what we heard at the forums: Environmental Perspectives from Candidates for council
Residents across the Bow Valley recently gathered to talk about what matters most — protecting the place we call home. The Biosphere Institute’s All-Candidates Forums on the Environment in Banff and Canmore brought together candidates and community members to explore local solutions for wildlife coexistence, climate resilience, and sustainable growth.
These conversations reminded us that meaningful change starts at the local level through dialogue, participation, and informed voting. As communities built on shared values of stewardship and collaboration, every resident has a role in shaping a sustainable Bow Valley.
Media Coverage
Learn more about candidate perspectives in local news outlets:
Municipal Election Day: Monday, October 20, 2025
Learn more about voting locations and advance polls at your town’s website:
Banff | Canmore
What We Heard: Key Themes from the Forums
Wildfire Preparedness
Candidates supported continued fire mitigation, including the community fire guard, early detection systems, and stronger coordination with other governments.
Climate Action
There was broad backing for local programs like energy retrofits, solar and EV incentives, and a potential conservation land fund to protect natural areas.
Wildlife and Growth
Many spoke about protecting wildlife corridors and taking a balanced, cautious approach to future development.
Waste and Circular Economy
Waste diversion and reuse initiatives were seen as key to reducing emissions and supporting a sustainable community.
Collaboration and Communication
Candidates emphasized partnerships, education, and transparent communication as vital to long-term success.
Watch the full forums on YouTube:
Banff Forum Replay | Canmore Forum Replay
Read the questions asked at the forums:
Banff Candidate Questions | Canmore Candidate Questions
Additional Resources
Bow Valley Climate Action invited candidates to respond to three key climate questions:
What are your priorities from the Town of Canmore’s Climate Emergency Action Plan? Why did you choose those?
Do you think the Town is doing too little, enough, or too much regarding climate action? Why?
What is the Town of Canmore’s greatest challenge when it comes to reducing emissions?
Why Voting Matters for the Climate
Being informed about where candidates stand on environmental issues helps residents make thoughtful and values-based choices. Local decisions about land use, energy, transportation, and development shape the future of the Bow Valley by influencing wildlife habitat, air and water quality, and community resilience.
Municipal governments play a key role in climate action. Their policies determine how we grow, move, and adapt through building standards, waste programs, natural area protection, and renewable energy initiatives.
By staying informed and voting with the environment in mind, we help ensure that local leadership reflects our shared values of stewardship, sustainability, and collaboration. Even small policy choices can lead to lasting positive impacts for both people and nature.
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