👨‍👩‍👦‍👦4.7 Million Visitors

Good morning, Bow Valley!

On Monday, we reported that some hikers requested an unnecessary rescue, but today, we’re sharing a very serious and technical rescue that was needed for an injured climber on Yamnuska.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• There’s a car stuck in a body of water in Peter Lougheed

• Canadian Rockies Public Schools gets $1 million 

• Save 15% on groceries - today only

P.S. Shoutout to Rafaela Stuardo for referring so many of her friends to Bow Valley Insider! Rafaela is a Chilean nurse who loves to climb, hike, and scramble.  Her go-to spot? The vegetarian-friendly Nourish Bistro.  Thanks Rafaela! 🏔️🌱

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan, Shireen Ahmed, Lauren H., & Ben S.

FIREGUARDS IN K-COUNTRY

What’s happening? The Kananaskis Improvement District (KID) is stepping up to tackle wildfire risks by planning to build fireguards around local housing and Camp Chief Hector.

Fireguard Plans: They’re looking at fireguards for key areas like the Lower Kananaskis Lake cabins and the Bow Valley Provincial Park housing loop, with an estimated planning cost of around $160,000. If their grant application is greenlit, the funding will come from Alberta’s Forest Resource Improvement Association.

Community Support: KID has the backing of Alberta Parks for their funding application. This is crucial since the proposed fireguard locations fall within provincial parks.

Safety First: KID Chair Melanie Gnyp emphasized that forest fires are a significant threat, referencing recent wildfires in Jasper. The goal is to create a buffer that could slow down fires, giving residents more time to evacuate if needed.

Future Steps: The first phase involves public consultations and environmental assessments. If all goes well, planning for the fireguards could kick off as early as November, with more detailed proposals following.

SHAKE UP YOUR THURSDAY NIGHT WITH LOCAL FLAVORS! 🍸

Join us at Table Food + Drink for a cocktail-making class that’s all about celebrating Canmore! 

Learn to craft the perfect Wildlife Passionfruit Sour with the expert guidance of Wildlife Distillery. But that’s not all—your ticket also includes a charcuterie board packed with locally cured meats, house-made pickles, fine cheeses, and more.

It’s an evening of great drinks, delicious bites, and supporting local businesses. Plus, one lucky guest will win an exclusive Wildlife gift pack!

When: Thursday, October 3 · 6-7 PM

Where: Table Food + Drink, Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre

Get settled in at 5:45 PM for a night to remember!

Tickets are limited—grab yours this week before they’re gone!

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THE DIGEST

• 🙏Friends of Kananaskis Country have secured a new deal to maintain over 70 trails, partnering with Alberta’s public lands division. With 4.7 million visitors in 2023, this effort will ensure both popular and remote trails are well-maintained. They're also seeking more volunteers to meet growing demand!

• 🙌The Pauw Foundation continues its partnership with Canadian Rockies Public Schools, donating $1 million annually to support student success. Their funding provides essential services like psychologists and therapists, while also reducing sports fees for Grades 7-12, making activities like skiing and swimming more accessible.

• 🧭Canmore is buzzing with adventurers Rachel Kelly and Matt Saunders, a Surrey couple who met on Tinder and embarked on the Pan American Highway. After buying a camper in Canmore, they faced breakdowns in Alaska and launched a £5,000 GoFundMe to keep going. Their story highlights the power of community support in pursuing travel dreams.

• 🎉YMCA Camp Chief Hector, west of Calgary, held its first Homecoming Event on September 21, 2024, bringing alumni and families together for classic camp activities. Since 1930, the camp has been a staple for youth. Attendees explored new upgrades like accommodations and a challenge course, with tickets at $40 (kids under nine free).

• 🚀On Monday, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith delivered a keynote at the Future of Energy Summit in Banff, where global energy leaders discussed solar power, carbon capture, nuclear tech, cybersecurity, and AI's role in energy innovation.

CLIMBER RESCUED ON YAMNUSKA

What’s Happening: A climber had a close call on Mount Yamnuska this past Sunday, September 22, and needed some serious help. 

The Rescue: Around 4:30 PM, Alpine Helicopters swooped in to rescue a man in his twenties after he got into trouble while rock climbing in the popular Kananaskis area. Kananaskis Safety said it was a “complex rescue that required a high degree of technical skill.”  

Injuries Reported: According to Adam Loria from Alberta Health Services, the climber sustained serious injuries but, thankfully, is in a non-life-threatening condition.

Transfer to EMS: After being airlifted, he was transferred to ground EMS, who coordinated a pickup near the Stoney Nakoda Casino.

Final Destination: The climber was eventually taken to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary for further treatment, with STARS ensuring he got there safely around 8 PM.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Save 15% on groceries today only. Nesters Market. September 25. Location: Nesters, Banff.

