Land Use Bylaw Rewrite

Overview

We are rewriting our Land Use Bylaw — the document that guides how land is used and the rules around development. This rewrite is a full, start-to-finish update to create a bylaw that is easier to understand, more consistent, and better aligned with Canmore’s future.

This multi-phase project is expected to run through 2027 and includes technical analysis, best practice review, engagement with interest holders and the public, and a full drafting of the bylaw.

Context

Canmore’s current Land Use Bylaw (2018-22) has become increasingly complex and difficult to navigate. Since it was adopted in 2018, a lot has changed — including development pressures, community priorities, and new municipal plans that set the direction for how Canmore will grow.

The current bylaw can be hard to use and doesn’t reflect recent changes in Canmore’s policies, community priorities, or development trends. A full rewrite allows us to fix those issues and create a better tool for shaping Canmore’s future that will involve modernizing the rules, smplifying language and structure, and improving accessibility and navigation.

Get Informed

• Read the existing Land Use Bylaw
  
  

Get Involved

We’re currently in the first phase of the project: the Critique Phase. During this phase, we are identifying:

• Which parts of the current bylaw work well
• Which parts of the bylaw need to be improved
• What gaps exist between the bylaw and council-approved plans and strategies
• What issues need further study or input

We’re connecting directly with those that have a deep level of understanding and experience with the Land Use Bylaw to help answer these questions—that includes Town staff, developers, architects, and other interest holders. This information will help shape the next phase of the project, where we’ll explore best practices and potential pathways for rewriting and improving the bylaw.

Contact
If you have specific questions, please contact the Planning & Development Department