🗻Ghost Ski Hill: Back From Dead?

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Remember Fortress?  The ski hill has been closed since 2004, but recent moves from the province may give it signs of life.  We got the details below.  Also, thanks to everyone last week for completing our Bow Valley Insider rankings of the 2024 Best Restaurants. We’ll be publishing an article soon with the results and will share it with you!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Banff is updating its cap on B&B rentals

• New Canmore real estate report shows average cost for single-family homes 

• Some hiking trails close this week, others get re-opened

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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Banff Re-Thinks B&Bs

What’s Happening: Banff council reversed its decision to reduce B&B licenses, keeping the cap at 65. This move, first set in 1998, follows criticism that reducing licenses wouldn’t solve Banff’s housing woes.

The Details: Mayor Corrie DiManno explained the 2023 reduction to 21 licenses was part of addressing Banff’s housing crisis. With 150 new housing units expected by spring 2025, council felt confident reinstating the cap.

Why It Matters: B&B owners argued their operations are being unfairly blamed for housing shortages, pointing out that the quota has never even been maxed out. Meanwhile, 350,000 square feet of new commercial space has driven higher housing demands.

The Bigger Picture: Critics claim limiting B&Bs stifles small, local businesses in favor of larger corporations. With amendments pending final review, the regulations aim to strike a balance between housing, tourism, and Banff’s character.

BOW VALLEY COMMUNITY WEEK STARTS TODAY

Community Week 2024 brings neighbours together through over 30 free events celebrating connection, cultural sharing, and community services. Whether you're new to Bow Valley or a long-time local, here are three must-attend highlights:

• Caregiving Together (Nov 20, Banff Public Library)

If you support someone with a life-limiting illness, disability, or aging challenge, join this session to connect with free resources and compassionate caregivers. Led by Anna-Lisa, a local caregiver and coach, this event offers tools and understanding for your caregiving journey.

• Blanket Exercise (Nov 21, The Fenlands Banff)

Explore the history and resilience of Indigenous peoples in Canada through this interactive session. Using blankets to represent land, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of colonialism and engage in meaningful dialogue.

• Frost Moon Clothing & Gear Swap (Nov 22, Canmore Public Library)

Promote sustainability and share with your neighbors by swapping clothing and outdoor gear. 

Check out the full Calendar of Events to find events that interest you.

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THE DIGEST

• ⛔The Great Divide Trail near Lake Louise is closed indefinitely due to wildfire risk reduction work. This affects multiple recreation trails, including Upper and Lower Telemark, Peyto, and Laggan’s Loop. Violations carry penalties up to $25,000 under the National Parks Act.

• 🟢As one trail closes, another one opens.  The revamped Powderface Creek trail in Kananaskis is open after a $240,000 upgrade funded by the Kananaskis Conservation Pass. A 2.6 km reroute improves drainage, reduces flood risk, and offers better grades for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. 

• 🧑‍🚒A $750,000 fireguard project kicks off this month to protect Canmore, Harvie Heights, and Dead Man’s Flats from wildfires. Crews will clear and thin forests to slow fire spread, mimicking natural wildfire cycles. Officials highlight the public safety focus and urge locals to FireSmart their properties against ember showers.

• 📈Unsurprising to locals, Canmore’s recreational property market continues to sizzle, with single-family homes now averaging $1.67M, up 4.4% this year. Condos jumped nearly 10%, hitting $765K. Limited land and growing demand, including out-of-province buyers, fuel the surge. Mayor Krausert is pushing for non-market housing to keep Canmore livable for workers and families.

• 🚠Banff Sunshine Village just dropped the Super Angel LX, North America’s first Leitner-Poma EVO heated bubble lift—basically, a ski lift that thinks it’s a first-class airline seat. With cozy heated seats, footrests, and a yellow bubble shield, it zooms 2,400 riders per hour up the mountain in under 5 minutes. Fancy!

• 🏅Canmore local Frank Kernick, known for transforming his family's Spring Creek lands into a vibrant and sustainable neighborhood, has received the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. Kernick was recognized for his lasting contributions to the Bow Valley, blending environmental stewardship with community spirit in Canmore's Spring Creek development.

FORTRESS MOUNTAIN: BACK FROM THE DEAD?

What’s Happening: Fortress Mountain might finally shake off its “ghost ski hill” status thanks to Alberta’s proposed All-Season Resorts Act, which aims to attract big investors with 99-year lease options and streamlined approvals for Crown land development.

The Details: Fortress Mountain, dormant since 2004, needs $55–$60 million to fully revive. Plans for five lifts, a day lodge, and amenities are already approved but lack funding. Current 25-year leases aren’t appealing to major investors—longer leases could change that.

Why It Matters: Alberta wants to double tourism revenue by 2035 and keep locals from spending $2 billion annually in BC. Fortress has already been developed for ski resort use with approvals in place, so it’s a prime candidate for quick development.

The Bigger Picture: While some celebrate the economic potential, others may raise concerns about expanding development in Kananaskis. For now, Fortress is “stoked” at the prospect of a comeback.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Flow Yoga. This Level 1/2 class is creative and fun. It is based on flowing postures and sequencing. 5:15 PM - 6:10 PM. Yoga Lounge, Canmore. Drop-In Fees Apply.

