🗻Melting Mountains = Big Problems

Good morning, Bow Valley!

In case you missed it, Friday’s newsletter featured the Alpine Club of Canada’s 2024 State of the Mountains Report. This 50+ page document is packed with insights, and today, we’re spotlighting one of the key stories: how permafrost melt is reshaping Banff National Park.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Most bears are tucked away now 

• A popular mountain bridge closes 

• Have a say on Alberta’s rail plan to connect Calgary to Banff

• Brunch & happy hour specials + game nights

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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MELTING MOUNTAINS: THE PERMAFROST PREDICAMENT

What’s Happening? Canada’s mountain permafrost is thawing, reshaping alpine landscapes and creating unexpected risks. Permafrost—ground that’s stayed frozen for millennia—isn’t just an Arctic feature. It’s also hidden beneath the peaks of Banff, Jasper, and beyond, and as climate change accelerates, so does its thaw.

Why It Matters? Permafrost stabilizes slopes, directs water flow, and supports ecosystems. Its thaw can unleash landslides, destabilize slopes, and disrupt habitats, like the Mount Joffre landslide in 2019. However, Canada lags behind Europe in monitoring, leaving a data gap that makes predicting hazards tricky.

A Global Lesson. Switzerland’s Permafrost Monitoring System offers a roadmap with decades of data on ground temperature and surface movement. But, Canadian mountains cover a larger, more varied terrain, requiring tailored research efforts.

What’s Next? Researchers are teaming up with Indigenous leaders, guides, and park wardens to understand permafrost’s impact. The goal? Safer mountain adventures and proactive climate adaptation for the peaks we treasure.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CANMORE'S NEW TOURIST HOME LICENSING RULES

Confused about the recent changes to Tourist Home licensing in Canmore? You’re not alone. 

Here's the quick scoop: The update affects Tourist Homes—specific properties allowed to rent short-term under the Land Use Bylaw. 

The main change? Owners now need separate business licenses for each property they rent out, costing $150 per unit annually. This could actually lower fees for out-of-town owners with three or fewer properties!

More paperwork. Additionally, Tourist Homes must include their business license numbers in all marketing materials and display their permits on-site.

If you own or are buying a Tourist Home, understanding the zoning is key. Not sure where to start? This blog post breaks it all down so you can navigate the changes like a pro.

👉Click here to read the full blog! Or contact Adriana directly from Valley & Peak with any questions about your short-term rental property.

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THE DIGEST

• 🚧The Blackshale Suspension Bridge on the High Rockies Trail is closed starting November 22 due to winter safety concerns. Snow impacts the handrail height and adds weight to the bridge, which wasn’t designed to handle. It will remain closed until further notice to protect public safety.

• 🎅🏻Santa’s Anonymous is bringing holiday cheer to wildfire-displaced Jasper residents with festive events in the Bow Valley. Residents can request gifts by Dec. 11 or sign up online for food hampers, available Dec. 16. Events include the Santa Train, Skate with Santa, and more. Donations are welcome online.

• 🚈Alberta’s upcoming rail master plan could bring passenger service to the Bow Valley, connecting Calgary to Banff. The project aims to reduce highway congestion and boost tourism. Public input is open via an online survey until Dec. 20, with regional open houses planned for next year.

• 🫶🏻The Friends of Kananaskis has kicked off its 8th annual Trail Love campaign, aiming to raise $50,000 by year’s end. Donations support trail maintenance and enhancements across K-Country, where volunteers contributed over 4,500 hours in 2024. Help keep these beloved trails in top shape by giving generously to the campaign!

• 🎙Banff’s 12th annual Battle of the Bands is back. Preliminary rounds have already begun at Tommy’s Pub, with the finals on Dec. 18. Winners receive cash prizes and future gigs. Bring your best 30-minute set!

BEARS ARE MOSTLY SNOOZING

What’s Happening? Winter is settling in, and Banff’s grizzlies are mostly tucked into their dens—GPS data confirms all female collared grizzlies in Kananaskis have entered hibernation. However, a few late foragers may still be out in the Bow Valley, preparing for the long winter.

Bear Safety Basics. Even without recent bear sightings, it’s crucial to stay vigilant. Make noise, travel in groups, and carry bear spray in an accessible spot—not buried in your pack. Bear spray also protects against cougars, wolves, and other active wildlife.

Wildlife Watch. Elk remain abundant in town—give them at least 30 meters of space and keep pets leashed. Avoid sneaking past or stressing these animals as they recover from rut season.

Holiday Hazards. Decorations can tangle in antlers. Secure lights to buildings, avoid sagging cords, and remove decorations promptly.

Community Call. Canmore’s Fruit Tree Removal Incentive still offers funding—remove fruit trees to reduce wildlife attractants!

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• 3D Exhibit. Today is the last day to take in the 3D Off The Wall Show by our Bow Valley Artists. Canmore Art Guild, Canmore. 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Free. 

• Food and Friends. Connecting Friends Through Food. On the menu: a vegetarian-friendly mushroom risotto with Caesar salad and dinner roll. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. St. Michael’s, Canmore. Free. Donations accepted.

