🏘Banff’s $40M Housing Project

Good morning, Bow Valley!

An FYI for those in Canmore: Main Street opens again for vehicles at 9 AM today. The pedestrian zone has wrapped up for the year.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Halloween happenings 

• Canmore named “Top Detour Destination” (and locals aren’t happy)

• Official trailer released for Hollywood movie filmed in K-Country

Let’s get to it!

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

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NEW PROJECT TO TACKLE BANFF’S HOUSING CRISIS

What’s Happening: Banff is launching a $40 million affordable housing project to address its housing shortage. The mixed-use development will include both rental and ownership units, with no reliance on taxpayer dollars.

Location and Funding: The first phase, located at 50 Wolf Street near Mineral Springs Hospital, has secured $4.43 million in funding. Contributions include $1.26 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) and a $5 million donation from the Pauw Foundation.

Unit Breakdown: The project offers a mix of units: 35% one-bedroom lofts, 50% two-bedroom units, and 25% three-bedroom units, along with studio and larger rental options.

Universal Design: In response to community feedback, 20% of the studio, one-, and two-bedroom units will feature universal design, making them accessible for all, not just seniors.

Community Impact: Mayor Corrie DiManno highlighted the project's potential to provide much-needed affordable housing for locals. Construction begins next fall, with completion expected by winter 2027.

THE DIGEST

• 🎉Get ready for holiday magic! This December, the CP Holiday Train stops in Cochrane, Stoney Nakoda, Canmore, and Banff, spreading lights, music, and cheer. The train collects food and cash donations for local food banks, with free performances from artists like American Authors, Magic!, Sofia Camara, and Tyler Shaw. 

• 🏆Canmore earned a spot on Expedia’s list of top “detour destinations,” the only one in Canada praised for its mountain views and love from HBO’s The Last of Us. Some locals on Facebook weren’t happy about the publicity, as they feared it would lead to overcrowding. Meanwhile, Banff is up for USA Today’s Best Ski Town – vote now!

• 🎬The official trailer for The Order, starring Jude Law and filmed in Bragg Creek/Kananaskis, is out now!  Set in the early 1980s, the thriller follows an FBI agent investigating bank robberies linked to a cult. Catch it in theaters on December 6! Kudos to anyone who can name the local road featured in the trailer! 

• ⛸️Planning to ski Rogers Pass? Apply for your Annual Winter Permit now and take the required quiz to ensure you're ready for Glacier National Park’s backcountry. The Winter Permit System opens on November 15. Not trained up yet? Check Avalanche Canada for avalanche training courses.

• 📢If you haven’t heard, Kananaskis will host the 2025 G7 summit.  The RCMP is leading a multi-agency security effort in preparation for the event, coordinating with partners like the Canadian Armed Forces. Lessons from the 2002 Kananaskis summit are informing the planning. Environmental protection and minimizing community impact are key focuses. 

MORAINE LAKE ROAD IS CLOSED

What’s Happening? As of October 14, commercial and permitted vehicle access to Moraine Lake Road has officially closed for the 2024 season. 

It’s also closed to cyclists and pedestrians. Brushing and vegetation clearing work is planned along Moraine Lake Road, which should be finished by the end of October. During this work, access will not be permitted for cycling or hiking since the construction zone stretches across the full width of the roadway.

Looking Ahead: Don't worry; once the snow falls, they’ll start preparing the Moraine Lake Road for cross-country skiing! 

2025 Schedule: The road will reopen for commercial shuttle services in June 2025, with reservation info available in January. For more updates, check out the Parks Canada website.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Explore post-secondary opportunities beyond Alberta. Out of Province (OOP) Fair for all CRPS high school students is October 18, 9 AM- 1 PM. Canmore Collegiate, Canmore.

• Enjoy your favorite sandwich and soup of the day. Check out this $18 lunch special October 18, 10 AM- 5 PM. The Uprising Bakery, Canmore.

• Leave an item, take an item, all for free. Check out the Full Moon Swap on October 18, 5:30- 7:30 PM. Canmore Public Library, Canmore.

• Relax and reset with some yoga. Check out a free session of Yoga at the Library on October 18, 6:15- 7:15 PM. Banff Public Library, Banff.

• Laugh at Friday Night Comedy. Let Allyson Smith and Danny Sutcliffe entertain you on October 18 at 7:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25

Saturday

• Connect with organizations and service providers dedicated to supporting families. The Early Years Fair is October 19, 9:30 AM- 12 PM. Fenlands, Banff.

• Enjoy a good lunch and support your local IODE chapter. The IODE Harvest Luncheon is October 19, 11:30 AM- 2:30 PM. Banff Seniors Centre, Banff. $20 for adults, $10 for kids under 10.

• Watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show and hang out with climbing friends in a safe space. Queer + Trans Climbing Crew Meetup is October 19 at 8 PM. Canmore Climbing Gym, Canmore.

