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Location: Dawson City, Yukon
Application Deadline: Feb 24, 2025
Website: writerstrust.com/bertonhouse

The Berton House Writers’ Retreat offers three-month residencies to poets, fiction writers, creative nonfiction writers, playwrights, and writers of children’s literature in the cozy two-bedroom, childhood home of Pierre Berton. Residents receive a $9,000 honorarium, part of which may be covered by the Canada Council for the Arts’ Research and Creation grant program. Travel costs to and from Dawson City are also covered. Applications are accepted online and include a letter of intent, resume, and up to 10 pages of writing.

Contact: Amanda Hopkins

ahopkins@writerstrust.com

Location: Campbell River, British Columbia
Application Deadline: intake will start Fall 2024 with a deadline of March 2025
Website: haig-brown.bc.ca

The residency entails spending the winter months (or a portion thereof) living in the Haig-Brown Heritage House.

The modest four bedroom house reflects the character of writer Roderick Haig-Brown and his wife Ann. Located in a peaceful setting on the banks of the Campbell River on Vancouver Island, it contains a Heritage library and is surrounded by two acres of garden and 17 acres of public parkland.

The Writer’s time will be divided between pursuing personal writing projects and providing literary advice and support to the local community, with writing time favoured on a 60/40 basis. The writer would also participate in the Museum at Campbell River’s winter programming.

A stipend of up to $2,000 per month, depending on available funding, will be provided.

Contact: Ken Blackburn, 250.287.3103, public.programs@crmuseum.ca

Location: Vernon, British Columbia
Application Deadline: Spring

Website: caetani.org/self-directed-residencies-for-artists-and-writers/

For two weeks to 3 months, established and emerging Canadian writers working, live and work in the Caetani Cultural Centre. The Centre operates a fee-based self-directed residency programs with rates per night ranging between $40-$50. Residents will stay in one of the heritage house’s three rooms and will share with other artists-in-residence a living room, kitchen, and bathroom on the second floor of a building. Residents are responsible for travel and food costs.

Contact: Please visit the contact page of the residency website at www.caetani.org/contact-us/

Location: Ameliasburgh, Ontario
Application Deadline: Applications for July 2025 to June 2026 will open in the summer of 2024 and close October 2024. Please follow-up on residency website.
Website: https://www.alpurdy.ca/residency/

The Al Purdy A-frame Association offers writers the opportunity to live and work in a space and place of inspirational literary and historic significance and resonance. Residencies are flexible, ranging from two to twelve weeks and up and writers receive a weekly stipend of $750. Travel is also provided. To be eligible, applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Writers at all stages of their career are accepted, but preference will be given to poetry and poetry projects.

Contact: Jean Baird
jeanbaird@shaw.ca

Location: Eastend, Saskatchewan
Application Deadline: September 1 (annual)
Website: stegnerhouse.ca

Owned and operated by the Eastend Arts Council, Wallace Stegner House is available for 11 monthly residencies for $500/month. Writers, visual and performing artists from around the world are invited to apply for this residency. The application deadline is September 1 annually. One month of the year is reserved for the winner of the Wallace Stegner Grant for the Arts and the application deadline for the grant is April 30 annually for the following calendar year. The winner of the grant receives $500 and is given the choice of which month they’d like to come. The writer is required to give one reading and/or workshop in the Eastend School and one public reading. Applicants for the Grant must be published Canadian writers and their application must include a sample of their work and a statement on why they want to come to Eastend.

Contact: Ethel Wills at 306.295.3670 or admin@stegnerhouse.ca

Location: Calgary, Alberta
Application Deadline: Applications open in October. Please visit residency website for details.
Website: calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/arts-and-culture/storyteller-in-residence/

The Storyteller in Residence program is a 10-week residency that supports emerging and established storytellers working in any genre or format.  

The Storyteller in Residence offers free one-on-one professional advice on storytelling for interested Calgarians, promotes public awareness and enjoyment of storytelling and oral traditions, and the gathering of stories from the community.

