The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary has received a $125,000 provincial grant to help fund a new day use area and facility upgrades.
On Friday, Aug. 22, Tanya Fir, Alberta’s Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, visited the sanctuary to announce the funding through the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP). The grant will support renovations including a sheltered interpretive centre with seating, paved pathways and an expanded day use area.
“Yamnuska’s work goes beyond caring for these amazing animals by telling stories, preserving heritage, and creating connections that strengthen Alberta’s communities,” Fir said. “More families, more students and more tourists will be able to learn, be inspired and experience the unique story of Alberta’s wolfdogs.”
The Cochrane-area sanctuary provides a home for rescued wolfdogs while also focusing on education and awareness. Executive director Georgina De Caigny said the funding will help strengthen both sides of that mission.
“This project will provide an enriching space not only for our wolfdogs, but also for the community to connect with them in meaningful ways,” she said. “The Government of Alberta’s support helps us grow as a place of learning, conservation and inspiration for visitors from across Alberta and beyond.”
De Caigny said the new interpretive centre will provide a covered educational space with interactive signage and learning stations, while the surrounding park will feature pathways, lookouts and signage to encourage exploration and connection to the landscape.
“For the past decade, we have prided ourselves on creating large, natural and enriching spaces for rescued wolfdogs to thrive,” she said. “With this project, we are excited to extend that same sense of space and connection to the people who visit us.”
The $125,000 grant is part of the CFEP program, which has awarded $6.5 million this year to 100 organizations working to enhance community spaces across Alberta.
“Projects like these preserve heritage, create jobs and draw people together, strengthening both community and economy,” Fir said. “Alberta’s government is proud to stand alongside these community builders and help write new stories of strength and belonging.”
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