A significant commercial property on Canmore’s Main Street is getting a much needed exterior renovation after approval last month of a development permit to completely change the façade of the local motel.
The Bow Valley Motel at 610 Main St. in Canmore was recently purchased by real estate development company Big Moose Developments. Along with Systemic Architecture, Big Moose applied for a development permit to change the exterior of the motel and laundromat.
Development planner Camila Ramos-Stankman presented the application to the Canmore Planning Commission.
She noted the application itself did not require approval at the commission level, but administration felt proposed changes were significant enough to be presented at the board meeting.
“There is no change to the intensity or use being proposed,” Ramos-Stankman said. “Taken together, these improvements add texture, interest and a much more distinctive look to the building and is an improvement to the location.”
The renovation would completely change the look of the Bow Valley Motel, located on Main Street next to Policeman’s Creek. It would also add larger windows, upgrade an outdoor seating amenity space at the rear of the property, and landscaping features to enhance the driveway and parking areas.
According to the staff report, the design approach reaches into Canmore’s coal mining history for inspiration for its modern esthetic.
“By adding texture through the use of stone siding and making the building more distinctive, this design greatly improves upon, and offers a more interesting façade,” stated the report, “… this proposal contributes in creating a more iconic gateway to Canmore’s town centre while better aligning with the community architecture and urban design guidelines.”
Chad Russill with Systemic spoke to the commission, saying he feels the improvements proposed meet the guidelines in place and would provide a welcome upgrade the prominent location on Main Street.
“By no means do I every feel like something is a slam dunk in the planning world, but this does align with the architectural guidelines,” he said.
Big Moose owner Sky Mitchell also sits as a member of the planning commission. She was not present for the meeting, presentation or approval of the permit.
