🧗Local Climber Sets World First

Good morning, Bow Valley!

What do you call a grizzly bear who loves to hike?

A bear-y good trail guide!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Canada Day weekend ticket tally

• A coffee recall at one of Bow Valley’s roasters

• Grad snags a coveted scholarship

Let’s get to it!

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

Want to advertise to Bow Valley locals? Fill out this quick form

ALBERTA RCMP’S BUSY CANADA DAY WEEKEND

What’s happening: The road warriors were plentiful in Alberta on the Canada Day long weekend. The RCMP were out in force, handing out tickets and cracking down on road safety.

Tickets aplenty: From June 28 to July 1, they issued 780 speeding tickets, along with penalties for distracted driving and seatbelt violations. On Highway 1 between Banff and Lake Louise, 178 tickets were issued, with 144 for speeding, including 11 for exceeding the limit by over 50 km/h.

Impaired drivers: They weren't just stopping there—they also caught 101 impaired drivers during that time. Seventy-nine of them got Immediate Roadside Sanctions for failing the test, and 22 got warnings.

Fatalities: Sadly, there were seven fatalities due to road accidents over the weekend. Sgt. Darrin Turnbull from the Alberta RCMP Traffic team described it as devastating—it hits close to home when you realize these are people who should've made it back to their families.

Massive fines: Now, some drivers are facing court and a hefty bill totaling over $42,000 in fines. It's a serious reminder to stay safe on the roads, especially during holidays when things can get hectic.

THE DIGEST

• ☀️A heat warning was issued for the Bow Valley this week with temps in the mid-30s. The UV index is expected to be 8 (very high) today.

• 🐨A bold black bear at Spray Lakes campground repeatedly approached campers, ripped tents, and climbed onto vans in search of food. Despite efforts to deter it, the bear's behavior posed a safety risk, leading conservation officers to euthanize it.
  
  

• 🏆Our Lady of the Snows 2024 grad Nami Dwyer snagged the $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship and had her pick of McMaster, Calgary, or McGill. McGill was the dream. Her energy audit project saved her school division over $1 million and cut CO2 emissions by 25%!
  
  

• 🌋Yellowstone to Yukon’s 2023 Impact Report highlights major strides: a 75% increase in wildlife crossings, $1 billion secured for Indigenous-led protected areas, and new crossings on Highway 1A, including the Stoney Nakoda Exshaw Wildlife Arch. 
  
  

• ☕Have you bought canned coffee at one of Bow Valley’s Eclipse Coffee Roasters? The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recalled Eclipse Coffee Roasters’ Elevate Snapchill Coffee due to potential Clostridium Botulinum contamination. The affected 354ml cans, expiring July 7, 2024, may allow toxin growth. No illnesses have been reported, but the roastery is recalling and destroying the product.
  
  

• 🚧⚡Parks Canada installed electric fencing along the Trans Canada Highway to protect wildlife. Tragically, Nakoda and her cubs were recently killed by vehicles near Yoho National Park, highlighting challenges in maintaining effective barriers. Efforts continue to improve fencing and reduce

LOCAL CLIMBER’S FIRST ASCENT

What’s happening: Local Tora Nagayama completed an epic climb on Alaska’s Mt. Denali.

The details: Tora and his Japanese friends Subaru Takeda and Genya Takenaka achieved the world's first ascent of the Cassin Ridge on Denali's south ridge. Instead of starting from the usual point, they began much farther away, making their climb a massive 7.5 km journey with an ascent totaling over 13,600 vertical feet! This route has been attempted before, but no one has successfully completed it via the south ridge until now.

Why it’s awesome: The climb wasn't just physically demanding—it was emotionally intense too. They faced a perilous descent and had to navigate gale-force winds, extreme cold, and the daunting challenges of high-altitude climbing.

Community support: What's even more inspiring is how the climbing community rallied to support them after their gear was stolen in Anchorage. Local climbers from Anchorage, Canmore, and Japan pitched in with equipment and supplies, turning a potential disaster into a triumphant expedition. This is a story of determination, friendship, and the incredible spirit of the climbing community. 

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Food and Friends, July 8, 5 PM. Share a free meal and make new friends. St. George’s in the Pines, Banff. Donations accepted.
  
  

• Intro to Trail Running Clinic, July 8, 6 PM. Free trail running clinic with champ Ali McPher. Lululemon, Banff.
  
