🧗🏼‍♂️Stranded Climbers

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Last call for Labour Day sunshine but the long weekend isn’t over yet! We’ve got all the ways to squeeze a little more fun out of this holiday.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Bow Valley Food Show

• K-Country Turkeys

• Banff Christmas Market unveils its new location

  
  
  +cheap groceries for the first Tuesday of the month!

A huge shout-out to Kim Sanford for referring so many of her friends to Bow Valley Insider! A nurse at Canmore Hospital, Kim loves the positive energy of Bow Valley locals and appreciates our newsletter’s sense of humour. Her favourite spot is Sandtraps for the great food, staff, and views. Thanks, Kim!🌟

Let’s get to it!

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

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STRANDED CLIMBERS IN K-COUNTRY

What’s happening? Two climbers set out on Friday, August 23, reaching the summit of Mount Birdwood in Spray Valley Provincial Park. They ended up spending two cold nights at around 9,500 feet because their rope got stuck on the way down.

Weather Woes: As they tried to descend, a nasty storm rolled in with rain, lightning, and strong winds. The weather station in nearby Bow Valley Provincial Park recorded significant precipitation and winds, making the conditions more brutal for the climbers.

Rescue Efforts: Kananaskis Mountain Rescue was alerted by satellite and a bit of cell service. Rescuers faced challenges due to cloud cover and high winds but decided to climb in rather than using a helicopter. They reached the climbers around 4 p.m., in windy and snowy conditions.

Shelter and Safety: Both Mountain Rescue and the stranded climbers spent the night in an emergency shelter. The next morning, they were airlifted to safety and checked by EMS.

THE DIGEST

• 🐨A young black bear was euthanized by Alberta Fish and Wildlife on August 24. Despite efforts to scare it away, the bear became habituated in a Canmore neighborhood. Officials urge residents to remove attractants to prevent incidents and support wildlife safety efforts.

• 🚴Parks Canada is leading the charge in fuel-free travel. Limiting car access to Moraine Lake cut down on congestion and environmental impact. This move led to a 60% increase in Roam transit ridership and visitors using shuttles. Exploring the park car-free might be here to stay.

• 🍲Check out Canadian food critic John Gilchrist’s show Cuisine of the Rockies for free on TUBI TV! The first season features Bow Valley hot spots like 4296, Alberta Wing Shack, and Ankor, the Canmore restaurant which ranked in Canada's 100 Best. 

• 🔥With wildfire on the mind, the Town of Banff is doing its part by  offering to swap out fire-spreading conifers for deciduous trees. If you’ve got conifers, sign up for a free, no-obligation FireSmart Assessment from the Fire Department to see if your tree qualifies.

• 🦃In July, we reported a wild turkey was spotted in Kananaskis Country, far from its usual range. The Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) confirmed it’s not one of their birds, but it could be an offspring or a local release. If you spot a wild turkey in Kananaskis, report it to 403-591-7755.

MUST-KNOW CLOSURES AND WARNINGS

What’s Happening: Stay ahead of park closures!

Bow Valley Parkway Closure: From now to September 30, the Bow Valley Parkway is closed to motor vehicles daily from 8 am to 8 pm. Johnston Canyon is accessible via Castle Junction. 

Ha Ling Trail and Climbing Routes Closure: Starting September 3 to October 15, 2024, or until further notice, Ha Ling Trail and its climbing routes are closed. The closure is essential for safety, so avoid these trails during this period.

Bear Warning at Sparrowhawk Tarns: A bear warning is in effect from August 29, 2024, until further notice in the Sparrowhawk Tarns area due to recent bear activity. Stay safe by making noise, traveling in groups, keeping pets leashed, and carrying bear spray. If you see a bear, report it to 403-591-7755 immediately.

Keep these updates in mind to ensure your safety and enjoy your time in the park!

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Enjoy family-friendly dining. Alberta beef, salads, and flatbreads are served alongside Grizzly Paw craft beer and soda 12-9 PM. Tank 310, Canmore.

• Dive into public swim. Get your feet wet September 2, 1-4 PM. Sally Borden Pool, Banff Centre, Banff. $2

• Try out slacklining for free. Slackline in the sunshine September 2, 6-10 PM. Riverside Park, Canmore.

• Free food for kids! Kids eat free all September. Boston Pizza, Canmore.