• Take in the visual splendor of Canadian art. Art Country Canada is hosting The Western Lights Artists Group for a 4th Annual Art Show & Sale. September 25- 30. The Malcolm, Canmore.

• Take time to write and lead with gratitude. CYAN hosts a journaling workshop. September 25, 6- 7:30 PM. Canmore Public Library, Canmore.

• Help out with a trail build night. Rundle Mountain Cycling Club hosts this community effort. September 25, 6- 8:30 PM. Nordic Centre, Canmore.

• Enjoy some cookies and discuss climate change. Biosphere Institute hosts their next Community Climate Conversation. September 25, 7-9 PM. Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, Canmore.

Thursday

• Join a community conversation with a Stoney family. The Smalleyes share intergenerational and heartwarming stories. September 26, 2 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Registration required.

• Learn about volunteering with Rocky Mountain Adaptive. This information session is September 26, 4-5 PM. Banff Public Library, Banff.

• Spend an evening with a Stoney Nakoda elder. Valentina Fox, Îyâ Sa Wîyâ (Red Mountain Woman) will be presenting and reading from her latest book. September 26, 6- 7:30 PM. Canmore Public Library, Canmore.

• Socialize and make an autumn wreath. This step-by-step lesson happens on September 26, 6-8 PM. One98eight Restaurant, Canmore. $51.39

• Watch a hilarious coming-of-old-age story in theatre form. People and STUFF: A New Play About Old Things. September 26, 7:30- 9:30 PM. Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue, Canmore. $38.61

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🚧Weird situation: the Upper Lake Day Use Area Boat Launch was closed yesterday because there was a vehicle in the water!  We can’t say for sure whether it’s still closed.

• 📝In addition to asking for public input on Lake Minnewanka, Field, and Lake Louise, Parks Canada is launching an online survey about Waterton Lakes National Park.

• 🍸Swing by Core Values Cider for $6 draft cider and half-price cocktails, Wednesday to Sunday from 5 to 7 PM!

• 🙋Looking to volunteer for a Bow Valley non-profit? Check out Banff and Canmore opportunities. Also, Banff Food & Friends needs volunteers for community dinners!

• 🥌Junior Curling kicks off on October 23rd! Try the first week for free—bring your friends along! Call the Canmore Golf and Curling Club to register.

• 👏The Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association is offering up to $500 in bursaries for training! Apply now and boost your career!

• 👨🏼‍🦳Fang, the Bow Valley SPCA's senior resident, celebrated a year at the shelter and is still searching for his forever home!

• 🚵Last chance to bike or hike the Bow Valley Parkway! Motor vehicle access is restricted until October 1.

• 🌲Heading out to see the larches? Remember to check closures around Highwood Pass and consider alternative spots for stunning fall views.

CIVIC NEWS

• The Town of Banff has appointed Chris Hughes, Marilyn Bell, and Heather Bodnarchuk to a public committee reviewing council compensation. Hughes has town experience, while Bell and Bodnarchuk bring tourism and HR expertise. This independent review aims to ensure fair pay for future council candidates. The last review set the mayor’s salary at $98,075, with adjustments since then.

• The M.D. of Bighorn now requires residents to clear snow, ice, and debris from sidewalks within 48 hours. They’re seeking feedback via a short, anonymous survey open until October 27, 2024, to improve future snow-clearing efforts.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, September 25, 6-9 PM: Singer-songwriter Steph O’dette. Location: Farm and Fire, Banff.

• Wednesday, September 25, 7:30 PM:  Ecstatic Dance. Location: The Yoga Lounge, Canmore. Free.

• Wednesday, September 25, 9 PM: Open mic night. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore.

• Thursday, September 26, 4-6 PM: Singer-songwriter Steph O’dette. Location: The Bison, Banff.

• Thursday, September 26, 7:30 PM: Folk and Roots with Mike Tod. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $30.

• Thursday, September 26, 9 PM: Country Night with Honkytonk Tom. Location: High Rollers, Banff.

SPORTS

• The Canmore Eagles faced a tough loss against the Drayton Valley Thunder on September 20, falling 5-2. However, they bounced back strong the next night! Rookie goalie Hudson Sedo had an impressive 39-save shutout in his debut, leading the Eagles to a 1-0 victory over the Lloydminster Bobcats. With a solid start to the season, the Eagles are gearing up for their next games at the AJHL Showcase in Calgary!

• Canmore’s Noah Philp is back on the ice and aiming for a spot with the Edmonton Oilers after taking a year off! He recently impressed with a solid performance in his first exhibition game, showcasing his skills and determination. With hopes high, Noah's ready to give it his all and make his hometown proud!

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Friday, same time, same place!