Overview

For nearly 40 years, YW has been providing safety and support for women and children fleeing domestic violence at our Sheriff King Home crisis shelter, located at 2003 16th Street SE. The ongoing pandemic coupled with the persistent economic downturn and the reality that Alberta continues to have one of the highest rates of domestic violence means the need for our services has never been greater.

Our intention has long been to redevelop Sheriff King Home, as the current facility is rapidly approaching the end of its lifecycle. In addition, the intention has been to build permanent and affordable housing for women and children experiencing domestic violence adjacent to the shelter facility. This will allow us to better meet the needs of women and children and support them as they take steps to breaking the cycle of abuse.

The availability of permanent housing that is safe, appropriate, affordable, and allows women to regain autonomy in their lives falls short of the need and YW is committed to addressing this issue by creating opportunities to improve the lives of vulnerable women and children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our intention has long been to redevelop the 40 year old Sheriff King Home facility, as the current facility is rapidly approaching the end of its lifecycle. In addition, the intention has been to build permanent and affordable housing for women and children experiencing domestic violence adjacent to the shelter facility. This will allow us to better meet the needs of women and children and support them as they take steps to breaking the cycle of abuse.

In addition, the availability of permanent housing that is safe, appropriate, affordable, and allows women to regain autonomy in their lives falls short of the need. Sadly, there are limited options for women and their families once their shelter stay (limited to 21 days by funder guidelines) has expired.

The current YW Sheriff King Home has 15 shelter units with communal and play areas for families, women, teenagers, children and counselling; the intent is to add five units to the shelter capacity for a total of 20 units.

The communal spaces and ancillary support spaces will continue to be part of the facility. Access to YW Hub facility for other supports will also be part of the long term operations.

Calgary has a significant shortage of safe, appropriate and affordable housing. To help address this gap, YW made the decision to build 20 units of affordable housing, specifically for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse and require housing options beyond their stay in shelter.

The housing building will be located adjacent to 20 Ave SE and the shelter will be located adjacent to 16 St SE.

Both buildings are being designed to three stories to align with the current zoning for the site. They will be laid out on the existing site in a way that will create synergy with the surrounding neighbours. Neither facility will cast shadows on neighbouring homes or businesses.

Utilizing the same design drivers as the YW Hub facility, both buildings will fit with and enhance the aesthetics of the community. Finishes for the building will be similar to that used on our Hub facility (1715 17 Ave SE). Our new facility and will be a significant improvement on the existing site and will add enhanced landscaping opportunities for this area.

Feedback can be submitted by email at YWDevelopment@ywcalgary.ca, on the project website –ywcalgary.ca/sheriffking or by calling 403.705.5779.

Employees and clients of Sheriff King Home crisis shelter will be relocated to a temporary facility where supports will continue throughout construction.

Demolition of the existing structure is scheduled for August, 2021.

Construction timeline is dependent on financing but the intention is to begin construction on both components, the crisis shelter and housing facility, in spring 2022.

Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2023, pending financing.

Limited impact to property owners along 20 Ave SE and business owners along 16 Street is expected during the construction process. The peak construction period is expected to take less than 15 months.

During the construction period, there will be some increased traffic, noise and temporary road closures. Construction hours will comply with City of Calgary bylaws. Hoarding will secure the site.

YW Calgary is committed to keeping neighbours informed of any significant impacts, such as road closures, as early as possible to reduce the impact on the community.

YW is working with neighbouring organizations to develop opportunities for off-street vehicle parking during construction.

Connect with us

YW is committed to providing ongoing updates and engagement opportunities throughout the project. Stay connected by signing up for newsletter using the form below.

You can also connect directly at any time by phone at 403.705.5779 emailing YWDevelopment@ywcalgary.ca.