Off-site Levy Bylaw Appeal Update
Council amended the Off-site Levy Bylaw in March 2024. The updated bylaw aimed to ensure that the Town is collecting the correct amount of funds from the development industry to cover the costs of new infrastructure. Without the update, those costs fall to existing ratepayers to cover. In passing the bylaw, Council spoke to a model to ensure that new growth pays for itself, without passing those costs on to existing ratepayers
The Bow Valley Builders and Developers Association (BOWDA) and five developers challenged the bylaw with the Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT). The LPRT has found Off-Site Levy Bylaw 2024-01 to be invalid but has suspended this declaration for four months and allowed the Town to apply for more time if needed to re-pass the bylaw. The decision ruled on a number of issues, some in favour of the appellants and some in favour of the Town. The main issues as framed by the LPRT included the proper scope of an LPRT appeal, the disclosure requirements under the MGA and Regulations, the appropriate remedy, and whether the LPRT should issue directions and conditions on repassing the bylaw. You can read more on the LPRT decision in our blog here: Off-site Levy Bylaw Appeal Update: News - Town of Canmore
We have started the consultation process as we work to re-pass the bylaw, you can find all information and follow along as the process unfolds here: mycanmore.ca/osl. To receive regular newsletter updates on the project, click subscribe on the bottom right side of this webpage.
Property Tax Taskforce Terms of Reference
Council approved a terms of reference for the Property Tax Taskforce and directed administration to advertise for the recruitment of public members to be appointed to the Property Tax Taskforce at the October 30, 2025 Annual Organizational Meeting of Council. The taskforce will review municipal tax classifications, mill rate splits and implications thereof, and provide advice on the appropriate rate for the residential sub-class and the appropriate balance between municipal tax classifications.
2024 Climate Emergency Action Plan Annual Status Update
Council received an update on the progress made in 2024 toward the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP), including a corporate and community greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory showing a 12% and 9% reduction in emissions, respectively, from the 2022 baseline. In the six months following CEAP’s adoption, two actions were completed, and progress was made on 35 others, alongside efforts to advance climate adaptation and social equity.
To read the annual status update see item I-1 in today's agenda package: Council Meetings: Town of Canmore
Revised Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Tourist Home Enforcement
Council gave second and third readings to Revised Land Use Bylaw Amendment 2025-21 – Tourist Home Enforcement. The bylaw provides clarity of offences of operating illegal Tourist Homes and support for enforcement and prosecution of illegal Tourist Home offences.
Council also:
- Directed administration to prepare a capital project for a phase 3 odour upgrade at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, to be brought forward as part of the 2026 budget amendment process.
- Updated the Community Standards Bylaw to provide greater clarity around what constitutes a holiday.
- Gave first reading to Revised Land Use Bylaw Amendment 2025-27 – Three Sisters Gateway District Additional Uses, and scheduled a public hearing for September 16, 2025. More information on this bylaw is available at canmore.ca/bylaws-pending