Canmore, Alberta
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Town of Canmore | |||
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| Coordinates: | |||
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| Country |  Canada |
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| Province |  Alberta |
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| Region | Alberta's Rockies | ||
| Census division | 15 | ||
| Municipal District | Bighorn | ||
| Incorporated | 1965 | ||
| Government [1] | |||
| - Mayor | Ron Casey | ||
| - Governing body | Canmore town council | ||
| - MP | Myron Thompson (Wild Rose) | ||
| - MLA | Janis Tarchuk | ||
| Area | |||
| - Total | 68.9 km² (26.6 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 1,350 m (4,429 ft) | ||
| Population (2006)[2] | |||
| - Total | 12,039 | ||
| - Density | 147.7/km² (382.5/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | MST (UTC-7) | ||
| Postal code span | T1W | ||
| Area code(s) | +1-403 | ||
| Highways | Trans-Canada Highway | ||
| Waterways | Bow River | ||
| Website: Town of Canmore | |||
Canmore is a town in Alberta, Canada, located in the Bow Valley with a permanent population of 11,442 (2005 municipal census). The non-permanent population is about 3,790 or 29% (combined population of 15,232). It is located just east of the world-famous Banff National Park, about 110 kilometres (70 mi) west of Calgary and immediately north of Kananaskis Country. The town lies in the Bow Valley, named so for the Bow River that passes through it. Its mountain setting is noted for The Three Sisters. Canmore's climate is relatively mild compared to most regions of Canada, with the coldest day in January averaging only −8 °C (18 °F), with very low humidity that makes it feel considerably warmer than the thermometer indicates. Summers are short and cool, and winters are long but usually sunny and dry. The area boasts, on average, 330 days of sunshine annually, with the short wet season occurring through mid-May to early June. The rest of the summer is considered semi-arid.
Mountains located adjacent to and visible from the townsite are Grotto Mountain (2,706 m / 8,878 ft), Mount Lady Macdonald (2,606 m / 8,550 ft), Mount Lawrence Grassi (2,685 m / 8,809 ft) and, most famously, the Three Sisters (2,936 m, 2,769 m, 2,694 m or 9,633 ft, 9,084 ft, 8,839 ft).
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[edit] History
Canmore was officially named in 1884 by Canadian Pacific Railway employee Donald A. Smith. In 1886, Queen Victoria granted a coal mining charter to the town, and the No. 1 mine was opened in 1887.
By the 1890s, a North West Mounted Police barrack had been instated on Main Street, but it was vacated in 1927. The building was restored in 1989 and it is under the care of the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre.
The coal mining industry in Canmore boomed well into the 20th century. In 1965, with a population of 2,000, Canmore was incorporated as a town. By the 1970s the market for coal was diminished, and in 1979 Canmore Mines Ltd. ceased operations. As a result of safety and reclaimation policies instigated by the province of Alberta, all but a few mining structures were demolished in the following year; only the lamp house and a few mine entrances remain today.
Canmore's economic future seemed dismal until the announcement in the early 1980s that Calgary, Alberta would be hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics, and that Canmore would play host to the Nordic events. This resulted in an increase in tourism, and Canmore began to develop into the recreational tourist destination it is today.
The Canmore Hotel sits on the main street as it has for over 100 years. The building has changed very little in this time making it one of the most distinguishable landmarks in Canmore.
[edit] Geography
Canmore is among the largest towns in Alberta and is actually larger than a number of cities in the province. Concerns over its urban growth adjacent to provincial and national park land has led to many efforts to place a limit on future development. The town is expected to reach its maximum "build out" following the completion of the SilverTip and Three Sisters Mountain Village developments sometime around 2015–2020.
Most of Canmore can be traversed within an hour by foot; the town centre surrounds 8th Street, or "Main Street" (as it is known colloquially), which was originally a residential road boasting some of the oldest architecture in the town; now, however, it is lined with small shops and galleries. Much of the recent development is taking place in the Three Sisters Mountain Village, SilverTip Resort, and around the town centre. 6th Street is a particularly lovely stretch of real estate, where the residents enjoy proximity to local shops, bars, and restaurants and beautiful views of the Three Sisters and the Rundle range.
Bisected by the Trans-Canada Highway, located on the Canadian Pacific Railway and run through by the Bow River, Canmore is ideally situated on a number of major transportation routes, which has influenced its economy in terms of industry and tourism.
Much of the area to the North-East of Canmore is located in a critical wildlife corridor. This corridor allows animals such as bears, cougar, wolves, and elk to move between habitat patches. These are places where they can find food, escape predators, breed, give birth, and establish territories. A series of hiking and walking paths traverse this area, known as The Benchlands. Many of these trails, and others around the community, infringe upon the Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park. Some of these, including the new Montaine Traverse Trail near the SilverTip Resort, have been improved by the Town of Canmore, the Government of Alberta, the MD of Bighorn, and various stakeholders (Bow Valley Mountain Bike Alliance, the B.V. Riding Association, and local hiking groups) in order to protect the wildlife corridors and other habitat while providing high-quality recreational trails. Much of the upgrading has been accomplished by volunteers organized by the Trail Care Program of The Friends of Kananaskis Country.
