But don't let that deter you. There are entry-level condo buildings that offer a chance to buy into this slice of heaven. The following is an explanation of a variety of entry level home ownership available in Canmore.

In order to keep some housing affordable, the town has implemented restrictions on certain complexes. The restrictions allow anyone to purchase a home in the complex. However, the resident of the home (not necessarily the buyer) is required to work in the Bow Valley area for a minimum of 20 hours per week. This has kept the prices somewhat below market compared to complexes without restrictions. All the same, these complexes are starting to keep pace with the market and in this market it is hard to find available listings of this type.

Whiskey Jack and Montane on Kananaskis Way, for example, are structured in this way. They are currently priced below $200,000 - a rarity in Canmore.

A second type of ownership is vacation revenue ownership. These complexes offer full title and also offer owners the potential of vacation revenue, which their home generates when put into a rental pool managed by an onsite company. Special zoning allows these homes to be rented out on a short-term basis. Because you can't live in them full time; and because they are not competing in a straight residential market, some of them have lower pricing.

This gives vacationers the option of renting fully furnished and equipped homes of various sizes and numbers of bedrooms, a pleasing alternative for groups looking to settle in and enjoy the areas amenities. Meanwhile the owner receives a share of the revenue.  CL

Cathy Marsollier is a Century 21 Canmore realtor and an enthusiastic booster of the community. Cathy can be reached at Century 21 Nordic Realty's main street office in Canmore. Cell: 403-678-1016 email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)