Contact: Contact: Please visit the contact page of the residency website at calgarylibrary.ca/contact-us/

Location: Calgary, Alberta
Application Deadline: Applications open in June. Please visit residency website for details.
Website: calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/arts-and-culture/author-in-residence/

The Calgary Public Library Author in Residence program is a ten-week residency that supports emerging and established Canadian authors working in any genre. 

During their residency, the authors champion the joy of reading and help patrons appreciate the craft of writing. They deliver programs and review manuscripts, providing advice to both beginner and established writers. They are also encouraged to work on a personal writing project during their residency at the Library.

Contact: Contact: Please visit the contact page of the residency website at calgarylibrary.ca/contact-us/

Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Application Deadline: Fall (annual)
Website: epl.ca/writer-in-residence

Run concurrently with the Metro Writer-in-Residence program, the Edmonton Public Library provides a writer $42,488 for a year-long residency (which includes six weeks vacation). To be eligible, applicants must have previously published one book, have instruction/facilitation experience, and a reliable method of transportation to allow for travel throughout Edmonton and area. Half of a resident’s time is devoted to library programs and projects and the other half is for personal writing. Local travel assistance is provided but accommodation is not. Applicants must provide a cover letter, resume, two references, and a writing sample. Leading candidates will be interviewed.

Contact: Katherine Gibson,
780.496.1054, katherine.gibson@epl.ca

Location: Regina, Saskatchewan
Application Deadline: April (annual)
Website: reginalibrary.ca/about/in-residence-programs

Running from August to May, this residency is independently funded by the Regina Public Library. Residents are required to spend at least 40% of their time on public projects and activities, including consultations, community and school visits, and leading group workshops and seminars that serve and support the Regina writing community. Residents receive a $40,000 stipend. Accommodation is not provided.

Contact: Colleen Hawkesford, 306.777.6015, chawkesford@reginalibrary.ca

Location: Richmond, British Columbia
Application Deadline: April (annual)
Website: richmond.ca/culture/artists/writerinresidence

Organized by the City of Richmond in partnership with the Richmond Public Library, Minoru Centre for Activity Living, and Richmond Arts Centre, this residency seeks to place public programming in each venue. The Expression of Interest is for a full-time position (35 hours/week) and residents are required to spend 25% of their time working with and engaging the public. Subject to Canada Council funding, the residency runs from September 29 to November 24. Residents receive $4,000 per month. Writers are expected to cover accommodation and travel costs.

Contact: Loryn LeGear, llegear@richmond.ca

Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Application Deadline: November (annual)
Website: saskatoonlibrary.ca/wir

Running from September to May, the nine-month residency provides residents with a $40,000 honorarium and an office in the library’s main branch. Writers are expected to devote 40% of their time to public programs and projects, including workshops, readings, and manuscript consultations. 

Contact: Community Librarians community@saskatoonlibrary.ca

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Application Deadline: December (4 month residency - Spring) and late spring (2 month residency - Fall)
Website: torontopubliclibrary.ca/writer-in-residence

Alternating between the Toronto Reference Library and the North York Central Library are a four-month spring residency (Feb-May) and a two-month fall residency (Oct-Nov). Each residency provides writers with a $4,000 per month stipend. Residents are required to devote 40% of their time to public programming, the bulk of which will be manuscript reviews but may also include consultations, workshops, and panel participation. More often than not the resident will be working in literary fiction, but the focus of the residency changes to other genres year-by-year.

Contact: (Toronto) Rosa Pinto, 416-393-7017, pjacklin@torontopubliclibrary.ca; (North York) Greg Kelner, 416-395.5648, gkelner@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Application Deadline: April
Website: vpl.ca/writer 

The VPL Writer in Residence program promotes Canadian writing and literature to Vancouver citizens. During the four-month residency from September to December, the writer spends 50% of their time working on their own project and 50% of their time mentoring emerging writers, conducting workshops and participating in other activities and programs to share their experience with the community.

The Writer plays a vital role at the Library, using their experience to foster a greater public appreciation for Canadian writing. They provide the community with opportunities to learn from a published writer, especially communities not typically exposed to Canadian writing.

