🧓🏻Elderly Woman Hit By Van

Good morning, Bow Valley!

With temperatures across the Valley set to drop below freezing, we’ve got all your indoor events to stay warm!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Canmore home report 

• Girl Guide Cookie season

• A bear is saved

P.S. Shoutout to Libby McMenamon for referring her whole team at Carmella Marketing! Libby’s parents met in Canmore in the ’80s, and she returned in 2020 to embrace the tight-knit community. Her favorite spot? Wagashi Tea House. Thanks for the love, Libby! 🌸🍵

Let’s get to it!

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

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CANMORE HOMES: PRICES UP, SALES WAY DOWN

What’s happening? According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, home prices in Canmore jumped 13.5% in August, hitting a benchmark of $1,056,700. 

Market Dynamics: Despite the price surge, home sales in Canmore dipped by nearly 27%. Inventory, however, rose about 15%, pushing supply to almost five months—up nearly 57% compared to last year.

Comparative Tightness: While Canmore experienced these shifts, other Calgary-area communities faced tighter market conditions, with many having only about two months of supply or less. High River, for instance, had the tightest conditions at just one month.

Other Communities: Strathmore saw the biggest sales drop (almost 31%), yet its benchmark price increased by 9% to $432,300. Airdrie and Cochrane also saw sales fall, but their home prices crept up as well.

Tax Benefits: A cool perk about Canmore? It has the lowest property tax rate in Alberta, at just 0.46%. This means if you own a home valued at $500,000, you’d save a whopping $4,364 compared to Wetaskiwin, which has the highest tax rate!

THE DIGEST

• 🧓🏻An 80-year-old woman was seriously injured after being hit by a cube van in Canmore on September 17. EMS arrived at Bow Valley Trail around 11:50 a.m. and airlifted her to Calgary Foothills Medical Centre in critical condition. The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing, with no charges filed yet. 

• 🛣️Roam Transit’s fall schedules start September 16! Routes 8X and 10 are live, with Routes 1, 2, and 3 switching on September 30 (Route 3 now runs seven days, minus the Elk St. stop). Their updated app offers better tracking, personalization, and easy ticket purchases. Enjoy the ride!

• 🥶Bundle up, Alberta! This weekend, temperatures are set to drop below freezing. Friday night could see lows of -1°C in Canmore and -3°C in Banff, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. Get those sweaters ready—winter’s arriving early!

• 🐻Following a summer of bear incidents, there’s good news: the bear involved in a defensive attack on a hiker in Crowsnest Pass won’t be trapped or destroyed. The injured hiker, a Calgary man in his 40s, used his Garmin to call for help and was airlifted to Foothills Medical Centre. Wildlife officials confirmed the bear acted defensively, urging caution when hiking alone in bear country.

• 🍪Girl Guide Cookie season is back in Cochrane! This weekend, Sparks, Guides, and Rangers are hosting a cookie blitz, selling Chocolatey Mint cookies at spots like No Frills and Bow Valley HS from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cookies are $6 a box, with proceeds supporting activities for the girls. Happy cookie hunting!

HIGHWAY TO THE DANGER ZONE (FOR ELK)

What’s Happening: The tragic loss of a bull elk on the Trans-Canada Highway near Canmore has reignited discussions about wildlife safety and traffic issues in the area.

Speed Limit Concerns: Following the elk’s death, local leaders are pushing for a reduced speed limit from 100 km/h to 90 km/h. They believe this change is essential to protect wildlife and improve safety for everyone on the road.

Wildlife Exclusion Fence: Construction of a much-needed wildlife exclusion fence is set to begin in 2025, which is expected to significantly reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by up to 80%. 

Peak Elk Activity: Right now, it’s the fall rut season, meaning male elks are actively competing for mates. This natural behavior often leads them onto the highway, increasing their risk of accidents.

Community Impact: Local residents have noticed multiple elk carcasses along the road, highlighting the urgent need for action. Community leaders are determined to make necessary changes before more lives are lost.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Savor delicious Chinese flavors and connect with the community. Chinese Cultural Lunch is September 20, 12- 1 PM. Catherine Robb Whyte Building, Banff.

• Check out a creative space brimming with crafts, activities, and a dynamic maker space featuring LEGO bricks. Imagination Station is September 20, 1- 3 PM. Banff Public Library, Banff.

• Life’s a beach, but the pool is open. Public swim is September 20, 6-9 PM. Elevation Place, Canmore.

• Hockey night in Canmore! Canmore Eagles versus Drayton Valley happens September 20 at 7 PM. Canmore Recreation Centre, Canmore. Tickets required.

• Friday night comedy! Laugh along with comedians Bryan Moxon and Tarah Buchanan September 20, 7:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25.

Saturday

• Check out a women’s only bike race. Canmore Enduro is September 21 at 9 AM. Nordic Centre, Canmore.

• Participate in some nostalgic fun and educational activities for the whole family. Heritage Playday: Family Fun is September 21, 1-4 PM. Old Canmore NWMP Barracks, Canmore.

