✈️Fighter Jets Over Kananaskis

Good morning, Bow Valley!

As 2024 wraps up, we need your help! Every year, we run a quick survey to find out what you love (or don’t) about Bow Valley Insider and how we can improve for next year. It takes just 2 minutes. If you don’t fill it out, Santa’s putting you on the naughty list—don’t risk it! 🎅🎄

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• NORAD is running training exercises in Kananaskis

• A proposal (with a surprising twist) at Lake Louise goes viral on TikTok

• Utility hikes incoming for Canmore

• Banff approves budget to relocate welcome sign

• Holiday concerts, run clubs, wreath-making workshops, and more

Let’s get to it!

P.S. Thanks to Leanne French for referring so many friends to Bow Valley Insider! She loves the Bow Valley’s adventurous people, stunning views, and “treasure map” of restaurants. We’re so glad you’re helping us connect this incredible community!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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TOP GUN TAKES OVER KANANASKIS: WATCH THE SKIES!

What’s Happening? Heads up, Kananaskis: NORAD is running training exercises today (or Dec. 10, weather permitting). Expect to spot CF-18 Hornet fighter jets, CH-146 Griffon helicopters, and a USAF KC-135 tanker soaring through the skies.

What to Expect: The drills will include low-altitude flights and high-altitude maneuvers. As part of the operation, these aircraft may fly near civilian planes and over local airports, all while coordinating with air traffic controllers and NORAD's Canadian Air Defence Sector.

Why It Matters? Dubbed Operation Noble Eagle, this exercise fine-tunes NORAD’s response to airborne threats, such as airspace breaches or hijackings. It’s all part of their year-round readiness strategy to keep North America’s skies secure.

Heads Up. If you’re in the area, you’ll likely hear the roar of jet engines—don’t worry, it’s all part of the drill.

JENS LINDEMANN HOLIDAY CONCERT THIS SATURDAY!

Celebrate the season at Banff Centre on December 14 with internationally acclaimed trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann. Tickets start at just $45! 

Don’t miss this special evening as Jens Lindemann, joined by legendary Canadian jazz icons Al Muirhead and Eric Friedenberg, brings their signature brilliance and artistry to the Jenny Belzberg Theatre stage.

Known for his virtuosic performances and captivating stage presence, Jens promises an unforgettable night filled with holiday spirit and world-class musicianship.

Get your tickets today and make this concert a memorable part of your holiday season!

When: December 14 | 7:30 PM
Where: Jenny Belzberg Theatre, Banff Centre
Tickets: Starting at $45

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THE DIGEST

• 👉Banff’s iconic entrance sign is getting a new home. Council approved $280K in funding to relocate the sign to the train station by 2026. The move aims to reduce traffic chaos by photo-snapping tourists at its current spot.  If Council needs a hand, we’re happy to round up some pick-up trucks and a few strong fellas to speed things along. 

• 📱Another day, another Viral TikTok at Lake Louise.  This time, it’s actually pretty cute.  Chandler Randol’s romantic proposal at Lake Louise took an unexpected twist when his girlfriend, Bri Wack, pulled out a surprise of her own.  

• 💡Fifty years ago, a group of “damn hippies” turned Canmore’s coal-mining town vibes upside down by launching Stonecrop, its first fine arts studio. Initially met with side-eyes from Council, their vision sparked a creative movement. If Council had stuck to their doubts, Canmore might still be all coal dust and no color.

• 🐺Alberta has lifted wolverine trapping limits, aiming to collect data on the elusive species, listed as "Special Concern" nationally. Supporters say this approach engages trappers for valuable insights, while critics worry it risks further declines in an already vulnerable population. The debate highlights challenges in balancing conservation and resource use.

• 🏒Canmore is set for a big 2025, with Hockey Day in Canada kicking off in January and the G7 Summit arriving in June. These events are already boosting hotel bookings and promise to bring economic growth and global attention to the Rockies, solidifying Canmore’s reputation as a must-visit destination.

BRACE YOUR BILLS: UTILITY HIKES INCOMING

What’s Happening? Canmore residents may face rising utility costs in 2025 and 2026, with recommended increases in water, wastewater, and waste collection rates. Your next utility bill could feel a little heavier.

Water & Wastewater. Average rates could jump by up to 14.6% in 2026. The fixed water rate is set to rise from $25.83 in 2024 to $31.90 in 2025. Residents might pay an extra $183 in 2025 and $235 in 2026.

Why the Hikes? The increases support critical infrastructure upgrades, including a $3.5 million annual investment to replace aging pipes in downtown and South Canmore.

Waste Collection Rates. Waste collection will also cost more, with residential rates increasing by 4% yearly to $24.60 in 2026. Commercial recycling rates will climb steadily, too.

Looking Ahead. Council reviews these changes on December 10, with final budget approval set for February 2025. Better start saving for that water bill!

