🥾The $200,000 Hike

Good morning, Bow Valley!

The Thanksgiving long weekend is here, and as a reminder, this is the first year our Valley includes wild turkey in our list of local animals.  We’ll leave these lil’ guys to strut their stuff and give you other ways to celebrate your holiday!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Families desperately seek childcare in Banff 

• Increased graffiti in Kananaskis 

• Canmore’s new wildlife fence

P.S. Shoutout to Gillian Pratt for referring so many friends to Bow Valley Insider! Gillian has a soft spot for every dog she’s ever met. Her favorite spot? Sauvage—friggin’ yum! 🐾🌄

Let’s get to it!

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

CHILDCARE CRISIS IN BANFF

What’s happening? Childcare challenges are hitting families hard in Banff, prompting some to contemplate relocating. 

The Struggle: With many parents gearing up to return to work after maternity leave, securing reliable childcare is becoming increasingly stressful. The lack of nearby family support only pressures those living in the area. 

High Demand: The Day Care Society of Banff manages two childcare centers, both facing long waitlists. Many parents are left anxious about finding a spot for their little ones.

Community Survey: The Town of Banff is actively seeking feedback from parents through a survey open until October 17. This initiative aims to better understand childcare needs and brainstorm potential solutions.

Declining Family Numbers: Recent assessments indicate a drop in families in Banff, with a noticeable decrease in two-parent households. This trend highlights the urgency of addressing issues related to childcare and housing.

Long Commutes: Some families are even considering daycare options in Canmore, which would significantly extend their daily commute—a frustrating reality for many.

BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM AND BOOK FESTIVAL

Oct. 26 – Nov. 3

Are you ready for your Festival adventure?

The 2024 Festival features 90 films, with over 80 events including authors, photographers, and adventurers sharing their stories from around the world – plus tons of FREE activities, including the Festival Marketplace, talks, Happy Hours, exhibitions and more!

👉View Schedule | Get Tickets

Want to experience the ultimate festival adventure? Get a Chomolungma Festival Pass – experience the whole Festival, includes tickets, VIP Guest Bag and Reception, and more!

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THE DIGEST

• 🧗‍♂️Eight hikers face fines of $25,000 each, totaling $200,000, for ignoring trail closures in Jasper National Park. After severe wildfires forced 25,000 evacuations, many trails remain closed due to hotspots. Despite this, the group attempted to summit Pyramid Mountain on September 10. Not the best idea!

• 🫰K-drama fans, get ready! Two exciting projects are filming in Alberta. The rom-com Can This Love Be Translated? showcases Banff and Canmore, with crews spotted at the Banff pedestrian bridge. Meanwhile, the Filipino sequel Hello, Love, Again also captures Alberta's beauty!

• 𖠋 Kananaskis is seeing a surge in visitors, but it’s not all good news. Alberta's park rangers are reporting that with more people come more graffiti, with tags popping up on everything from rocks to trees. (Sighhh).

• 🐨Canmore resident Faith Villanis had an unforgettable encounter on October 7 while watching the northern lights. As she admired the aurora, a black bear approached and sniffed her from inches away! Though startled, the bear was merely curious. Faith now sees it as a true Canadian moment and feels lucky to have experienced it.

• 🌌The northern lights returned to Banff and Canmore last night after a recent solar eruption. In case you didn’t know, Banff Sunshine Village offers a live stream of the aurora.  So, if you missed it last night, you can replay the livestream! 

CANMORE’S NEW WILDLIFE FENCE

What’s Happening: A wildlife fence aimed at reducing collisions along the Trans-Canada Highway is making strides forward.

Local bylaw amendments: Council approved a land use bylaw amendment, allowing fence construction and maintenance without a permit. A public hearing is set for November 5, with provincial updates on the project at Canmore's October 15 committee meeting. 

Collision Stats: In 2023, 34 wildlife-vehicle collisions were reported along the highway, involving various animals like elk, deer, and even black bears.

Construction Plans: The fence will stretch from the Bow River bridge to Banff National Park’s east gate, with plans to begin construction in 2025. It’s projected to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by up to 80%.

Financial Support: The provincial government has allocated $15 million to address wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Community Support: Residents are eager for this project to move forward, especially after incidents like the recent tragic collision involving a bull elk.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Join Elevation Place for a low-sensory swim. This aquatics event is October 11, 10 AM- 1 PM. Elevation Place Aquatic Centre, Canmore.

• Play some chess and meet fellow enthusiasts. Chess Night is October 11, 5- 8 PM. Canmore Public Library, Canmore. Free.

• Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Pursuit and Banff Food Rescue are hosting this community dinner on October 11, 5- 7 PM. Pioneer Room, 101 Bear Street, Banff. Vegetarian options available.

• Enjoy a talk about Two-Spirit Visibility. Indigenous Two-Spirit Transwoman Jaylene Tyme speaks on October 11 at 5:30 PM. Mason Hall, Banff.

• Enjoy food and music and meet climbing coaches. Check out this climbing open house on October 11, 7- 9 PM. Canmore Climbing Gym, Canmore.

Saturday

• Partake of a pancake breakfast and fire hall open house. This annual event is October 12, 10 AM- 1 PM. Please bring your own plate, cutlery, and coffee cups to cut down on waste. Banff Fire Hall, Banff.

