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Canmore Planning Commission (CPC)

 

Council Representation

  • Corina Dootjes
  • Andre Gareau (Alternate)

Town Liason

  • Gary Buxton 

Committee Appointees

  • Andre Lomas
  • Peter Kelly
  • David Moe
  • Carolyne Kauser Abbott

Contact

  • Jolene Noel
    (403) 678-1543

The role of the Canmore Planning Commission (CPC) is to implement the Land Use Bylaw when development permits are referred to it by the Town Development Officers. This usually includes development permits for larger projects such as hotels, commercial buildings and multi-family residential, or projects which have a likely significant public interest.

1. What is the Canmore Planning Commission?
A board appointed by Council pursuant to the Municipal Government Act to make decisions on development permit applications and make recommendations on other planning matters referred to the Commission. CPC customarily reviews development permit applications for major commercial projects.

2. Variance Powers

The Planning Commission (as well as Development Officers) has the authority to vary “standards” within the Land Use Bylaw. For example, reductions of minimum yard setbacks or increases to the maximum height of buildings. There is no theoretical maximum variance – the amount of the variance is at the discretion of Commission giving due regard to relevant planning considerations and policies.

3. How does the CPC Process Work?

Planning Commission Meetings are open to the public save when the Comission goes in camera (behind closed doors) to make a decision.

Town staff will make a presentation to the Commission based on a Staff Report submitted as part of the agenda package. The floor is then open for the applicants to present to the Commission.

Once the commission members feel that they have enough information on the merits of the project, they then go in-camera to debate the project. The applicant and the public are excused from the room.Staff remains to answer any questions that may arise during debate.

Adecision can be made in camera, ans is usually read into the record so that it is captured in the minutes. The final decision is provided in writing shortly after the meeting to the applicant.

4. Formal and Scheduled Meetings

Meetings are usually scheduled for the 3rd Monday of the month, but are subject to change given the timelines of various projects and other factors.

5. Public Presenters

Members of the public may present to the CPC, but the CPC is not required to allow them to speak.Speaking at a CPC meeting, for a member of the public, is a privilege and not a right granted under the MGA.

6.Appeals
A decision of the CPC can be appealed to the SDAB.