More Canmore Workers Sleeping in Vehicles as Safe Park Demand Grows

The Town of Canmore Safe Park program provides overnight parking for local workers who sleep in their vehicles due to limited housing options.

The program, which runs annually from late spring to early fall, operates at two municipal parking lot locations. 

“For participants, this is a preferred alternative to attempting to park outside of town in areas like crowded roadside pullouts with no services and no guarantee of available parking space,” said Elle West, the town’s Safe Park coordinator. “Local workers who are sleeping in their vehicles will be very limited in their options without the Safe Park program.”

Participation in the program is managed through an application process, with permits issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including proof of local employment for a minimum of 20 hours per week, ownership of an operational vehicle that fits within a standard parking stall, and valid documentation such as a driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance.

According to West, the program continues to serve a specific group of residents who have limited alternatives.

“The Safe Park program provides space for workers to stay in their vehicles in Canmore legally and safely,” she said.

Overnight camping is prohibited on municipal lots, residential streets and other areas not designated for camping within the town. Canmore has one local campground, Wapiti, while nearby campgrounds in Bow Valley Provincial Park and Kananaskis limit the length of time anyone can camp, typically to about two weeks.

Each Safe Park location is equipped with bear-proof garbage and recycling bins, as well as a portable toilet designated for participant use. Participants also have access to nearby town buildings, which provide indoor washrooms, water fountains, common areas and Wi-Fi until the buildings close for the night.

Security measures are also in place throughout the season.

“A security service patrols the Safe Park locations each night and participants are able to call security for additional site visits if there are any issues or concerns,” West said.

Participants also receive a welcome package outlining program guidelines and providing information about local community services and supports. Town staff are available throughout the season to answer questions and provide ongoing support.

Use of the Safe Park sites is governed by a program responsibility agreement. Participants are required to maintain valid vehicle documentation, follow the Town of Canmore’s Community Standards Bylaw, observe quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., and use parking stalls only between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. The agreement also limits vehicle occupancy to no more than two people and requires participants to keep the area clean and free of wildlife attractants.

Some misconceptions about the program occasionally arise.

“It’s important to clarify that participants are employed locally and pay a fee for an overnight parking permit,” West said. “This program helps them remain in town and continue contributing to the community.”

Feedback collected from participants at the end of the 2025 season indicated a high level of satisfaction, with respondents rating the program an average of 8.7 out of 10.

Data provided by the Town of Canmore shows a steady increase in interest in the Safe Park program since it began. Program inquiries rose from 17 in 2021 to 83 in 2025, while submitted applications increased from fewer than 10 in the program’s first year to 73 in 2025. The number of registered participants also grew over that period, reaching 56 vehicles and 68 people during the 2025 season.

Safe Park program participation by year 

The town plans to offer the Safe Park program again from May 1 to October 15, 2026. No major operational changes are anticipated.

“At this point, we don’t anticipate major operational changes, but we always consider feedback and adjustments to ensure the program continues to meet its goals,” West said.

Applications for the next season will open in April 2026. Questions can be directed to [email protected]. 

West said the Safe Park program remains one of several approaches the town is using to address the ongoing housing pressures faced by local workers, alongside long-term housing initiatives outlined on the town’s website.