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Winter Run Club. The Rockies Run Collective meets at Lululemon in Banff at 6 PM. Free.

• Silver Charm Workshop. Make your own silver charm and learn the basics of traditional wax carving. 6:30 PM. Banff Ave Brewing. $95. 

• Reel Time: Sing Sing. Divine G (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group with other incarcerated men. 7:00 PM. Lux Theatre, Banff.  $13. 

• Simple Planet-based Treats for a Healthier You + Planet.  A fun and interactive workshop where you’ll learn how to cook delicious planet-based holiday dishes! 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Library, Canmore. $22.63.

• Monday Night Stretch! CYAN hosts Monday night yoga weekly. Drop-in, no experience necessary. 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM. The Yoga Lounge. By Donation. 

Tuesday

• Local’s Night 40% off food and $4 pints of Grasshopper and Traditional. 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Mountain Restaurant. Lake Louise.

• Game Night. Join for a fun night of board games with friends and fellow gamers. Bring your favorite games or try out some of ours - either way, it's sure to be a blast! 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore. Free Entry.

• Bingo. Every week at Bingo there are cash prizes! Doors open at 5:00 PM. Bingo starts at 6:30 PM. Exshaw Legion. Exshaw.  

• Wreath Making. Come for a festive evening of great company, great conversation, and wreath-making. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Red Gables Deli, Canmore. Contact organizer for prices, [email protected].

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🌫Avalanche Danger.  With 25cm of storm snow in Banff National Park, the avalanche rating was considered “high” in the Alpine yesterday.  Check current conditions before heading out this week.

• 🏊Pool Closure. Public swimming and all Town of Banff programming at Sally Borden is canceled from today until January 4, 2025. 

• 🚌Banff to Calgary. Red Arrow is now traveling from Calgary to Banff three times a day, seven days a week! Trips start at just $15 one-way.

• 🎟️Giant Stocking Raffle tickets!! Close to the last call for Exshaw Legion, BR. #179 raffle. The draw is on December 21st, and tickets are $5 each.

• 👋Open Calls. Three Sisters Gallery has a number of open artist calls for the upcoming year. Please contact [email protected] with any inquiries.

• 🍻Happy Hour is Calling. $6 16oz draught at all Grizzly Paw locations. $25 Pizza and a Pint at Tank 310, Monday to Friday from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

• 👕December Clothing Swap. Did you know that on average, each Canadian discards 80 lbs of textiles every year, and about 85% ends up in the landfill? To help reduce this number let’s swap instead of shop! Last Temptation Vintage on Monday, December 16, 8 - 10 PM. 

• 🥂Apres at Bluebird. This winter, the après party's at Bluebird. Keep the mountain high going with 50% off fondue, cocktails from $7, and ski chalet vibes. Sat - Thurs 4 PM- - PM | Friday 3 PM - 5 PM.

• 🏃Mountain Madness Relay Race. This legendary local relay race will take you and your team of five on the adventure of a lifetime! Friday, February 7, 2025, from 1 – 3 PM. Register Online.

• 💝Bow Valley Elves. Every donation to Bow Valley Christmas Spirit brings warmth, hope, and festive cheer to families, seniors, and individuals in Canmore and the MD of Bighorn who may be facing financial challenges this holiday season.

• 👦🏻👧🏻Cross-Border Lessons. Students from West Sedona School and Canmore’s Elizabeth Rummel School connected over a unique cross-border lesson, sharing chicken soup, stories, and songs via Zoom.

CIVIC NEWS

• The Town of Banff is seeking input from business managers and owners about whether childcare services in Banff may affect hiring, retaining, and scheduling staff. This survey follows up on a previous survey of families/parents/guardians who use childcare. Please complete the short survey. 

• Canmore’s latest report shows the town is covering $24.4M in costs for services that used to be funded by the province, like infrastructure, education, and emergency response. Mayor Krausert warns this shift puts more strain on local taxpayers, with 1 in 5 tax dollars now filling the gap.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday December 9th 10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Tuesday December 10th 10:00 PM: Brent Lee.. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Tuesday December 10th, 7:30 PM: Christmas with Buzz Brass. Location: ArtsPlace, Canmore. $45 / members 38.25 / youth $22.50

• Tuesday December 10th 10:00 PM: Karaoke with Andrew Staygold. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Youth Figure Skating. Banff and Canmore figure skaters dazzled at the Star Series #1 in Calgary, taking home eight medals, including three gold. Standouts included Banff’s Hannah Molina and Mio Yuda, landing personal bests. With nerves and jumps conquered, the team looks ahead to their Holidays gala on Dec. 12 at the Canmore Rec Centre.

• World Juniors. Canmore Eagles Goalie Hudson Seto Makes the World Junior A West Roster. 

That’s all, folks!

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