• Homework Help. Drop in to this tutoring program for students in grades 1-12! Led by Rayne, a university student studying Environmental Science, this program offers a supportive space for students to ask questions and get help with their homework. 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM.  Banff Library. Free. 

• Drop-In Soccer. A great way to meet new friends and have fun. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Lawrence Grassi Middle School. $5.

• Banff Clocktower Club. Gather under the stars for a chilling evening of strategy and intrigue! Banff Public Library is thrilled to host the increasingly popular Blood on the Clocktower night, featuring Mark Walker. 7:15 PM. Banff Library. Free.   

Tuesday

• Coffee Connector. Meet local entrepreneurs, build relationships, and start your morning with fresh perspectives. Spots are limited, and registration is required. 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM. Good Earth, Banff. Free.

• B-I-N-G-O! Dab your way to cash prizes. Doors open at 5:00 PM, and bingo starts at 6:30 PM. Exshaw Legion, Exshaw.

• Game Night. Drop by for a drink and play board games. This event is sponsored by Armadillo Games. 6:00 PM - Close. Tavern 1883. Games are free; food and beverages are extra.

• Documentary Movie Night. Where Olive Trees Weep offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. 7:00 PM. Artsplace. $12 / youth $6

• Cheap Movie Tickets. $7.99 seats every Tuesday. Now playing: Moana 2, Gladiator II, Wicked and Red One. Lux Theatre, Banff.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🛣 Check The Roads. If you’re driving between mountain towns, make sure to check the roads before leaving. Bookmark these road cameras and join the Bow Valley Road Conditions Facebook group.  

• 🏠Happy Anniversary! The Canada House Gallery in Banff celebrated its 50th Anniversary this past weekend. 

• 👨‍✈️78 Squadron is recruiting. 878 Banff/Canmore Squadron is a dynamic and engaging youth organization for teenagers 12-18 years old. Programming focuses on developing leadership, citizenship, and physical fitness. 

• 🍹Happy Hour. The Canmore Saloon's lunch specials are back from 12-4 PM, with drink specials from 2-5 PM, Monday-Friday—perfect for a laid-back afternoon on Main Street.

• 📚Get Involved. Banff residents can apply to join the Library Board, Grants Committee, or Appeal Board. No citizenship or board experience is required. Applications close on January 5, 2025.

• 🍽️3-Course Menu for $45. Locals still have a few days left to catch the Forest Floor Gnoochi main at CrazyWeed Kitchen. 

• 🧣Rotary Club Auction Kicks off Today! The Spirits of Christmas Tasting Event Charity Auction offers a unique way for individuals and businesses to give back while celebrating the joy of the holiday season. 

• 🚊Holiday Train. The CPKC Holiday Train is making its way across Canada. Follow the tracker and make sure to check out its Bow Valley stops at Stoney Nakota, Canmore, and Banff on December 15th. 

• ✍️Recreation Survey. The Town of Banff wants feedback from past recreation participants and people who haven't participated yet. Complete the survey before November 30 to get a chance to win a $100 local grocery gift card. 

• 🍰Breakfast Special. Stop by the Uprising Bakery and choose any 12oz coffee of your choice with a freshly baked pastry. Offer applies Monday - Friday between 7 AM - 12 PM.

CIVIC NEWS

• Did you miss the Mayor's Town Hall this week on Housing Action? Mayor Sean Kraher addressed Canmore’s housing challenges, detailing initiatives like phasing out new tourist homes, taxing non-primary residences at higher rates, and directing these funds toward affordable housing projects. The Livability Tax Program will launch in 2025, aiming to tackle rising housing costs and preserve community character. Residents can submit questions to [email protected] for further clarity. View a replay of the Town Hall here.

• Banff Town Council meets this afternoon at 2:00 PM. Notable items on the agenda are a request for a decision on increasing the Peak Hourly Visitor Parking Rate from $6 to $7 per hour for peak summer months, a seasonal adjustment to pay parking area in the Bear Street Parkade, Canmore commuter parking, the 2025 fees and charges for all service areas, and a proposal to rename the recreation grounds to "Sundance Park" and provide an Indigenous name for the new pavilion building. Click for the full agenda or watch online.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, November 25th, 10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Country Rock. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Monday, November 25th, 10:00 PM: Double DJ night with DJ 86EGO & DJ Corn. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No Cover.

• Tuesday, November 26th, 10:00 PM: Karaoke night with Andrew Staygold. Location: Melissa’s Missteak, Banff. No Cover. 

• Tuesday, November 26th, 10:00 PM: Beats with DJ Styler Nazo. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore Eagles Snap Losing Streak. The Canmore Eagles soared past the Camrose Kodiaks Friday night, commanding a 5-1 victory at the Canmore Recreation Centre. Kayden Rawji and Owen Jones led the charge, snapping the Eagles' six-game skid and halting the Kodiaks' eight-game winning streak in the AJHL.

• Canmore Hosts Huge Hockey Event. Canmore will host the 25th Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada on January 18, 2025, with festivities from NHL alumni games to a Ron MacLean-hosted Sportsnet broadcast. Events include a kick-off concert, family-friendly activities, and Fan Fest, celebrating hockey amidst the Rockies. Tickets are on sale now, supporting hockey programs valley-wide.

That’s all, folks!

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