🙌Two Mountain Men, Honored

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Sprinkled throughout today’s newsletter are many updates on mountain culture stuff, everything from old timers being honoured to ice climbers chipping away at Canada’s global reputation. If it’s vertical, frozen, or steeped in history, we’ve got it covered!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Two local legends get the country’s highest award

• Banff’s housing crisis is getting some relief

• Canmore’s latest waste audit shows room for improvement

• Plus, an evening lantern skate, Christmas plays, apres, slay rides, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

Want to advertise to Bow Valley locals? Fill out this quick form

ORDER OF CANADA: THE ULTIMATE SUMMIT BADGE

What's Happening? Two local legends, Barry Blanchard of Canmore and Chic Scott of Banff, have been appointed Members of the Order of Canada. The honor recognizes their groundbreaking achievements in mountaineering and their lasting contributions to Canadian mountain culture.

What’s the Order of Canada? It’s one of the country’s highest civilian honors, celebrating individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Canada. Its motto, Desiderantes meliorem patriam (“They desire a better country”), captures the spirit of its recipients.

Barry Blanchard: The Alpinist’s Alpinist. Blanchard, a world-renowned climber, has tackled some of the hardest ascents in the Rockies, Himalayas, and Alps. His storytelling and mentorship have inspired generations of mountaineers.

Chic Scott: Ski and Summit Pioneer. Scott has skied and climbed across the globe, authored seminal works like Pushing the Limits, and completed historic traverses, like the 300 km Jasper-to-Lake Louise ski route. His legacy in mountain culture is unparalleled.

Why It Matters? These appointments not only honor two remarkable careers but spotlight the Bow Valley’s role as a hub for mountain excellence.

WISHING EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MITCHELL KOCIAN REAL ESTATE!!

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank all of our clients and colleagues for making 2024 such a successful and memorable year. 

The holiday season is a time for reflection, connection, and appreciation. We hope you take this opportunity to focus on what’s truly important—spending time with loved ones, embracing the beauty around you, and enjoying all that the Bow Valley has to offer.

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue supporting you with all your real estate needs!

Alex and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Here’s to a joyful holiday season and an amazing year ahead.

THE DIGEST

• ⛷️Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine just leveled up ski season with heated bubble lifts. Pipestone Express at Lake Louise zips you to the West Bowl in no time, while Sunshine’s Super Angel keeps things warm with bucket seats and slick new tech. Faster runs, shorter lines—who’s ready to shred?

• 🖼️First graders at G.H. Dawe School got a visit from wildlife photographer Jason Bantle after creating Christmas sweater-themed art inspired by his photo of Banff’s iconic grizzly, The Boss. Bantle shared bear stories, signed prints, and a lesson in conservation. Fun fact: The Boss might just be Canada’s most famous bear.

• 🏆Banff was named the “best place to visit in Canada” for 2025 by yet another travel list—this time from US News & World Report. Honestly, tell us something we don’t know. Banff’s been topping lists for years. Guess the secret’s out—again.

• 🏘️Banff’s housing crunch is getting some relief with 105 new units proposed since bylaw changes last summer. From parking reductions to incentive programs, the town is pulling out all the stops to encourage development. The downside? A few heritage buildings might face the wrecking ball. Progress isn’t always pretty.

• 🧗‍♀️TABVAR just dropped its 2024 Guidemap, showcasing this year’s shiny new climbing routes. Funded by the group since 1994, these routes are proof that Bow Valley climbers are never out of beta. Check it out on a desktop for the full experience—your next send might be a click away.

TALK TRASH TO ME

What's Happening? Canmore’s latest waste audit shows room for improvement, with over 60% of residential trash and 68% of commercial garbage still divertible to recycling or composting. Despite efforts, diversion rates remain stagnant, and the town is searching for solutions.

Missed the Bin. Even with three-bin systems, 40-45% of waste ends up composted, but recycling hovers at just 10-14%. Mayor Sean Krausert noted that more bins don’t necessarily mean better results, as user habits don’t seem to change.

The Upside. When residents and businesses do separate waste, contamination rates are impressively low. “It shows people are doing a really good job,” said Simon Robins, Canmore’s solid waste supervisor.

What’s Next? Recommendations include increasing bin availability, expanding education, and linking waste goals to Canmore’s Climate Emergency Action Plan. The Town also plans to add 20 new food waste bins and hire a zero-waste coordinator by 2026.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• In-Store Tasting. @juiceimports will be in Canmore pouring a bunch of wines from their portfolio - some tried and true and some new in-store arrivals from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Mixed Culture Beer Shop, Canmore. Free. 

• Free Family Movie. When Kevin’s family rushes off on a holiday trip to Paris three days before Christmas, they accidentally leave the youngster behind to deck the halls with a barrage of booby traps in Home Alone. 5:30 PM. artsPlace. Free.

• B-I-N-G-O! Friday is Bingo Night at the Canmore Legion. Bring extra cash for those pull tabs and tips for the hardworking staff. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Canmore Legion, Canmore.

• A Christmas Carol. Do not miss this timeless, heartwarming tale of a man named Scrooge who is visited by three ghosts and learns what the true meaning of Christmas is all about! 7:30 PM. Fairmont Banff Springs. $29.02.

Saturday

• Moxy Market. Join Banff Pride at the Moxy’s Holiday Market. Pick up your favourite Banff Pride tee shirt, totes, stickers, pins, and more! 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Moxy Banff. Free to Attend. 

