Overview
We are integrating and updating the Open Spaces Design Guidelines (OSDG) and Open Spaces and Trails Plan (OSTP) into a single, comprehensive planning document that will provide clear, consistent direction for the future of our parks, open spaces, and trails. This plan does not include recreational amenities, such as sporting facilities, which are covered under our Recreation Master Plan.
Context
Our parks and open spaces are integral to Canmore’s identity and essential to the health and well-being of the community. These spaces not only provide areas for recreation, relaxation, and connection to nature, they also foster Canmore’s social andContinue reading
Overview
We are integrating and updating the Open Spaces Design Guidelines (OSDG) and Open Spaces and Trails Plan (OSTP) into a single, comprehensive planning document that will provide clear, consistent direction for the future of our parks, open spaces, and trails. This plan does not include recreational amenities, such as sporting facilities, which are covered under our Recreation Master Plan.
Context
Our parks and open spaces are integral to Canmore’s identity and essential to the health and well-being of the community. These spaces not only provide areas for recreation, relaxation, and connection to nature, they also foster Canmore’s social and cultural fabric by providing places to gather, connect, and celebrate community events.
It has been 10 years for the OSTP and 20 years for the OSDG reviews and updates. Much has changed in our community since those plans were updated. Our community has grown in population, visitation has increased, trails and open space planning and development have evolved, the Palliser Trail ASP, and Three Sisters Village and Smith Creek ASP’s have been approved, and we have developed, updated or is in the process of updating other related master plans and strategies.
The Province of Alberta also recently released a draft trails plan called the Canmore and Area Trails Master Plan (CATMP). This project being led by the Province with input from various interest holders, including the Town of Canmore. It addresses trails on provincial lands primarily located outside of our municipal boundary. This is a separate project from the OSTP.
Get Informed
Webinar
March 25, 2026 from noon-1 p.m. | Join us for an online webinar where you will hear from our project team who will answer your questions following a presentation. The webinar is free but registration will be required. Check back soon for the registration link.
Can’t make it? We will post the recording on this webpage following the event.
Get Involved
Events
April 13, 2026, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. | Talk to our project teams and share your voice at a family-friendly community information night at Canmore Brewing Company. Drop in anytime.
Online survey
March 17-April 17, 2026 (not yet open) | Take our short online survey that will help us understand your current experiences and future aspirations to enhance and expand these spaces.
Interactive Map
March 17-April 17, 2026 (not yet open) | Add a pin to our interactive map to show us where there are issues, barriers, or opportunities in our existing park and trail network.
We will share all upcoming opportunities to learn more about the project and share your perspective on this webpage. You can also subscribe for direct updates on this project by subscribing to the project newsletter on the right hand banner.
How We Will Use Your Input
This is the first phase of engagement for this project.
We are seeking to confirm the overall goals and principles that guide our open spaces and trails and to understand current public experiences and future aspirations to enhance and expand these spaces to meet the needs of our changing community.
We will consider and reflect input in the final plan that needs to be complete by December 2026 when it goes to council for adoption.