The Writer in Residence develops and leads exciting public events that promote a love of writing and reading. They support and provide advice to community members and aspiring writers through one-on-one consultations and group workshops.

The Writer in Residence receives $22,000 for four months of full-time activity ($5,500 per month on a self-employed basis).

Andrew Battershill, 604.331.3698,
andrew.battershill@vpl.ca

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Application Deadline: April
Website: vpl.ca/storyteller

The VPL Indigenous Storyteller in Residence program was created in 2008 in recognition of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the importance of storytelling as a way to learn about and from Indigenous communities in Vancouver. Through the Storyteller in Residence, we seek to honour Indigenous cultures and to promote intercultural understanding and communication. Storytelling can happen through a variety of mediums and narrative practices, and therefore this residency is open to all Indigenous storytellers who wish to share their knowledge and history.

VPL recognizes that sincere action to decolonize our practices and to centre Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices is needed. The Indigenous Storyteller in Residence program is essential to the library's public programming.

The Indigenous Storyteller in Residence program runs from April to the end of May each year. The Indigenous Storyteller in Residence spends 50% of their time working on their own artistic project or practice and 50% of their time developing and leading public programming.

The Indigenous Storyteller in Residence receives $22,000 for four months of full-time activity ($5,500 per month on a self-employed basis).

Andrew Battershill, 604.331.3698,
andrew.battershill@vpl.ca

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Application Deadline: call for applications May 1 (annually)
Website: wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/whatshappening/writerinres.aspx

From an office at the Millennium Library in Winnipeg, the Writer-in-Residence works with emerging Manitoba writers through individual consultations by phone, email, and online as well as in-person meetings. The Writer-in-Residence also offers group workshops, writing circles, and other programs through online services such as Zoom or at Winnipeg libraries. The residency includes time to work on a personal writing project.

The residency runs October-April annually with a callout for applications around May 1 annually. Potential writers-in-residence should watch for details posted to the Winnipeg Public Library's WIR page as to timelines and application details and criteria at winnipeg.ca/library.

Contact: Kathleen Williams

KathleenWilliams@winnipeg.ca

Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Application Deadline: opens in June, deadline September 30
Website: ualberta.ca/english-film-studies/programs/writer-in-residence-program/index.html

The Writer-in-Residence Program is a residency from September 1st to May 31st, which for the last forty years has brought acclaimed writers from across Canada to Edmonton. While here, the Writer-in-Residence has time to pursue the WiR's own writing projects, while keeping office hours two half-days a week for writing consultation with university staff and students, as well as the general public in and around Edmonton.

Contact: Garrett Faulkner

gfaulkne@ualberta.ca

Location: Athabasca, Alberta (virtual residency)
Application Deadline: By invitation only
Website: athabascau.ca/writer-in-residence/

Athabasca’s program is a unique virtual residency. The eventual resident will be an established author in one or more of the following genres: poetry, fiction, drama, literary nonfiction, screenwriting, and new media writing. The writer-in-residence must be someone with teaching capabilities and be familiar with working in an online environment. Dependent upon funding, residents receive an honorarium that ranges from $18,000 to 35,000. The residency usually starts in September and runs 8 to 12 months. A program committee selects the writer-in-residence each year among nominations by the members of the committee.

Contact: Angie Abdou, 1.844.685.0376,

aabdou@athabascau.ca

Location: Calgary, Alberta
Application Deadline: second week of January
Website: ucalgary.ca/cdwp

This residency is a full-time term position, dates non-negotiable.

The Canadian Writer-in-Residence is expected to spend 50% of their time working on their own writing, and 50% of their time on community outreach, including one-on-one consultations with the public and public lectures or readings. We encourage candidates to propose their own initiatives for community engagement. A background or demonstrated interest in community engagement — such as experience teaching or mentoring writers — is an asset. While the Canadian Writer-in-Residence will be invited to speak to university classes and to the general public, this is not a teaching position. The position also includes a two-week stay at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. This high-profile position has continued interaction with the external community and impact on the reputation of the CDWP and university.

