In the picturesque mountain town of Canmore, Alberta, a proposed glamping site is igniting a heated discussion about tourism and its impact on local life. John (Jay) Third, a project manager for the “Trailhaus” initiative, envisions a 74-site luxury camping facility on nearly 10 hectares of private land, just an hour from Calgary. However, this ambitious project has drawn opposition from residents concerned about the implications of increased tourism and potential environmental hazards.
A Historical Landscape
The proposed site sits atop the remnants of Canmore’s coal mining history, specifically the long-abandoned Canmore mine Number 1, which operated from 1887 until its closure in 1916. Third aims to incorporate the historical significance of the land into the glamping experience, initially branding the project as “Miners Camp.” He noted that the site has remained unused for six decades and assured that all planning and environmental regulations would be adhered to.
Canmore has evolved significantly since its mining days, transforming into a bustling hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors flock to the area for hiking, biking, and kayaking, which has resulted in a surge of tourism-driven development. This rapid growth has raised concerns among locals about the sustainability of infrastructure and housing in the community.
Local Opposition
Wendy Walker, a resident living just five minutes from the proposed glamping site, has taken a stand against Trailhaus. She initiated a petition that has garnered 2,500 signatures, expressing the sentiment that Canmore is reaching its limits in terms of development. “Enough is enough. Canmore is over-developed and we’re all desperately trying to slow it down,” Walker stated.
Her concerns extend beyond mere aesthetics; she believes that the current infrastructure cannot support further tourism. “We don’t have the staff. We don’t have the accommodation. Over-tourism is an issue,” she emphasised.
Glamping: The New Camping Trend
Glamping, a portmanteau of glamorous camping, aims to offer a more comfortable outdoor experience. The Trailhaus project proposes units built on wooden platforms, featuring canvas tents equipped with beds, furniture, and in some instances, bathrooms and showers. Third highlighted the strategic location of Trailhaus, close to Banff National Park, as a key factor in its appeal.
However, residents like Walker are also raising alarms about potential wildlife encounters and fire hazards. She pointed out that the site is near a wildlife corridor, increasing the likelihood of bear and elk interactions. Furthermore, the layout of the area, which has only one access route, raises concerns about evacuation in the event of a wildfire, reminiscent of the devastating fires that forced evacuations in Jasper two years ago.
Industry Insights
Zachary Richardson, managing partner of the property, acknowledged the community’s concerns. He recounted his own transformative glamping experience in the Sahara, which sparked his passion for outdoor accommodation. “The location is just too hard to pass up. It gives the feel that you’re secluded in the woods but you’re close to everything,” Richardson noted.
McKenzie McMillan from the Vancouver-based Travel Group pointed out that while Canada has not fully embraced the glamping trend, there is a growing demand for such experiences. Popular destinations like the Amangiri resort in Utah and treehouse accommodations in Puerto Vallarta illustrate this emerging market. “We all get to a certain age where yeah, we don’t want to sleep directly on the ground anymore,” she remarked, highlighting a shift in camping preferences.
Why it Matters
The debate over the Trailhaus glamping project encapsulates a broader conversation about tourism’s role in small communities like Canmore. As residents grapple with the challenges of over-tourism, the struggle to balance economic opportunity with quality of life becomes paramount. The outcome of this project could set a precedent for future developments in the area, as communities weigh their historical identities against the pressures of a booming tourism economy.
