A controversial expansion project that aims to double the size of Canmore, Alberta, over the next generation is moving forward with its next phase. The upcoming construction will involve building homes and a wildlife underpass for the Trans-Canada Highway in the Three Sisters Mountain Village area. This development initiative could potentially accommodate up to 15,000 residents in around 7,000 homes across more than 300 hectares of land in Canmore.
The project is divided into Two distinct areas, namely Three Sisters Village and Smith Creek, each with multiple phases encompassing various amenities like light industrial spaces, businesses, retail outlets, recreational facilities, and open spaces. Chris Ollenberger, the project’s strategy and development director, expressed optimism about the progress, particularly highlighting the significant milestone in launching development activities in the Smith Creek area. The initial phase of Smith Creek is anticipated to be completed within the next five years, marking a significant advancement in the project’s timeline.
In terms of housing, it is planned that 10% of the residences will be designated as affordable. However, if developers opt for higher density, the affordable housing percentage may increase to 20%. Notably, Alberta municipalities lack the authority to mandate affordable housing, necessitating discussions with developers to achieve affordable housing targets.
Jessica Karpat, the planning and community liaison director for Three Sisters Mountain Village, emphasized the substantial contributions made by the project towards affordable housing, underscoring the ongoing efforts to enhance such contributions within Smith Creek and Three Sisters Village.
A key concern surrounding the development revolves around its potential impact on wildlife, with conservation and environmental groups expressing apprehensions about disrupting wildlife movements, particularly the connectivity between Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country. The project’s scale and scope have raised concerns about endangering wildlife, with specific reference to the vulnerable grizzly bear population in Alberta.
The commencement of development in the Smith Creek area is contingent upon the completion of a wildlife underpass beneath the Trans-Canada Highway. Plans for the wildlife underpass design are expected to be submitted for provincial approval soon, alongside ongoing initiatives for wildlife fencing to mitigate potential human-wildlife conflicts.
The project has faced significant opposition and legal challenges in Canmore over the years, with a lengthy history of contentious debates and legal battles. Despite initial rejections by the Canmore council in 2021, subsequent legal rulings have compelled the approval of the development plans, leading to the progression of the project.
While the project continues to face opposition and legal hurdles, the development in Canmore is poised to undergo significant transformations in the coming years, reshaping the landscape and demographics of the town.