🎃Keep Pumpkins Inside

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Today, we’re testing out a new section of our newsletter called “Charity of The Week.”  The goal here is to highlight local Bow Valley Charities, including the good work they’re doing, their impact, and how you can support them.  We’re just testing it out to see how you feel about it.  Please vote in the poll at the end to let us know if we should keep it.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• The future of Downtown Canmore continues to get a spotlight

• Can you guess which local ski resort ranked #3 in North America 

• Watch a horror film in an underground cave for Halloween

Let’s get to it!

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

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WILDLIFE FENCING WITHOUT CROSSINGS

What's Happening? A new 10-km wildlife fence along the Trans-Canada Highway in Canmore is set to break ground in 2025, aiming to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by 80%. With an average of 34,000 cars passing daily, the fence promises major safety gains for animals and drivers.

But No Crossings? Surprisingly, no new wildlife crossings are planned, leaving animals to rely on existing paths, like Highway 1A and a Bow River underpass—routes they may not naturally prefer.

Concerns from Council Canmore council members pressed for preemptive measures. Mayor Krausert urged the province to consider potential issues, while others voiced concerns over wildlife adapting without new crossings. The province has committed to monitoring but hasn't guaranteed any future overpasses.

Long-Term Monitoring TBD Alberta Transportation assures long-term monitoring, though specifics are vague and will not include GPS tracking. Wildlife impacts and adaptation will be closely watched after the fence’s expected completion in late 2025.

THE LITTLE EXTRAS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

If you own a rental, clean sheets are just the start. To stand out and keep guests coming back, it’s the thoughtful touches that matter. Guest specific recommendations for dining and activities, Rocky Mountain Soaps Co. products, and fresh coffee and cream are a few of the things that guests really appreciate.

Small, meaningful touches—like cozy blankets by the fireplace, a bottle of wine chilling on arrival, and decadent chocolates on the pillows—turn a good stay into an unforgettable experience. Guests don’t just leave 5-star reviews. They leave talking about how your place made them feel.

Ready to elevate your guest experience? Adriana at Valley & Peak knows exactly how to add those little extras that make all the difference. Reach out to her today and make your property one that your guests will rave about. Hello repeat and referral business!

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THE DIGEST

• 🧛🏻‍♀️With Halloween tomorrow, the RCMP advises Bow Valley trick-or-treaters to use bright, reflective costumes, carry flashlights, and stay in groups. Adults are encouraged to keep lights on, remove tripping hazards, inspect candy, and only hand out commercially wrapped treats.

• 🎃More Halloween recommendations: Canmore residents are urged to keep Halloween pumpkins indoors until Oct. 31 to prevent attracting bears, as recent bear relocations and incidents highlight the ongoing need to minimize wildlife attractants, including pumpkins and fruit trees, in residential areas.

• 🐻What does Wyoming and the Bow Valley have in common? Unfortunately, bear deaths. A recent tragic accident involving a grizzly in Wyoming has officials looking to Banff’s success with wildlife crossings, which have reduced vehicle-wildlife collisions by over 80%. 

• 🏆Banff Sunshine (#3) and Lake Louise (#15) ranked among the top ski resorts in North America for 2025. Banff Sunshine impressed with natural snow, diverse terrain, and a secluded vibe. Lake Louise offered varied, family-friendly slopes and stunning scenery.

• 🍕Una Pizza + Wine will close its Banff location tomorrow after three years. Known for its California-style thin-crust pizzas, Una expressed gratitude for the community support. Fans can still visit other Calgary locations.

• 🕵️‍♂️Last Friday's newsletter covered the Competition Bureau's investigation into a potential Banff and Jasper sightseeing monopoly by US company Pursuit. Banff council held a meeting and opted to remain neutral, stating lobbying was beyond their jurisdiction. Mayor DiManno emphasized council’s focus on congestion-reduction efforts, refraining from intervening in the competition issue directly.

CANMORE DOWNTOWN PLAN MOVES AHEAD

What’s Happening? Canmore’s downtown redevelopment plan (ARP) is advancing to its next engagement stage, with a draft expected for council review in spring 2025.

What the Heck is the ARP, Anyway? The ARP is Canmore’s long-term vision to shape the downtown area over the coming decades. The goal? To manage growth thoughtfully while enhancing the community’s character and livability.

What’s This Next Stage About? Recent public feedback served as a “pulse check” to confirm the plan’s direction, gauge community sentiment, and pinpoint key focus areas. The input will guide the upcoming draft policy.

Top Priorities: Residents support strategies to limit visitor accommodations, improve the street network, add walking/cycling loops, intercept parking, and add public washrooms. Preserving historic sites, implementing FireSmart practices, and protecting natural areas also topped the list.

Long Haul Vision: With the ARP spanning up to 60 years, this multi-year plan is a generational project for Canmore’s community.

THINGS TO DO

WEDNESDAY

• Mid-week Stretch! 50+ Yoga for the Wise at the Fenlands, 9 am -10 pm. Drop-in fees apply. 

