’s really nice to have that light every day.”
Fanny describes herself as an active, outdoorsy person. After several years in Banff’s tight rental market, she waited over a year and a half to get into Priscilla’s Place. She had heard from friends and colleagues that it was worth the wait. “When I got the call, I was so happy,” she says. “It’s really hard in Banff to get your own space—something that’s clean, comfortable and affordable. I’m really grateful.”
A home that feels like her own
Fanny moved into her studio apartment in October 2024 and says having her own place has changed how she feels day to day. “Before, I was always sharing—roommates, shared kitchens, shared living spaces. Here, it’s my space. I can invite friends over, have tea, cook dinner, and not have to check with anyone. It’s simple, but it’s freedom.”
With long winters and limited daylight, she appreciates being able to host people at home. “It’s easier to connect now,” she says. “In Banff, everyone’s working or skiing or travelling, so when you do have a night off, it’s nice to just have people over and hang out.”
She’s found herself doing more of that lately: small dinners, game nights, and cultural celebrations with friends from around the world. “We all come from different places,” she says. “It’s nice to share meals and traditions together. It makes winter feel shorter.”
Comfort through design
Priscilla’s Place was built by YWCA Banff with support from the Green Municipal Fund’s Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative, combining affordability with energy efficiency. While Fanny hadn’t paid much attention to the building’s environmental features at first, she’s noticed the difference in comfort.
“The building keeps the heat really well. I don’t even need to use my heater most of the winter—it stays around 18 or 20 degrees even when it’s –20 outside. The temperature stays steady year-round. It’s comfortable in every season. You can tell the building was made with care.”
She likes that her apartment is quiet, too. “It’s peaceful,” she says. “You can hear a bit from the hallway, but people are respectful, and it’s really calm. I like that I can come home and just relax.”
Affordability that brings balance
Like many Banff locals, Fanny has juggled multiple jobs to make ends meet. Affordable rent, she says, has changed that. “Before, everyone I knew was working two or three jobs,” she explains. “Now, I can work just one and still live comfortably.” That shift has made time for herself—and for rest.
“It means I don’t have to spend all my time working just to afford a place to live. I can actually enjoy it—be at home, cook, invite people over. It’s a big change.”
Feeling brighter, inside and out
When asked what Priscilla’s Place has meant for her well-being, Fanny doesn’t hesitate. “I’m happier,” she says. “The daylight, the space, not having to share—it makes a big difference. Even on a rainy day, I’m happy to stay in my place.”
She’s also spending more time on the things she loves: outdoor sports, board games with friends, and simply enjoying the view from her sunny windows. “I have lots of gear—skis, a snowboard, a bike—and there’s space to store it all safely,” she says. “That’s a big deal here.”
For Fanny, having a home that’s both affordable and uplifting has changed how she feels about living in Banff.
“It’s just nice to have my own space. It feels like home.”
Pricillia’s Place was developed by YWCA Banff and supported by the Green Municipal Fund’s Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative.
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