Common wildlife include bears, cougars, coyotes, squirrels, elk, deer, rabbits, and a wide variety of birds.
[edit] Canmore Nordic Centre
The Canmore Nordic Centre was originally constructed for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Cross-country skiing, biathlon, Nordic combined, and blind cross-country skiing events were held here. The Canmore Nordic Centre provides world-class trails for use by cross-country skiers, mountain bikers, and hikers. It has provincial park status and is administered by Alberta Development. The centre was recently re-developed for the 2005 Cross-country World Cup and future international events. The Nordic Centre hosts national training camps for Canada's biathlon and cross-country ski teams, in addition to providing winter and summer recreational facilities to the general public. It boasts some 60 kilometres (37 mi) of world-class cross-country and biathalon trail systems designed to meet international Nordic competitive standards. The trails are groomed and trackset to accommodate both classic and skating techniques on the same trail. A 6.5 kilometres (4 mi) track is illuminated for night skiing.
The Day Lodge at the Canmore Nordic Centre offers services such as a cafeteria, meeting rooms, maps and information, day lockers, showers, washrooms, equipment rentals, and lessons. During the summer months the Centre converts to include mountain biking facilities and plays host to several national and international mountain bike events annually.
[edit] Housing
Many of the new developments, time shares and vacation suites are built with sustainable development in mind, and in 2006 the Three Sisters Mountain Village development was recipient of an international award for being the best sustainable development in North America. Within town, there are also some buildings using geothermal energy, and the town's new Municipal Services Building is the first building in Alberta to achieve LEED Silver certification status.
Unfortunately, due to the local landscape being very complex, not every one can install solar or wind energy devices on their property. Bylaws are also very strict and "aesthetic alterations" are not widely accepted.
Canmore is a very difficult place to find affordable housing, and pet owners may have difficulty arranging accommodation.
Wapiti Tents, a community campground that can house up to approximately 200 people, is initial point of entry to many of Canmore's emigrating population in the summer months. It closes at the beginning of September, at which time the workforce rapidly disappears from the town. Although no business actually cease operations, many are forced to scale down and even close early due to lack of staff! 'Help Wanted' signs are seen in almost all shop & commerce or industry windows, and the lapse between summer and winter tourist seasons is a quiet time for the entire Bow Valley.
[edit] Culture
Canmore has one museum, the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre (CMAGS) located along 7th Ave in the town hall. In 2006, the Museum entered a Fee for Service agreement with the Town of Canmore to "act as the custodian of the Town's heritage, maintaining and preserving its artifacts, archives and to built heritage and to interpret this heritage through exhibitions and interpretive programming for residents and visitors on a year-round basis".
The primary newspapers for the town are the Canmore Leader and the Rocky Mountain Outlook although the Banff Crag & Canyon also circulates widely. The only radio station operating out of Canmore is CHMN-FM, an adult contemporary station run by Rogers Media.
Many feature films have been shot in the Canmore area, including Brokeback Mountain, Open Range, The Edge, Legends of the Fall, Shanghai Noon, Mystery Alaska, Snow Dogs, the pilot episode of Everwood, and others. The town was also popularized by the late John Morgan of the Royal Canadian Air Farce with his monsyllabic character "Mike from Canmore".
[edit] Annual events
- The Canmore Ice Climbing Festival,[3] presented by Arc'teryx, is an international event held in December. The main feature is an 18-metre (60-foot) manmade icewall constructed on Canmore’s downtown fringe from chicken wire, scaffolding and long hoses. Events include an exhibitor tent, climbing clinics, and renowned guest speakers.
- The 24 Hours of Adrenalin[4] is a mountain bike race series held at a variety of locations across North America, with annual stops in Canmore. The race consists of hundreds of solo or team riders competing to ride as many laps as possible within a 24-hour time frame, on a challenging 16 km circuit at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
- The Rocky Mountain Ski Challenge[5] is an annual ski marathon hosted by the Canmore Nordic Ski Club.
- The Rock and Fossil Show is co-presented by CMAGS and APEGGA.[6] Anyone can bring their rock or fossil find to have it evaluated by a professional geologist. The event is usually held in October.
[edit] Festivals
- The Canmore Miners' Day Reunion takes place each year on the dates closest to the anniversary date of July 13 commemorating the closing of the Canmore coal mines in 1979. The occasion is marked with an evening reunion reception on the Friday, and on the Saturday a parade, a free lunch for the public and a special picnic for ex miners and their families. July 14 & 15, 2008 will also celebrate Canmore's 125th anniversary.
- The Canmore Folk Music Festival[7] is held annually on the Heritage Day long weekend in August at Centennial Park on the Stan Rogers Stage. The festival has played host to the likes of Ry Cooder, Stan Rogers, Arlo Guthrie, The Arrogant Worms, The Paperboys, The Rankin Family, Moxy Früvous, Oscar Lopez and many other notable artists. The Canmore Folk Music Fesitval is the longest running music festival in Alberta, and in 2007 celebrated its 30th year.
