Town of Banff

Individual & Family Support

Banff's Local Guide to Affordability is full of information to help you save money living in Banff

Banff’s Affordability Guide

Based on the success of Banff’s first affordability guide in 2008, the information has been updated and a new version of the brochure is now available. It still provides all the great local resources & opportunities for saving money, with some new elements based on user feedback, such as info on ESL (English as a Second Language), shorter brochure title and different graphics.

• Banff Affordability Guide ( PDF - 216 kb)
  

The original impetus for the guide came from the Town of Banff Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Social Assessment in 2006.  Work with focus groups told us that there are a lot of ways to live affordably in Banff, but that often people leave town before they get to find out about them. They recommended that all the info should be in one guide. Check it out here online or pick up a copy from the Town Hall, the library, Banff Rotary Community Hub, YWCA Community Resource Centre, Health Unit,  local hostels, businesses etc.

Evaluation of the first copy of the guide showed:

• 5,000 copies distributed & over 4,000 web page hits over approximately 18 months,  average 7 hits per day 
• 64% of guide users have a better understanding of how to live affordably in Banff as a result of using the guide & 35% “somewhat” do
• 85% thought the guide was a useful tool
• 84% found the guide easy to use
• 82% wanted the info in a paper brochure format
• Most useful sections were food, transport, activities & housing

Bow Valley Community Resource Directory

The Bow Valley Community Resource Directory is a partnership project between the Town of Canmore FCSS & Town of Banff FCSS (Family & Community Support Services).  This Directory provides information on all of the local clubs & organizations, services & supports, meeting spaces etc. in the Bow Valley. It includes brief descriptions and contacts, as well as volunteering information.

 

Homelessness/Hard to House Initiative

In partnership with the churches, Calgary Health Region, YWCA and concerned community members, we are working to develop a safe haven for those individuals who may find themselves out in the cold during the winter months. We are also working together to identify long-term strategies to support those who live on the borderline of homelessness due to mental health or addiction issues.