• Rentals & Roommates. This workshop will provide you with knowledge and tools to navigate the rental landscape with confidence. Online, 5 pm - 6 pm. Free. 

• They're All Together, Ooky! The Addams Family is a classic Halloween movie, so head down to the Canmore Library to watch it with others for free at 7 pm. 

• Put Your Outdoor Knowledge to The Test! Calling mountain and ski lovers! In celebration of Banff Film Fest, join a trivia night. Wild Life Distillery. 7 pm - 9 pm. Free.

• Climate Talks! Drop in for a cookie, and stay for a conversation on how to talk to your friends and family about climate. Biosphere Office, 7 pm - 9 pm. Free.

THURSDAY

• Halloween Open House! Canmore Community Housing Offices are open 8 am - 4 pm for your little ones to show off their costumes and get some treats. 

• Let’s Get Physical! Dance Aerobics at the Fenlands, 12 pm - 1pm. Drop-in fees apply 

• Bid Dr. Jane Fowke Farewell! After serving the community for 35 years, Dr Fowke invites everyone to her Spooktacular Retirement Party. Bison Courtyard, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.

• Watch a Cave Horror, In A Cave! Join a small group of cavers to descend 10 stories underground to watch the cult-classic cave horror flick "The Descent" while exploring the depths of Rat's Nest Cave. 6 pm -12 am, $169. 

• The Rocky Horror Picture Show Experience Last Chance! Enjoy a live band, shadow cast, and audience participation at Canmore Legion at 7 pm.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🥦Grocery Discount: The last Wednesday of the month means 15% off at Nesters Market!

• 🦇Halloween Competition: Ride with Roam Transit on your Halloween adventure, and snap a photo of one of the bus decorations for a chance to win a Roam Transit swag pack. Send your entry to Facebook or Instagram.

• ♨️Daily Food Specials: Nourish Bistro daily specials are back and now available all day, Monday to Thursday! 

• 🐱Pet Costume Competition: Walk your costumed pooch or cat to Banff Ave Brewing to enter their Annual Pet Costume Contest.

• 🚧Seasonal Closures: Many seasonal road closures go into effect on November 1st, such as the western section of the Minnewanka Loop Road, Legacy Trail and Banff Springs Golf Road.

• 🏷️Locals Deal: Brokin Yolk is offering a 10% discount at their Canmore location Monday to Friday, 1 pm to 2 pm. 

• ⛷️Get Fit For The Hill: Just two days left to sign up for Banff Sport Medicine Foundation’s Ski Fit Ready Exercise Program to get into shape and reduce injuries for the ski season.

• 💝Ready to Relax? Explore the gift of rest with Banff yoga instructor Kristen Beaulieu. 

• 👻Many Halloween events are happening over the weekend, but remember, kids will still be out Thursday night! Drive slowly and watch out for the little ghouls and goblins!

CHARITY OF THE WEEK: ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADAPTIVE

Rocky Mountain Adaptive is a registered charity providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate, learn and excel at mountain sport and recreation. To date, they have delivered over 18,000 sport and recreation experiences over 13 years, fostering a diverse community across Alberta. 

They offer adaptive programs at minimal or no cost, including skiing, snowboarding, paddle sports, and mountain biking. Their motto, “No Limits,” reflects their commitment to removing barriers to participation for all ages and abilities. 

Get involved by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word.

CIVIC NEWS

• The Town of Canmore releases its Bold Steps Program as recommended by the Livability Task Force, which includes limiting the growth of tourist homes, incentivizing long-term occupancy of homes, and purpose-built rental accommodation.

• Yesterday, the MD of Bighorn’s Transit Feasibility Study Draft Report to implement an inter-municipal transportation system was presented to the Governance and Priorities Committee. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, October 30th, 7pm to late: Open Mic Night. Location: The Local Canmore. Free.

• Thursday, October 31st, 9:30pm to late: Grave Rave Halloween Party. Location: Tavern 1883. Free. 

• Thursday, October 31st, 10pm to late: Raven, Kota & Ivana Halloween Party. Location: Dancing Sasquatch. Free.

• Thursday, October 31st, 10pm to late: DJ Navee G at Spooktober Slam. Location: The Drake. Free. 

• Thursday, October 31st, 10pm to late: Halloween DJ Night. Location: The Rose and Crown Canmore. Free.

• Thursday, October 31st, 10pm to late: Dougasarus Decks. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak Nightmare on Banff Ave. Free. 

SPORTS

• Curling Teams came from all over Alberta, such as Team Senneker and Team Sipka to participate in the Annual Banff Halloween Bonspiel, including U18 and U16 categories. You can watch the videos on Facebook here. 

• After a two-week break, the Canmore Eagles are on the road this weekend in Bonnyville on Friday and Saturday and finishing up the road trip with a game against the Kodiaks in Camrose on Sunday. Away games can be watched at Patrinos.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

That’s all, folks!

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