No More Fireworks + Real Estate Records! 📈

Good morning, Bow Valley!

⛰️ The Highway 40 gate opens tomorrow, a major signal that summer is here (at least for me). Unfortunately, many trails are still closed at the Highwood Pass - the full list is below.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Banff Canmore Foundation grants awarded

• Largest residential home sale in Canmore’s history

• Canmore’s firework festivities fizzle

Let’s get to it!

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

COMMUNITY CASH SPLASH: BANFF CANMORE FOUNDATION GRANTS AWARDED

What’s happening: 💥Big bucks for big impacts—The Banff Canmore Foundation just awarded $180,000 in grants to 24 local changemakers.

Who received the money: The grants were earmarked for community initiatives addressing diverse challenges such as Indigenous events, food security, housing, mental health, and cultural preservation across the Bow Valley.

Community impact: Dozens of applications came from a wide variety of community game-changers. A thirteen-person board carefully considered how best to disperse the funds. Grants were awarded to initiatives after examining community impact, project readiness, and connection to community priorities.

Some of the recipients include: 

• Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation ($1,800)

• Alpine Club of Canada ($3,500)

• Young Adult Network ($6,300)

• Homeless Society of the Bow Valley ($12,750)

• Rocky Mountain Adaptive ($13,560)

(See all the recipients here)

Why it matters: The 24 recipients of these grants dive deep into our community and create real change. Congratulations to all recipients!

THE DIGEST

• 🎆Canmore fires its New Year’s Eve fireworks show as the council decides to scrap fireworks after 2024. With concerns over wildfire risk and wildlife disturbance, alternatives like drone shows or laser displays are explored, though they come with a hefty price tag. Rogue fireworks sparked the debate, prompting the council to reevaluate safety measures and fines.
  
  

• 🏞️The province axes plans for a Bow River dam near Mînî Thnî, citing concerns over flooding and environmental impact. Îyârhe Nakoda First Nation opposes the project due to potential land loss and cultural significance. Previous dam projects in the area faced criticism for their social and environmental impacts. The feasibility study now focuses on alternative options amid ongoing community engagement.

  
  

• 🚲Former first responders and Canmore locals, Mike Henderson and Paul Attenborough, plan to enjoy a retirement ride with a 500-kilometre bike trek to raise $10,000 for charity. Their journey along B.C.'s Kettle Valley Trail aims to emphasize the importance of giving back to their respective communities. Check out their campaign to donate!

  
  

• 🐻‍❄️Our valley mourns the loss of mama bear Nakoda, a rare white female grizzly bear. Nakoda died from injuries sustained in a vehicle strike on the Trans-Canada Highway in Yoho National Park. This tragedy occurred shortly after her two newborn cubs were also killed in similar incidents. Her loss, along with her cubs', is a significant blow to the already vulnerable grizzly bear population in the area.  Watch Nakoda’s tribute video here.

  
  

• 🌊Banff's underground water source is under scrutiny, and recommendations are being made to safeguard it. With 8,300 residents and four million visitors annually, it's a crucial issue. Let's hope for a sustainable solution!

RECORD REAL ESTATE: HOUSE SELLS FOR $7.5 MILLION

What’s happening: 🏠 Big sale alert.  The largest residential home sale in Canmore’s history has occurred with the property at 147 Cairns Landing selling for $7.5 million.

The mountain haven of choice: Devin Stephens, the Rockies real estate agent who facilitated the sale, tells Rocky Mountain Outlook that “several factors contribute to the demand for homes in our mountain haven, among them proximity to Calgary and its international airport. For those drawn to mountain recreation…it is cheaper than Whistler and lacks Banff’s need-to-reside clause”.

Supply, demand, & increasing prices overall: With too few properties to satisfy demand, the market is likely to continue increasing for the foreseeable future, which is not really too surprising.  

We reported last week that the median residential property in Canmore is now $1,043,000, an increase of 7.6% from 2023 to 2024.  

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Youth Shinny Full Equipment, June 14, 12:30 pm. Hockey afternoon in Canmore!  Full equipment mandatory, first come first serve, 22 players max.  Canmore Recreation Centre, Canmore. Drop-in fees may apply.
  

• Detective Pikachu: See the Movie, Read the Book, June 14, 1:30 pm. Family-friendly fun with story readings, movie screenings, popcorn, treats, and themed activities! Children 10 and under must have a caregiver 13 or older with them. Banff Public Library, Banff. Free.
  
