Canmore residents will have a chance to speak on a proposed zoning change for the Alpine Club of Canada’s long-time home at 201 Indian Flats Road during a public hearing set for June 30, 2026.
Town Council gave first reading on June 2 to Land Use Bylaw Amendment 2026-01, which would create a new land-use district for the provincial lands the club leases. The Alpine Club of Canada needs to upgrade its aging facilities, including trailhead parking, to meet lease rules set by the Province of Alberta.
If passed, the change would allow the club to build or improve staff housing, hostels, visitor accommodation, offices, outdoor storage, and parking areas. The club says the changes would not increase guest bed capacity—just improve working and visitor spaces at a headquarters that has served mountain recreation for over 50 years.
The bylaw includes environmental rules already reviewed by the town. An Environmental Impact Statement has been accepted, and the town could limit construction seasons or hours to protect wildlife. Buildings would need to use FireSmart materials and be no taller than 13.0 metres.
The Alpine Club of Canada, with about 10,000 members and North America’s largest network of backcountry huts, moved to Canmore from Banff in the 1970s. The new district would let the club keep operating on its leased land while meeting modern standards.
Details and the hearing notice are on the Town of Canmore website. After the public hearing, council would still need to give second and third readings before any changes take effect.