• Earth Talk. Join Kae Shummoogum from the Canary Climate Conversation Association for Let the Canary Talk: Climate Actions for a Greener Future. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Library, Canmore. Free.

• Wicked Little Letters. Based on a stranger-than-fiction true story, a crime comedy about scandalous anonymous letters. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Lux Cinema, Banff. $13. 

• Get your game on. Volleyball night for adults 16+. 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM, Lawrence Grassi, $5 to play.

Tuesday

• Paranordic COC Races. Para Nordic is a sport for participants with physical impairment (classified in three categories: sitting, standing, and athletes with visual challenges). 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Canmore Nordic Centre, Canmore. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park. 

• Money 101. Guest speaker Constable Frenette from the Banff RCMP detachment will highlight some of the most common fraud and scam schemes in the Bow Valley, helping you recognize key red flags to protect yourself. 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Online. Free.

• Curling. Learn to curl with local experts from the Banff Curling Club. 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. $30.   

• Fireside Chats with Local Authors. Take part in an ongoing conversation about writing, storytelling, and the craft of spinning tales to share with readers. 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Library, Canmore. Free.

• Movie Night. Aisha charts the experiences of a young Nigerian woman as she seeks international protection in Ireland. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. ArtsPlace, Canmore. $12 / members $10.20 / youth $6. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ⚠️Strike Notice. Due to the strike at Canada Post, some Town services could be affected, such as paying utilities or rental fees. Many services are available in-person or online. Check out services that may be affected in Banff.  No word from the Town of Canmore (yet).  

• 🖼️Community Exhibition. The General Store by Ben Evely & Nahanni McKay is a creative look at their hometown of Banff, Canada, on Treaty 7 Territory. This collaborative work looks at consumerism within outdoor recreation through a critical and humourous lens. On display at ArtsPlace until December 19.

• 🍲New “Appreciation Menu” at The Balkan. Visit The Balkan for their $29.99 appreciation special featuring 3 courses of fresh Mediterranean fare.

• 🙋Volunteer Call-Out. The heARTburn planning committee is graciously and humbly asking for your assistance with the 8th annual Canmore Burning Man celebration of art, music, friendship, and love. Please email  [email protected]  if you are interested in helping.

• 👋Calling All Local Artists and Photographers! Electric Wolf invites you to display your work in our vibrant space on Main Street in Canmore.

• 📚Banff Library Closed. The Banff Library closed for inventory. Regular services will resume on November 20th.

• 🛎️2-for-1 Menu at The Juniper. The Juniper Banff’s plant-based menu is currently 2-for-1, Monday to Thursday! For a limited time, the foraged flavours of all plant-based dishes are free for every second plate!

• 🚨Stay Alert. If you live in the Bow Valley (Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Field, or MD of Bighorn), sign up for emergency alerts through the Voyant App or their website here. It’s a crucial tool for getting timely updates on emergencies, but it also notifies users about road closures.

• ⛷️Cross-country ski season has kicked off! Purchase season passes at http://Shop.AlbertaParks.ca or buy a season or day pass when you’re at the centre. Conditions permitting, season passes are valid until April 30, 2025.

• 🏆Big Congrats to local businesses! Check out the winners of the 2024 Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore’s council is pushing for a regional Assessment Review Board (ARB) to share resources with nearby towns and reduce the involvement of local officials in property assessment appeals. With property values climbing and appeals mounting, the council hopes a regional approach with Banff and MD of Bighorn could streamline operations and boost impartiality.

• Canmore Council Chambers will be busy this Tuesday. The HeliPort Monitoring Committee kicks things off at 9:00 AM, followed by a Town Council Special Meeting at 1:00 PM and a Committee of the Whole Meeting immediately after. Attend in person or watch online. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, November 18, 10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Monday, November 18, 10:00pm: 2DJs Mondays. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No Cover.

• Tuesday, November 19, 10:00 PM: Ferny Turnbull. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Tuesday, November 19, 10:00pm: Styler Nazo. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore’s Connor Howe helped Canada earn bronze in the team pursuit at the Four Continents speedskating championships. Teamed with Hayden Mayeur and Ted-Jan Bloemen, they clocked in at 3:47.43. Ivanie Blondin shined with a gold in a long-distance race, while David La Rue and Mayeur grabbed silver and bronze in another.

• Biathlon Canada finalized its World Cup team after intense Canmore trials, aiming to reclaim Olympic spots for 2026. With men down to three starting positions due to last season's setbacks, newcomers like Haldan Borglum join seasoned athletes Emma Lunder and Adam Runnalls. The trials showcased tight competition, with Emily Dickson and rising stars like Jasper Fleming earning IBU Cup slots. Reduced quotas heighten pressure as relays will determine Nations Cup points. The season begins Nov. 30 in Finland, with high stakes.

• According to Canmore’s Britt Richardson and Canadian alpine ski experts, staying injury-free on the slopes starts long before the first snowfall. Focus on strength, agility, and mobility training with exercises like goblet squats, lateral jumps, and core work to prevent knee injuries and boost stability. Start prepping 4-8 weeks before ski season with two weekly strength sessions for peak performance.  Check out the full ski injury prevention exercise list. 

That’s all, folks!

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