  

• Tipi Raising Ceremony, June 14, 6:30 pm. Celebrate Indigenous culture: Îyârhe Nakoda guides, drumming, dance, and participant involvement. RSVPs appreciated but not required. NWMP Barracks, Canmore. Free.

Saturday

• STEAM Punks, June 15, 1:30 pm- 2:30 pm. Embark on an interactive journey through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, blending activities and stories to ignite curiosity and creativity in your children. Children 6-9. Banff Public Library, Banff. Free.
  
  

• Banff Marathon Free Kids Run, 1:30 pm. Kids run in the Rockies with tailored distances for various age groups. Every participant gets a Goodie Bag and a special Finishers Award. Children 3-12. Central Park, Banff. Free.
  
  

• Pride in the Park, 1- 3 pm. Socialize and enjoy outdoor games while connecting with fellow members of the queer and trans community. Riverside Park, Canmore. Free.
  

• Celebrate National Indigenous History Month with the Town of Canmore at the Civic Centre plaza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Look forward to Indigenous dance and drumming, a story walk at Friendship park, an Indigenous Market, and more.

Sunday

• Living with Wildfire: FireSmart Forum, June 16, 1-4 pm. A get-together where pros, researchers, and local services share tips on managing wildfire risks and using FireSmart practices to keep Canmore and the Bow Valley safe. Canmore Recreation Centre, Canmore. Free.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• The Highway 40 gate opens on Saturday. However, for all you hikers, be aware that Alberta Parks has temporarily closed many popular hiking trails in the Highwood Pass area. See the full list of closed hikes.
  
  

• Hot dogs, beer, & poutine – The YARD by The Local Canmore is now open 12-9 daily at 633 Main Street.

  
  

• Grab your chance at prizes worth up to $1500! Support Canmore Rotary and buy raffle tickets for the Summer Wine Collection & Culinary Adventure before June 14th.

  
  

• Disco fever on wheels every Friday until August 16, 6:30-8:00p at Fenlands in Banff. Join the Roller Disco fun!

  
  

• Hurry! Secure your kids' spots for Canmore Flag Football camp by June 17th before registration closes for the July 15th-19th session! Grades 4-8, all genders.
  
  

• Mental health matters– Bow Valley Primary Care Network provides adults with free short-term counseling, aiding in life transitions, stress management, relationships, and lifestyle habits.
  
  

• Get fired up at The Loft in Uprising! Dive into $22 wood-fired pizza and draft beer pairings daily from 2-5pm.

  
  

• Last chance to apply for a program backing Alberta's budding artists with exhibitions and pro mentorship.
  
  

• The Banff Marathon on June 16 is sold out! Navigate the frenzy smartly with shuttles, early birds, and designated parking spots.

CIVIC NEWS

• The MD of Bighorn's Exshaw office is bursting at the seams. To cope, they're adding two ATCO trailers temporarily until a permanent solution is built. Recent hires have stretched capacity, prompting creative parking solutions and a reminder: it's just a temporary fix until the new building is ready.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, June 14, 10 pm: An evening of music and song with Irish Mythen. $35. Location: Maclab Bistro, Banff Centre, Banff.

  
  

• Friday, June 14- Sunday, June 16, 9 pm: No joke heartland folk with Bear Brewer. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore.
  
  

• Friday, June 14- Saturday, June 15, 7 pm: Rock and pop with Prodigy Paracha. Free with option to tip the musician. Location: Canmore Hotel, Canmore.
  
  

• Sunday, June 16, 10 pm: Country rock with Brent Lee. Free. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff.

SPORTS

• Cyclists kept calm and pedaled on at the recent Rundle Mountain Cycling Club event. Competitors pedaled their way through a staggering 9,000 km over the 2-day festival. Congratulations to to all who participated for crushing this mountainous challenge!
  
  

• More bike stuff: Canmore's Nordic Centre might soon host major mountain biking events. The Alberta Mountain Bike Race Association (AMBRA) aims to host UCI mountain bike races in 2025, a step up from their usual Canada Cup. With plans for a festive atmosphere and innovative additions like adaptive racing, Canmore could become a hotspot for international biking competitions.

That’s all, folks! Enjoy your weekend.

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