Open Spaces and Trails Plan
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
- Read the Open Spaces and Trails Plan Background Report
- Read the existing Open Spaces and Trails Plan
- Read the existing Open Spaces Design Guidelines
- Read the What We Heard Report - Phase 1
- Watch our webinar. We hosted an online webinar on March 25, 2026, as part of our first round of engagement, where you can hear from our project team, who answered your questions following a presentation.
Get Involved - Phase 2 Engagement Coming Soon!
Using feedback from more than 1,300 residents, community organizations, and businesses collected during Phase 1 engagement, a draft Open Space and Trails Plan has been developed. Before the plan is presented to Council, we're seeking feedback to identify any remaining gaps, concerns, opportunities, or unintended consequences and to ensure the draft reflects community priorities and aspirations.
The draft Open Space and Trails Plan and online survey will be available on Nov. 2, 2026.
Upcoming engagement opportunities include:
Online Survey
Opens Nov. 2 - Nov. 19, 2026
Review the draft plan and share your feedback through our online survey. The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete and offers a convenient and accessible way to participate.
Community Dinner & Discussion
Nov. 12, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join us for a community dinner and discussion to learn how Phase 1 feedback influenced the draft plan, explore key recommendations, and help identify any remaining gaps, concerns, opportunities, and which recommendations should be prioritized.
The evening will include:
- A self-guided learning session featuring information boards about the project, Phase 1 feedback, and the draft plan.
- Dinner and a presentation from the project team.
- Facilitated small-group discussions focused on gathering feedback on the draft plan.
- A summary of next steps and how feedback will be used.
To support meaningful discussion, participation is limited to 50 participants. Attendees will be selected to reflect a broad range of ages, backgrounds, experiences, and neighbourhoods from across the community.
Successful applicants will be contacted directly no later than 9 p.m. on Nov.6, 2026, with confirmation details and additional event information.
Express your interest today by applying here!
Online Interest Holder Session
Nov. 16, 2026 | 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
A facilitated online discussion for businesses, community organizations, user groups, and other identified interest holders. Invitations will be sent directly to participants.
How We Will Use Your Input
We are seeking feedback to identify any remaining gaps, concerns, opportunities, and priority recommendations before the draft Open Space and Trails Plan is finalized and presented to Council. Your input will help refine the plan and ensure it reflects community priorities and aspirations.
