The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is getting a boost from the Alberta government to improve its facilities for visitors.
Arts, Culture and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir announced Friday the sanctuary has been awarded a $125,000 Community Facility Enhancement Grant.
The funding will support a new day-use area, a sheltered interpretation centre and additional paved pathways at the internationally acclaimed centre, located 15 kilometres west of Cochrane.
"This means more families, more students and more tourists will be able to learn, be inspired and experience the unique story of Alberta's wolfdogs," said Fir.
Sanctuary executive director Georgina De Caigny said the grant will allow them to complete projects they normally couldn’t afford.
“This is the first time that we’re putting a significant amount of funding toward a project that is dedicated to people of the sanctuary, because a lot of the time all of our resources are put toward the wolfdogs,” she said.
Construction began last week and is expected to be finished by the first week of December.
The number of rescues has increased in recent years. In 2024, the sanctuary took in 24 wolfdogs. Already this year, staff have carried out two rescues—accepting a pack of 10 in April, and two more a few weeks ago. Another rescue is slated for October.
The sanctuary is currently at full capacity, caring for 71 wolfdogs. It has recently added six new compounds and is fundraising for another to accommodate the October rescue.
The growing reputation of the sanctuary is drawing attention across Canada.
“A lot more people know about the sanctuary, and they know to reach out to us if they need help,” said De Caigny.
That includes the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, which contacted Yamnuska for the April rescue of 10 wolfdogs.
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The Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) and Community Initiatives Program (CIP) have provided $1.2 million in funding this year to support 305 projects across Alberta.
Earlier this year, the Friends of the Glenbow Education Society was awarded $125,00 towards their playground replacement project. Fundraising has taken place for several years for the $500,000 project.
“Every grant tells a story, and our government is proud to be a part of that,” said Fir. “From communities preserving heritage and women gaining strength to children discovering their passions, these investments help create spaces and experiences where people feel safe, encouraged and proud to belong.”
These grants also help expand initiatives that prevent gender-based violence, support women’s economic participation, inspire youth and provide critical services for families.
