Since 1995, BOWDA has been committed to advocacy, responsibility, and awareness. We are champions for our building and development community. We are a catalyst for collaboration and communication between all communities, stakeholders, and decision makers who contribute to this incredible place that we are fortunate to call home.

Our Motivation

Our commitment to the Bow Valley is two-fold: we are committed to our members and we are committed to the communities that we work in.

The Bow Valley Builders and Developers Association (BOWDA) is a membership driven networking and advocacy group focused on the needs of the building & development industry and related business in Canmore and the Bow Valley. We are founded on the principle that a unified voice with a common purpose is of the utmost importance when it comes to advocacy. 

We work to support our members through maintaining a positive reputation for our local industry professionals and advocating on their behalf. In terms of our community impact, we promote responsible development of homes in the Bow Valley through open, fair, and efficient processes. BOWDA spreads awareness by sharing knowledge and bridging the information gap between local government, the business community, and the public. 

We are a passion-driven organization that champions building and development advocacy through an unbiased, balanced approach.

Building Our Future

BOWDA is passionate about building our community’s future together. We recognize our responsibility to our community and our members. We move ahead with the purpose of advocating passionately, raising awareness, and fostering meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships. We are the voice of the Bow Valley’s building and development community and its strategic partners.

Our Foundation

BOWDA celebrated its 29th anniversary in 2024, beginning as the Canmore chapter of the Urban Development Institute (UDI) in 1995 as a way for the development community to have a common voice when addressing issues that impacted the industry. In 2007 the organization decided to move away from the UDI framework and become Bow Valley Builders & Developers Association, a stand-alone organization not affiliated with a parent organization.

Our Community

BOWDA currently has over 260 members comprised of builders, developers, architects, designers, lawyers, accountants, realtors, engineers, some of the utilities that service the building industry, and numerous trades and supporting businesses.

We have an elected Board of Directors that meets monthly with its Executive Director.  To maintain regular liaison, members of the Board also meet 4-5 times per year with the Town of Canmore’s General Manager of Municipal Infrastructure, Manager of Planning and Manager of Engineering. 

BOWDA committees meet with members of municipal administrations in the Valley to identify and resolve issues that affect the building and development industry. The Executive Director meets with departmental managers whenever necessary, attends Canmore Council meetings and acts as an advocate when concerns arise. BOWDA’s events co-ordinator organizes monthly lunches for the membership as well as educational workshops and seminars.

Every year at the Christmas luncheon, BOWDA members raise significant funds to support local charities. BOWDA luncheons have become the premier monthly business networking event in the Bow Valley, attracting 120-160 of the key business and political leaders from the valley.

 Board of Directors - 2024/2025

  • Brian Talbot, Chair –Devonian Group of Companies

  • Edward Marran, Vice Chair - Spring Creek Mountain Village

  • Michelle Ouellette, Treasurer – Latitude Consulting Ltd.

  • David Taylor, Past Chair – Three Sisters Mountain Village Properties

  • Guy Turcotte, Director– Stone Creek Resorts

  • Bobby Richardson, Director – Woodlands Mountain Homes

  • Jessica Karpat, Director – QuantumPlace Developments

  • Steve Ashton, Director – Ashton Construction Services

  • John Third, Director - J.Third & Associates Real Estate Services

  • Shane Jonker, Director - Jonker Management

“BOWDA members and their employees help contribute to the overall economic, social and environmental stewardship of this community and deeply care about its well being”

— Ian O’Donnell, Executive Director

  • Resources

    On our resources page, you will find helpful building and development links and information pertaining to Canmore, Banff, the Municipal District of Bighorn, and the province in general.

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  • Get Involved

    There are a number of ways to get involved with BOWDA and our work in the community. Click below to learn more about joining, volunteering, and more.

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