$30 million gift establishes a world-class hospitality and tourism opportunity in a world-class setting
The hills are alive with the sound of celebration and excitement! On Monday, Nov. 25, SAIT, the YWCA Banff and the Pauw Foundation announced a unique and inspiring partnership aimed at shaping a bright future for hospitality and tourism in the Bow Valley corridor and beyond.
Through the incredible generosity of the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation, SAIT and the YWCA Banff have announced an opportunity to provide invaluable community services in the town of Banff while offering a unique, state-of-the-art teaching facility and student housing for SAIT’s Hospitality and Tourism students. Of the $30 million gift, $10 million will go to the YWCA Banff to transform its 42-room social enterprise hotel into a hands-on learning environment and student residence in the heart of one of Canada’s busiest and most iconic tourism destinations. $20 million is gifted to SAIT to provide long-term state-of-the-art programming at the new site.
“This collaboration is about creating a lasting positive impact on the community, the local tourism sector and the future workforce of hospitality professionals,” says James Overall, Dean of SAIT’s School of Hospitality and Tourism. “Banff is a world-renowned destination and this unique partnership will give our students invaluable experience while allowing them to contribute directly to the local economy.”
Community connections
Wim and Nancy Pauw established their Foundation almost 40 years ago, focusing on projects that promote active lifestyles, tourism excellence, enhancing education opportunities and nurturing strong connections within the Bow Valley community. Thanks to their generosity, SAIT’s presence will offer a continuous flow of highly skilled professionals, ensuring a future-ready workforce for Banff’s hospitality and tourism industries.
The partnership also strengthens the YWCA’s ability to deliver and expand its critical services, as there has been more than a 200% surge in demand since 2020 for programs and services such as emergency shelters and transitional and affordable housing. The renovation will be a game-changer for education and the community, supporting a sustainable tourism economy while not impacting the number of units dedicated to affordable and transitional housing.
“This partnership with SAIT offers an incredible opportunity to re-think how we can use our space to better fulfill our mission, respond to the community’s evolving needs and ensure those who rely on our services will continue to have the support they need,” says Ebony Rempel, YWCA Banff CEO.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025, pending government approvals on several levels, including Parks Canada, the Town of Banff and Provincial approvals for SAIT programming. Program delivery is expected to begin in the facility in Fall 2026.
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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.