• Watch a performance of Present Laughter live in HD. Check out this National Theatre Live screening on October 19 at 7 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $20

Sunday

• Team up with your neighbors for a FireSmart community cleanup! Remove fallen branches and yard waste to help protect your community from wildfires October 19 and 20.

• Freshen up your gear. Banff Alpine Racers Ski and Sports Swap is October 20, 9 AM- 1 PM. Banff Train Station, Banff.

• Check out live music, snacks, and workshops. The Biosphere Institute presents the Share and Repair Fair on October 20, 10 AM- 2 PM. Fenlands, Banff.

• Create some family-friendly art. Family Sunday is October 20, 10- 10:45 AM and 11:15 AM- 12 PM. artsPlace, Canmore.

• Learn basic chords and chord progressions, strumming patterns, and basic music theory in Guitar for Beginners. This six-week introductory course starts October 20, 6:30- 8 PM. Catharine Robb Whyte Building, 101 Bear Street, Banff.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 📝Registration is open! Snag a spot for next year’s Melissa's Road Race, which takes place on Saturday, September 27th, 2025.

• 💼Did you miss October’s Bevvies and Business? Don’t worry! RSVP for November’s networking event now!

• ✋Don’t forget to nominate a deserving volunteer for the Mayor’s Volunteer Celebration award by November 12

• 📣The ACC/ACMG Annual Summit Bid Auction starts October 21 at 8:00 AM. That’s less than a week!

• 💚Hey, Banff businesses! Remember to keep your doors closed now to help reduce energy use and emissions and to help Banff achieve its community target.

• 🗣Feedback needed on the Swap Events hosted by Canmore Public Library and the Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley.

• ⛷️Ski Uphill-Run Uphill has some exciting events this month, including the Greg Hill book launch and a Mountain Trivia night!

• 🎃Halloween fun is on the way! Check out Trunk or Treat in Canmore, Halloween Howler in Exshaw, and the Great Pumpkin Walk in Banff!

• 🗓Mark your calendars for the Canmore Hospital Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Fair on November 2nd and the Banff Christmas Market locals night on November 14th!

THE HANDSOME HOMES PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

If you're on the hunt for an affordable option in Canmore's hot real estate market, look no further! This charming one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo at 219B-1 Industrial Place just had a price drop, making it an even sweeter deal for anyone wanting to own a piece of mountain paradise.

The ideal location, next to the Canmore Golf and Curling Club, offers peace and quiet as commercial spaces below close early. The bright, functional layout features a living room, kitchen, and bathroom on the main level, with a cozy loft bedroom upstairs. Enjoy stunning mountain views from the patio, perfect for relaxing anytime.

The condo includes great extras: heated storage, bike storage, and even a dog wash for your furry friends. It's an ideal choice for young couples entering the Canmore market or anyone seeking an affordable weekend retreat in the Rockies. With the new price drop, it's definitely worth a look!

Contact Cory Hand at [email protected] to get your viewing before it's gone!

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CIVIC NEWS

• On October 15, Alberta government reps updated the Committee of the Whole about the wildlife fence along Highway 1. They revealed the planned fencing alignment, which will stretch from the existing fence at the Banff Park gates to the Bow River bridge. Construction is expected to kick off in 2025.

• Banff families: The 2024 Childcare Needs Assessment survey closes Sunday, October 20, at 11:59 PM. Share your thoughts on childcare availability and cost of living to help shape future solutions. No personal info will be shared. For questions, contact Jessica LaBonte at [email protected] or 403-762-1229.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, October 18, 5 PM: Tunes for Tales, a benefit concert for Bow Valley SPCA. Location: Canmore Golf and Curling Club, Canmore.

• Friday, October 18, 9 PM: Live music with the 40 Watts duo. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore.

• Friday, October 18, 9 PM: Local musician Andy Loops. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore.

• Saturday, October 19, 6:30- 8:30 PM: Live music with acoustic quartet REWD. Location: Sheepdog Brewing, Canmore.

• Saturday, October 19, 9 PM: Jazz funk blues with The Prudes. Location: Moxy, Banff.

• Saturday, October 19, 10 PM: Local wildlife night. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore.

• Sunday, October 20, 2- 3 PM: Peaks + Prairies Ensemble & Heather Jean Jordan. Location: St. George in the Pines, Banff.

• Sunday, October 20, 7:30 PM: Jazz and blues with the Joel Frahm Trio. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $35

SPORTS

• Big shoutout to all the racers from the Grizzly Ultra Marathon! Special congrats to Jamie Olscamp and Paul Cayer from Dead Man’s Flats for landing in the top 10 on Saturday. The trails were buzzing with energy as hundreds of runners tackled the stunning 50-kilometer course!

• Canmore's Russ and Susan Sagret are thriving in their golden years! They recently competed at the Canada 55+ Summer Games in Quebec City, with Russ snagging gold in javelin and discus, while Susan took home silver in javelin and the 50m dash. They love staying active and find motivation in their supportive community.

That’s all, folks!

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