Building for the Future
About the Symposium
Learn about building or designing retrofits for minimum climate greenhouse gas emissions and maximum climate resilience while increasing attainability and affordability - and addressing the requirements of building codes and step codes.
You will hear from diverse voices on how appropriate urban design, land use planning, building location, and density can support environmental, social AND economic sustainability.
Engaged participants will also be invited to band together around a change agenda, planning and executing an action plan to create systemic change supporting the sustainable buildings agenda.
Our Audience
This symposium will meet the needs of builders, developers, consultants, suppliers, financiers, insurers, and related trades and utilities, AND key staff involved in planning, urban design, and transportation from three levels of government, plus policy-makers and the academic community.
We will also engage local change-makers, including youth, indigenous groups and community representatives of various backgrounds, creeds and lengths of residence in our community.
We will try to replicate the success of our inaugural symposium in 2023, which drew over 170 delegates from the Bow Valley, Alberta, and across Canada.
About the Hosts
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.
Symposium Advisory Committee
Thanks to our Advisory Committee, whose input and advice have helped make the Symposium a success!
Edward Marran, VP Operations, Spring Creek Developments, BOWDA Board
Caitlin van Gaal, Supervisor Environment and Sustainability, Town of Canmore
Kristopher Mathieu, Executive Director, Canmore Community Housing
Riley Welden, Planning and Development, Town of Canmore
Michelle Ouellette, Latitude Consulting, BOWDA Board
Raphael Spinner, HSS Design Build Construction
Brian Kinzie, Engineer, Town of Canmore
Paul McKendrick, Strides Canmore and Biosphere Institute Board member
Lance Trewartha, Brightside Mechanical
Philipp Leberer, Energy Coordinator, Town of Banff
Helen Corbett, Under One Sky Consulting
2024 Event Information
2024 Symposium Program
Discover the intricacies of your upcoming experience, gain insights into how your time will unfold, and explore the collection of captivating workshops, sessions, events, and opportunities that await your participation.
2024 Session Details
In 2024, our sessions will delve into cutting-edge topics at the intersection of sustainability and innovation, featuring thought-provoking workshops, inspiring keynotes, and dynamic panel discussions. Explore groundbreaking solutions, engage with leading experts, and join us in shaping a more sustainable future at the forefront of the Building for Sustainability Symposium.
2024 Attendee Information
Explore the attendee information page for all the details you need to make the most of your experience at the 2024 Building for Sustainability Event. From registration and hotel accommodations to nearby dining options, find everything you need for a seamless and enjoyable symposium journey.