For 30 years, 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 Commitment:
Our commitment to the Bow Valley is twofold: we are dedicated to supporting our members, and we are equally committed to the communities in which we live and work.
The Bow Valley Builders and Developers Association (BOWDA) is a member-driven organization focused on networking, collaboration and advocacy for the building & development industry in Canmore and across the Bow Valley. We are grounded in the belief that a unified voice with a shared purpose is essential to effectively address the issues and opportunities facing our industry.
We support our members by helping to strengthen the reputation of local industry professionals and by advocating on their behalf. At the same time, we are committed to contributing positively to our community by promoting responsivle, thoughtful development through open, fair, and efficient processes.
BOWDA plays an important role in bridging perspectives, connecting local government, the business community, and the public, while advancing understanding and encouraging constructive dialogue.
We are a passion-driven organization, guided by a balanced and informed approach, and committed to supporting a strong, sustainable, and collaborative future for the Bow Valley.
Building Communities
BOWDA is passionate about building our community’s future together. We recognize our responsibility to the communities of the Bow Valley 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.
30 Years of Community and Industry Leadership
BOWDA celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 - a milestone that reflects the strength and evolution of the development community in the Bow Valley.
The organization was originally established in 1995 as the Canmore chapter of the Urban Development Institute (UDI), bringing together industry professionals to create a shared voice on issues impacting development and growth in the region.
In 2007, the organization took and important step forward, transitioning from the UDI framework to become the Bow Valley Builders & Developers Association (BOWDA) - an independent, locally driven organization dedicated to serving the unique needs of this community.
Our BOWDA Community
BOWDA is a network of over 250 members, representing the full spectrum of the building and development industry in the Bow Valley - builders, developers, architects, designers, engineers, realtors, legal and financial professionals, suppliers, trades and supporting businesses.
This breadth of representation brings together diverse perspectives while fostering a shared commitment to the future of our communities.
BOWDA is guided by an elected Board of Directors and supported by an Executive Director who works closely with members, committees, and municipal leadership across the region. In addition to advocacy, the Executive Director serves as an approachable and accessible resource for members - supporting connections, navigating issues, and helping members engage effectively within the local landscape.
Through active committee work and ongoing engagement with municipal administrations, BOWDA helps identify, discuss, and work towards solutions on issues impacting the building and development industry. This includes regular dialogue with municipal staff and leadership, attendance at Council meetings, and advocacy on behalf of members when needed.
Board of Directors - 2026/2027
Shane Jonker, Chair - Jonker Management
Edward Marran, Vice-Chair - Spring Creek Mountain Village
Brian Talbot, Past-Chair – Three Sisters Mountain Village
Michelle Ouellette, Treasurer – Arcadis
Chris Sparrow, Principal Architect – METAFOR
Shauna Dudding, President & COO – Stone Creek Resorts
Bobby Richardson, Director – Woodlands Mountain Homes
Jessica Karpat, Director – QuantumPlace Developments
Kris Kernick, Director – Walsh LLP
John Third, Director - J.Third & Associates Real Estate Services
“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 (2021-2024)
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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.