We are making the built environment more sustainable by unlocking resources, building capacity and engaging industry to increase building performance standards.
What we do
We are here to convene stakeholders and collectively build capacity through our symposium, industry engagement, and targeted educational programs.
In October 2024, we hosted the 2nd annual Building for Sustainability Symposium in Canmore, Alberta. The sold-out event convened 175 building professionals, architects, developers, municipal planners, consultants, realtors and many other stakeholders to share knowledge, build relationships, and work toward a more sustainable built environment.
In 2025, we’ll be continuing this work by hosting valuable workshops, seminars, and developing a suite of resources for professionals within the building ecosystem. Our aim is to be an agent in raising the bar on building performance and reducing carbon emissions from the building sector in the Bow Valley and further afield.
Given our highly successful Symposia in 2023 and 2024, we are excited to announce the 2025 event! Taking place on November 6-7, 2025 at the Malcolm Hotel in Canmore Alberta! Stay tuned for more information.
Who we are
We are two community driven, not-for-profit organizations working to reduce the carbon intensity of our buildings.
Bow Valley Builders & Developers Association
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 by maintaining a positive reputation for our local industry professionals and advocating on their behalf. In terms of our community impact, we promote the 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.
Our passion-driven organisation champions building and development advocacy through an unbiased, balanced approach.
Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley
The Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley empowers community leadership to address environmental challenges.
Our work addresses human-wildlife coexistence and climate change through three core programs:
WildSmart is a proactive conservation program that encourages efforts by Bow Valley communities to reduce negative human-wildlife interactions.
Through community-led projects, workshops, and engagement, the Shift: Climate Transitions program assists and provides tools for residents and businesses to take action on climate change.
Our K-12 education program, Future Leaders, seeks to link curriculum-based wildlife and climate change education with peer-to-peer learning across First Nations and Settler communities.
We also serve as a community hub where citizens can access local environmental information, learn about how to get involved in conservation programs and build ideas for new community-led initiatives.
Program partners
