➡️ Hollywood-Style Sign On Tunnel Mt?

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Ben here - Publisher at Bow Valley Insider.  Just a quick question to start: does anyone have a good dentist referral?  Two reasons.  First, I don’t have one, and it’s been 7 years since I’ve had my teeth checked (yikes, I can’t believe I just publicly admitted that 😳).  Second, we’re looking to do some content with a local dentist.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Banff sends staff to Jasper

• Canmore Olympian signs with England rugby team

• Last chance to vote for the Banff pedestrian zone
  
  + Happy hour deals

Let’s get to it!

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

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CANMORE GETS A $2M BOOST

What’s happening: Canmore has big news: the town just scored a $2 million grant from the Drought and Flood Protection Program (DFPP), which the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas gave the green light to. 

Government Support: The Alberta government will cover up to 70% of the eligible project costs, leaving the grant recipients to pitch in the remaining 30%.

Widespread Funding: Grants have been approved for 14 municipalities, two First Nations, and one Metis settlement to tackle drought and flood issues.

Why it matters: Our community knows all too well the risks of flooding. The devastation from the 2013 flood has led to improved risk assessments, safer creek management, and a solid emergency plan. This funding will help to upgrade infrastructure as a proactive step toward keeping us safer in the future.

THE DIGEST

• 📍We’ve all seen the line-up of visitors waiting to take pictures in front of the “BANFF” sign as we enter town.  But, a change may be on the horizon.  The Town of Banff is exploring alternative sites for the sign.  Starting today, you’ll see letters pop up at different spots. This is to gather information on whether the sign should move or stay.  On Facebook, the General Manager of Lux Cinema had a hilariously great idea, “Put them on top of Tunnel, make it Hollywood style.”  Who agrees?

• 🔌Tesla announced that seven new Supercharger sites will open in Canada over the next three weeks, including the first V4 Supercharger in Kananaskis. It will be located in the parking lot of Esso gas station next to the Stoney Nakoda Casino on Highway 40. These specific chargers benefit all EVs, not just Tesla vehicles. 

• 🖤A tragic incident at Kananaskis Country Golf Course resulted in the death of course ambassador on August 3rd, after a fall from a golf cart.  Occupational Health and Safety is investigating and the victim's identity remains private. The man was in his 50s.

• 🚧Highway 1 near Emerald Lake Road in Field, B.C. was closed for 7 hours in both directions due to a two-vehicle crash around noon on Wednesday. Emergency crews, including multiple ambulances and STARS air ambulance, treated six people with serious injuries. A woman in her 70s was flown to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary.

• 🏞️Whitewater rafting events and tour operators who use the Kananaskis River have struck a deal with TransAlta and the province to keep the "water on."  These event-runners and rafting companies rely on the dam-controlled river, and for a moment it looked like rafting events would need to be canceled.

WILDFIRE WATCH UPDATE

What’s happening: We’re keeping you current with the latest on wildfires, evacuations, and rebuilding efforts across the province.

MD of Bighorn: Wildfire CWF-057 is now under control, and the Ghost Public Land Use Zone has reopened. All roads, OHV trails, and random camping areas in the zone are back to normal. The MD of Bighorn appreciates everyone’s patience during this event and has no further updates planned.

Icefields Parkway: The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) will be fully open on August 9, 2024. Access will extend from Lake Louise to the Icefield Centre near the Athabasca Glacier, improving travel and connectivity in the region.

Jasper: Jasper remains under evacuation. The Town of Banff has been providing significant support, including water services, technical assistance, and staff. Recent rain has helped control the fire, but recovery and rebuilding are ongoing. Access to Jasper is being carefully managed for damage assessments and critical services.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• 60 minute walking tour at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. August 9, 10 AM or 2 PM. Cave and Basin, Banff. $30

• Bookbinding and Writing Workshop. Teens can join Contest of Queens author Jordan Bartlett for this event. 2-4 PM. Banff Public Library, Banff. FREE

• Happy Hour is every day! Check it out from 2 to 5 PM. at Creekside Patio, The Malcolm, Canmore.

Saturday

• Disconnect from the chaos and noise of life. Check out the Lucent Festival, August 9- 11. Star 6 Ranch, Kananaskis. All-Day Adult Pass excluding camping $130.

• Puppies & Pints.  Check out this summer fundraiser. Enjoy craft beers and support Heart Mountain Rescue, 12 - 4 PM. FREE (donations appreciated and go to support dogs in need).  

• Work up a sweat at the Millennium Park Run in Canmore or the Rainbow Run Club in Banff, both at 9 AM!

• Alberta Premiere of Anytime.  This movie follows the ambitions of 15 top freeride mountain bikers.  Canmore Brewing Company. 7PM. Buy tickets online, $10.

• Enjoy dinner and a show. Check out hypnosis hilarity with hypnotist Clint W., followed by a spaghetti dinner. Dinner at 6 PM, show 8 - 10 PM. The Legion, Exshaw. $30 for adults,$10 for 17 and under.

