Spring Retreat 2026

MRFA Members speak to the value of the annual Spring Retreat in this video which has been developed by the Member Engagement Committee.

Key Dates

• January 9: Deadline to Submit a Proposal – the deadline has passed. Please email facultyrelations@mrfa.net to see if there is space for more submissions.
• January 30 – Registration for the Retreat opens (the program is available here)
• February 3: Booking open for the Kananaskis Nordic Spa (MRFA Members can use the discount code: Q2: NITTJMQ1 – book early as it fills up fast)
• March 2: Deadline to apply for the Writing Residency – Successful applicants will be notified by March 16 so there is sufficient time to make travel and booking arrangements. 
• March 26 – Deadline to complete the Shared Accommodation Request Form
• April 3 – Registration and hotel booking deadline ($277 – Double Queen and $307 – King Bed per night – the price includes a 25$ mandatory resort fee – See resort amenities here. See hotel floor map for location of the sessions)
• April 23 – Last day to Cancel your Registration with a refund (email facultyrelations@mrfa.net)
• April 28 – Deadline to sign up for carpooling
• May 4 – 5 – MRFA Spring Retreat (Full Program)
• May 6 – 8 – Writing Residency

Program

The program is available here. (Please note, the program is subject to change pending final review).

Registration

Register and pay here to attend the MRFA Spring Retreat (link will be added in W2026)

• Once you complete the registration form you will be directed to a payments page. Please process your payment before closing your browser. You will also receive a link by email to go to the payment page later, if needed. Please print your payment receipt for your records so you can submit for reimbursement.
• The registration deadline is April 3, 2026.
• You may cancel your registration with a refund, minus processing fees, up to April 23, 2026. (email facultyrelations@mrfa.net)
• ***PLEASE NOTE*** the meal vouchers are only to be purchased for guests (e.g. family members or friends). Members’ registration payments – see options below – covers members’ lunch and dinner on May 4 and breakfast and lunch on May 5.

MRFA Retreat Registration Fees

• 2 day registration – May 4-5 $130.00
• 2 day registration – May 4-5 with Contract member discount $100.00
• 1 day registration – May 4 $100.00
• 1 day registration – May 5 $90.00

Meal Vouchers

Meal vouchers are being provided to make it easier for you to attend the retreat and know that your guests are able to get their meals while you are in attendance. The meals are charged at cost (not subsidized by the MRFA or MRU). **Meals for registered Members attending the retreat are included with your registration: please only purchase meal vouchers for guests.** Meal vouchers can be purchased when you register. If you find out later that you will require additional vouchers, please email facultyrelations@mrfa.net.

• May 4 Lunch – 45.00 per meal voucher
• May 4 Dinner – 90.00 per meal voucher
• May 5 Breakfast – 45.00 per meal voucher
• May 5 Lunch – 45.00 per meal voucher

Writing Residency (limited to 20 members)

The MRFA Professional Development Committee, in collaboration with the Academic Development Centre, will be accepting applications for MRU faculty members seeking to dedicate serious attention to their writing at a writing residency in Kananaskis on May 6-8. The primary criteria for adjudicating applications are that stated goals are feasible for the allotted time and that the project is clear and scholarly. Please refer to section 3.2 of Mount Royal University Institutional Promotion & Tenure Criteria for a definition of scholarship. We welcome applications from those who have attended an MRU writing residency in the past, but priority will be given to newcomers.

• Call for Applications for the Writing Residency
• Application form

Successful applicants will be notified in March. Once accepted into the writing residency you will be a sent a link to pay the$160 fee (please note – your registration includes the reception, coffee service and lunches).

Accommodations

Reservation Link: Book your group rate for 2026 MRFA Retreat – Kananaskis Mountain Lodge $277 – Double Queen and $307 – King Bed – CAD per night (the price includes a 25$ mandatory resort fee – See resort amenities here). Please note the indoor family pool is currently being renovated and it may be open in time for the event in May. If it is not, the Association will seek a reduction in/waiving of the resort fee. There is a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and Members have access to a discount for the Nordic Spa – Q2: NITTJMQ1 – book early as it fills fast – see below.)

• For pre/post night stays or upgraded rooms, attendees will need to call the hotel’s reservations line at +1 833-440-1964.
• Note the hotel has a 48-hour cancellation policy. No-shows will incur fees, so if guests plan to arrive late, they should inform the front desk to keep the reservation.

Last Day to Book : April 3, 2026

Reimbursement of Retreat Expenses

Members are able to apply for FDC funding and for PD funding to reimburse registration and accommodation expenses for the retreat.

• PD Allocation Guidelines and Application Process
• FDC Forms and Guidelines are faculty specific contact your Faculty office for access to forms

Shared Accommodations:

If you would like shared accommodations but do not have a roommate already arranged, please fill out this form by March 26. You will be paired up with another member according to preferences indicated on the form. You will then be informed of who you will be sharing a room with and you and your roommate can make arrangements for booking your hotel room. If there is not a roommate available for you, you will need to book your own private accommodations.

One member needs to book the room with the hotel, but both members need to be listed as guests with the hotel.

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Location and Transportation

1 Centennial Dr, Kananaskis Village, AB T0L 2H0

Pomeroy Kananaskis Lodge – Website (do not book your rooms at this link – you will not receive the discount – this link is provided for hotel information)

Carpooling

Please fill out this form if you would like to be connected with another faculty member to carpool to the retreat. The last day to respond to this form is April 28. Responses received after this date will not be reviewed.

If you have any questions, please contact Chantelle Anderson – facultyrelations@mrfa.net

Onsite Childcare

The Association will be making arrangements for childcare on request. Please complete the applicable section of the registration form and/or email facultyrelations@mrfa.net for more information.

Information about things to do with kids at Kananaskis is available here.

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Thank you to all the faculty members from across the university who submitted proposals and who will be facilitating recreational activities! This event continues to be a great success thanks to your contributions.

This annual event is hosted by the Mount Royal Faculty Association, sponsored by MRU’s Office of Academic Affairs, and is organized by the MRFA’s Professional Development Committee.

The Association expresses it gratitude for the ongoing support of the University in co-sponsoring this important event that strengthens collegiality and facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration in scholarship, teaching and service. It helps us to focus on all the important things that make Mount Royal an outstanding university and that make the MRFA a strong and vibrant community.