Canmore Planning Commission

Responsibilities
The Canmore Planning Commission (CPC) makes decisions on development permits that have been referred them by the Town Development Officers. CPC approval is typically required for larger projects such as hotels, commercial buildings and multi-family residential, or for projects that have potential for significant public interest. The CPC has the authority to vary “standards” within the Land Use Bylaw, for example, reductions of minimum yard setbacks or increases to the maximum height of buildings. There is no maximum variance – the amount of the variance is at the discretion of Commission giving due regard to relevant planning considerations and policies.

  pdf Development Authority Bylaw 17-2011 (81 KB)

Meetings
CPC meetings are scheduled as needed, whenever development permits have been referred. Meetings are open to the public, however they are not public hearings.  Members of the public may speak only with the permission of the Commission members present. Meeting dates, times, and location will be advertised on this calendar with a minimum 24 hours notice. 

Members
The CPC consists of a minimum of 4 and and maximum of 6 public members and 1 member of Council. Public members are appointed by Council in late October every year to 1 or 2 year terms.  Current members are:

Public Members
Douglas Armstrong
Garney Baker
Tony Bloom
Alissa English
Jeff Roberts
Eric Young 

Council Representatives
Councillor Jeff Hilstad
Councillor Joanna McCallum (alternate) 

Contact
For more information call Planning and Development at 403-678-1515.

Administration speaks to a written report submitted as part of the meeting agenda package. The floor is then open for the applicants to present to the Commission.

Once the Commission members feel that they have enough information on the merits of the project, they may choose to close the meeting to the public (go in camera) in order to reach their decision.  The applicant and members of the public are not permitted to remain in the room during an in camera session. Administration may remain to answer any questions that may arise during debate.

Decisions made in camera are usually read into the record after the Commission returns to the public meeting. The final decision is provided in writing shortly after the meeting to the applicant.