• Check out wares from local artisans. The Mountain Made Thanksgiving Market is October 12, 10 AM- 4 PM. Canmore Civic Centre, 902 7 Avenue, Canmore.

• Score some deals and find some treasure. There’s a yard sale on October 12, 10 AM- 4 PM. 810-13th Street, Canmore.

• Watch an outdoor screening of locally-filmed Snow Dogs. Movie in the Plaza is on October 12. Arrive early for live music starting at 5:30 PM, and settle in for the movie at 6:30 PM. Plaza, Downtown Canmore.

• Enjoy a home-cooked Thanksgiving feast. Dine-in or takeout on October 12, 6 PM. The Legion, Exshaw. For questions or to reserve a seat, call the Legion 403-673-3522, or email [email protected].

Sunday

• Stretch and refresh for the week ahead. Yoga at the Library is October 13, 9:30- 10:30 AM. Banff Public LIbrary, Banff. Free.

• Check out some fun family art-making activities. Family Sunday is October 13, 10- 10:45 AM and 11:15 AM- 12 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🏆John Marriott from Canmore won an award for best animal portrait at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition with a stunning lynx photo.

• 👏Big congrats to The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company’s Pale Ale and Sheepdog Brewing’s Barrel-Aged Beer for their top awards at the Alberta Small Brewers Association.

• 📑Publications are featuring these spots in their "best of the best" lists: Best Apres Hot Tub at Lake Louise and Best Ski Resort at Sunshine!

• 💐Check out @flora.andfern’s pop-up this weekend at Rusticana! Support local Emily and brighten up your home for Thanksgiving with these stunning bouquets!

• 🙋CYAN is on the lookout for volunteers for the Pumpkin Carving Contest at Sheepdog Brewing on October 23! You can join the fun before or after volunteering.

• 🎗Check out the new mental health clinicians at Bow Valley Primary Care Network offering free consultations.

• 🗳️The Alpine Club of Canada wants your nominations for three Board of Directors spots in the upcoming election.

• 🏗️Ashton Construction Services is thrilled to manage the rebuild of Charleston Residence, boosting employee housing for Lake Louise Ski Resort.

• 🥁Join the fun at adult African drumming classes in Canmore starting Tuesday, October 15th, for just $25!

• 💆‍♀️Looking for affordable massages? Mason and Heather at Banff Wellness offer $40 sessions with Practicum Massage Therapists to help students learn! 

WHAT'S THE CANMORE REAL ESTATE MARKET LIKE THESE DAYS?

By Cory Hand

As a Canmore real estate professional, I can tell you that market conditions here are dynamic, with demand for properties remaining strong, especially for vacation homes and investment properties. 

The town’s proximity to Banff National Park and its outdoor lifestyle appeal continue to attract buyers, both locally and internationally. Prices have been steadily rising due to limited land supply and high buyer interest, particularly in luxury homes and condos. Inventory tends to be lower, which can create a competitive environment for buyers. 

However, opportunities still exist, particularly in pre-construction projects or slightly older properties that may offer more value. It's a balanced market, but leaning towards favoring sellers at the moment, especially in high-demand areas near trails and downtown.

Contact Cory at [email protected] to learn more about buying and selling in the Bow Valley.

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CIVIC NEWS

• Join the Canmore Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Canmore Civic Centre or catch the livestream online.

• Catch the Banff Town Council meeting this Tuesday at 2:00 PM! If you can’t make it in person, don’t worry—you can livestream it.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, October 11, 7- 9 PM: Singer songwriter Steph O’dette. Location: Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise.

• Friday, October 11, 7- 9 PM: Country on Caribou– An Evening with Robert Adam. Location: Mason Hall, Banff. $21.86

• Friday, October 11, 7 PM: Check out open mic night. Location: artsPlace, Canmore.

• Friday, October 11, 9 PM: Music with the Ramblin’ Hey Ho Has. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore.

• Friday, October 11, 9 PM: Dolly After Dark starring Jaylene Tyme. Location: Mason Hall, Banff. $20

• Saturday, October 12, 7- 9:30 PM: Join Bow Valley Jam Band The Prudes for an evening of music. Wagashi Tea House will be open for food and drinks. Location: Bow Valley Garden Centre. No cover.

• Saturday, October 12, 9 PM: Live music with Tyler Wood. Location: Tavern 1883.

• Sunday, October 13, 3- 5:30 PM: Singer songwriter Steph O’dette. Location: Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise.

SPORTS

• Zach Coutu is the Mountain FM Canmore Eagles Player of the Month for September, racking up 6 points (3G, 3A) in 6 games and earning a Star of the Game award. Rob Murray of Mountain FM chatted with him about the team's strong start and their upcoming back-to-back home games against Bonnyville this weekend!

• Calgary Flames goalie Dan Vladar is sporting a fresh look with his new mask for the season opener against the Vancouver Canucks. Designed by Friedesigns, it features the stunning mountain scenery from Canmore and Banff, showcasing Calgary's beautiful landscape!

• Canmore Eagles goalie Hudson Sedo has been named the Inter Pipeline AJHL Rookie of the Week! He helped secure two road wins during the North Division swing, allowing just one goal on 20 shots against Grande Prairie and making 19 saves against Whitecourt. Way to go, Hudson!

That’s all, folks!

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