September 8, 2025

Cold Lake, Alberta – Women’s Shelters Canada (WSC) is thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Stepping Stones Crisis Society’s (SSCS) new building, a critical new space that will bring together all SSCS’s existing programs under one roof, including emergency shelters, second-stage housing and support services.

This new integrated facility is a significant addition to the community. It will create a smoother path of support for survivors and increase SSCS’s ability to meet the growing need.

WSC is proud to have supported this project through our Second Stage Transitional Housing (SSTH) New Build initiative – a four-year project funded by The Slaight Family Foundation that aims to support several second-stage transitional housing new build projects across Canada. Through this initiative, WSC provides no-cost project development support to shelters, especially in rural, remote, and northern communities, looking to create more housing options for survivors.

“Shelters across the country are doing incredible work, often with very limited resources,” said Anuradha Dugal, Executive Director of Women’s Shelters Canada. “We know many want to expand to meet growing need but don’t have the time or capacity to take on a new build project. We’re thrilled to see SSCS’s vision come to life, this new building is a reflection of the shelter’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of survivors. We’re proud to have played a part in making it happen.”

Located in Cold Lake, Alberta, the new building will feature 50,000 square feet of mixed-use space, using trauma-informed and accessible principles. It aims to reduce barriers, promote healing, and provide a more stable environment for survivors as they rebuild their lives. By housing multiple programs in one location, the facility reduces the need for survivors to move multiple times and helps them access the support they need, when they need it. This was the largest project WSC has supported to date. It’s been three years in the making, and we’re honoured to have contributed to bringing this vision to life.

“The need for this project continues to grow and has been years in the making. We’re incredibly proud to finally open the doors,” said Melissa Francis, CEO of Stepping Stones Crisis Society. “We’re grateful to WSC, their Project Management services brought professionalism, structure, and a steady hand to what is one of the most complex and meaningful projects our organization has undertaken. WSC has been more than a service provider they’ve been a true partner in helping us build safety, dignity, and hope for women and children in our community.”

This grand opening represents not only a major milestone for SSCS, but also a step toward providing critical, wrap-around supports and longer-term housing options for survivors.

WSC continues to support second-stage transitional housing development projects across the country and is currently working with other shelters on new builds in progress.

For inquiries, contact: media@endvaw.ca

Women’s Shelters Canada brings together 16 provincial and territorial shelter organizations and supports the over 600 shelters across the country for women and children fleeing violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, you can find your nearest women’s shelter and its crisis line on www.sheltersafe.ca.

Stepping Stones Crisis Society supports women and children facing family violence and crises. They provide emergency shelter, long-term housing, and compassionate care to help rebuild lives and offer hope. To learn more, visit www.steppingstonessociety.ca