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- đ¤Banffâs $30M Makeover
đ¤Banffâs $30M Makeover
A Generous Gift, Parking Increases, Whiskey Festival
Good morning, Bow Valley!
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In todayâs Bow Valley Insider:
Banff gets a $30M donation to support tourism
Parking fees in Banff are increasing
Harvie Heights is being re-imagined
Whiskey tastings, wine nights, & Christmas markets
Letâs get to it!
â Fortune Whelan & Ben S.
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TURNING $30M INTO CLASSROOMS
What's Happening? A $30M donation from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation is reshaping Banffâs tourism and housing future. The funding will support a new teaching facility, student housing at YWCA Banff, and long-term tourism programming by SAIT.
Big Bucks for Big Changes. The foundation, known for reinvesting in the community, split the gift: $20M to SAIT for hospitality education and $10M to YWCA Banff for renovations. The aim? Build a secure talent pipeline for tourism and boost affordable housing, all while safeguarding existing YWCA services.
Classroom in the Rockies. Construction starts next year, pending government approvals, with SAITâs programs launching by fall 2026. Banffâs mayor called the project a "Technicolor reality," blending hospitality training with economic resilience in Canadaâs iconic national park.
Legacy in Action. Founded by local hotelier Wim Pauw, the foundation continues to honor his late wife Nancyâs vision by fostering social services and tourism excellence. The project promises lasting community benefits, from workforce development to housing solutions.
600 WHISKIES, 1 CUP
Whatâs happening? Brace yourselves because Banff is about to be hit with more whiskey than a pirate ship after a successful plunder.
This Saturday, the Banff Whiskey Experience is going down, and itâs basically the Super Bowl of whisky. Weâre talking over 70 distilleries pouring out liquid gold like theyâve got something to prove.
The main event? The Grand Tasting, where youâll sample 600 whiskies. Thatâs rightâ600 opportunities to discover what makes you feel fancy without needing to sell a kidney. Handcrafted cocktails? Check. Snacks to prevent total collapse? Double check.
You walk in, they hand you a glass, and the rest is a glorious adventure of whisky-fueled self-discovery. Think of it as fast-forwarding through years of trial and error with your taste buds.
Local Deal: Andrew, the event genius, is giving Bow Valley Insiders 5% off with code BVINSIDER. Thereâs literally only a few tickets left. Hereâs the link.
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THE DIGEST
đTravel.com says that people should skip the 63 National parks in the US and instead go to Banff. They ranked it as the most underrated spot to visit. Locals might argue itâs less âunderratedâ and more âoverrunââbecause nothing says hidden gem like fighting for a parking spot.
đSpeaking of parking, Banffâs Town Council approved a $1 hike in summer Visitor Pay Parking, bringing rates to $7/hour starting May 2025. The Bear Street Parkade will also switch to seasonal parking, paid on the lower two floors during peak season, with free parking above. The goal? Boost turnover and ease congestion downtown.
đ¤Hereâs a funny one: someone wanting to move to Canmore, blissfully unaware of the cost of living. Theyâre convinced âsmall Alberta townsâ mean small price tags. Sure, the views are free here in Canmore, but someone should mention that the homes come with a mountain-sized mortgage.
đIf youâre into Banff history, youâll love this story. Silver City was an 1880s mining camp near Castle Mountain, once hyped as a booming town rivaling Calgary. At its peak, it had about 500 residents but quickly faded after mining prospects dried up. Later, exaggerated tales turned it into a Wild West legend, obscuring the more modestâand messyâtruth of its history. Read it here.
RE-THINKING THAT TINY SPOT YOU DRIVE PAST BEFORE HITTING BANFF
What's Happening? Harvie Heights is reimagining its future, and the public gets a say. The MD of Bighorn Council approved a first reading for the area redevelopment plan (ARP), with a public hearing scheduled for Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.
$100K and Counting. With $100K in funding from the province and municipality, the plan aims to modernize highway commercial areas while addressing concerns like illegal parking, water quality, and human-wildlife conflicts.
Voices Heard. Surveys and open houses earlier this year gathered feedback from residents and stakeholders. Key themes include parking woes, urban servicing debates, and blending development with Harvieâs natural charm.
Whatâs Next? After the hearing, the council will decide whether to pass the ARP and update the bylaws. For now, mark Dec. 17 on your calendar.
THINGS TO DO
Wednesday
Snowpack Discussion. Kevin Hjertaas is back and stoked to talk about snow. We have the usual great lineup with Guide Book Author Marcus Baranow (Confessions of a Ski Bum), Avalanche Forecaster Zoe Ryan, and other mountain professionals. 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Co. and Online. Free. Happy Hour Prices.
Movie Night. The library supplies the popcorn, so bring a pillow and your friends! Make yourself at home and watch Perfect Days. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Library, Canmore. Free.
Wing Wednesday Trivia Night. DJ Tenax hosts five rounds of trivia for teams of up to 6. Trivia from 7:00 PM. Patrinos, Canmore. Wings $9 per pound. Trivia is free.
Cocktail MasterClass. Master cocktail techniques, learn the art of flavour balance, the importance of ice, refine your shake, stir, build, and much more with Award-Winning Bartender Sam Clark. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Wild Life Distillery. $40.