  

• Ultimate Frisbee Pickup, July 8, 7 PM. All ages and skill levels welcome in this outdoor game. Millennium Park, Canmore. Free.
  
  

• Summer Yoga, July 8, 7 PM. Join Canmore Young Adult Network for some yoga in the sunshine. Riverside Park, Canmore. Free.

Tuesday

• Arts Under the Sea, July 9, 2-4 PM. Join this weekly summer craft program for kids 5-12 and their parents. Canmore Public Library, Canmore. Free.
  
  

• Improv Drop-in, July 9, 4 PM. Let loose and have some laughs at improv. Banff Canmore Foundation, Banff. Free.
  
  

• Basecamp Drop-in, July 9, 5:30- 7:30 PM. Are you a young adult in Banff? This is the best place to make new friends. Fenlands Recreation Centre, Banff.
  
  

• Library Studios Presents Evoolution, July 9, 6 PM. Explore the world of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Includes tasting and samples. Canmore Public Library, Canmore. Free.
  
  

• Bingo, July 9, 6:30 PM. Luck and laughs at Exshaw bingo. The Legion, Exshaw.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🚀Bevvies & Business events are a blast! Join the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce monthly to mingle, sip, and explore Bow Valley's business scene.
  
  

• 🥦Banff Right from the Start is at the Banff Farmers Market every Wednesday until August 8th with local mental health resources.
  
  

• 🏷️Residents of the Bow Valley get 10% off any two-night stay at Lodge at Bow Lake in 2024/2025!
  
  

• 🔒Épicanmore is temporarily closed, but Take a Hike Market has you covered with their delicious bread!
  

• 🎨Hey Bow Valley artists, want to showcase at Three Sisters Gallery? Apply by July 26 for "Circles and Spheres"!
  
  

• 🕰️ Want to explore Banff's history? Check out the Cemetery Circuit—a 1.2 km, 25-minute loop past the Old Banff Cemetery on Buffalo Street!
  
  

• 📢 On June 28, 2024, a large RV damaged the traffic signal at 6th Avenue and 8th Street in Canmore, but so far, nobody knows who caused it. If you are a witness and can provide a license plate, please contact [email protected].
  
  

• 📚 Canmore Public Library is diving deep with their summer reading program, while Banff Public Library shoots for the stars with Little Stars programming!
  
  

• 💚Want to volunteer at this year’s Canmore Folk Fest? Join Biosphere’s Green Team and help divert waste—last year, they kept 91.2% out of landfills! Volunteers get a free full weekend pass, plus it’s a chance to support the community and enjoy awesome music.

CIVIC NEWS

• There is a Town of Banff Governance and Finance Committee meeting coming up on Monday, July 8 at 9:00 am. Here are the key agenda items:
  
  

  • Discussion and report on the Bear Street commuter pass
    
    

  • Updates on recruitment profiles for Boards, Committees, Commissions, and Corporations
    
    

• The MD of Bighorn is having a council meeting on Tuesday, July 9, at 9:00 am. You can attend in person or watch it live-streamed. Here’s what’s on the agenda:
  
  

  • Council will review a decades-old recreation spending policy from 1991.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, July 8, 1 PM: Participate in a musical masterclass with contemporary pianist Hung-Kuan Chen of Julliard. Location: Rolston Recital Hall, Banff Centre, Banff. $25.
  
  

• Tuesday, July 9, 1 PM: Another piano masterclass with renowned musician and lecturer Tema Blackstone. Location: Rolston Recital Hall, Banff Centre, Banff. $25.
  
  

• Tuesday, July 9, 5:30 PM: Amp sessions with Canmore-based singer-songwriter Nurdjana. Location: Shaw Amphitheatre, Banff Centre, Banff.
  
  

• Tuesday, July 9, 7:30 PM: Art of Piano participant concert. Location: Rolston Recital Hall, Banff Centre, Banff.

SPORTS

Have you heard about Noah Bodewes, who redeemed himself in the Tour Divide race that kicked off in Banff?

• Last year, mechanical issues derailed his race after just 370 miles in three days.

• This year, he finished strong in 12th place out of over 200 riders, completing the 2,700-mile course in 17 days, 10 hours, and 11 minutes.

The race started in Banff, Canada, and took him through six states, ending in New Mexico.

That’s all, folks!

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