⛷️Skiing On A Budget

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Thanks to your feedback on Wednesday, we're keeping the "Charity of the Week" section! Many of you are interested in learning about volunteer opportunities. While we may not have 52 unique charities in the Bow Valley, we’ll occasionally revisit a few to share updates. We're excited to keep spotlighting ways you can support local causes!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Employee housing debate in Canmore

• Skiing in the Bow Valley on a budget 

• Local makes NHL Debut

• Halloween just ended, and there’s already Christmas events

Let’s get to it!

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

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EMPLOYEE HOUSING DEBATE LACKS PUBLIC INPUT

What’s Happening: The debate over employee housing in Canmore’s light industrial areas is heating up, with a potential update expected soon. However, many are raising eyebrows about the lack of public consultation throughout this process. 

Public Outcry: Business owners and stakeholders have voiced concerns about not being adequately consulted regarding proposed changes to the Municipal Development Plan. Many believe this could limit employee housing options in these districts, affecting their operations.

Call for Engagement: Ian O’Donnell from Bow Valley Builders emphasized that removing land use rights without proper discussion is a big deal. He advocates for more meaningful conversations with impacted landowners before making decisions.

Community Involvement: Local business owner Steve Ashton mentioned he heard from over 30 businesses eager to collaborate on crafting a fair bylaw that benefits everyone. He stressed the importance of updating the current area structure plan first to ensure the changes align with community needs.

Council's Stance: Mayor Sean Krausert noted that while new engagement processes could be considered for the future, the current proposals must first be defeated. He highlighted that introducing changes mid-process could undermine the integrity of existing procedures.

THE DIGEST

• 🤝A few weeks back, we shared news about the Rotary Park Ice Rink and the debate over who would cover its upgrades and maintenance. Well, last Monday, Banff Council decided to make it official! They directed Administration to handle the rink's installation and upkeep as part of a five-year agreement with the Rotary Club.

• 🏘Canmore Community Housing’s October report shows slow real estate activity, with 288 households on the Vital Homes Ownership waitlist and 220 on the Rental list. Progress continues at Ptarmigan Pointe, 205 Stewart Creek Rise, and McArthur Place, with upgrades to improve winter accessibility.

• 🛣The MD of Bighorn is set to widen residential roads in its hamlets to improve access and safety. They’re changing the road standards from 9.5 meters to 10 meters, which means more space for emergency services, parking, and snow clearing. The new width aims to balance traffic flow and maintain a friendly neighborhood vibe without speeding issues.

• 🏆Fairmont Château Lake Louise has just been named the Best Luxury Hotel in Canada by Luxury Travel Advisor! Meanwhile, the Fairmont Banff Springs has earned a reputation as one of the spookiest hotels in the world, with its eerie ghost stories, including tales of a lingering bellman and a bride who never made it to her wedding.

• 📋Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper have updated the Land Use Policy to assist in the community's recovery. The new guidelines simplify rebuilding, emphasizing safety and resilience. Key changes include requiring noncombustible materials and allowing more housing flexibility, helping homeowners rebuild while preserving Jasper's unique charm. 

SKIING ON A BUDGET

What’s Happening? With Norquay opening tomorrow and Frozen Thunder already packed, Avenue Magazine is sharing some savvy tips to help you save money on the slopes this winter. 

Yes, It’s Expensive. Hitting the mountains is exhilarating, but let’s be real—it can get pricey! A single-day lift pass can easily top $150, not to mention the cost of gear and gas. 

Grab a Specialty Card: If you know you’ll ski often, consider a season pass or specialty card. These options are great if you think you’ll surpass seven ski days in a season.  

Try Beginner Packages: New to skiing? Many resorts offer beginner packages that bundle lift tickets, rentals, and lessons at a discounted rate. 

Shop Second-Hand: Don’t want to shell out for new gear? Check local Facebook pages for lightly used gear like Bow Valley Gear Loft.

Use Shuttle Services: No car? No problem! Shuttle services are plenty, making it easy to get to the slopes without the hassle of driving.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Commemorate and honor veterans in the Gulf War, Afghanistan War, and NATO missions. The Royal Canadian Legion Three Sisters Branch invites you to a rededication ceremony on November 1 at 2 PM. Legion, Canmore.

• Limber up with a 24-hour yoga marathon. Check out these free classes starting November 1 at 4 PM and running until November 2 at 3 PM. Flow State Banff. Donations collected go to Jasper Wildfire Relief Fund.

• Games, food, and drinks. Game night is November 1, with happy hour from 4-6 PM and $16 fish and chips. Legion, Banff.

• Play some chess and meet fellow enthusiasts. Local chess enthusiast Eric Boerger hosts Chess Night at the Library on November 1, 5- 8 PM. Canmore Public Library, Canmore. Free.

• Enjoy $6 craft pints. Community Fridays are back November 1, 4- 7 PM. Canmore Brewing Company, Canmore.

