🌟The Year That Changed the Bow Valley

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Today, we’re looking back at 2024’s biggest stories—from housing challenges to wildlife wins and tourism shifts. It’s been a year of change and debate, setting the stage for what’s sure to be another impactful year in the Bow Valley.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Canmore’s new wildlife fence  

• Banff’s transit gets a boost 

• Update on the Bow Valley’s snowpack

• Plus, XC ski lessons, film nights, music bingo, & more

Let’s get to it!

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— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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THE 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW

Here’s a look back at the key moments that defined 2024 in Banff, Canmore, and the Bow Valley.

Banff Highlights

• Pedestrian Zone Debate: Banff’s pedestrian zone was removed in August following a plebiscite after a year of controversy.

• Affordable Housing Push: Major projects, like a $40M mixed-use development on Wolf Street, aim to tackle Banff's housing crisis.

• Wildlife & Conservation: Indigenous-led bison hunts returned to Banff, and grizzly bear No. 122, "The Boss," continued to dominate local headlines.

• Community Initiatives: Banff launched new senior home support programs, received age-friendly designation, and renamed recreation grounds with Indigenous acknowledgment.

Canmore Highlights

• Housing Measures: A new vacancy tax (0.4%) is expected to generate $12M annually for affordable housing. Council also approved phasing out tourist homes and promoted full-time residency.

• Wildlife Corridors: Efforts to enhance wildlife corridors advanced, including a new wildlife fence connecting Banff National Park to Canmore.

• Infrastructure & Budget: The Cougar Creek flood mitigation project neared completion but ran $30M over budget. A 5.6% municipal budget increase and utility rate hikes are set for 2025.

• Sustainability Efforts: Canmore banned fireworks for wildlife protection and launched climate action and waste diversion initiatives.

• Tourism & Development: A third grocery store was announced, and contentious developments like a hotel and spa in Rundleview continue to divide opinions.

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THE DIGEST

• ⛓️Canmore’s stretch of highway is getting a wildlife fence this spring to cut down on animal collisions. While the province is footing the bill, locals are left wondering if critters will have enough crossings to keep moving freely—or if the fence will create more problems than it solves.

• 🛏A new mixed-use building with 13 visitor accommodation units and retail space has been approved for downtown Canmore. While the project meets town regulations, it replaces existing rental housing, raising questions about employee housing needs in a community with limited rental availability.

• ❄️Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise are holding their own with 36-inch snowpacks as 2025 kicks off, but they’re overshadowed by deeper bases in BC’s Revelstoke (72 inches) and Whistler (69 inches). While Alberta waits for its next big dump, the Bow Valley is still delivering solid turns for locals and visitors alike.

• 👉Canmore’s Kevin Van Tighem, former Parks Superintendent, is re-launching his book Wild Roses Are Worth It with an updated edition. He’ll discuss Alberta’s evolving identity and conservation challenges on Jan. 14 in Calgary. Locals can catch this thought-provoking talk by donation—perfect for nature lovers and those pondering Alberta’s future.

BANFF’S TRANSIT GETS A BOOST

What’s Happening? Banff is beefing up its Roam transit services in 2025 with added bus hours to tackle overcrowding and fill schedule gaps. Local routes 1 and 2 are getting five extra hours, and Route 3 (between Banff and Canmore) will add four midday hours.

Why It Matters? With record ridership hitting 2.6 million in 2023, including 1.6 million on local routes, transit overloads are a growing pain. Banff’s Mayor, Corrie DiManno, said the changes aim to make getting around “seamless” for locals and visitors alike while reducing car congestion. The $4.7M annual transit budget is mostly funded by visitor pay parking, with $1.6M from taxpayers.

The Challenges. Transit CEO Martin Bean noted aging buses, supply chain delays, and staffing hurdles are straining the system. New buses and a potential maintenance hub in Canmore could offer relief, but fare-free transit remains a pipe dream due to steep operating costs.

The Bigger Picture. Banff’s efforts reflect a growing push for sustainable transit—but balancing accessibility, funding, and growth is no easy ride.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Climb for a Toonie. Climb for a toonie & enjoy happy hour on the first 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 of each month. 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Canmore Climbing Gym. $2.

• Taxi Mike's "Take this Job & Shove-it!" Retirement Party! Yes, Taxi Mike is Retiring from Driving Taxi! Sorry, but he will no longer be driving your Drunk Ass home anymore! From 7:00 PM. Elk & Oarsmen, Banff.

