👨🏻Naked Man in K-Country

Good morning, Bow Valley!

It’s a beautiful weekend for music to echo off the majestic mountains of the Bow Valley during Folk Fest!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• How to get to Folk Fest

• Local freebies for evacuees

• Banff High School student gets a scholarship

Also, today we’re launching a new section of our newsletter called “Featured Property of The Week”.  Every Friday, we’ll be highlighting unique property listings, market trends, and current hot property types in the Bow Valley.  Thanks to Cory Hand from Handsome Homes for providing these weekly insights. 

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

NUDE AWAKENING

What’s happening: Police are on the lookout for a man who’s been streaking around a Kananaskis Country campground over the past month. This guy, described as white, skinny, possibly bearded, and—most notably—naked, has been making quite the impression at Mount Kidd RV Park.

Repeated Sightings: The man has been spotted multiple times, running away whenever someone notices him. Reports came in on July 16 and July 23, but he’s been elusive despite police foot patrols.

Local Reaction: Campers have reported seeing him in the buff, with one Reddit user describing him as moving “like an animal that knew the trails well” after being spotted. Campground staff are aware and say he’s been causing a stir in the F Loop for a month.

Search Efforts: RCMP is working with Kananaskis Emergency Services and local authorities to find him. They’re also investigating shelters he might be using, which could lead to additional charges if he’s caught.

Legal Trouble: Under Section 174(1) of the Criminal Code, it’s illegal to be nude in a public place without a lawful excuse. If the man’s shelters are found, he could also face charges under the Provincial Parks Act for illegal random camping.

If you’re heading to Mount Kidd RV Park, keep your eyes peeled and your clothes on!

THE DIGEST

• 🎊The Canmore Folk Fest is happening this weekend, so plan your parking wisely! The festival is at Centennial Park on 5th Ave, just a short walk from Main Street. Enjoy easy bike access with secure parking by Canmore Community Cruisers. If you’re coming from Calgary, the Folk Fest Express offers a round-trip ride for $40. Free local buses (Routes 5T & 5C) are available within Canmore.
  

• 💫Get ready for the Perseid meteor shower this August! This stunning show peaks on the night of August 12 and continues into the early hours of August 13.

• 🛣Heads up: surfacing work on Highway 1 between Canmore and Jumping Pound Road means reduced speed to 50km/h and lane closures until August 29th. Expect delays and plan for alternate routes if you're heading to Dead Man’s Flats or Lac Des Arcs. 

• 🐻There’s a bear warning on Sulphur Springs Trail starting July 31, 2024, after a bear charged hikers with leashed dogs. To stay safe, make sure to make noise and travel in groups, stay alert for bear signs, keep pets leashed, and carry bear spray.

• 🧸Grizzly Bear 222 and her cubs are safe despite the wildfire in Jasper National Park. Parks Canada reports she’s doing well, having found a wet spot by the Athabasca River. Even though the fire has caused some damage, large animals like bears and wolves typically escape harm. Wildlife experts note that while it’ll take a few years for the forest to fully recover, the ecosystem is resilient and will bounce back.

• ⛔Due to ongoing wildfire activity, Jasper National Park is closed. All reservations with a checkout date on or before September 3, 2024, will be automatically canceled and refunded. Refunds might be delayed, so please be patient. There’s no reopening date yet.

CONVOY COMING

What’s happening: The MD of Bighorn is organizing escorted convoys for those who need to recover personal belongings from the fires impacting Burnt Timber Road and Stud Creek Road.

Convoy Details: The first convoy will depart from the Burnt Timber Gas Plant tomorrow. Registration is from noon to 2:00 p.m. with the escort leaving at 2:00 p.m. and returning at 6:00 p.m. A second convoy is scheduled for Thursday, August 1, with the same timing.

Registration Requirements: To join the convoy, you'll need to register on-site at the Burnt Timber Gas Plant between noon and 2:00 p.m. Be sure to bring a picture ID. After collecting your belongings, you must check out at the gas plant.

Wildfire Update: The Fallentimber wildfire west of Water Valley is currently being held at 65.4 hectares. The fire, controlled with 22 wildland firefighters, two helicopters, and heavy equipment, is not expected to spread beyond its current boundaries.

Evacuation and Closures: An evacuation order is in place for areas near the wildfire. The MD of Bighorn has also closed several roads, including Highway 579, Highway 40, Burnt Timber Road, and Stud Creek Road. The fire, believed to have been started by lightning, has also impacted random camping and public recreation areas in the Ghost Public Land Use Zone.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Watch the Olympics inside, away from the heat! Check out the drop-in Olympic watch party, 8 AM- 8 PM. Fenlands, Banff.

• Enjoy a beef or cauliflower steak and grilled corn. Check out the summer BBQ special every Friday- Sunday, 3 PM- 6 PM, weather permitting. The Bankhead, Canmore. $18

• Let the good times roll with roller disco, Aug 2, 6:30- 8 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Drop-in fees apply.

Saturday

• Check out Pop-Up Puppet Theatre! 1:30 PM and every 30 minutes until 4 PM. Corner of Banff Ave and Buffalo Street, Banff. FREE

• Engage your palette with a complimentary wine tasting. Partridge Wine Imports will be showcasing their offerings August 3, 2-6 PM. Cellar Door, Canmore.