Contact: cdwp@ucalgary.ca

Location: Abbotsford, British Columbia
Application Deadline: August 15 (annually)
Website: ufv.ca/english/writer-in-residence/

The Writer in Residence (also known as the Kuldip Gill Writing Fellowship) term lasts for eleven weeks, between January and April each year. Candidates should have a substantial publishing record, including two books (or the equivalent) with a recognized publisher.

Our program aims to balance the writer's public engagement with his or her own writing practice. While the primary function of this stipend-supported writing residency is to provide the writer with an extended period of time to concentrate on his or her own writing, our program also provides opportunities for the writer to interact extensively with the UFV community, enabling this audience's appreciation and understanding of both the writer's work and contemporary Canadian writing.

Contact: english@ufv.ca

Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Application Deadline: June (annual)
Website: wlu.ca/information-for/community-members/literary-awards/edna-staebler-awards/edna-staebler-laurier-writer-in-residence/applications.html

Residents receive $2,000/week for an 8-12 week residency. (Length of residency is determined and advertised each spring.) Writers-in-residence are required to devote 40% of their time to planning and facilitating community programming at the university's three campuses (Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford). Travel costs are covered by the host.

Contact: Dr. Tanis MacDonald, tmacdonald@wlu.ca

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Application Deadline: call goes out in summer and deadline of October
Website: umanitoba.ca/arts/centre-creative-writing-and-oral-culture#writerstoryteller-in-residence-program

The three-month residencies, taking place in the fall and winter, will require the successful candidate to spend approximately 16 hours per week providing mentorship and practical artistic advice to developing writers and storytellers at the University of Manitoba, to give a limited number of readings and/or performances on campus, and to lead an informal non-credit workshop. The remaining time is to be devoted to the writer or storyteller’s own artistic projects.

Contact: Mary Elliott, Coordinator

mary.elliott@umanitoba.ca

Location: Montreal, Quebec
Application Deadline: By invitation. Inquiries welcome.
Website: mcgill.ca/english/writer-residence

This Montreal-based residency runs for four months alternating each year between the fall and winter academic terms. Writers must have an established publication track-record. Preference is given to Canadian writers, but international writers are also eligible. Residents are required to teach a weekly three-hour workshop as well as participate in other public activities and make themselves available to students and faculty. A stipend of approximately $17,500 is provided. Accommodation and travel are not provided.

Contact: Trevor Ponech, 514.398.4400 x09846, trevor.ponech@mcgill.ca

Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Application Deadline: A call for applications is posted every two to three years. The next call will likely be in 2022.
Website: english.humanities.mcmaster.ca/about-us/mable-pugh-taylor-writer-in-residence/

This eight-month residency program runs annually from September to April. Residents receive a $30,000 stipend and are responsible for accommodation and travel costs. To be eligible, writers must have published a minimum of two books with a professional publishing house, have made a significant contribution to their area of specialty over a number of years, still be active in their profession, and intend to work on a new writing project during their residency. The resident has an office at both the university and Hamilton Public Library to hold regular meetings with apprentice writers for the equivalent of two days a week. The resident will also work with the McMaster and Hamilton communities through public readings, classroom visits, group workshops, and/or seminars.

Contact: Sophie Goellnicht, 905.525.9140 x28629, goellnsk@mcmaster.ca

Location: St. John's, Newfoundland
Application Deadline: Applications closed for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 year. Please visit website for details on next-round applications.
Website: mun.ca/english/more/place/writer-in-residence/

The resident will work on their own writing projects while making 40% of their time available to students and writers within the university and in the community at large. The residency runs for four months, in either the fall or winter semester. Writers will receive approximately $10,000-$20,000 and an office space on campus.  

Contact: english@mun.ca 

Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick
Application Deadline: November (annual)
Website: unb.ca/fredericton/arts/graduate/english/about.html#writer

An eight month residency beginning in September and covering both academic terms. Writers are required to give public readings, lectures, and workshops and to travel within New Brunswick for short periods to meet with writers. A stipend of $37,000 is provided. The writer is required to cover their own accommodation and travel costs.

