Following the announcement of a new partnership between the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and YWCA Banff, the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation has gifted $30 million towards the partnership to establish world-class hospitality and tourism programming based in Banff.
This precedent-setting gift is divided into two components, with $10 million gifted to YWCA Banff to support transformative renovations to turn a portion of the building into a state-of-the-art teaching facility and student housing. The YWCA units dedicated to affordable and transitional housing, as well as emergency shelter, will remain. A gift of $20 million to SAIT supports long-term hospitality and tourism programming uniquely created to provide world-leading, applied learning opportunities in one of Canada's premier tourism communities.
Through a shared commitment to creating long-term benefits for the community and tourism sector, SAIT, YWCA Banff and the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation are set to accomplish extraordinary change in Banff. By creating a space to offer tourism-based education in Banff, tourism and hospitality will continue to be elevated as a viable career path, while supporting community issues and challenges through investment in the YWCA.
"SAIT is dedicated to building new pathways to strengthen hospitality and tourism in the Bow Valley corridor, while supporting the community through this dynamic partnership," says Dr. David Ross, SAIT President and CEO. "By offering a new immersive learning environment in the heart of a globally revered tourism centre, we are committed to developing a secure talent pipeline to support tourism and the community in the area."
Wim and Nancy Pauw established their Foundation in 2009 with a focus on investing tourism earnings back into the community.
"Since arriving in Banff, Wim has always looked beyond immediate success to invest in people and the community," says Cathy Geisler, Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation Executive Director. "This exciting new partnership is yet another step toward realizing his vision a world-class centre for tourism and hospitality that fosters excellence, strengthens the delivery and expansion of locally-based critical social services and supports economic resiliency right in the heart of Canada's most iconic national park."
The renovation will be a game-changer for both education and the community, supporting a sustainable tourism economy and strengthening the YWCA's ability to deliver and expand its critical services. By securing a long-term agreement with SAIT, the capacity for the YWCA to deliver critical programs and services will be better positioned to meet increased demand.
"This partnership goes beyond education it aims to create long-term benefits for our community while strengthening the tourism sector that sustains our town. Through efforts aimed at violence prevention including driving systemic change within the tourism and hospitality sectors we aim to address root causes, not just symptoms. YWCA Banff will continue to provide critical programming, such as affordable housing, shelter spaces and crisis intervention, but we also recognize the importance of upstream initiatives that create long-term solutions," says Ebony Rempel, YWCA Banff CEO. "We are grateful to the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation for this incredibly generous donation, reinvesting tourism profits into projects that enhance community members' lives."
SAIT's School of Hospitality and Tourism, ranked #14 globally and #1 in Canada, offers world-class programs in hospitality, tourism management and the culinary arts, preparing students for real-world success. A presence in Banff is intended to offer a continuous flow of highly skilled professionals, ensuring a future-ready workforce.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025, pending funding support as well as government approvals on several levels, including Parks Canada and the Town of Banff, and provincial government approvals for SAIT programming. SAIT expects to deliver programming in the facility by Fall 2026.
