🏠 Tourist Home Crackdown

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Here’s what’s on tap today: two impressive rescues—one on snow, one on water—and a lineup of game nights at some beloved local spots. As always, this newsletter is by the people, for the people, so drop us a line with any feedback!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Canmore’s new business registration requirement for tourist homes

• Completion of the $72 million flood mitigation project

• Banff’s famous grizzly, “The Boss,” wanders into Canmore

Let’s get to it!

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

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CANMORE CRACKDOWN ON TOURIST HOMES

What’s Happening: Canmore is rolling out a plan to make tourist homes go “legit,” requiring them to register as businesses—potentially adding 650-700 new licenses and $97,500 in extra revenue.

The Details: The bylaw, which was approved yesterday, requires short-term rental owners to display a business license number both online and on the property. While personal-use tourist homes would need a license, commercial visitor accommodations (like hotels) would be exempt due to resource limitations.

Why Now? As part of the Livability Task Force’s recommendations, this move aims to better regulate tourist homes and separate them from residential-use properties. License fees may also rise, with the first increase since 2015 potentially adding 15% to current costs.

Penalties in Place: Thinking of going license-free? Fines could start at $2,500, climbing to $10,000 for repeat offenses, reinforcing the push for proper registration. 

THE DIGEST

• 😶‍🌫Even in the early season, avalanches are a real risk. A group of three triggered an avalanche in Crowsnest Pass, partially burying one member who self-rescued and called for help. It’s a good reminder for Bow Valley adventurers to stay vigilant in the backcountry.

• 🚨In more rescue news: A woman found on the Bow River’s shore near Larch Island in Canmore needed urgent help due to potential weather exposure. Canmore Fire-Rescue used a jet boat to reach her and transported her to a waiting ambulance by the Trans-Canada Highway. Although uninjured, she was taken to the hospital for assessment.

• 🐻The Boss, a well-known grizzly, wandered through Canmore neighborhoods on Sunday, sparking excitement and caution among residents. Sighted peeking over fences, the 28-year-old bear showed no aggression, prompting reminders for locals to secure attractants like pumpkins.  According to Bow Valley Wild Smart, he has now walked back into Banff National Park. 

• 🏆The Banff Mountain Film Fest awarded Champions of the Golden Valley the grand prize for its inspiring story of Afghan youth embracing skiing amidst political challenges, while 109 Below took Best Adventure, capturing the tension of a 1983 rescue on Mount Washington’s harsh terrain. Check out the other Film Fest winners here. 

• 👏Banff was highlighted in this popular travel magazine, with readers tipped off to local favorites like Magpie & Stump’s tacos, the iconic poutine at Banff Poutine, and BeaverTails’ sweet treats downtown.

CANMORE’S FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECT COMPLETE

What's Happening: After a decade, Canmore has completed the Cougar Creek Debris Flood Retention Structure, a 34-meter-high embankment designed to protect against devastating floods like the 2013 disaster. Though final touches like landscaping and signage are due by spring 2025, the $72.7 million structure is already safeguarding the community.

Quick Facts: Located 600 meters upstream from the Cougar Creek neighborhood, this structure slows floodwaters and traps debris, protecting homes and critical infrastructure. It’s funded by a team effort: $19 million from Alberta’s Flood Recovery Erosion Control Program, $14.447 million from Canada’s New Building Fund, $26.955 million from Alberta Community Resilience, and $12.3 million from Canmore’s reserves.

Durability and Maintenance: Expected to last 100 years, the structure will undergo major maintenance every 25 years, with updates to monitoring equipment and refurbishing steel and concrete components.

Future Resilience: Cougar Creek is just one part of Canmore’s flood mitigation strategy. Additional flood defenses for creeks like Three Sisters and Pigeon are slated for the next four years, ensuring comprehensive protection for the area.

Community Engagement: A celebration and open house event planned during Emergency Preparedness Week next spring will allow locals to tour the structure.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Banff Book Club. Join a six-week book club delving into life, death, and mindfulness through guided discussions and personal reflection. 3 - 4 PM.  Banff Library. Free. 

• Adult African Drumming. Join in on the fun and play djembe drums! No experience is necessary, and instruments are provided. 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Scout Hall. $25 per person. Ages 11+.

