Canmore Approves New 48-Room Hotel in Spring Creek

CANMORE - A new 48-room hotel is coming to Spring Creek after the Canmore Planning Commission approved a development permit for the Franklin Hotel, clearing the way for one of the area’s most notable additions to the district’s accommodation lineup. The decision was issued November 19 and includes a series of conditions, exceptions, and agreements that developers must meet before construction begins and prior to occupancy.

A Three-Storey Hotel With Restaurant and Pedestrian Link

The approved project, located at 200 Spring Creek Drive, includes 48 visitor-accommodation units and one restaurant unit contained within the hotel. The design also incorporates an overhead pedestrian walkway that will physically connect the hotel to the neighbouring Malcolm Hotel. The Town requires formal permission for the overhead pedestrian link because it sits above public property, and that approval must be finalized before the development permit is released.

The building must also meet Built Green Gold standards, meaning it will be constructed to higher energy-efficiency and environmental performance levels than a typical hotel. The developer must provide third-party verification of that certification within 90 days of opening.

Height and Parking Variances Approved

The Town approved two exceptions to its usual rules:

• Tandem parking for 14 stalls, enabling valet-operated spaces in the underground parkade.

• The Town also approved small height increases, allowing 5% of the roof to be up to 20% taller than the usual limit, and another 20% of the roof to be up to 10% taller.

The development is required to provide 56 total parking stalls, including:

• 48 stalls underground, with valet tandem configurations

• 8 street stalls recognized under the Land Use Bylaw

It must also supply 12 covered bicycle parking stalls, exceeding the minimum requirement of ten.

Employee Housing and Loading Requirements

Based on an employment study submitted with the application, the developer must provide accommodations for at least six employees, either on-site or at a previously approved off-site location. Current approval lists the designated staff housing at 500 Bow Valley Trail, with any future relocation requiring additional Town approval.

Deliveries for the Franklin Hotel won’t happen at its main entrance. Instead, trucks will use the Malcolm Hotel’s loading area, and goods will be moved across the new pedestrian walkway. The two hotels must put this arrangement in writing and have it officially approved by the Town.

Infrastructure, Servicing, and Construction Conditions

Before the permit is released, the developer must sign an agreement with the Town outlining how the project will handle infrastructure, fees, and construction standards.

Other requirements include:

• Pool water must drain into the sanitary system because of potential contaminants.

• Snow must be stored on-site unless the Town approves otherwise.

• Landscaping and tree protection must follow Town guidelines.

• Construction vehicles can only access the site from Bow Valley Trail; using Main Street would halt work immediately.

• An energy-efficiency report is required before construction begins, and engineered drawings are needed for any major retaining walls.

Project Moves Forward

The approval marks a significant step for Spring Creek Mountain Village’s continued build-out, adding a new hotel, restaurant space, and pedestrian infrastructure to one of Canmore’s most active development areas.

Construction timelines for the Franklin Hotel have not yet been announced.