👊Spa Wars: Is Canmore Ready?

Good morning, Bow Valley!

With so many events packed into this weekend in the Bow Valley, good luck deciding where to start!  P.S. Today’s your last chance to fill out our annual survey—your golden opportunity to tell us what’s been annoying you and how we can do better!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Nordic spas are all the rage these days 

• RCMP is searching for a missing person 

• Banff is bracing for protests next summer 

• Markets, theatres, holiday train, beer tasting, photos with Santa, & more

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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SPA WARS: THE BATTLE FOR CANMORE’S CROWN LAND

What’s Happening? A proposed Nordic spa and boutique hotel on Crown land may be coming to Canmore’s Rundleview neighborhood. The project could go to council by early 2025, but some locals aren’t convinced this development will bring harmony to the valley.

Wildlife vs. Wellness. Critics fear the project will disrupt wildlife corridors and habitats already squeezed by Canmore development. They’re calling for strict adherence to conservation guidelines, warning of increased nighttime wildlife activity in residential areas or onto highways. Proponents say they’ll avoid fencing and aim to preserve six acres of the site for natural use.

Economic Boost or Overkill? Developers argue the project supports Alberta’s push for year-round tourism, with staff housing and eco-friendly features. Opponents counter that Canmore already has enough hotels and spas, questioning the need for "hot tubs with a view." Time will tell if council gives this project the green light—or a hard pass.

ALEX & LORI’S PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 2 PINEWOOD CRESCENT… A NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR!

👆 Click to check property tour video

Every local knows that downtown living here in Canmore means more than just an easy commute to work and takes “walkable living” to a whole new level. 2 Pinewood Crescent is no exception! The incredible custom design and jaw-dropping views are one thing, but the surrounding pockets of nature and tight-knit community make this the ultimate mountain home. 

✅ Walk to all your favourite shops, cafes, and top-notch restaurants 

✅ Stay active with nearby recreation centers, golf courses, and outdoor skating spots 

✅ Immerse yourself in nature with scenic pathways, biking trails, and the Bow River just steps away

Check out the neighborhood here and explore the incredible lifestyle that comes with this one-of-a-kind home in a one-of-a-kind location.

For more information, contact Lori and Alex or visit CanmoreAgent.com to look at what’s new in the market! 

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THE DIGEST

• 🔎RCMP is searching for 20-year-old Santaya Snow, last seen in Stoney Nakoda on Dec. 9. She has light purple hair and was wearing a beige sweater and grey sweatpants. Have info? Call Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000.

• ✈️Google’s 2024 Year in Search just dropped, ranking the hottest trends among 8.5 billion daily searches—and Banff made the cut twice! Recognized as a Top Trending Destination and a Honeymoon Favourite, it seems Banff’s trails are becoming the new red carpet for travel influencers everywhere.

• 💚Spring Creek Mountain Village in Canmore earned its second Platinum BUILT GREEN Community certification for Phase 2, building on its Phase 1 recognition in 2022. With geothermal systems, solar panels, and a focus on green space and walkability, the community continues its push toward sustainable development in the Bow Valley.

• 🛡️The G7 summit is heading to Kananaskis Country in June 2025, and Banff is bracing for the spotlight—and protests. With the media centre set at The Banff Centre, RCMP are prepping for potential demonstrations and a surge of visitors, ensuring resources are ready to handle the buzz in this already busy season.

• 🦌A herd of a-lotta elk broke the internet last week. The video of these majestic movers went viral on Instagram, leaving locals and nature lovers in awe. 

SEWAGE SMELLS BE GONE (HOPEFULLY)

What’s Happening? Canmore’s infamous summer sewage stench may soon be a thing of the past. Town council approved an additional $600,000 for a $2.6M project aimed at tackling the odour problem at the wastewater treatment plant, with Phase 2 set to roll out by late spring 2025.

The Smell Test. Residents of South Canmore and Cougar Creek have long been vocal about the foul summer smells wafting through their neighborhoods. While Phase 1 reduced hydrogen sulfide levels by 74%, the odour lingers. Enter Phase 2: a photoionization unit to treat 62% of remaining emissions, particularly from the dewatering building.

Making Scents of It. The funds, sourced from utility reserves and debt financing, allow for timely installation before peak summer. If odours persist, a potential Phase 3 could cap digestors and expand odour control, costing up to $2M. For now, Canmore hopes cleaner air is on the horizon.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Beer Tasting. 88 Brewing is in town, offering pours of their latest small-batch brews. 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Mixed Culture Beer Shop, Canmore. Free.

• Christmas Dinner. Away from family? The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies is hosting two dinner seatings. 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. 2 Silvertip Trail, Canmore. Free, but registration is required. 

• B-I-N-G-O! Friday is Bingo Night at the Canmore Legion. Bring extra cash for those pull tabs and tips for the hardworking staff. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Canmore Legion, Canmore.

• Comedy Night. Sam Benty, the high-energy comedian known for his off-beat humor, and unstoppable stage presence. 7:00 PM. ArtsPlace, Canmore. $25 / $21.25 members 

Saturday

• Fun Run. Lace up and dress up for the 5th annual Salomon Jingle Dash Fun Run Show up as a Xmas tree or anything festive and join in a fun 5 or 10km run. 10:00 AM. Strides, Canmore. FREE with donation to the Food Bank!

• Roald Dahl’s Matilda Jr. Playing at Canmore Collegiate. Support our high school students' thespian dreams. Two shows: 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Canmore Collegiate High School. $12. 

