🏡Canmore’s Housing Gamble

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Summer is winding down, but road construction is ramping up. We got some road closures to mention for both Canmore and Banff.  Also, if you have no plans on Sunday, support cancer research at the Terry Fox Run. Sign up as a team or individual for the 1, 2, 5, or 10km run/walk.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Canmore sells land to build affording housing

• The Eagles need billet families

• Community Cruisers Film Festival

Let’s get to it!

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

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SELLING LAND FOR AFFORDABLE HOMES

What’s happening? The Town of Canmore is kicking off a new pilot project to sell off some excess road right-of-way land, aiming to boost affordable housing development. 

First Up: The Council approved selling a 4-meter-wide by 59-meter-long stretch of land in Teepee Town to ReNu Construction for $480,000. The cash could go to Canmore Community Housing (CCH).

Benefits All Around: Road right-of-ways in older areas like Teepee Town are often wider than needed. The idea is to narrow these and sell leftover pieces to increase development options.

Developer’s Interest: ReNu Construction plans to transform the existing single-family homes at 1405 and 1409 Mountain Avenue into multi-unit housing, with a focus on entry-level homes.

Next Steps: The sale is contingent on the approval of the development permit and still needs a lane closure approval, with further decisions expected later this year.

600 WHISKIES, ONE CUP

What’s happening? Brace yourselves because Banff is about to be hit with more whiskey than a pirate ship after a successful plunder.

On November 30, the Banff Whiskey Experience is going down, and it’s basically the Super Bowl of whisky. We’re talking over 70 distilleries pouring out liquid gold like they’ve got something to prove.

The main event? The Grand Tasting, where you’ll sample 600 whiskies. That’s right—600 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. Act fast, or you’ll be the only one not sipping on greatness. Here’s the link.

THE DIGEST

• 🚧In Canmore: Rail repairs will close Railway Ave North (17 St.) and the Spice Hut/Save-on pedestrian crossing from Sept 12-14. No access for cars, walkers, or cyclists. Use Railway Ave South or Spring Creek Drive instead. In Banff: Compound Rd closed Sept 14-15, Norquay Rd closed Sept 16-17. 

• 🐆On Wednesday, we mentioned that an unknown animal killed an Elk in Banff.  Wildlife specialists now say it was a cougar.  

• 🏒The Canmore Eagles are on the lookout for billet families! Billet families help players, aged 16 to 20, chase their hockey dreams while they live, study, or work in our amazing mountain community. Become a billet family today!

• 👨🏻‍🍳Camp Chief Hector's Homecoming is on Sept 21! Former campers and staff are invited to reconnect and relive memories. With 120 of 250 spots filled, it’s shaping up to be a great reunion. The camp is also planning $17M in upgrades and building an alumni network.

• 🙋Local boards are seeking members! The Bow Valley SPCA needs volunteers for its Board of Directors, and the MD of Bighorn and Town of Canmore are looking for applicants for the Agricultural Services, Environmental Advisory, and Assessment Review Boards. 

THE BOW VALLEY’S NEW FIRE BREAKS

What’s Happening: This fall, Parks Canada is launching two new projects to tackle wildfire risks in Banff National Park.

Lake Louise Fireguard: They’re expanding their wildfire defense with a new fireguard west of Lake Louise. This involves clearing about 165 hectares of trees to create a barrier that helps firefighting crews. Work starts on November 15 and will take a few winters to complete.

Tunnel Mountain Thinning: Another project focuses on thinning vegetation around Tunnel Mountain to reduce wildfire fuel and make the forest less dense. This aims to protect nearby communities like Banff and Canmore.

Winter Work: The fireguard project will be done in winter, taking advantage of frozen ground to protect the environment.

Future Plans: Banff is also eyeing new fireguard projects, and Canmore’s Bow Valley community fireguard is already in the works.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Spend an afternoon creating gourmet charcuterie. Check out a Taste of Canmore: Craft Charcuterie with Local Flavors September 13, 11 AM- 1 PM. The Co+ Kitchen, Canmore. $120

• Partake in arts programming, live music, and multicultural events. The Canmore Festival of Arts and Creativity is September 13- 15. artsPlace, Canmore. Free.

• Refresh your wardrobe. The Canmore Library’s biannual clothing swap runs September 13-15. Free.

• Enjoy offerings from Grizzly Paw, Mooseshed BBQ, and Al’s Chimney Cakes while celebrating a new season.Canmore Eagles Home Opener Tailgate is September 13 at 5 PM. Recreation Centre, Canmore.

• Celebrate the legacy of artist Alice Saltiel. A Piece of Her Legacy Opening Reception is September 13, 7-9 PM. Art Guild Gallery, Canmore.