Sunday

• Enjoy the sunrise with yoga and a hike. Join hiking guide and yoga teacher Michelle Brazier, 4 AM- 1 PM. Meet at Flow State Banff, Banff. $250

• Photography Workshop.  Join Robert Lemermeyer, the photographer behind UP HIGH, for a workshop on techniques, editing tips, and gear recommendations. Bring your cameras.  Canmore Museum at 1 - 2:30 PM.  FREE, but register online.

FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: SPARROWHAWK LODGES

What’s happening? The quiet hamlet of Dead Man’s Flats is experiencing an investment surge with developers focusing on short-term rental real estate. 

Open now: Sparrowhawk Lodges' recent opening is a significant milestone. It offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, year-round amenities including a hot tub and heated pool, and commercial spaces, notably Eclipse Coffee Roasters' third location.

Here is an example of a current listing in Sparrowhawk Lodges.

Coming next: Two developments to watch are Cliff Resort and The Summit, which will begin construction within the next year. These projects promise to solidify Dead Man's Flats as a prime location for vacationers and investors seeking lucrative rental opportunities. Pre-sales are anticipated to commence late this year or early 2025.

More details: If you would like more information about investment opportunities in the Bow Valley contact Cory at [email protected] or visit Handsome Homes for a look at what's new in the market!

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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 👫Hey, Bow Valley youth (12-18)! Check out the awesome opportunities with 878 Banff/ Canmore Squadron Air Cadets. Joining is FREE!

• 💝Great news! Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley is now a registered charity. This status is different from being a non-profit and offers tax receipts for your support.

• 🎁Got a sleeping bag to donate? Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley is running a small drive. Email [email protected] for details.

• 🎉Mark your calendars for the 2024 Canmore Pride Festival from September 9-15! Exciting events for everyone—details soon!

• 🤝Can you help? Jasper Donation & Pick Up Centre still needs volunteers! Sign up by texting Ash at 403-493-8123.

CIVIC NEWS

The Town of Canmore downtown survey has been extended!  Find out more about the project.

• Take the survey by Aug. 12 and enter to win a $100 gift card to a downtown business of your choice.

While Canmore's pedestrian zone has 87% of locals loving the change, Banff’s proposal has sparked a heated debate. With the upcoming vote, this is the last chance to decide if Banff Avenue should become a pedestrian zone every summer!

• Voting details: Voting will happen Monday, August 12, 2024, 10 AM- 8 PM at Banff Town Hall, 110 Bear Street, Council Chamber.

• The question on the ballot will read: “Do you support making Banff Avenue a pedestrian zone from the May Long Weekend to Thanksgiving?”

• Must be a Canadian citizen, 18+, and a Banff resident to be eligible to vote.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, August 9, 8 AM and 8 PM: Check out Dawn Chorus, Evensong (Bow River Valley), a newly commissioned audio-based work with accompanying visual scores by Canadian artist Lou Sheppard. Location: Shaw Amphitheatre, Banff Centre, Banff. FREE

• Friday, August 9, 7 PM: Open Mic Night hosted by Julie Chang. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. By donation.

• Friday, August 9, 7:30 PM: Jazz and Sonic Arts with Shabaka Hutchings, Ganavya, Charles Overton, and Faculty. Location: Jenny Belzberg Theatre, Banff Centre, Banff. $20

• Saturday, August 10, 2- 4 PM: Country pop with Jennie Harluk. Location: Canmore Hotel, Canmore.

• Saturday, August 10, 5- 8 PM: Acoustic quartet REWD Band. Location: The Yard, Canmore.

• Saturday, August 10, 10 PM: Enjoy a journey back to the nineties with Blink 182 tribute band The Rock Show. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff.

SPORTS

Join The Bow Valley Sports Hall of Fame & Bow Valley True Sport and Recreation Council on Tuesday, September 17, at the Banff Park Lodge to celebrate the 2024 Sports Hall of Fame inductees.  Get your tickets now!

• The evening kicks off with a cocktail hour and silent auction at 6:00 pm, followed by dinner at 7:00 pm and the induction ceremony at 8:00 pm. Enjoy video highlights, speeches, and Marty Von Neudegg as our MC.

• Congratulations to the eight new inductees: 

  • Brian McKeever (Athlete / Nordic Skiing)

  • Norbert Meier (Builder / Nordic Skiing)

  • Ken Davies (Builder / Biathlon)

  • Pete Bosinger (Builder / Alpine Skiing)

  • Jim Davies (Pioneer / Mountain Pursuits)

  • Ryan Smyth (Athlete / Hockey)

  • Kevin Smyth (Athlete / Hockey)

  • Jared Smyth (Athlete / Hockey)
    

The Loughborough Lightning, based in England, have signed Canmore’s Krissy Scurfield for the 2024/25 rugby season. The 21-year-old, who won silver last week at the Paris Olympics with Canada's Rugby Sevens team, is thrilled to join Lightning.

That’s all, folks!

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