Contact: Mark Jarman, 506-458-7398, mjarman@unb.ca

Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Application Deadline: By invitation. Inquiries welcome.
Website: arts.uottawa.ca/english/about/writer-in-residence

Residents are selected by a committee composed of Canadian literature and creative writing professors. There is no official application process, though inquiries are welcome. The residency runs for a six month period in either the fall or winter academic term. The Department of English provides a modest honorarium and an opportunity to teach a class (which pays about $8000) and invited writers are encouraged to apply for a Canada Council Grant to supplement this income. Living expenses are not provided. 

Contact: Chair, Dept. of English, 613-562-5764, english@uottawa.ca

Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Application Deadline: TBD annually
Website: www.sheridancollege.ca/en/programs/creative-writing-and-publishing#tab=writer-in-residence

Sheridan College’s Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing & Publishing Writer-in-Residence Program is an 8-month residency (late Aug. to late April) awarded annually to a writer who embodies the distinctiveness and dynamism of the & in our program name. In addition to working on at least one specific writing project of their own during their tenure, the Writer-in-Residence is responsible for creative leadership, mentoring, and public outreach in the area of creative writing and/or publishing. They serve as a non-teaching colleague to faculty in the Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing & Publishing, a mentor to Sheridan students in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and as a bridge connecting the institution to the creative industries and broader public it serves. Applicants for this approx. 25hr/week position should have a strong record of published writing (incl. at least 2 professionally published and reviewed works) and creative public engagement, the successful candidate will have experience writing, editing, presenting, and discussing work in different genres and modes, and direct experience working with diverse writers and writing in a mentorship capacity, both in person and remotely. The Writer-in-Residence can expect to be directly engaged with program activities 8-12 hours/week and will be engaged in fulfilling other associated duties for an additional 12-16 hours/week.

Contact: cwp@sheridancollege.ca

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Application Deadline: By invitation only
Website: sfu.ca/english/writer-in-residence.html

This eight-month residency program is focused upon writers that have a strong publishing track-record, are active in the public sphere, and have mentoring experience. The residency is by invitation only, with an internal committee approaching a shortlist of candidates and requesting applications. Residents hold office hours, consult with students, provide manuscript evaluations, and participate in a public project, such as a lecture or workshop. The host covers travel costs and supplies a stipend.

Contact: Jeff Derksen, 778.782.5431, jderksen@sfu.ca

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Application Deadline: By invitation only
Website: utsc.utoronto.ca/engdept/writers-residence-utsc

Occurring during the winter academic term, this 13-week residency is for Canadian writers with an established reputation. The residency is by invitation only. Residents hold office hours, consult, run occasional workshops, and visit classes. An undisclosed stipend is provided from which residents cover accommodation and travel expenses.

Contact: Andrew Westoll, 416 208-2234, andrew.westoll@utoronto.ca

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Application Deadline: By invitation only
Website: english.utoronto.ca/facultystaff/wir.htm

Occurring during the winter academic term, this four month residency is for Canadian writers with an established reputation. The residency is currently by invitation only. Because there are no funds to cover an author's travel, it usually goes to Toronto-based authors. Residents are required to mentor, consult, teach a weekly writing workshop, hold office hours, and deliver at least one reading. An undisclosed stipend is provided.

Contact: Sangeeta Panjwani, Dept of Enligsh, english@chass.utoronto.ca

Location: London, Ontario
Application Deadline: October 30 (annual)
Website: uwo.ca/english/people/about_wir.html

The residency program begins in September at the start of the academic year, and is usually between four to eight months. To be eligible, writers must have an established publication record and work in the fields of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or playwriting. Strong consideration is given to applicants’ intentions with working with apprentice writers and adding to the cultural life of the community. Residents receive a stipend from which they cover accommodation and travel expenses.

Contact: Mary Helen McMurran, mmcmurr2@uwo.ca