• Play some lawn games at a casual, drop-in hangout in a safe space. Pride in the Park is September 21, 1-3 PM. Riverside Park, Canmore.

• Lace up your skates and hit the ice. Public skate is September 21, 2:15- 3:30 PM. Canmore Recreation Centre, Canmore. Drop-in rates apply.

• Climb in a safe space. Check out the Queer + Trans Climbing Crew on the third Saturday of every month, 6-9 PM. Canmore Climbing Gym, Canmore. No experience required.

Sunday

• Connect and chill. Partake of a sacred sound experience with the Good Vibe Tribe Nada Yoga Experience September 22, 9:15- 10:45 AM. Mountain Pod, 102 Boulder Crescent, Canmore. $35

• Create a groovy record bowl. Pick up your free activity kit September 22, 10 AM. Canmore Public Library, Canmore. Registration required.

• Learn to bead drop fringe style earrings. Instructor Valentina teaches this second bi-annual beading workshop September 22, 12:30- 4:30 PM. $94

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🏷️Grab your Jasper stickers at Defending Awesome in Banff by September 23! They're pay-what-you-can, with proceeds going to the Jasper fund.

• 🧑‍🏫The Canmore Young Adult Network needs enthusiastic instructors for Monday night sessions at The Yoga Lounge. Earn $22 per class!

• 👥In Grade 10 or 11 and love STEAM? Join Shad2025 for an amazing experience and connect with peers across Canada!

• 🌟Know a young outdoor advocate aged 15 to 25? Nominate them for the Mountain Spirit Award by October 4!

• 🌈Banff Pride is just two weeks away! Check out banffpride.ca for event details and grab your tickets using code BV-LOCAL for 20% off!

• 🎨Hey Bow Valley artists! Want to exhibit at Three Sisters Gallery? Apply by September 25 for "Imagine" and share nature’s hidden wonders!

• 🎉It's National Legion Week from September 15-21! Swing by the Exshaw Legion this Friday and Saturday for a pancake brunch, market, and meat draw!

• 👉Vendor alert! Email [email protected] with what you’re selling for pricing and availability. Great discounts on accommodation!

• ✍Curling league registration for the 2024-25 season is now open! Call 403-678-5959 ext. 236 to sign up!

• 🧘🏻‍♀️Feeling the post-summer slump? Join Kristen Beaulieu on November 9 for restorative yoga from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM!

FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 111 SPRING CREEK LANE

Modern Mountain Living: 111 Spring Creek Lane is a luxurious escape in the heart of the charming Spring Creek community. This 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home spans an impressive 3,705 square feet, ample space for family and guests alike. The main level features a beautiful primary suite, perfect for access and convenience.

Best of Both Worlds: The home’s sleek black-and-white palette is elegantly softened by natural wood accents, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Large windows flood the space with natural light, showcasing our vibrant outdoor landscape. With high ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, and a cozy reading nook, every detail has been thoughtfully designed.

Bonus: There’s a spacious 3-car garage for all your storage and vehicle needs. 111 Spring Creek Lane combines sophistication with mountain charm—truly a dream home in the Rockies!

Contact [email protected] to learn more (compliments of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada).

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CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore updated its Committee of the Whole on two popular programs: the Home Upgrades Program and E-bike Incentive, both fully subscribed this year. Out of 97 applicants, 25 received help to buy e-bikes, while five households benefited from energy retrofits like insulation and furnace upgrades. Great news for the community!

• Canmore launched the Big Stories Blog to update residents on major community projects. The blog will highlight six key themes each year, helping residents stay informed about local initiatives. Check out the 2024/25 stories and follow the blog for updates on how Canmore is evolving!

• Heads up, Canmore residents! Council is appointing public members to boards and committees at the Annual Organizational Meeting on October 22, 2024. Apply by Monday, September 23, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. and make a difference!

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, September 20, 9 PM: Live music with Mike Burns. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore.

• Friday, September 20, 6:30- 8:30 PM: Singer songwriter Steph O’dette. Location: Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise.

• Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21: Matt Beatty. Location: Drake Pub, Canmore.

• Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21, 10 PM- 2 AM: DJ Wolfie Beatz. Location: Drake Pub, Canmore.

• Saturday, September 21, 12- 3 PM: Singer songwriter Steph O’dette. Location: Trappers Deck, Sunshine Village, Banff.

• Saturday, September 21, 7:30 PM: Reelin' in the Years: A Tribute to Steely Dan. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $35/ members $29.75/ youth $17.50

• Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22, 10 PM: DJ Najee V. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore. No cover.

• Sunday, September 22, 7:30 PM: Roots and blues with Harry Manx. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $40/ members $34/ youth $20

SPORTS

• It was a big day at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club for the high school golf zones tournament on September 16! Local golfers Beckett Roste, Charles Greaves, and Robson Horyn qualified for provincials, with Beckett shooting a solid 74. Congrats, everyone!

• The Canmore Eagles are hitting the ice for back-to-back games this weekend! They’ll face Drayton Valley on Friday and Lloydminster on Saturday, both starting at 7:00 p.m. Come cheer them on!

That’s all, folks!

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