• Show off your smarts.Check out trivia night September 2, 8-10 PM. Melissa’s Missteak, Banff.
  

Tuesday

• Do you have questions about Canadian residency, visas, or work permits? Take part in an informal Q and A session September 3, 11 AM- 1 PM. Online. Registration required.

• Do you like classic fish and chips? Tuesday special of 1 pc $15.00 | 2 pc $19.95 on September 3, 11 AM to close. Georgetown Inn, Canmore.

• Meet new friends and connect in a safe space. BanffLIFE Basecamp for young adults is September 3, 5:30- 7:30 PM. Fenlands, Banff.

• Pick up some recovered food! Canmore Food Recovery Barn happens September 3 at 5:30 PM. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Canmore.

• Bingo was his name-o! Play some bingo September 3 at 6:30 PM. The Legion, Exshaw.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 📀Local artist Nurjana’s single is now featured on CBC’s Key of A with Tarik Robinson! Check it out!

• ❄️The Town of Banff has awesome fall/winter programs for all ages. Browse the catalog offerings—registration opens September 6 at 8 AM!

• 🍾Congrats to Benoit Deslauriers on opening the first liquor store in Deadman’s in ages! Visit The Flats behind the Husky station.

• 🌈On Friday, we covered Canmore Pride’s Queer Prom for Adults. Big thanks to Three Sisters Taxi for free rides (post-prom, restrictions apply) and the Pride Society for an accessible Pride Week!

• 🎄 Banff Christmas Market tickets are on sale now! Grab yours before they’re gone and check out the new location!

• 🏷️First Tuesday of the month means 15% off groceries at Save On and Safeway, and 20% off at Nutters!

• 💼Congrats to the 17 local employers who’ve signed on to the 2024 Bow Valley Workplace Inclusion Charter!

• 🤩The Bow Valley’s been buzzing with celebrity sightings this summer from Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers and Bryan Cranston from Breaking Bad. The latest? Joanna Gaines, who’s here with husband Chip!

• 💪Huge thanks to everyone who supported the 6th annual Golf For Hospice! They raised $77,000 through your amazing contributions.

• 📚Heads up: Banff Library, Canmore Library, Canmore Food and Friends, and Summer Yoga in the Park will be closed Monday.

CIVIC NEWS

• There’s a Temporary Firearms Use Restriction in place for the TransAlta Road and Ghost River Area due to safety concerns. This restriction will last at least to the end of the month. While hunting is still allowed under the Wildlife Act, Conservation Officers, RCMP, and government staff will patrol the area to ensure compliance.

• Heads up, Harvie Heights! A pathway is closed for construction and should be back open by September 15th. Thanks for your patience while the work is underway!

• The Town of Canmore’s Regular Council Meeting, which will follow a Public Hearing on discouraging employee housing in industrial areas, is set for Tuesday, September 3, at 9:00 am. Be sure to check out the agenda!

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, September 2, 6:30- 8:30 PM: Singer songwriter Steph O’Dette. Location: Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise.

• Monday, September 2, 8 AM and 8 PM: Dawn Chorus and Evensong. Location: Shaw Amphitheatre, Banff Centre, Banff. Free.

• Monday, September 2, 10 PM: Check out karaoke night in Canmore. Location: The Drake, Canmore.

• Tuesday, September 3: Jam night with $4 tall boys. Location: Pump and Tap, Banff.

• Tuesday, September 3, 10 PM: Karaoke night with Andrew Staygold. Location: Melissa’s Missteak, Banff.

• Saturday, August 31, 5-8 PM: The REWD band. Location: The Yard, Canmore. No cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore United has reclaimed the Bow Valley Soccer League championship! Despite a 2-2 draw in their final match against Banff Springs, United edged out their rivals by a single point, winning the title for the sixth time in 11 seasons. Christoph Bruckeder also snagged MVP and Golden Boots honors. After a tough 2023, the revamped team showed strong commitment and skill. Congrats, United!

• Camba’s August 28 Trail Report is here! Recent maintenance on Cloudline, Odyssey, and Soft Yogurt includes trail tread and drainage fixes, thanks to a volunteer night on August 13. Odyssey jumps got a revamp, and Soft Yogurt Tables were extended on August 18. Huge thanks to all volunteers and sponsors! 

That’s all, folks!

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