• Chess Night. Enjoy a game of chess, connect with other chess players, and maybe even pick up a new trick or two! It doesn't matter if you've played a little or a lot, all skill and experience levels are welcome. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free.

Saturday

• Try-It XC Ski. Cross-country skiing is a fun way to get outside and explore nature. This try-it session will teach you to cross-country ski with the help of local instructors. Equipment is provided for this program. Ages 16+. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Banff. $50 +GST. Banff Resident: $25 +GST. 

• Lunch & Learn. Bri Montelpare from Rocky Mountain Adaptive discusses accessible outdoor adventures! 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Origin’s Screen Room, Spring Creek. Free but space is limited.

• Film Night. It's the first evening of a thrilling adventure film series! Guest speaker is Jill Wheatley, an accomplished mountaineer, explorer, writer & presenter. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. $10.

Sunday

• Free Yoga. All levels of yoga practitioners and readers are welcome to join. Children are welcome to attend but they must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. Banff Library. Free.

• Games Night. CYAN and Armadillo Games presents Games Night every first Sunday of the month. Collected proceeds support CYAN’s future events! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Entry by donation.

• Music Bingo. Sam hosts five rounds of music bingo with prizes! 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Tavern 1883. Double highballs $8 and Sangria Pitchers $25. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎙️Want to share your music? Every Friday, the Canmore Brewing Company hosts local singers/songwriters & small acoustic bands. Inquire here.

• 🏒Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada Festival. Ron Maclean will be broadcasting LIVE from the Canmore Golf and Curling Club on Saturday, January 18th from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. This is a FREE, non-ticketed family-friendly event.

• 📝Little League. Registration is now open to residents of Canmore & Banff. 

• 🍽New Year, Refreshed Iron Goat. The Iron Goat will be closed from January 5th through mid-February for a refresh. Visit the Stirling Lounge in the meantime. 

• ♻️Christmas Tree Recycling. Beaver Street parking lot in Banff until Jan 16 and various locations in Canmore, including Quarry Lake parking lot, Fairholme/17th Street and the Benchlands Trail parking lot.

• 🤍Snowpack Discussion. We’re back for Round 2 on Wednesday, January 8th, at the Canmore Brewing Company, diving into all things snow, avy, and the season’s juiciest backcountry beta. 

• 🏒5-on-5 Ball Hockey. Submit an entry for the Scotiabank Hockey Day in Ball Hockey Tournament taking place on January 18, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Entry deadline 11:59 PM MST on January 5, 2025. 

• 🗨️Chat with MD Councillor and Deputy Reeve Rick Tuza. January 15th, drop by the Ghost River Firehall to say hello, ask MD of Bighorn related questions, and share your concerns and/or praises. The hall will be open from 5-7 PM.

• ☃️Banff Snow Days. Every January, the streets of downtown Banff transform into a winter wonderland with larger-than-life snow sculptures, skijoring, a lively Play Zone, and Bear Street Hub. Save the dates: January 17 - February 2. 

• 🐱Goals! The Bow Valley SPCA surpassed their fundraising goal raising $91,670.50 for 2024. These funds support the lives of homeless dogs and cats at our one-of-a-kind, no-cage, no-kill Adoption Centre. These generous contributions have changed lives.

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore Community Housing’s December Operations Report was released last week. In rental statistics for 2024, the availability of 1-bedroom units continues to be limited, and these units see the highest demand in the Vital Homes Rental program. The inventory of 2-bedroom units has improved, staying in double digits for two consecutive months. Despite increased availability, the average rental rate for 2-bedroom units has risen by approximately $200 per month.

• The Town of Banff is still looking for committee members for the Banff Public Library Board, the Community Grants Committee and the Development Appeal Board. Apply Online by January 5, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, January 3rd, 2025,  7:30 PM: The Ukrainian singing sensation, Gerdan Theatre, comes to Canmore as part of an extensive cross-Canada tour showcasing the authentic music of their homeland. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $45.00 / members $38.25 / youth $22.50 

• Saturday, January 4th, 2025, 9:00 PM: No Rest for the Wicked Funk Show. Location: Banff Ave Brew Pub. No Cover.   

• Saturday, January 4th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Saturdays with DJ Palf. Location: High Rollers. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Want to make the Sports Section? Lake Louise’s first-ever Boulevard Slopestyle Contest kicks off January 17, inviting skiers and snowboarders (16+) to showcase their skills. With cash prizes for top finishers and discounts on lift tickets, this event promises high-flying action and serious competition. Helmets required, $35 registration fee, and don’t forget your $10 bib deposit!

That’s all, folks!

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