🫣Nudist Strikes Again

Good morning, Bow Valley!

There are lots of festive events happening around the towns this week, including pumpkin carving, a witch-themed stand-up paddle board gathering, and markets.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Rotary Club seeks tax funding for park in Banff

• Canmore councillors get maternity leave 

• Cross-country ski passes on sale

P.S. Many thanks to Coral Lukaniuk for referring many friends to Bow Valley Insider! As a passionate supporter of Y2Y and WildSmart, she’s all about helping wildlife thrive. Her favorite spot? Tavern 1883! 🦌🍽️

Let’s get to it!

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

BANFF ROTARY ASKS TOWN TO FUND ICE RINK MAINTENANCE 

What’s happening: Banff Rotary Club asked the Town of Banff for tax support funding to maintain a new ice rink as part of the redevelopment of Rotary Park but were met with a frosty reaction.   

About the park: Rotary Park on 500 Banff Ave has been maintained by Banff Rotary Park and the town since the 70s. Their $1.7 million redevelopment includes a multi-use court for summer sports that will double as an ice rink in the winter. Community feedback shows that this will be a popular aspect of the park, but the club cannot do appropriate ice work to make it happen. 

Unexpected request: Mayor Corrie DiManno said the council had no previous indication from the club, so they were caught off by the ask. While the council appreciates the asset this park will be for the community, it was understood that there were discussions with Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation about maintenance costs, but this is no longer the case.

What’s next: The club said that the ice rink cannot go ahead without help from the town, but DiManno would like to hear more from the community.

OWN A VACATION RENTAL? HERE’S HOW TO MAKE MIDWEEK STAYS WORK FOR YOU.

If you’ve got a vacation rental sitting idle during the week, you’re leaving money on the table! 

Midweek getaways are rising, especially with remote workers and travelers seeking a quieter experience.

The solution? Offer midweek discounts, add perks like late checkouts, and share local hidden gems. 

Be sure to boost your listing on search results and change your rates regularly (or find someone to help…..wink wink!). You’ll fill those pesky Tuesday slots, impress your guests with exclusive deals, and enjoy glowing reviews all week long.

Ready to turn your midweek into prime time? Reach out to Adriana at Valley & Peak and let her show you how to keep your calendar booked year-round!

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THE DIGEST

• 🥴Wildlife? Nope, just a naked guy. Campers at Kananaskis Village are being warned about repeated sightings of an unclothed individual. If you spot him, call 911! Mount Kidd RV Park has been on high alert since we reported on the nudist in early August.

• 🎬Banff was the filming location for the Hallmark movie A Winter Getaway, showcasing its winter beauty with snow-covered streets and mountain views. Key scenes feature Banff's scenic backdrops, including the Fairmont Banff Springs. Other filming took place in Calgary and Winnipeg, but Banff steals the show.

• 🤕A man in his 50s was airlifted to Foothills Medical Center with serious but non-life-threatening injuries after a hiking accident in the Upper Kananaskis Lakes area on Sunday. STARS air ambulance and paramedics responded to the incident around 2:30 p.m. The man's current condition remains unconfirmed.

• 🥶Climate change is thinning ice on Alberta lakes, according to U of C’s Dr. David Barrett. Research on Sibbald Lake in Kananaskis shows earlier thaws, disrupted ecosystems, and fish die-offs due to cloudy ice. Impacts include risks to ice fishing, pond hockey, and cultural activities, especially in winter.

• 👉The Municipality of Jasper is preparing to take over land-use planning from Parks Canada after Bill C-76 received royal assent. This will expedite post-wildfire rebuilding and allow more community input. The formal transition is expected by spring 2025, but key steps like updating agreements and adopting new bylaws are still required.

CANMORE COUNCIL NOW OFFER PARENTAL AND MATERNITY LEAVE

What’s happening? Canmore council just got a little more family-friendly. At their October 1st meeting, they passed policies for maternity (8 weeks) and parental leave (up to 26 weeks), ensuring future council members can balance family life and politics.

Fair Play for Future Parents. Mayor Sean Krausert highlighted that it’s “only fair” for council positions to support those with growing families. The new policy aims to reduce barriers and encourage more people to run for public office.

Wait, There’s More! Family caregiver and compassionate care leaves are on the way, too. Medical leave, postponed for now, is also in the works, with up to 15 weeks of recovery time.

Banff Did It First. Not to be outdone, Banff introduced their own parental leave last year. Canmore’s policy updates will be reflected in future council salary changes.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Be silly and spooky on a stand-up paddleboard! Join the unofficial Witch/Warlock Paddle at Two Jack Lake from 12:30pm. Bring your best witchy outfit, and boards will be provided. 

• Learn from elders on how to scrape a hide and work with Parfleche! Indigenous Arts are hosting Open Studios: Hide Tanning and Parfleche Residency 2024 to showcase their work at Glyde Hall, Banff Centre. The event is free, but there is a cash-only bar. 