• Enjoy some Shakespeare in the summertime. William Shakespeare's As You Like It, A Radical Retelling by Cliff Cardinal is showing August 3, 7:30- 9 PM. Margaret Greenham Theatre, Banff Centre, Banff. $39.50

FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 116 COUGAR POINT ROAD

Looking to upgrade?

The local market is buzzing as homeowners upgrade from smaller dwellings to spacious 3-bedroom half-duplexes, townhomes, or single-family residences. With an increasing demand for properties featuring backyards, and garages, the sweet spot for these homes ranges between $700,000 and $900,000.

A standout example is 116 Cougar Point Road. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom half-duplex, boasting a yard and garage, sold for $21,000 over the asking price after nine days on the market. The property attracted multiple offers, reflecting the strong demand in this segment, a trend that won’t go away soon.

If you would like to learn more about the strategy to upgrade, contact Handsome Homes Realty Group at [email protected]. 

_{*sponsored content}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 💆🏻Wildflower Massage is giving free massages to wildfire evacuees August 1-14, and Murrieta's is offering free meals.

• 🍺Sheepdog Brewing has a new 4.8% cherry cola and sour beer combo! Perfect for Hoppy Hour, 3-5 PM.

• 🏅Banff-Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi awarded the first 2024 Banff-Kananaskis Community Scholarship to Ignacio Alvarez Zegarra from Banff Community High.

• ♨️Host a BBQ or Movie Night with the Town of Canmore’s Neighbourhood Connector Trailer. It’s got everything you need, from BBQ tools to games! For more information, contact 403-609-3743.

• 🙋‍♀️Around this weekend? Want to volunteer at the Canmore Folk Festival? Community Cruisers needs a Bike Parking Volunteer Coordinator. Help us out!

• 🔇Mountain Made Market is canceling their August 3 market, but they’’ll be back on August 31.

• 🔖Check out the Banff Rotary Club’s Silent Auction! Proceeds support the new Rotary Park. Place your bids now!

• ⛰️Bow Valley Insider is now a member of the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce, along with many more!

• 🥞Good news, Canmore! The old Hy5 spot is now home to The Maple Station, One98Eight, and Marra’s Way Sushi.

• 🎸Don’t miss Tavern 1883’s mountain happy hour! Enjoy 40% off your bill from 2-4 PM, Sunday to Friday.

CIVIC NEWS

• Due to higher costs for a required upgrade at the Civic Centre, the Town of Canmore has adjusted its capital projects:
  
  

  • Civic Centre Cooling System Replacement: Originally budgeted at $275,000, now increased to $510,000. An extra $235,000 will be funded from reserves.
    
    

  • Elevation Place Project: The $266,000 cooling enhancement is canceled, but $141,000 will be used for improved air exchange in select fitness rooms.
    
    

  • Cost Increase: The Civic Centre’s cooling system upgrade is necessary due to provincial regulations; domestic water cooling must end by December 2024.
    
    

  • Future Budget Impacts: Expect fewer projects with higher costs due to inflation.

• The push for the Calgary-Banff passenger rail service is facing a critical deadline.

  
  

  • Funding Concerns: The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has pledged half of the $2.6 billion cost, but the province’s signature is needed to secure this.
    
    

  • Project Delay: The province must approve a project development agreement by fall 2024 to keep the CIB funding.
    
    

  • Potential Changes: Future federal changes could impact CIB's role, affecting project progress.
    
    

  • Premier’s View: Premier Danielle Smith supports the project’s potential but emphasizes the need for comprehensive planning.

Mayor Sean Krausert sees this as a step toward better air quality in fitness rooms, while Councillor Jeff Mah opposed the change.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, August 2, 6- 8 PM: Local musicians Meg and Ryan. Location: Wild Life Distillery, Canmore. $55

• Friday, August 2, 7- 8:30 PM: Music in the mountains at Festival Friday. Location: Canmore Folk Fest, Centennial Park, Canmore. FREE

• Friday, August 2, 9 PM: House/ R&B/ Trance with various artists. Location: Canmore Hotel, Canmore.

• Friday, August 2, 10 PM: Rock music with Envy. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. $5 cover.

• Saturday, August 3, 12-3 PM: Musical Stylings with Steph O’Dette. Location: Mad Trapper’s, Sunshine Village, Banff.

• Saturday, August 3, 2-10 PM: Singer songwriter Doug Robb. Location: Canmore Hotel,Canmore. No cover.

• Saturday, August 3, 4-7 PM: An afternoon of live music. Location: The Legion, Banff.

SPORTS

• Banff local Tyler William just smashed the Banff 3 Peaks Challenge (Cascade, Rundle, & Sulphur) with the fastest known time!

• Humboldt Broncos survivor Ryan Strachnitzki is teaming up with Travel Alberta to spotlight adaptive sports, including Rocky Mountain Adaptive in Canmore.

• New Series: Ryan showcases accessible adventures across Alberta in a four-episode series.

• Recent Activities: Includes mountain biking in Canmore and skiing in Jasper.

• Upcoming Episodes: Watch for more in September.

• Congrats to Tristan Dotchin and Elle Banister, the 2024 Junior Open Champions! The Canmore Golf and Curling Club hosted 100 junior golfers at the Junior Open last Monday. What a fantastic event and well-deserved win for Tristan and Elle!

That’s all, folks!

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