• Meet This Dog. This will be Bedard's second Christmas at the Centre without a forever family, and we're hoping he'll find his own home to spend the holidays in (and maybe a stocking full of treats and toys). 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM. Bow Valley SPCA, Canmore. Free.  

• European Style Market. Hit the slopes and shop at a European-style, outdoor, artisan holiday market at the base of Banff Sunshine Village. 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Bourgeau Base Area, Sunshine Village.

• Annual Christmas Tasting. Stop in for an afternoon of holiday cheer and exceptional wines with Andrew Jones from @bonvidawines! 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Cellar Door Wine, Canmore. Free. 

Sunday

• Local Market. Join Pinecone Box and other vendors at the Seeds of Enrichment Christmas Market. 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Canmore Miners’ Union Hall, Canmore. Free to attend. 

• Photos with Santa. The holiday magic continues with a visit from Jolly Old Saint Nick and his merry elf. 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM. Silvertip Resort, Canmore. Photos are complimentary. 

• Children’s Christmas Party. The Canmore Legion will provide hot chocolate, cookies, and games, with Santa joining for photos (proceeds will support the Veterans Food Bank). “Twas the Night Before Christmas” will be performed by the kids of the Canmore Theatre School. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Canmore Legion, Canmore. 

• Breathwork Workshop. Looking to find relaxation in the mind, openness in the heart, and clarity in aligned action? This class is a safe and welcoming space to experience a sense of calm and peace. 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. Canmore Hot Yoga, Canmore. $40.

• Light My Bike Banff. Light up your bike with multicolored LED light strings before heading out on a relaxed night ride to show them off. 5:30 PM - 8:15 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Free for Bike All Winter Participants and Mentors, and $10 each for their friends and family. All materials will be provided.

• Canada Holiday Train Schedule! Details Here. 

  • Cochrane at 3:00 PM

  • Stoney Nakoda at 4:25 PM

  • Canmore at 6:00 PM

  • Banff at 7:15 PM. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 💝Charity Donations.  Members of the Bow Valley Builders and Developer’s Association (BOWDA) donated over $85K to two charities at their Holiday Luncheon: Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley and Christmas Spirit Campaign. 

• 🦅🦜Christmas Bird Count. Spend the day Saturday looking for local birds, followed by a potluck supper at the Banff Seniors Centre, where results are compiled and stories exchanged about the day’s activities.

• 🎿Santa on the Mountain. This holiday season ski or snowboard with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Banff Sunshine Village this Saturday and Sunday as they take a break from the Christmas rush. 

• 🛎️Grand Opening! Good Folk Restaurant opens its doors to the good people of Banff National Park today (Friday!). With an exceptional menu created by chefs Dwayne Ennest and Victor Bonilla, a fresh take on classic cocktails, and worldly wines.

• 📣Volunteer Call! Each year, the Town of Canmore hosts events and activities on New Year's Eve thanks to the help of a dedicated crew of volunteers. 

• 🍻Afternoon Happy Hour. Monday through Friday from 2pm to 5pm, enjoy 25% off all starters, dumplings, BLAKE craft beers, RTDs, and signature cocktails at The Blake.

• 🏒Hockey Referees Needed! Officials are needed to help with a tournament at the Lake Louise Sport and Recreation Centre on the weekend of February 7-9, 2025. Are you a local and certified official?

• ☑️People’s Choice Awards. Vote now for your favourite tree/wreath at the Festival of Trees hosted by the Rotary Club in Canmore.⁠ Walk through the “Forest of Trees” at the Malcolm Hotel Canmore, where QR codes are placed on top of the donation boxes near the trees. 

• 💪Event Notice. Please be advised that the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park is hosting a Special Olympics Canada Team Training Day this weekend. Stay clear of facilities and trails in use.

• 💞Community Grants. Banff Canmore Foundation Community Grants 2025 is now open for application. BCF makes grants to organizations and initiatives across the Bow Valley to support projects and people stepping up to help make this outstanding place better.

• ⛷Nordic Skiing in Alberta. Canmore local Brittany Burr has rounded up a list of beautiful, fun trails for you to check out. 

CIVIC NEWS

• The concession at the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre will remain part of the Town of Banff for the foreseeable future. 

• Following more than a year of discussion and planning, Canmore Council approved the Livability Tax Program budget at $12 million for 2025 and 2026 and $10.5 million for 2027 and 2028.  

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, December 13th, 9:00 PM: Luke & Lanigan.. Location: Tavern 1883. No Cover. 

• Friday, December 13th, 10:00 PM: Damn Near Famous. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. $5 Cover. 

• Saturday, December 14th, 12:00  PM: Eddie Shedder. Location: Rat’s Nest Cave / Canmore Cave Tours, Canmore. $149

• Saturday December 14th, 2:00 PM:  Jazzy Christmas Location: Canmore Legion, Canmore. Free with a food bank donation.

• Saturday December 14th, 9:00 PM:  Andrew Staygold. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday December 14th, 10:00 PM: Damn Near Famous. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. $5 Cover. 

SPORTS

• Hockey. Local talent Zach Coutu has joined Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge, joining teammate Hudson Sedo. 

• More Hockey. Big congrats to Canmore’s own Finn McLaughlin, named Captain of the 2024 U.S. Junior Select Team! 

• Something Other Than Hockey. After recovering from a broken neck, Canmore’s Kris Mahler is back on the World Cup circuit this week. The ski cross racer, who spent months addressing the mental and emotional toll of his injury, is chasing an Olympic dream—and even plans to return to the Swiss course where he crashed.

That’s all, folks!

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