Saturday

• Want an intro to chair yoga? Lunch & Learn Intro to Chair Yoga is September 14, 12- 2 PM. Origins Screening Room, Canmore. RSVP to [email protected]

• Enjoy games, prizes, clowns and puppetry. Celebrate neurodiversity at the Razzle Dazzle Carnival September 14, 1-3 PM. CCHS Field (Canmore Rec Centre Room 200 in inclement weather), Canmore.

• Check out Women's Trail Day. This event, hosted by Women's Enduro x Dirt Queens x Shred Sisters x Bowhead, is September 14, 1-5 PM. Nordic Centre, Canmore.

• Stretch and destress in a safe space. Queer Yoga is September 14, 2:15- 3:30 PM. Canmore Counseling & Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School, Canmore.

• Are you interested in a festival of short films celebrating everything bicycle? Bike Shorts Presented by Community Cruisers is September 14, 7-9 PM. Lux, Banff. Tickets only available at the Lux box office. Free.

Sunday

• Run, walk, or roll while raising money for cancer research. The Terry Fox Run is September 15, 9 AM- 1 PM. Recreation Grounds, Banff.

• Connect with community members about the local food system and chat about the Groceries and Essentials Benefit. Drop by the Bow Valley Food Alliance booth at the Canmore Festival of Art & Creativity September 15, 10 AM- 4 PM. artsPlace, Canmore.

• Stretch and destress. Sunday Sessions Yin and Massage is September 15, 5:30- 6:45 PM. The Studio, Canmore. $50

• Strap on some speed skates. Try speed skating September 15, 5:30- 6:45 PM. 1900 8 Ave, Canmore.

FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 8 BARRIER MOUNTAIN DRIVE

Canmore real estate sticker shock: With prices for single-family detached homes soaring in our picturesque mountain town, more people are finding themselves priced out. But don’t pack up your Rockies dreams just yet—there’s hope on the horizon!

A rare gem has hit the market: Check out 8 Barrier Mountain Drive. This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home is under $800,000 and sits on its own lot with a backyard, offering space for future development, like a carriage house or space for your fur babies to frolic.

Plus: It’s a short drive from Canmore townsite, keeping you close to all the action. Another fantastic property on Barrier Mountain Drive will be available soon, boasting a basement rental suite and a heated garage at a similar price point.

To get the inside scoop and be among the first to view these opportunities, reach out to [email protected]. Don’t miss out on your chance to own the mountain life!

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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🤝Join the Banff Inclusive Housing Committee’s session today, 5:30-6:15 PM at Banff Legion basement. Note: Not barrier-free.

• 🌟Swing by the Project A Artist Pop-up this weekend, Friday to Sunday, 10 AM - 6 PM, to see the artists!

• 🚍You still have time to tell ROAM what they nailed and what needs tweaking!

• 💞As school starts, let's support the Îyârhe Nakoda Food Bank with donations to keep their shelves full!

• ⛺.Get ready for Fall and Winter camping in Alberta Parks!

• 🎨Connect with fellow artists at the Prairie Art Network, CARFAC Alberta, and Listen Studios event.

• 🙏Join the Pen Pal Program with Family & Community Support Services and make some new connections!

• 🍊Remove fruit from your trees to protect wildlife. If you take down the whole tree, the Town offers cash!
  

CIVIC NEWS

• The MD of Bighorn has launched the Jamieson Road ASP Pre-Engagement Survey! They’re excited for your input to help shape future community plans. Fill it out online by October 6, 2024.

• The Town of Banff and Banff View Points want your thoughts on childcare! Share your input by taking the survey. Just remember, you'll need to log in with your account to participate. Your feedback will help shape local childcare options!

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, September 13, 6:30- 8:30 PM and Saturday, September 7, 12-3 PM: Singer songwriter Steph O’dette. Location: Trappers. Lake Louise.

• Friday, September 13, 7- 10 PM: Outdoor concert and community campfire. Location: artsPlace, Canmore.

• Friday, September 13, 9 PM: Music with Luke and Lanigan. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore.

• Saturday, September 14, 8 PM- 1 AM: Unconditional WUB dance party. Location: 8 PM- 1 AM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free.

• Saturday, September 14, 8:30 PM: Cowboy Disco Karaoke. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore.

• Sunday, September 15, 8- 11 PM: Karaoke Sunday. Location: Canadian Brewhouse, Banff. Free.

SPORTS

• The Rundle Women's Hockey League needs one more goaltender for the season—whether you're new or seasoned, they want you! Player spots are full, but check out our women's shinny games: Banff on Mondays (8:45 PM in September, 7:30 PM after) and Canmore on Fridays at 9:30 PM.

• Canmore’s Peter Clack dominated the Canmore 5 Peaks Grit race, finishing first with an impressive 1:30:08. Despite a tricky course with tight turns and hills, Clack’s strategic approach and consistent pacing paid off. Calgary’s Kirsten Suchan was the top female with a time of 1:41:02. She felt strong despite the challenging terrain. The race also featured standout performances in the Sport and Enduro categories.

That’s all, folks!

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