• Do you like it shaken or stirred? Learn how to do both using seasonal fruit gins at The Fruit Gin: Cocktail Class at WildLife Distillery, 6:30pm for $45. 

• Heard of the 30-hour, 100-mile Sinister 7 Ultra through the Rockies? Watch a short film on two ultramarathon runners attempting it in Together We Run, which is showing at Canmore Brewing Company. $5 at the door. 

• Watch a free movie! Canmore Library is showing IF for their weekly Movie Night from 7pm in the Friends Program Room. 

Thursday

• Blend breathwork, mindfulness, and movement! The Yoga Fusion Workshop is a two-hour event where you can learn multiple practices for your wellbeing. Held at Canmore Counselling School and costs $10. Registration required.

• Play games for fun or to compete! Exshaw Legion’s Games Night is every Thursday from 6pm.

• Want to gain confidence and find your voice? Join Toastmasters Canmore - Mountain Mumblers Open House at Elevation Place from 6:30pm for free. 

• Go for a social run! Join Banff HH Run Club for Thursday evening runs, 6:30pm meeting at Helly Hansen Store. Free! 

• Relax at a Sound Bath! Elevate your spirit under the full moon at The Rimrock’s sound bath, 7pm and 8:30pm. $25 per person and includes parking.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒The Canmore Young Adult Network is holding an online event led by Britt Wray, author of Generation Dread, on the growing climate anxiety and personal challenges due to climate change. The event is free, but registration is required.

• ⛷️It’s almost ski season! Cross-country ski passes for the 2024/25 season are now on sale. Season passes are 10% off until October 31st.

• 🛒Vendors Wanted! Exshaw's Christmas Market is November 30th at Exshaw Community Hall, and they are looking for vendors to fill the remaining spots. If interested, email [email protected].

• 📚If you’re looking for an indoor hobby, join Banff Library’s facilitator, Mabelle Carvajal, for a six-week book club exploring the profound teachings of The Five Invitations by Frank Ostaseski. Copies of the book will be available to participants. The sessions are every Wednesday, 3pm-4pm.   

• 🤝Collage Media Group and Rockies Maps are hosting Bevvies and Business, a network event for the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce and anyone looking to become a member.  The event is at Tavern 1883 in Canmore, 5pm-6:30pm. 

• 🎃Consider your kid a pumpkin-carving pro? Register them for The Wood’s free annual Great Pumpkin Carving Contest 2024. Prizes for the best pumpkin and best costume. Plus, free hot chocolate. Carving times are 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm. 

• 💡The Town of Banff is holding a free Community Helpers Wellness Program workshop for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, funded by Alberta Health Services. The workshop is on Wednesday, October 16th, 9:30am-4:30pm at Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. Register by contacting Shannon Fountain on 403.762.1119 or [email protected]. 

• 🎨Celebrate 10 Years of artsPlace! Watch 12 local artists create masterpieces in just 20 minutes, enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, and cocktails, and bid on exclusive items in live and silent auctions. All proceeds support Bow Valley arts programming!

• 🚠The new ski lifts at Lake Louise and Sunshine are not only the talk of the town, but they’re also the talk of the skiing world, having been mentioned in several ski magazines.

• 🎵The Swamp Donkey Musical Theatre Society is bringing The Hello Girls musical to Bragg Creek, chronicling the story of America’s first women soldiers who served as bilingual telephone operators during the First World War. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore Council held a Special Meeting yesterday at 3pm to implement Livability Taskforce recommendations and amend the Business Registry Licence Bylaw. New regulations will require short-term rental owners to display a business license, license number for each unit, and include it in online ads. View the agenda here.

• A Public Information Session on Bed & Breakfast regulations meeting will be held on Thursday, October 17th, 6pm-7:30pm at Banff Town Hall or via Zoom. The public can learn about proposed changes to B&B regulations in Banff, followed by a Q&A.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, October 16th, 8pm: Tangerine Dance Party. Location: Uprising Bakery, Banff. No cover.

• Wednesday, October 16th, 9pm: Boy Golden Ft The Church of Better Daze. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak. Tickets are $26.

• Wednesday, October 16th, 10pm: Vibes with DJ Bunny Hops. Location: High Rollers, Banff. 

• Thursday, October 17th, 7:30pm: Luka Coetzee with Susanne Ruberg-Gordon. Location: Arts Place, Canmore. Tickets are $45. 

• Thursday, October 17th, 9pm: Acoustic Tunes from Arn & DJ. Location: High Rollers, Banff. 

SPORTS

• The Canmore Eagles won both their games last weekend against Bonnyville. Their next game is away on Saturday, October 19, against Fort McMurray. All away games can be watched at Patrinos Steak House.

• The Our Lady of Snows Catholic Academy junior girls’ volleyball team is undefeated this season, taking home two golds. Their 16-0 winning streak is the first in 15 years, and they’re on course to win the banner.

That’s all, folks!

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