Who We Are

See our past symposiums

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 newsletters, the Shift: Climate Transitions program inspires residents and businesses to take action on climate change and arms them with the tools to do so.
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.

2024

2023

Symposium Advisory Committee

We are two community driven, not-for-profit organizations working to reduce the carbon intensity of our buildings.

Thanks to our Advisory Committee, whose input and advice will help make the 2025 Symposium a success!

Caitlin van Gaal, Supervisor Environment and Sustainability, Town of Canmore

Riley Welden, Parks Planner, Town of Canmore

Michelle Ouellette, Associate Principal, Arcadis

Edward Marran, VP Operations, Spring Creek Developments, BOWDA Board

Raphael Spinner, HSS Design Build, Canmore

Kristopher Mathieu, Executive Director, Canmore Community Housing

Lance Trewartha, Brightside Mechanical

Michael Hay, Manager, Environment & Sustainability, Town of Banff

Ben Toornstra, Evergreen Engineering

Hannah Perry, Beau Atelier Architecture and Design

Andrew Cotterell, Bow Valley Waste Management