Set in the Bow Valley amid the rugged majesty of the Front Ranges of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore enjoys a singular relationship with its surroundings. The town occupies a subtle borderland between the developed and natural worlds. It is a community with a vision, based on the conviction that environmental sensitivity and economic sustainability can be reconciled.

Canmore is located 106 kilometers west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. To the north and west the town borders Banff National Park, Canada's oldest and best known park. To the south and east lies Kananaskis Country, a 5200 square kilometre Provincial Recreational Area.

Following its founding in 1883, Canmore served both as a railway division point and mining town Today it provides services for the entire Bow Valley and is recognized world-wide as an outdoor recreational and adventure centre.

Canmore's abundant natural and scenic resources are matched by the spirit and energy of its people The invigorating surroundings and friendly atmosphere of the town make it ideal for people of all ages. The community is a diverse mix of age groups, cultures, occupations and talents united in commitment to the town and our environment. That commitment finds expression in the community service of enthusiastic volunteers and in the way citizens become actively engaged in local planning.

We respect the town's past, are active in its present, and want to be involved in planning its future. We cherish the fresh air, clean water and magnificent scenery that surrounds us. This is life of a high quality, and the quality of life is what matters most to us. It is a magical and inspiring place that brings out the best in people, a place to be shared with the world.

As tourism becomes more significant to the town's economy, developing facilities to serve visitors without damaging the environment that attracts them presents unique challenges. We value what we have and recognize the vulnerability of this area to uncontrolled development. Providing services to an increasing number of visitors means growth, but growth must be responsive to the particular requirements of the environment and the community. We are pledged to live in harmony with the natural environment. Change is inevitable, but careful planning can ensure that those things that make the area attractive now will be protected for the future.

Looking ahead , the challenge is to balance our use of the environment with our commitment to protect it. In its delicate setting in the montane ecosystem of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore is rising to the challenge.

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