📱TikTok Outrage Over a Frozen Swing

Good morning, Bow Valley!

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In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• A swing on an ice bridge causes outrage online

• The $12M upgrades for Lake Louise are complete

• The future of Canmore’s most beloved community space 

• Film screenings, trivia nights, arts & crafts

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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LAKE LOUISE GETS A $12M TRAFFIC GLOW-UP

What's Happening? The Government of Canada just wrapped up a $12 million facelift for Lake Louise roadways in Banff National Park. The upgrades aim to enhance visitor safety and experience while improving wildlife connectivity in one of Canada’s busiest tourism hotspots.

Traffic Jam, Begone. Vehicle traffic in the area has jumped 70% over the past decade, so Parks Canada stepped in with smarter traffic flow solutions, like a new roundabout and upgraded roads. Bonus: The project stayed on schedule and within budget, even during peak summer chaos.

Wildlife Wins Too. A $1.15M wildlife underpass on Whitehorn Road—co-funded by the Lake Louise Ski Area—connects habitats, helping species like mule deer and porcupines roam safely. Over time, grizzlies, lynx, and moose may join the party.

Looking Ahead. The Lake Louise Visitor Use Plan is in the works to balance tourism with ecological integrity. Pro tip for travelers: Reserve your summer shuttles early to avoid disappointment.

MAKE HOLIDAY MORNINGS UNFORGETTABLE

Gather your favorite people this holiday season for Table Food & Drink’s Christmas Breakfast Buffet at Coast Hotel.

From eggs benedict to smoked salmon and a bagel station, it’s the perfect spread for catching up, laughing loud, and creating memories over a table of holiday favorites. Top it off with unlimited coffee, tea, and juice, and you’ve got the recipe for a morning to remember.

Available 8 AM to 11 AM every Saturday and Sunday in December, plus daily from Dec 28 - Jan 1, for just $24 per person (kids 12 and under for $12).

Whether hitting the slopes or exploring snowy trails, make breakfast the highlight of your holiday mornings!

Book online here or call 403-609-5441 to make a reservation (or just pop in).

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THE DIGEST

• 😠Here’s something we didn’t see coming: outrage over a swing. A local adventurer rigged a temporary swing under a frozen ice bridge using rope, wooden boards, and ice screws (the kind used for ice climbing). After the photo hit social media, TikTok and Reddit erupted, with critics calling it “nature desecration” worthy of jail time. Oddly enough, just last month, a similar stunt was featured in a short film at the Banff Film Fest—and received nothing but applause.

• 🚧Parts of Tunnel Mountain in Banff are off-limits until July 1, 2025, for wildfire risk reduction. Stay clear of trails like Peyto Pit and Teddy Bears Picnic—violators risk a $25,000 fine. It’s all about keeping the forest (and you) safe during thinning, burning, and hauling work. 

• 💸An early peek at the MD of Bighorn’s budget shows plans to balance growth with spending. Priorities include new staff, infrastructure upgrades, and community projects like the long-awaited pump track in Dead Man’s Flats. Key 2025 proposals feature flood mitigation, fire halls, road repairs, and a $275,000 pedestrian bridge to meet growing demands.

• 🌳Normally, Cochrane news wouldn’t make our Digest, but this tree is just too cool not to share. Cochrane’s Grandfather Tree, a 300-year-old white spruce, is getting a protective glow-up. Fencing will soon shield its iconic roots from trampling admirers. This ancient marvel deserves some space to thrive.  

PARKING REVENUE FUELS QUARRY LAKE’S FUTURE

What’s Happening? The Town of Canmore and the Rocky Mountain Heritage Foundation (RMHF) have signed a new 10-year agreement to co-manage Quarry Lake, formalizing years of informal collaboration on one of Canmore’s most beloved community spaces.

From Pit to Park. Once an open-pit coal mine, Quarry Lake has evolved into a cherished recreation spot thanks to Stan Milner, the RMHF’s founder and main financial backer. Milner’s contributions secured the land and ensured its long-term conservation.

Paid Parking Pays Off. Under the agreement, RMHF and the Town split profits from paid parking at Quarry Lake, which generated over $92,000 in 2023. These funds will support conservation and operations, from trail maintenance to new capital projects.

Boarding Up for 2025. RMHF plans to rebuild its board in the new year, expanding from three members to eight or nine to strengthen conservation efforts. The Town will maintain operations, while the foundation focuses on long-term preservation.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Free Family Movie. We'll supply the popcorn, so just bring a pillow and your friends! Make yourself at home and enjoy Elf. Canmore Library, Canmore. Free.