• An evening of Dance, Intention Setting, Oracle Cards, and a Yoga Nidra session infused with Reiki. Tap into the magic of November’s New Moon with Kim Mayberry on November 1, 7- 9 PM. Location: Banff Yoga Practice, Banff. $44

Saturday

• Enjoy an instructional photo walk. Nikon Canada Ambassador Kristian Bogner hosts this free activity as part of the Banff Mountain Film Festival on November 2 at 8 AM. Meet outside Maclab Bistro. Registration required.

• Explore Diwali, a vibrant festival of lights, with a special edition of Once Upon an Alphabet. Stories, crafts, and sensory fun for kids 0-6 on November 2, 9:30- 10:30 AM. Banff Public Library, Banff.

• ‘Tis the season for holiday markets! Canmore Hospital’s Ladies’ Auxiliary is hosting a Holiday Market on November 2, 10 AM- 3 PM. Origins in Spring Creek, Canmore.

• Perogies, cabbage rolls, sausage, and a show. Enjoy a Ukrainian dinner on November 2, 7- 9 PM. Legion, Exshaw. $33

• Enjoy an early evening 5-mile race, refreshments, and prizes. The Winterstart 5 Miler Night Run race is November 2 at 7 PM. Registration required. Rundlestone Lodge, Banff.

Sunday

• Shop gear, apparel, signed books, and unique mountain gifts. The Festival Marketplace is November 3 at 10 AM. Kinnear Centre, Banff Centre, Banff.

• Crafts and play for the whole family. Family Sunday is November 3, 10- 10:45 AM and 11:15 AM- 12 PM. artsPlace, Canmore.

• Join in a casual game of pick-up basketball. Drop-in November 3, 7:15- 8:15 PM. Banff Elementary, Banff. Drop-in fees apply.

• Play some games and make some friends. CYAN hosts Game Night on November 3 at 6 PM. Canmore Brewing Company, Canmore. By donation.

• Play some bingo and enjoy drink specials. Rock ‘n Roll Bingo is November 3 at 8 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 📝Business Awards. Don’t miss the Business Excellence Awards on November 7 at Silvertip Resort! Celebrate our amazing local businesses—register by November 3!

• 🕙Local Happy Hour. Happening now at Murrietta’s, Monday to Friday from 2 PM to 5 PM!

• 📣Online Auction. Don’t miss the 4th Annual Online Auction for Special Olympics Alberta-Bow Valley! Bid on awesome prizes from November 3-7!

• 🗣️Panelist Needed. Canmore Pride needs panelists for their Pride Across Generations event! Paid opportunity.

• 🦅Watch Eagles. Catch the eagle migration every day until November 15th! Park at Troll Falls and walk 10 minutes on the Hay Meadow Trail to join the watch party.

• 🍻Beer & Charities. Enjoy craft beer and support Bow Valley Equine Adaptive and Rocky Mountain Adaptive at the Banff Craft Beer Festival, November 21-23!

• 🎁Christmas Fundraiser. The Bow Valley Christmas Spirit Campaign starts today, aiming to raise $105,000. Check out how you can help!

• 👻Ghost Town. Curious about Lake Minnewanka’s underwater ghost town? Check out the story behind it here!

• 📚National Novel Writing Month. Join the Canmore Library's weekly writer’s circle every Wednesday from 7 to 8 PM.

• 🐶Dog Help.Last Monday, we discussed Kohen the dog’s viral campaign to fund his specialist appointment. He’s also looking for a forever home!
  

CIVIC NEWS

• The public hearing for proposed changes to Bed & Breakfast regulations in Banff is happening on November 12 at 2 PM. This is all part of Bylaw 403, aimed at managing visitor accommodations in residential areas while protecting housing availability. You can attend at Banff Town Hall in person or watch the live stream. If you want to weigh in, make sure to register in advance or submit your comments by noon on November 8!

• Hey, Canmore folks! The Public Art Selection Sub-Committee is looking for new members from the Bow Valley. If you’re interested in reviewing artist proposals for public art projects, installations, and more, this is your chance to shape the local arts scene! Contact Sue Hayduk at [email protected]. Applications are open until November 9.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, November 1, 5 PM- Sunday, November 3, 6 PM: The Vic Lewis International Band Festival is a three-day, non-competitive event for junior high and high school bands. Location: Canmore Collegiate, Canmore.

• Friday, November 1, 10 PM: Live music with the Hitops. Location: Drake Pub, Canmore. No cover.

• Saturday, November 2, 10 PM: Saturdays with DJ Palf. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No cover.

• Sunday, November 3, 10 PM: DJ’s LT and Raven. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore’s Noah Philp got called up to The Edmonton Oilers last night. He made his NHL debut against the Nashville Predators, winning 5-1! He spent 11:54 on the ice and racked up one assist. Check out the game highlights here (Philp’s action is at the 3-min mark).

• The CCHS Wolverines football team is rocking a 5-1 record and ready for action! They’re set to take on Cochrane today, so let’s cheer them on! 

That’s all, folks!

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