Canmore Considers Allowing Two Additional Homes on Some Properties

Canmore town council is moving closer to allowing more housing on some residential properties downtown, advancing a zoning change that would permit up to two accessory dwelling units on certain lots and scheduling a public hearing to gather community feedback.

The proposal was discussed at council’s January 6 meeting as part of a broader package of changes tied to Connect Downtown, the town’s long-term plan for guiding gradual change in the town centre over the next 25 years.

Accessory dwelling units, often referred to as secondary suites or backyard homes, are smaller homes located on the same property as a primary residence. They can be created within existing houses, above garages, or in separate small buildings, depending on zoning and design rules.

Under the proposed changes, some residential properties in the downtown area could be allowed to have up to two accessory dwelling units, an increase from what is currently permitted in many areas.

“The notable changes include layering in a new incentive to see more accessory dwelling units incorporated on site, so allowing up to two accessory dwelling units,” Joshua Cairns, a senior planner with the Town of Canmore, told council.

How it fits into Connect Downtown

Staff emphasized that the proposal is not a standalone housing initiative, but part of the Connect Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP), which council adopted in July 2025 after more than a year of public consultation.

The plan sets out a long-term vision for downtown Canmore through to roughly 2050, focusing on walkability, environmental protection, and a mix of housing and commercial uses that fit existing neighbourhood character.

What the change would and would not do

Staff repeatedly stressed that allowing additional accessory units does not force homeowners to build anything.

“The zoning changes will guide what can be built,” Cairns said. “A reminder for residents is that it does not force development to happen. It merely grants new or different property rights to those land owners.”

He added that any change would happen gradually.

“The type of change we’re talking about is modest and it’s expected to occur incrementally over time.”

Council members asked how existing homes would be affected if zoning rules change. Cairns explained that current buildings would remain legal, even if they do not meet new standards, unless a property owner chooses to redevelop.

No councillors spoke against the proposal at first reading, and council unanimously voted to move the changes forward to a public hearing for further feedback.

A regional shift toward accessory housing

Canmore’s discussion mirrors a broader trend across the Bow Valley, where communities are looking to add housing without large-scale redevelopment.

In Banff, accessory dwellings are already allowed in every residential neighbourhood and on properties used for public services. Homeowners can add an accessory unit to houses, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, as long as the number of extra units does not exceed the number of main homes on the property.

Banff has also paired zoning changes with financial incentives. A municipal grant program offers $30,000 for creating a new accessory dwelling and $10,000 for bringing an existing, unpermitted unit up to code, with funding available for design costs, permits, and basic construction expenses.

The goal, according to Banff’s planning materials, is to increase housing supply through what planners call gentle density, adding homes within existing neighbourhoods while preserving overall character.

Canmore has not proposed a similar incentive program as part of the current zoning changes. Staff described the January 6 proposal as a policy update only, focused on what is allowed rather than on funding or grants.

What this means for residents

For homeowners in affected areas, the proposed change would create new options. Some could choose to add a rental unit for long-term tenants, accommodate family members, or create a secondary home while keeping the main house intact.

For neighbours, the impact would depend on how many property owners choose to use the new rules. Staff emphasized that setbacks, height limits, and design standards would still apply, and that the intent is to integrate additional homes into existing residential forms rather than introduce apartment-style buildings.

The proposal remains at an early stage, and no final decisions have been made.

What happens next

Council has scheduled a public hearing for February 3, 2026, where residents will be able to provide feedback on the proposed zoning changes, including the allowance for additional accessory dwelling units.

Council will consider that feedback before deciding whether to adopt the changes as written or revise them.