• Make & Mingle Presented by Canmore Pride. Bring your own craft projects (coloring, crocheting, linocuts, embroidery, etc). 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. CanMore Together, Canmore. Free. 

• Film Screening. Celebrate International Mountain Day with a screening of the film Champions of the Golden Valley, directed by Ben Sturgulewski. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. ArtsPlace, Canmore. $20 / members $17 / youth $10.

• Trivia Night. Bring a friend or two down for five rounds of trivia and a chance to win a cash prize. 8:30 PM - 11:30 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore. $2 per person.

Thursday

• BOWDA - December Holiday & Charity Fundraiser Luncheon. Indulge in a holiday buffet and open your wallets/purses to raise money for the Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley and the Christmas Spirit Campaign. 1:30 AM - 1:30 PM. Silvertip Resort, Canmore. $52.38.

• Sugar & Spice, Annual Winter Gala. Lace up your skates for an early evening of ice skating. 4:45 PM - 6:30 PM. Canmore Rec Centre. Free with a donation to the Bow Valley Food Bank.

• Seasonal Greenery Planter. Make a beautiful outdoor planter for the winter season, consisting of fresh-cut live conifer branches with cones, willow or huckleberry branches, white birch or poplar stems, and optional holiday ornaments. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. ArtsPlace, Canmore. $108 / members $91.80 (Materials included).

• Hot Choc & Shop. Celebrate the season with the creations of 150 super-talented makers and artists. The elves are excited to help you find uniquely-crafted gifts. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Alberta’s Own, Canmore. $15 includes snacks, bevies, and door prizes.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 💝Re-Opening! Rundle United Thrift has announced they will be re-opening in January. Stay tuned for donation information. 

• 🌲FREE Christmas Tree. If any Bow Valley locals would like to come and claim one, they’re available for pick up at the Banff Heritage Train Station today (Wednesday) from 9 AM to 5 PM.

• 🛎Restaurants Open on Christmas. There are many reasons Christmas dinner won’t be happening at home. You’re traveling, you’re tired, you hate hosting or cleaning. Whatever. Make a reservation now. 

• 🌿Cannabis Use in the National Parks. Provincial, territorial, and municipal cannabis legislation applies to national parks, historic sites, marine conservation areas, and Rouge National Urban Park. Understand local laws on non-medical cannabis use. 

• 🐶Dog Day. Bedard has been at the Centre for over 600 days, and we're not sure why he's still here. Bedard's a really great dog! Meet Bedard on December 14 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM and spend some time interacting with this lovable, goofy guy! 

• 🗓️Save the Date! The CP Holiday Train has made it to Alberta and will be in the Valley this weekend.  

• 🏘️Housing Action. Canmore homeowners, complete your online housing declaration by December 31 for the Livability Tax Program.

• ⛷Race Action. The AB Cup 1&2 competition is part of the AB Cup Provincial race series that goes all weekend at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: ÎYÂHRHE NAKODA FOOD BANK

Îyâhrhe Nakoda Food Bank Society assists impoverished community members in a respectful, confidential manner with basic food and hygiene supplies. INFBS is committed to eliminating hunger in the Stoney Nakoda Communities with assistance from emergency food hampers.

CIVIC NEWS

• Due to this year’s unusual budget cycle, the Canmore Council unanimously approved the previously approved 2025 Operating Plan as the 2025 interim operating budget with the expectation that the interim budget will be approved on February 4th.

• On Monday, Paul Regensburg of Banff Marathon and Melissa’s Road Race was invited to Banff Council for a presentation. One key highlight was the economic impacts of the two races, which is estimated at nearly $20 million dollars.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, December 11th, 7:00 PM: Open Mic with Colin Macdonald. Location: The Local, Canmore. Free.

• Wednesday, December 11th, 10:00 PM: Battle of the Bands (SEMI-FINALS TONIGHT!) Location: Tommy’s Neighborhood Pub, Banff. Free to Attend.

• Wednesday December 11th 10:00 PM: DJ Nazo (Party Beats). Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover

• Thursday December 12th 9:00 PM: SHRED KELLY. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $25.10.

• Thursday December 12th 10:00 PM: Damn Near Famous (Rock). Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover

SPORTS

• Curling. Jennifer Armstrong and Tyrel Griffith are heading to the Mixed Doubles Olympic Curling Trials after a strong semifinal finish at the Banff/Canmore Qualifier!

• Hall of Fame. Two Bow Valley legends are now snowboarding hall of famers. Kevin Eaton and the late Peter “PJ” Jensen were inducted into the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors Hall of Fame for their decades-long contributions to the sport. Eaton’s career spans over 25 years at Lake Louise, while Jensen’s legacy lives on through his passion and impact.

That’s all, folks!

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