Banff's Bold Scammers & Grizzly Drama! đŸ»

Banff RCMP Issue Alert, Drone Pilot Program, Local Housing Update

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Bow Valley Insider
June 10, 2024

Good morning, Bow Valley!

With everything going on this week, summer is definitely right around the corner, and I’m here for it. 

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

  • Banff RCMP issue an alert about senior fraud

  • ÎyĂąrhe (Stoney) Nakoda RCMP execute a drone pilot program

  • Banff addresses the local housing crisis

  • Wildlife encounters let us know it’s summer in our Valley!

Let’s get to it!

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

GOLDEN GULLIBILITY: BANFF RCMP ISSUES AN ALERT ABOUT SENIOR FRAUD

What’s happening: A vulnerable nonagenarian in Banff was conned out of a large chunk of their bank account by someone claiming to be the son of a local lawyer in need of bail money. 

Scammers are getting bolder.  While Banff RCMP says that there’s currently a concerning rise in scams targeting senior citizens, this scheme was extra bold, with the scammer showing up at the victim’s front door to take possession of the money. 

A rising trend. Police across the country have noted an increase in grandparent scams, in which con artists exploit the trust of seniors and create intricate, urgent scenarios to extort money. The “relative in need” variant used here in Banff is common, as seen in a second case in which emotional manipulation and pressure tactics resulted in a Banff senior sending money via cryptocurrency.   

Keep our community safe.  Along with an alert from the Banff RCMP, Mary Buckingham of Banff Seniors Society expressed alarm, highlighting the frightening nature of these scams. Make sure that you and your loved ones exercise caution, verify stories, and report suspicious activity. Keep yourselves safe!

THE DIGEST

  • It was not a good weekend for the rare white-coloured grizzly bear known locally as Nakoda, who was hit by a vehicle outside of Lake Louise, shortly after her cubs were killed in a separate incident on the same highway. Notorious for climbing the wildlife exclusion fence, Nakoda ran in front of the vehicle on the Trans Canada. She is currently nursing an injured leg in the woods, and we’re all hoping this mama bear pulls through.

  • The Amateur Photographer of the Year contest is back! There's no shortage of stunning photo opportunities in our valley, so pick up your camera and showcase your talent! With over $6,000 in prizes, upload a minimum of five shots to one or more of the various categories including Scenic Canada, People & Portraits, West Coast Travel, Wildlife & Nature, Local Gems, and #InstaFavs. Submit online and show off the Bow Valley!

  • Canmore seniors rock the Rockies! In their honour, the Town of Canmore and community partners celebrated Seniors’ Week from June 3-9. This week-long event recognized the importance of seniors in the Bow Valley with adults 55 and up taking part in free activities that focused on fun, connection, and learning.

  • Canmore General Hospital's emergency department got an infusion of cash thanks to the annual charity golf tournament hosted by the Canmore and Area Health Care Foundation (CAHCF). Held at Silvertip Golf Course on June 9, funds for the ER's revitalization were raised from a live auction and donation matching from the Shaw Birdies for Kids program.

  • The ÎyĂąrhe (Stoney) Nakoda RCMP drone pilot program is flying high in MĂźnĂź ThnĂź until June 15. Involving input from representatives of local First Nations such as the Goodstoney Nation, the program aims to provide a bird's eye view for investigations and public safety concerns. What a cool way to incorporate technology into calls for service!

BANFF RESIDENTS WILL NOT BE LOCKED OUT OF HOUSING

What’s Happening: A roof over one’s head is a basic human need, and yet Banff is struggling to provide them for residents. 

Housing Action Meeting: The Housing Action meeting in Banff on June 10 aims to address this crisis through proposed changes to the Land Use Bylaw. The main concern to be discussed is the sheer lack of housing options for residents. 

  • Proposed ActionsBylaw 482: : This would remove minimum residential parking requirements to facilitate more housing development. 

  • Increased Residential Density: This means Banff could get more bang for its buck in terms of space, including:

    • Allowing larger residential buildings: construct bigger apartment complexes 

    • Adjusting height allowances: Permit taller buildings

    • Set back requirements: Reduce the distance buildings must be from property lines

    • Maximum buildable floor areas: Increase the total area that can be built on a lot

    • Organizing similar residential areas together within districts: Group similar types of housing in specific areas.

Public Participation: While the deadline to register to speak for the hearing has passed, public participation is encouraged at the Public Hearing, scheduled for June 10, 2024, at 9 a.m., either in person at Banff Town Hall Council Chamber, 110 Bear Street, or via Zoom online.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

  • Intergenerational Portraits, June 10, 1:30 pm. Calling all models for a fun and playful event with the Grades 2 and 3 classes of Banff Elementary School as they draw portraits of our older adults and seniors in the community. Pioneer Room, Catharine Robb Whyte Building, Banff. Free.

  • Summer Yoga with CYAN, June 10, 7 pm. Get ready to stretch, unwind, and connect with nature as the Canmore Young Adult Network takes yoga to the great outdoors this summer! Riverside Park, Canmore. By Donation.

Tuesday

  • Youth Yoga, June 11, 3:30 pm. This class offers teens a supportive environment to build confidence, improve physical and mental well-being through yoga, and enhance focus and posture. Canmore Recreation Centre, Canmore. Free.

  • Dance Workshop with Joanna Gladue and Curt Young, June 11, 5:00 pm. Learn the basics of dance with this short and engaging presentation and workshop. This workshop is open to all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience. Kinnear Centre for Creativity & Innovation, Banff Centre, Banff. Free.

  • Movie Night: Origin, June 11, 7 pm. Origin is based on the life of American journalist, author, and Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson who travels throughout Germany, India, and the United States to research the caste systems in each country's history. ArtsPlace, Canmore. $12 non-members / $10.20 members / $6 youth.

  • Canmore Library Studio Presents: Paper Bead Necklace Workshop with Sandy Braakman! Tuesday, June 11, 7-8 pm. Learn the art of creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind paper beads from old books and magazines. Registration still available! Canmore Public Library, Canmore. Free.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Recreation and Parks Month brings free fun—check out Active Family Play, Pickleball, and Physical Literacy Kits. Let the games begin!

  • Calling all artistic souls in the Bow Valley! Join Canmore Arts Guild as a new member for creative camaraderie, gallery showcases, and skill-building galore!

CIVIC NEWS

  • Get ready for the Subdivision & Development Appeal Board Meeting! If Judge Judy were here, what would she say about an unauthorized tourist home at 133 Wapiti Close? Neighbors are up in arms about noise and disruptions, while the appellant scrambles for more prep time. Will justice be served? Tune in on June 12 at 1:30 pm to find out!

  • The MD of Bighorn holds their Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday June 11 at 9 am. The meeting will tackle a hefty agenda including past meeting minute approvals, bylaw amendments, councilor reports, new business, and other issues pertaining to Exshaw and Deadman's Flats. The meeting may be attended in person or streamed online.

LIVE MUSIC

SPORTS

  • Get ready to witness the pedal-powered showdown of the year at the 2024 Canmore Canada Cup! With over 300 athletes from across the globe, including top contenders like Tyler Orschel, Anabelle Drouin, Maxime St-Onge, Marie-Fay St-Onge, Mika Comaniuk, and Juliette TĂ©treault, this event is gearing up to be a wheelie good time at the Canmore Nordic Centre from June 12 to June 15!

That’s all, folks!

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