Local organizations in the Drumheller Valley have collaborated to find a solution to a long-term issue – a severe seasonal housing shortage.
Area residents expressed enthusiasm for the idea of introducing a home share platform to the region. Support for the project has resulted in a commitment from the Prairies Rural Opportunities Fund (ROF 2.0) which will allow the home share concept to soon become reality.
The lack of short-term housing has been identified as a major roadblock to the growth of the region’s tourism businesses and attractions. The Drumheller Valley Housing Strategy and the Travel Drumheller Destination Development Plan identified “securing housing for seasonal employees”, as a very high priority. The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) proposed a home sharing platform to help address labour shortages and housing constraints – major obstacles limiting the delivery of a world-class tourism experience.
Two Canadian companies, Happipad and Canada Home Share, recently announced a partnership that will introduce a home share platform to the region. Home sharing connects homeowners with an extra room in their home with seasonal employees looking for rental accommodation. The support that is now in place means funding will be available to the first fifty homeowners who sign onto the home share platform and are matched with renters. Grant funding will cover program fees for the first two years of the project (through to March 31, 2026). happipad.com/drumheller
The Happipad home sharing platform allows hosts to set their own terms, establish their own rules, and connect to renters who are looking to make a positive contribution to the community. The platform screens renters and hosts, conducts background checks, prepares rental contracts, and matches for compatibility. This thorough approach ensures that accommodations are safe, secure, and sustainable.
The home share program will benefit business and tourism operators as well as residents who are looking to supplement household income. The local economy will be strengthened as additional resources become available to support local businesses. The program will also create opportunities to build community, whether it means vulnerable residents requiring modest support are able to continue to live independently, or those seeking social connection are able to find it by opening their homes to those in need of accommodation.

The deep freeze in the valley can only be warmed by the sounds of the Celtic flute, the Bodhrán and the sounds of the highlands.
The East Coulee School Museum has the cure for the winter blues as it brings back the Highland Gala.
The event on Saturday, January 27 at the Badlands Community Facility includes music food and fun. After a hiatus, the event is back to get the blood flowing.
The event celebrates the highlands. Along with a buffet dinner, they will be piping in the Haggis, and even featuring a scotch tasting. There is also a silent auction.
On the stage will be a local favourite, The Wayfaring Fiddlers, as well as Celtera, a mainstay on the prairie Celtic scene.
Executive director of the East Coulee School Museum Barb Steeves tells the Mail, that aside from the East Coulee Spring Fest, the Highland Gala is one of its main fundraisers and the funds go to the museum’s restoration fund.
While they have completed extensive work on the building envelope, they want to work on the site.
“The sidewalks are in pretty bad shape so we want to replace those, and we have to replace the disability ramp because it no longer meets code, and repairs to the steps to the front door,” said Steeves.
It has been a good year for the museum. They have been working on rebuilding its community engagement and letting the community know they are active.
Tickets are available for the Highland Gala. For information, or call the East Coulee School Museum at 403-822-3970, or go to www.ecsmuseum.ca and purchase tickets online.