Join the Bow Valley Pride Network
Bow Valley Pride Network (BVPN) brings together businesses and organizations across Banff, Lake Louise, and Canmore to strengthen everyday 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. Membership is a clear signal to staff, customers, clients, and visitors: you’re welcome here.
Ready to join? Complete the inquiry form below. Our BVPN Coordinator will book a short call to confirm readiness and walk you through the onboarding steps.
What Bow Valley Pride Network membership means…
Membership means your organization is committed to practical, visible inclusion, not just good intentions.
As a member, you:
Meet a shared standard for inclusive practice in the Bow Valley
Support a safer, more welcoming community for residents and visitors
Keep learning, with access to tools and training that help your team stay confident and current
Every organization is unique and so is your path to inclusion.
The Bow Valley Pride Network recognizes that workplaces vary by industry, size, services, and customer experience. The nine commitments listed below are a shared standard, but how you bring them to life will look different depending on your space, your team, and the people you serve.
Businesses and organizations of all sizes and sectors are welcome, from storefronts and lodges to non-profits, tour operators, professional services, and community hubs.To become a Bow Valley Pride Network member, organizations must meet the commitments below (or be actively implementing them)
1) Providing inclusive facilities
Physical spaces within the building are gender-neutral and include permanent washroom and/or change room options.
2) Never assuming one’s sexuality
Do not assume the sexuality of guests or staff. Avoid sexuality innuendos in signage, menu items, or merchandise, and do not assume relationship status.
3) Using gender-neutral language
Do not make gender assumptions about guests or staff. A team trained to use inclusive, gender-neutral language.
4) Celebrating non-binary individuals
Celebrate non-binary individuals by removing gender from pricing, events, and products, or by not limiting these to “men and women.”
5) Valuing difference and individuality
Recognize that individuals may have an appearance or attire that differs from societal expectations. Explicitly welcome all individuals and focus on behavior, not appearance.
6) Handling information sensitively
Recognize that gender-diverse people may need extra care when handling IDs or legal forms, and act sensitively in these situations.
7) Being explicitly welcoming
Display 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive messages in easily visible locations and be proud of a supportive, inclusive culture.
8) Actively and continuously learning
Stay up to date on the needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, share new information with staff as it becomes available, and learn from mistakes.
9) Establishing a self-perpetuating culture
Train new staff on inclusive values, share Values Statements early in onboarding, and take on the responsibility of learning.
When you join, you’re not just checking a box,
you’re joining a community.
Workplaces across the Bow Valley are already putting these commitments into practice and showing up every day to build a more welcoming, safe, and inclusive community to visit and call home. Network membership is a way to recognize that leadership, celebrate what you’re doing well, and keep moving forward together. Our members as committed leaders in inclusion. Collectively we actively encourage 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and allies to support the businesses and organizations that are helping make the Bow Valley a place where everyone belongs.
Ready to join Bow Valley Pride Network?
Complete the form below and we will follow up to schedule a short onboarding call.
We’ll confirm your readiness, answer questions, and outline the next steps to become a recognized member.