The Livability Tax Program is one of the best tools to address Canmore's housing crisis while safeguarding the rich, vibrant community fabric that will make this place a hometown for generations to come.
But we’re facing opposition from a special interest group that aims to override our Town’s decision by putting pressure on the provincial government to intervene. They would like to see the Municipal Government Act changed to prevent municipalities from implementing this type of tax.
Do you believe in a Canmore we can all call home? This toolkit will prepare you to have conversations with your friends, family, and neighbours.
Canmore is becoming out of reach for the people who keep our community running.
- Many of our of friends, neighbours, and family who stock our shelves, brew our favourite coffee, teach at our schools, provide childcare to our kids, and work at our local clinics cannot access housing in Canmore. They’re often commuting long distances or, at worst, giving up on the Canmore dream altogether.
- The biggest driver of our lack of affordable housing is our limited space combined with incredibly high demand for living in our beautiful mountain town.
- About one in four homes in Canmore are not occupied by a permanent resident, despite the 0.9% vacancy rate.
- It isn’t fair to expect Canmore’s workforce to live in vehicles or commute long distances while 25% of the houses in the Town sit empty.
We’re introducing fairness into our taxation system through the Livability Tax Program.
- Starting in 2026, non-permanent residents will pay rates equal to those who run tourist homes. 100% of this extra revenue will be set aside so we can build the 2,000 new non-market homes we need.
- The Livability Tax Program will help fund new affordable housing options, while incentivizing our neighbours to join us full-time.
The Livability Tax Program will help create a more vibrant community and resilient economy.
- Having more permanent residents means extra revenue for our small businesses, greater access to a larger labour pool, and a more energized community that sticks around after 5 p.m.
- Lack of affordable housing makes it hard for our favourite local businesses to recruit and retain staff.
- A thriving community needs a strong economy, and without places for our workforce to live, businesses will be forced to reduce hours or close altogether.
This vital program is under threat.
- The Livability Tax Program is one of the best tools to address Canmore's housing crisis. But we’re facing opposition from a special interest group that aims to override our Town’s decision by putting pressure on the provincial government to intervene. They would like to see the Municipal Government Act changed to prevent municipalities from implementing this type of tax.
Direct letters to elected officials and regional media can make a difference. The Town of Canmore has made it easy for community members to send a personalized letter to express your support of the Livability Tax Program with those who need to hear it. Write yours now and please consider sharing it with your friends and family.
Write a letter to the editor
Write a letter to your elected officials
Want to help share the word? Community voices are powerful, so we have created some downloadable assets that you are free to print and display in your business or your neighbourhood bulletin board.
There are also social media graphics that you can use on your own channels to start a conversation with your network.
Posters
Full colour version
Ink friendly version