Lawrence Grassi Middle School Site Redevelopment
What is Happening?
Canadian Rockies Public Schools has received rezoning approval to allow for housing to be developed on the site at the Lawrence Grassi Middle School as outlined in the Area Redevelopment Plan (Bylaw 2021-07).
- The application package can be viewed pdf here (25.69 MB)
The rezoning allows for:
- Five buildings (noted in blue in the map below) 2 ½ storeys in height;
- Three buildings (noted in yellow in the map below) up to 3 ½ storeys in height;
- Up to 120 units of new residential development;
- Parking provided on site.
The development plan for the site is to provide a variety of housing, including 20 Vital Homes units and five resident restricted units managed by Canmore Community Housing and 20 units of employee housing for CRPS staff. This housing will be provided in an area that is close to community amenities, not close to wildlife areas, and will support long-term financial sustainability of the public-school division.
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Next Steps - updated May 2, 2023
- Next steps will require applications and approval for development and building permits.
Previously Approved
- The Land Use Bylaw amendment for the proposed Direct Control district bylaw received approval on May 2, 2023. When approving this, Council acknowledged they genuinely heard the public’s concerns about the height of buildings, parking requirements, and traffic congestion. Council all spoke to the benefits outweighing their concerns; a high percentage (33%) of housing being provided for people who live and work in the community.
- Residency requirement for five units as part of Lawrence Grassi Middle School Site Redevelopment. As a condition for the transfer of a narrow strip of Town of Canmore land bisecting the Canadian Rockies Public Schools Board’s (CRPS) land on the Lawrence Grassi Middle School site, five units will be purchased by Canmore Community Housing (CCH) with the Town of Canmore covering the costs until funds are recovered through the sale of the property through CCH’s new program. The new program will include some form of future resale price restriction along with the residency requirement.
- Council approved Bylaw 2021-07 Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) Lawrence Grassi Middle School Area Redevelopment Plan after a public hearing on March 1, 2022. The approved Area Redevelopment Plan is posted on this page: Area Structure & Redevelopment Plans.
- On September 13, 2022 Council authorized the transfer of the 743m2 narrow strip of land bisecting the Canadian Rockies Public Schools Board’s (CRPS) land on the Lawrence Grassi Middle School site between 6 Ave and 7 Ave. A condition of the transfer is that an agreement can be reached between CRPS, the Town of Canmore, and Canmore Community Housing (CCH) on the number of units to be purchased for a residency program. A residency program, administered by CCH, could address some of the interest expressed in ensuring a portion of the market housing units can be geared to full time Canmore residents. This program would operate in addition to the existing commitment of 20 units to CCH’s affordable housing program and would solely focus on a residency requirement, without restriction on income.
