🚣‍♀️ Rivers Running Fast

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We’re not meteorologists, but the sunshine has arrived, and it’s going to be hotter than a sumo wrestler in a sauna this weekend.   

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Major crash in Lac des Arcs

• Bow Valley snags top travel awards

• Proposed heliport near Canmore

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

BOW LAKE’S ECO-FRIENDLY EXPANSION

What’s happening: The iconic red-roofed lodge, now under new ownership, shut down during COVID but reopened last summer after a refurbishment. They're planning to add more guest accommodations, such as cabins, a hot pool inspired by Japanese Alps spas, and even a café/gallery.

New Owners' Vision: Bruce Miller, one of the new owners, has experience with Lake O’Hara Lodge and is keen on preserving the area’s natural beauty. They're aiming to build smartly on already disturbed land to minimize impact on the landscape.

Concerns and Regulations: Some folks, like the Bow Valley Naturalists, are worried about more development in national parks. They're urging Parks Canada to ensure any expansion respects the area’s delicate ecosystem.

Next Steps: Parks Canada is now reviewing public feedback on the proposal before making a decision. They're focused on balancing the lodge's plans with existing guidelines to protect wildlife and habitats.

THE DIGEST

• 🚘There was a crash on the Trans Canada Highway around Lac Des Arcs on the morning of July 3. STARS Air Ambulance responded, airlifting a child to Alberta Children’s Hospital with serious injuries. An adult was taken by ambulance to Foothills Hospital.
  
  

• 🏡A Canmore home was featured in Avenue Magazine for its stunning transformation by Phillip van der Merwe. He added a bedroom, bathroom, and office/lounge, but the highlight is the 1,200-square-foot tiled terrace with gardens and a fire bowl. The property went from an '80s frat house to a modern, sunlit retreat.
  
  

• 🚧The corner of Main Street and 6th Avenue in Canmore is getting a facelift starting now. Watch out for the signs and flaggers when you're driving through there.
  
  

• 🛠️Banff National Park is developing a plan to manage the 31% increase in visitors at Lake Louise over the past decade. This rise has caused congestion and impacted wildlife. Parks Canada has implemented shuttles and reservations and now seeks input for a balanced plan. Share your thoughts by taking the survey here.
  
  

• 🛋The Bow Valley wins top travel awards:
  

  • The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel was named Canada’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards.
    
    

  • Moraine Lake in Banff National Park was named one of the world’s most stunning lakes by Condé Nast Traveler.
    
    

  • The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise won Alberta’s Leading Hotel Suite at the World Travel Awards for its Lakeview Suite.

CANMORE WEIGHS IN ON HELIPORT PLANS

What’s happening: Rockies Heli Canada wants to set up a new heliport for sightseeing tours in the Bow Valley, near Canmore. It's on Crown land in the MD of Bighorn, close to Canmore's municipal heliport. The Town of Canmore is concerned about noise, wildlife impact, and the area's flood risks.

Government Involvement: The province is waiting on feedback from experts and locals before making a decision. There's no clear timeline on when they'll decide if the heliport can go ahead.

Business Plans and Challenges: Rockies Heli Canada faces opposition from Canmore's council and logistical challenges with existing leases at nearby heliports. They've proposed a hefty investment and are eyeing international tourists as their main clientele.

Regulatory Maze: Transport Canada and local authorities have to weigh in on safety, environmental impact, and community concerns. Despite being close to Canmore, the decision process doesn't necessarily require direct consultation with the town.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Pancake Breakfast, July 5, 9AM- 1PM. Join Rise N’ Shine Banff for a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser—just $5.00 donation gets you pancakes, bacon, and coffee. All proceeds benefit Banff Food Rescue. Moxy, Banff.
  
  

• Poker Fun Friday, July 5, 6 PM. Raise the stakes with poker night. The Legion, Exshaw.

Saturday

• Paw Print Party, July 6, 1-4 PM. Paint a custom bowl for your furry friend. They can even tag along! Sheepdog Brewing, Canmore. Purchase your piece here.
  
  

• Patio with Pets, July 6, 4-7 PM. Bring your furry friends to celebrate the launch of Nine Lives Citrus Sour Benefit Beer. GrizzlyBBQ Beer Garden, Canmore.
  
  

• Drag Bingo, July 6, 8 PM. This 18+ event showcases comedy and performances by Karla Marx and Holtasoli. Moxy, Banff.

Sunday

• Yoga Sacred Sound Healing Experience, July 7, 9:15 AM- 12:45 PM. Join The Good Vibe Tribe for a monthly Nada Yoga Sacred Sound Healing Experience led by Jess Simson. The Mountain Pod, Canmore. $35.
  
  

• Rock and Roll Bingo, July 7, 8 PM. $25 sangria pitchers, $10 WildLife cocktails, $8 pickles, $12 poutine. Tavern 1883, Canmore.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🏰Check out the model call for a lifestyle shoot at Castle Mountain Chalets with Carmella Marketing on July 11, 2024, 9am- 11am.
  
  

• 📸Join A Better Banff Ave's bi-weekly photo contest! Share your pics using #betterbanffave and fill out the form to enter.
  
  

• 🍵Sheepdog Brewing Hoppy Hour is now all summer long. Enjoy $14 for all 32oz pitchers, starting today, Monday through Friday, 3-5pm.
  
  

• 🥋Dark Horse Martial Arts is having an open house at their new location on July 7th, noon to 5 PM. 306 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore (same entrance as @rockcyclestudio in Moose Meadows).
  
  

• 🖐️Want to make a difference? Banff, Canmore, and M.D. of Bighorn need volunteers for their cost-recovery driver program to help seniors get to Calgary medical appointments.
  
  

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

• 🔄Banff Re-Use It Centre is open daily, 7:30am to 3pm, at 160 Hawk Avenue in the Industrial District.  Consider dropping off your old furniture, toys, appliances, and outdoor gear instead of throwing it in the trash. 
  
  

• ⛳Locals get 10% off at CanGolf this summer—don't miss out on this sweet deal!
  
  

• 🌊The Bow River from the Banff Park border to Seebe is running fast and high—novice paddlers should avoid it for now.
  
  

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

CIVIC NEWS

The Town of Banff has its regular council meeting on Monday, July 8 at 2pm. You may attend the meeting in-person or watch the live stream. Here are the key agenda items:

• Discussions on fee increases for swimming, waste, parking, and home use.
  

• Update on the Single Use Item Bylaw.

• Briefing on the energy consumption and emissions data for town facilities over the past two years.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, July 5, 7-10 PM: 2024 Cross Country Canadian Tour with Belfountain. Location: Canmore Hotel, Canmore. Free.
  
  

• Friday, July 5, 9 PM: Youth band Slade Lake. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore.
  
  

• Friday, July 5, 9:30 PM: Sing at karaoke rather than just in the shower! Location: HI Banff, Banff.
  
  

• Saturday, July 6, 7:30 PM: Ampfest is a compelling and unexpected musical experience with three dynamic Calgary bands. artsPlace, Canmore. $40 adults, $20 youth.
  
  

• Saturday, July 6, 7:30 PM: The Art of Piano with Hung-Kuan Chen. Location: Banff Centre, Banff.
  
  

• Saturday, July 6, 9 PM: Country music with Tyler Wood. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore.

SPORTS

• The 2024 Canmore Enduro race is sold out, but they still need some volunteers to lend a hand!