- The Canmore Highland Games[8] are presented annually by the Three Sisters Scottish Society on the September long weekend. They are in their 17th year. The games host a ceilidh, heavy lifting competitions, piping and drumming, and highland dance events.
- Mozart on the Mountain[9] is an outdoor concert presented annually by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
- The annual Festival of Eagles[10] is a celebration of the Golden Eagle autumn migration over Canmore and the Bow Valley. The weekend celebration, currently in its 13th year, includes guided hikes, bird walks, interpretive displays, theatrical performances and guest speakers. Spotting scopes are set up at Canmore Collegiate High School.
- The Vic Lewis International Band Festival[11] is held every November. It is in its 11th year. The festival hosts up to thirty-two concert bands, wind ensembles and jazz bands from across Alberta who play for some of the most well-known band directors in North America. Previous directors have included Tim Salzman, Paul Read, Gillian Mackay, and Tommy Banks. More than 800 students in junior high and high school bands perform for adjudicators, participate in workshops, listen to faculty recitals and give public performances during the two days and two nights of the festival. The festival takes place at Canmore Collegiate High School and the Canmore Recreation Centre with evening gala performances at the Oh Canada, Eh?! Theatre.
- The annual Canmore Children's Festival[12] is a two-day event providing an array of children's entertainment, including acrobats, magicians, jugglers, music, theatre, storytelling, crafts, stilt-walking, dancing, face painting, and clowns.
- The Canmore ArtsPeak Arts Festival is held in June and celebrates Canmore's artistic spirit by featuring performing artists, artists and artisans, an art walk, a literary festival, film screenings, and street performers.
- The Defunct Seven Minute Film Festival is a non-profit, volunteer-run festival that provides a free opportunity for young independent filmmakers to publicly experiment with film and video. It was held annually at the Drake Inn (indoors and out) each September since 2001-2006.
[edit] Sports
Canmore is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Climbing is popular, with trad, sport and multi-pitch climbs throughout the Bow Valley, and the area is a world destination for ice climbing. Kayakers and canoeists can enjoy guided trips with one of the many local outfitters, or independently navigate the surrounding rivers and lakes. Caving enthusiasts will enjoy the extensive Rat's Nest Caves.
The local AJHL hockey team is the Canmore Eagles. In 2001, Canmore resident and Eagles goalie "Double Blocker" Dan Blackburn, was drafted into the NHL to play for the New York Rangers. The local Bantam hockey team is the Canmore IceCats.
On February 22, 2006, Canmore local Chandra Crawford won the Gold Medal in the women's cross-country 1.1-kilometre sprint at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.
Canmore United is the highly popular & successful local soccer team, participating in the summer Bow Valley Soccer League as well as tournaments in British Columbia and Alberta.
[edit] Demographics
In 2006, Canmore had a population of 12,039 living in 6,575 dwellings, an 11.6% increase from 2001. The town has a land area of 68.90 km² (26.6 sq mi) and a population density of 174.7/km² (452.5/sq mi).[2]
About 1.5% of residents identified themselves as aboriginal at the time of the 2006 census.[13]
About 85% of residents identified English as their first language. Almost 5% of the population identified French as their first language, while 3.5% identified German, more than 2% identified Japanese, and just over 0.5% identified Dutch as their first language learned. The next most common languages were Korean, Polish and Czech at 0.4% each, followed by Ukrainian, Russian and Spanish at about 0.3% each. [14]
[edit] Picture Gallery
 The three peaks of Three Sisters Mountain at Canmore, Alberta |
 Cascade Mountain from Canmore |
 Mainstreet Canmore |
[edit] References
- ^ Town of Canmore. Town Council. Retrieved on 2007-06-22.
- ^ a b Statistics Canada (Census 2006). Canmore - Community Profile. Retrieved on 2007-06-10.
- ^ Canmore Ice Climbing Festival
- ^ 24 Hours of Adrenalin
- ^ Rocky Mountain Ski Challenge
- ^ APEGGA
- ^ Canmore Folk Music Festival
- ^ Canmore Highland Games
- ^ Mozart on the Mountain
- ^ Festival of Eagles
- ^ Vic Lewis International Band Festival
- ^ Canmore Children's Festival
- ^ Canmore. Aboriginal Identity (8), Sex (3) and Age Groups (12) for the Population of Canada, Provinces, Territories, Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations, 2006 Census - 20% Sample Data. Statistics Canada (2008-01-15). Retrieved on 2008-02-06.
- ^ Canmore. Detailed Mother Tongue (186), Knowledge of Official Languages (5), Age Groups (17A) and Sex (3) for the Population of Canada, Provinces, Territories, Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations, 2001 and 2006 Censuses - 20% Sample Data. Statistics Canada (2007-11-20). Retrieved on 2008-02-06.
[edit] External links
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Banff National Park | Grotto Mountain | Cochrane | |
| Banff |  |
Trans-Canada Highway Exshaw, Calgary | ||
 Canmore  |
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| Banff National Park | Kananaskis | Bow Valley Provincial Park |
