BOWDA: The Bow Valley Builders & Developers Association 

Next time you are out on a walk, take a moment to look around. Your house, your neighbours house, that café that you love to visit or your place of work, it’s likely that our members were involved in the planning, financing, approvals, construction, finishing and delivery of those buildings.

For over 28 years, BOWDA has been the united voice for the building and development industry here in the Bow Valley, but what many people don’t realize is that most of our members are not builders or developers; they are the talented tradesmen and women, the accountants, bankers, suppliers, planners and designers.

Our consensus board is made up of a cross-section of ten members that are elected by their peers each year at the Annual General Meeting. We meet monthly to discuss key issues impacting the industry, explore ways to impact policy decisions and work to connect those who are involved with housing, commercial development and infrastructure projects.

Our members are committed to the communities that make up the beautiful Bow Valley.

For 2023, we have selected the Homelessness Society Bow Valley (HSBV - https://bowvalleyshelter.ca) as our charity of choice. Housing is fundamental to quality of life; our members are dedicated to finding a variety of supports and approaches that work to deliver more housing that is safe, secure, available and attainable.

Over the years we have supported groups that include:
Rocky Mountain Adaptive, Canmore and Area Healthcare Foundation, Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley, Bow Valley Christmas Spirit, among others.

We genuinely want to find ways to engage our membership and support the work that they do. As such, we provide various professional development, networking and training opportunities throughout the year.

Members are also invited to join one of our 8 committees to contribute in the review of policies, process and various statutory document updates.

Our newest committee, Sustainability, is focussed on the inherent desire to use these lands in a responsible way. We are dedicated to innovation in the building sector to reduce waste, lower our GHG/CO2 footprints and continually evaluate new ways to incorporate technologies that provide better air quality and reduce water usage for end users.

BOWDA is first and foremost about building community; delivering housing and employment for those who call Canmore and the Bow Valley home. We recognize that we are only one of many important voices and groups that help shape this area. We are here to support our members, be the most respected voice for our industry and are committed to information sharing, balanced approaches and positive outcomes.