Who can vote in the Oct. 20 municipal election?

Canadian citizens residing in Canmore who are over 18 can vote in the upcoming municipal election and the election for school board trustees.

Do I need to register to vote?

Yes. Alberta citizens wishing to vote in a municipal election were asked to register for the first time. The good news is that you don't have to do anything if you have already registered through Voterlink.

Go to the Voterlink website to search for your registration. Deadlines for adding new voters to the list or changing details have passed. But don’t worry—you can still vote on Monday, Oct. 20, or at the advanced polls if you bring with you a piece of government-issued photo identification.

Where do I vote?

Voting occurs on Monday, Oct. 20, at the Canmore Recreation Centre at 1900 Eighth Ave.

Advance voting is open to any elector who cannot vote at the voting station on election day. The 2025 advance voting schedule, which also takes place at the Canmore Recreation Centre, is:

• Thursday, Oct. 9, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 10, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Thursday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mail-in ballots are available for eligible voters who cannot vote on election day or at the advance polls. You can go to this link to request a special ballot. All requests must include an image of acceptable identification.

Special ballots are sent through Canada Post or can be picked up at the Civic Centre after nominations close on Sept. 22. They must be returned by 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20.

Institutional votes will be held on election day at the Canmore Hospital, Bow River Seniors Lodge and Origin at Spring Creek for residents of those facilities.

What am I voting for?

Voters have three ballots in Canmore on Oct. 20. The first ballot is for mayor, with two choices. The second ballot is for councillors, with six spots open and 12 candidates. You are not required to pick six, but you may choose up to six. The third ballot is for the Canadian Rockies Public School board trustee.

What services are the municipal government responsible for providing in Canada?

There are three levels of government in Canada. The federal and provincial governments are established through the Constitution. Each province then establishes legislation that creates municipal governments. As an order of government, municipalities do not have the same authority as the provincial or federal government.

Municipal governments in Alberta provide the following services:

• Development permits and land use planning;

• Enforcement services (Community Peace Officers);

• Family and Community Support Services;

• Fire-rescue services;

• Municipal road maintenance;

• Municipal parks, trails and playgrounds;

• Municipal property taxes (which is a portion of the total tax bill);

• Waster and wastewater services;

• Waste and recycling.

Council is elected to provide strategic planning, financial oversight and accountability for delivering those municipal services.

When does council meet?

Canmore council holds one regular business meeting and one committee of the whole meeting per month on the first and third Tuesdays. Additional special council meetings, public hearings, and workshops are also scheduled on Tuesdays.