Indoor Climbing Lessons. CYAN presents an exciting opportunity to develop your climbing skills. This lesson will provide you with the essential skills to successfully pass the Elevation Place Top Rope Belay Test. 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Elevation Place. $11.98.
Thursday
Gordon Burles Commemoration. Join Banff Public Library in recognizing the life and literary accomplishments of Banff Honorary Poet Laureate Gordon Burles. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Banff Library, Banff. Free.
Winter Kickoff Ski Movie Night. Get ready for an unforgettable night of stoke and adrenaline-pumping action with the latest ski and snowboard film, âBeyond the Fantasy.â 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Brewing. $20 Adults / $16 (under 16yrs).
Wax & Wine Night. Drink free wine while learning about glide waxing your skis. Register by emailing [email protected]. 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Strides Canmore. Free.
Toastmasters Canmore. Improve your public speaking and leadership skills weekly with the Mountain Mumblers. 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM. Iron Goat, Canmore. Session is free, food and beverages are extra.
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
đ˘Calling All Locals! November 30 and December 1, Bow Valley and Jasper residents can visit the Banff Gondola with a minimum $5 donation. Pre-purchasing is highly recommended. Proof of residency is required.
đ Banff Christmas Market. With over 150 artisanal vendors, 13 days of magic, live music, an outdoor fire lounge, Santaâs House & Workshop, Christmas treats & warm drinks! Runs until December 8th.
đ§¸Gingerbread Houses. Reserve your table at Lovely for an evening of decorating delicious gingerbread houses, cozy beverages, and lots of fun! Each reservation includes a table for up to 4 people, a gingerbread house kit, 4 gingerbread men, 4 hot beverages, all icing and decorations.
đHit the Ice! The Fenlands ice is available most mornings on weekdays for additional public skating and sticks & pucks for a single session fee. Please confirm skating times before arrival by calling 403.762.1235.
đިFilm Tour. The Brit Rock Film Tour is returning to Canmore with another stunning line-up of three superb adventure climbing films capturing all the action and wild characters in what are truly inspiring stories.
đťHalf-y Hour. Every Day at Anejo, 3 - 5 PM & 9 PM - Close. $7 Margaritas, $4 classic tacos & 1/2 price tequila! Open and serving food until 1 AM, Friday - Sunday, and until 11 PM Mon-Thurs.
đď¸Show and Sale. The Canmore Art Guild Christmas Show and Market runs from November 28, 2024, to January 5, 2025. The gallery is open every day during the show except Christmas Day and New Yearâs Day.
đFestival of Trees. Wander through the magical forest of trees and wreaths inside the Malcolm Hotel. Many locals have made it a tradition to bring their families and visitors to view the spectacularly decorated trees adorning the hotel's main floor hallways.
âˇď¸Best in Biathlon. This weekend, hundreds of athletes will participate in the beginning of the 2024-25 Calforex Cup season in Canmore, the top-level provincial biathlon competition.
CIVIC NEWS
Banffs Council is nearing final approval of changes to bed and breakfast regulations. The amendments, reviewed by the municipality's legal counsel and Parks Canada, include increasing floor space for barrier-free B&Bs and clarifying rules for live-in owners. The third reading is expected in early 2025.
Banff Council carried motions to rename the Banff Recreation Grounds to âSundance Parkâ and the Banff Recreation Grounds Pavillion, to âOkâch â Welcome | Ăyethkabi OĂťgitĂťbi â Staging area to the mountainsâ in accordance with Naming and Sponsorship Policy C1009.
A planning commission meeting will be held Thursday in Canmore at 2:00 PM, discussing the amendments to the property at 1 Silvertip Trail. The hearing is open to the public.
LIVE MUSIC
Wednesday, November 27, 7:00 PM: Open Mic with Colin Macdonald. Location: The Local, Canmore. Free.
Wednesday, November 27, 10:00 PM: Battle of the Bands. Location: Tommyâs Neighborhood Pub, Banff. Free to Attend.
Thursday, November 28, 7:30 PM: Ramblers Choir. Location: Ted and Irene's, Canmore. Suggested Donation $20-30.
Thursday, November 28, 10:00 PM: Blue Mules (Blues Rock). Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.
SPORTS
World Juniors. Canmoreâs Finn McLaughlin, an 18-year-old dual citizen, will represent Team USA at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge in Camrose, Alberta, Dec. 9-15. A two-way defenceman with a high hockey IQ, McLaughlin is eager to impress close to home, especially against Canada West, featuring many of his former AJHL teammates.
Curling qualifiers in Banff next week. Rachel Homan and Brendan Bottcher punched their ticket to the 2025 Mixed Doubles Curling Trials in Liverpool, N.S., with a flawless 6-0 performance at the Guelph qualifier. The Alberta duo dominated the final 8-1, earning a $6,500 prize and solidifying their powerhouse reputation. The final qualifier hits Banff in December.
Canmore Women's Enduro. The Canmore Womenâs Enduro turned racing into a movement of courage and camaraderie. Held at the Canmore Nordic Centre, it welcomed 80 first-time racers and six adaptive riders on a modified, 20-kilometer course. From tackling climbs to conquering fears, the event redefined inclusion on two wheelsâone high five at a time. Check out the video highlight.
Thatâs all, folks!
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