• Beers for Queers. Banff Pride hosts a night of community, laughs, and great beer. Banff Brewing Company. 8 PM until late. Free.

• Trivia night. Play trivia with friends, and snack on $8 fried pickles and $12 poutine. Tavern 1883. 8:30 PM. $2 to play.

Thursday

• Super Smash Bros Tournament. Battle it out for top fighter. Each participant is guaranteed three matches in the round-robin before entering a double-elimination bracket. 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Fenlands. $5 entry fee.

• Women’s Circle: Upcycle Paint Night. Refashion an article of clothing using fabric paints! Participants will learn how to create a unique, wearable item while exploring sustainable fashion. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. YWCA Banff. Free, but registration required. 

• HH Banff Run Club. Run between 3 to 10 KM, depending on experience, with weekly giveaways courtesy of Helly Hansen. 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Various locations.

• Forever is Now Film Screening. Follow Zion National Park’s keepers as they balance recreation with environmental impact. 7:00 PM. ArtsPlace. $20 / members $17 / youth $10. Special conversation with filmmakers to follow.

• Wing Night at BLAKE Brewhouse & Distillery. Join us for $12 duck wings and steins while catching Thursday Night Football on the big screens. All evening. BLAKE Brewhouse & Distillery.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ♣️ Creative Combat 10.0. The Silent Auction is open! Bid on everything from private concerts to ski vacations, books, art, and more.

• 🍻 Happy Hour. The Canmore Saloon's lunch specials are back from 12-4 PM, with drink specials from 2-5 PM, Monday-Friday—perfect for a laid-back afternoon on Main Street.

• 📚 Life-Long Learning. Bow Valley Adult Learning Centre is still accepting registrations for Canmore and Banff locations. Reserve your seat today!

• 🧘 Yoga with Friends. Join Flow State’s 30-Day Yoga Challenge until December 3. Stay for a second month at 50% off!

• 🚵 We Love CAMBA. Canmore & Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) does incredible work in the Valley. Now’s your chance to give back and support their efforts!

• 🏠 Housing Update. Canmore Community Housing’s Ptarmigan Pointe development has hit the affordable housing market!

• 🍷 Join the WineSpiel! One spot left in the Canmore Golf and Curling Club’s WineSpiel. Register at [email protected]—two males/two females required.

• 🧗 Climbing Competition. The Canmore Climbing Gym’s community scramble competition is set for Nov 15-16. Spectators are welcome, but space is limited. Get tickets!

• 🎉 Alternative Education. Alpenglow School families are hosting a play and lantern walk next Wednesday. Hot cider for $1—bring your mug and a food bank donation!

CHARITY OF THE WEEK: BOW VALLEY CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Bow Valley Christmas Spirit has launched its 2024 campaign to raise $105,000 to help local families in Canmore and MD of Bighorn this holiday season. 

Every dollar goes directly towards providing grocery and gift cards, helping those in need enjoy a warm and joyful season.  

Your donation today can make a difference—visit here to help Bow Valley Christmas Spirit reach its goal.

CIVIC NEWS

• On the heels of yesterday’s vote in Canmore for tourist homes to register as businesses, Banff has similar land use and bed and breakfast bylaw amendments on their schedule next week. The agenda for Tuesday, November 12, can be viewed here.

• The Sedona Sister Cities Association is progressing toward a formal sister city agreement with Canmore, expected to be signed in 2025. Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert presented a friendship city certificate to Sedona's mayor, and both communities continue to explore cultural and educational partnerships to strengthen their ties.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, November 6, 6-9 PM: Open Mic Night. Location: Wildlife Distillery. No Cover.

• Wednesday, November 6, 9 PM: Bring on the Snow, UNLTD Boardshop Winter Launch Party with DJ Bunny Hops. Location: High Rollers. No Cover.

• Thursday, November 7, 7 PM: Rippn The Rockies (3rd Year). Location: Melissa’s MisSteak. Tickets from $15.75.

SPORTS

• The Banff Film Festival may be over, but the stoke continues. Watch skiers ascend Mount Victoria and descend the northeast face.  This iconic peak, named for Queen Victoria, stands over 11,000 feet and offers breathtaking views and challenging terrain for expert skiers.

That’s all, folks!

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