Housing Action - Next Steps for Affordable Housing on the Moustache Lands
It was a big day for housing in Canmore today! Following a public hearing, council gave second and third readings to Revised Land Use Bylaw Amendment 2025-06 - Moustache Lands Direct Control District. The Direct Control District will enable a mixed-use development that includes between 250 and 350 non-market, affordable residential units, commercial opportunities, and public spaces.
Vital Homes Amendments – Council Policy and Revised Land Use Bylaw
Council gave first reading to Revised Land Use Development Bylaw Amendment 2025-22 – Vital Homes and scheduled a public hearing for July 8, 2025. Council's Vital Homes Policy and the Land Use Bylaw were discussed, as there are numerous items that council will be asked to change between both the Vital Home Policy and the Land Use Bylaw.
Notable proposed amendments to the Land Use Bylaw include:
- Renaming Section 12 from “Density Bonus Regulations” to “Perpetually Affordable Housing Regulations”. This Section is specifically focused on PAH, and renaming it as such adds clarity.
- Introducing provision for cash-in-lieu of units.
- Proposing one consistent definition of PAH (as it had different definitions).
- Acknowledging some area structure/redevelopment plans specify unique bonusing ratios, and giving those plans precedence.
You can read more at canmore.ca/bylaws-pending
Revised Land Use Bylaw Amendment 2025-21 – Tourist Home Enforcement
Council gave first reading to Revised Land Use Bylaw (LUB) Amendment 2025-21 – Tourist Home Enforcement and scheduled a public hearing for July 8, 2025. Administration is proposing amendments to the LUB to make it an offense to advertise a non-permitted Tourist Home. You can read more at canmore.ca/bylaws-pending
Policy Updates
Council amended two policies (Benefits and Entrance Features in Municipal Right of Way) and repealed two policies (Sustainability Screening and Collection of Fees and Levies) today.
The Benefits Policy was amended and included two significant updates, expanding benefits for temporary employees and providing free Elevation Place memberships for employees and their dependents. These changes were made in an effort to proactively address labour market challenges and reinforcing our commitment to improving livability.
The Sustainability Screening Policy was repealed. With the passage of time, the Sustainability Screening Checklist (checklist) has ceased to serve as a tool to evaluate development proposals. Regulations have been added to the Land Use Bylaw that offer incentives for green building construction.
Council also repealed the Collection of Fees and Levies Policy. The policy was intended to provide direction for administration to collect levies and fees for Off-Site Levies, Cash-in-lieu of Municipal Reserve, Cash-in-lieu of parking, and the Recreation Contribution. Upon review of the policy, it has been determined that parts of it are redundant, as the Recreation Contribution is no longer collected. To replace the policy, administration has created a draft ‘Corporate Directive for Collection of Levies and Fees’ to guide administrative decision making.
Regional FireSmart Coordinator Funding Grant Application
Council directed administration to apply for the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) FireSmart Regional Coordinator Grant in partnership with MD of Bighorn and Kananaskis Improvement District. If approved, the grant will fund a full-time (two-year term) Regional FireSmart Coordinator position responsible for enhancing wildfire preparedness, mitigation and community engagement.
Council also:
- Approved an official "Sister City" agreement with Sedona, AZ.