Abandoned Vehicles
Abandoned vehicles on public and private property are a nuisance and can create dangerous situations. For more information about parking rules in Canmore, read our Traffic and Road Use Bylaw.
Our Streets Are Not Storage
Our streets are a public good and are designed for short-term parking. Street parking is always at a premium in our growing town, especially in dense residential areas and in the downtown centre.
A well-functioning street parking system allows for high-turnover so that drivers don't need to circle around endlessly for parking. This helps ensure that people can get to the places they need to go while reducing traffic congestion.
If you are going on vacation, going out of town, if you don't plan on using it for more than 72 hours, please move your vehicle. If not, your vehicle may be ticketed and towed.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am going away on vacation - what should I do with my vehicle?
Our streets are not designed for long-term vehicle storage. If you are going to be away for more than 36 hours, make a plan to store your vehicle, just as you would need to make plans to have someone look after your pet. You can ask neighbours if you can have access to their designated spot, or look into a long-term vehicle storage facility. Please share our street parking with our other residents and visitors who will need access to parking while you are away.
Why are abandoned vehicles an issue?
The Town of Canmore receives calls regularly regarding vehicles that have been abandoned, are parked with no insurance or have been parked for longer than 72 hours. During the winter months, these vehicles impede snow removal and become a public safety hazard. Vehicles of this nature will be towed at the owner's expense.
How long can a recreational vehicle or trailer be parked on a roadway?
No owner of a vehicle or driver shall park a recreational vehicle or a recreational trailer attached to a motor vehicle between midnight and 8 a.m. on a roadway or public place other than a campground unless: (a) it is parked on the area of the street immediately adjoining the owner or operator's place of residence; (b) it is parked for a period no longer than 36 consecutive hours; (c) it has not been parked in an area of the street immediately adjoining the owner or operator's place of residence at any time during the preceding 48 hour period.
How do I get a vehicle removed from my property?
If you require a vehicle to be removed from private property, please download the
pdf
Vehicle Removal from Private Property Form
(119 KB)
and submit the completed form to Municipal Enforcement by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax.
Can anyone come and camp in their vehicle or RV in Canmore?
On March 3, 2020, Council approved a camping bylaw and a traffic and road-use bylaw to prohibit overnight camping everywhere in Canmore outside of designated areas such as campgrounds and Safe Park Program.
pdf
Click here for the agenda package for more information
(113.53 MB)
, Camping outside of campgrounds between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. is prohibited under municipal bylaws.
What happens to vehicles camping on private lots?
Private property owners need to request the owners of vehicles to leave their property as this is trespassing. If the owners of the vehicles camping on private property don’t leave, the property owner needs to contact the RCMP and request their assistance. Typically a warning will be issued first, and if there is no compliance, further steps may include the issuance of a $287 fine.
