True North asks town to waive permit fees for construction of new facility

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The True North Society is seeking financial support from the Town of Strathmore for the construction of housing support for those escaping domestic violence. 

A delegation, led by executive director, Courtney Helfrich, and manager of research and development, Amanda Vanderlaan, presented before council during the March 18 meeting.

“Since 2008, True North Society’s board of directors had a vision – second stage and long-term housing for those who have experienced domestic violence for all people,” said Helfrich. “We found ourselves, as part of our strategic planning session in 2022, prioritizing this as a strategic and timely next step to achieve more affordable housing for the families we support.”

True North has previously been granted a deferral on their development permit fees to the town and has further requested that the town waive all of the fees associated with development and building permit levies.

In its current iteration, the project plan suggests a multi-use building with five commercial spaces on the main level, as well as community and office spaces. 

Two elevated stories would host 36 affordable spaces consisting of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom units. 

Helfrich explained the facility, which aims to deliver on-site care and support, would be effectively the only one of its kind within the local rural region. 

“We seek to be inclusive, open, and welcoming to all who need the support and create a community where people feel connected and supported by one another in a safe, calming, and welcoming space,” she said. 

Second-stage housing refers to secure, affordable living spaces largely geared towards women and children escaping domestic violence situations and serves as a transitional stage between an emergency shelter and fully independent living. 

Lands marking the site of the structure were purchased by True North in 2022 using the organization’s equity, and funds from an ongoing capital campaign are being earmarked to support groundbreaking and construction. 

“We have achieved funding from the federal government, the Province of Alberta, Ministry of Seniors, Community and Assisted Living, as well as our own Ministry of Child and Family Services,” added Vanderlaan. “Most recently, we submitted an application with the Calgary Foundation. We were selected as a finalist of 23 applications and were the only applicants selected outside of Calgary.”

A $3.5 million grant from the province was announced in July 2025 to be put towards construction. This grant was, at the time, indicated to be part of a more than $203 million investment by the province towards affordable housing projects. 

Mayor Pat Fule and council did not commit to waiving fees for True North during the meeting, citing that they will defer to an administrative report regarding the town’s finances before making their decision on the matter.