• Apres at Lake Louise. After your laps, enjoy delicious drink specials and 4 Après menu items for the price of 3. 3:30PM - 6:00 PM. Kuma Yama, Lake Louise.  

• Christmas Supper. Roast Turkey, Mashed Potato, Stuffing, Veggie, Gravy, Cranberries, Bun & Dessert. Dine in & take out available. 6:00 PM. Exshaw Legion, Exshaw. $20, but call to book! 403-673-2792 or 403-673-3522. 

• Lantern Skate. Enjoy live local music and stay warm sipping hot tea by big fires. Join the community to say goodbye to the darkness and welcome longer days. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Free, but register to make sure there are enough lanterns and beverages!

• A Stoney Christmas. Join the multi-generational Smalleyes Family as they present their reimagined Christmas tale featuring traditional Indigenous dance, song, and storytelling. A Bow Valley tradition perfect for the whole family!artsPlace, Canmore. 7:00 PM. $17.50 / member price $14.86/ youth price $8.75

Sunday

• Festival of Trees. Wander through the magical forest of trees and wreaths, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite! All Day. Malcolm Hotel, Canmore. Free. (Get on Santa’s Nice List by checking out The Giving Tree).

• Paint Night. Gnome for the Holidays is the perfect painting inspiration for a festive time of the year. Sessions are guided with room for adding creative flair to your work of art. All levels are welcome. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Banff Legion. $40.

• Slay Ride. Celebrate the Holidays with performances by the fabulous Karla Marx and photo booth with Santa for all those on the naughty list. 9:30 PM - 12:00 AM. Banff Ave Brew Pub. $16.55. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🌲Tree Recycling. Over the Holiday season, recycling bins will be placed the week of December 16th and picked up the week of January 13th. Locations can be viewed here. 

• 💡CYAN Survey. Share your thoughts on continuing to grow CYAN, offering more affordable events, and providing even better resources. As a thank you, you could WIN one of eight $10 Eclipse gift vouchers! 

• 🚌Roam Ridership is Growing. Roam surpassed last year's total ridership at 2,644. Your support helps keep our community moving. Up next: riders can now request a stop between dusk and dawn. 

• 🅿️Paid Parking. This is a friendly reminder that Riverside Park and the parking lot at the Bow River Boat Launch are now paid parking. Canmore residents are still entitled to their free three hours.

• 🤝Hope for the Holidays. YWCA Banff supports vital programs, including emergency shelter, affordable housing, support for those who have experienced sexualized or domestic violence, and community education. Donate today to double your impact!  

• ✍Hockey Day Volunteers! Sign up to volunteer during the week of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, at one of many events taking over the town of Canmore. We are seeking volunteers with various availability and skillsets.

• 🌐Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce. 2025 Membership renewals are starting now! Have you been thinking about joining, but not sure why? Here are some of the top reasons why being a member can benefit your business.

• 💐Christmas Bouquet Pop-Up. Stop by @rusticanagrocery between December 19-24 and grab a festive bouquet for a last-minute gift or to bring some Christmas cheer to your home for the holidays!   

• 🚆Last Day! As Alberta experiences record population growth and evolving transportation needs, passenger rail infrastructure and services will be vital to connecting our communities. Have your say on the Passenger Rail Master Plan. 

• 📨MD of Bighorn News Delay. The MD of Bighorn will not be mailing the newsletter to residents this quarter. If you would like a hard copy, copies will be printed and available for pickup at the MD of Bighorn office. 

CIVIC NEWS

• This past week, the Committee of the Whole reviewed proposed changes to the Council Remuneration Policy, which includes adjustments to Councillor and Mayor pay and benefits. Updates to the Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw were discussed, focusing on areas like Cougar Creek and Three Sisters Mountain Village. The Town of Canmore is also monitoring affordability by tracking living costs, income, and housing expenses.

• The Town of Banff will spend over $1.1 million on wildfire preparedness in 2025, using funds from increased parking fees to support the effort without burdening local taxpayers. The money will go towards removing trees and debris, upgrading fire protection equipment, and safeguarding critical infrastructure like the wastewater treatment plant. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, December 20th, 4:00 PM: Mari Rosehill. Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Friday, December 20th, 7:00 PM: The Three Sisters: A Christmas Trio Location: St. George's in the Pines Anglican Church, Banff. $22.63

• Friday, December 20th, 7:00 PM: Six by Flour Blues. Location: The Mine Shaft, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, December 21st, 5:00 PM:  Noah Isaac Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Saturday, December 21st, 8:00 PM: Castle Carolers Sing Along Canmore Concert Location: Ralph Connor Church, Canmore. $20. 

• Sunday, December 22nd, 5:00 PM: REWD. Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Sunday, December 22nd, 5:00 PM: Castle Carolers Sing Along Canmore Concert. Location: Rundle United Church, Banff. $20. 

SPORTS

• Ice Climbing. Canada’s ice climbers are chipping away at the international scene, with Bow Valley athletes like Nick Baggaley leading the charge. The new 24-member national team is out to prove drytooling and ice climbing aren’t just niche sports. With homemade gyms and pay-to-play grit, they’re scaling toward recognition.

• Hockey. The Canmore Eagles took five of eight points on their four-game road swing last week.

That’s all, folks!

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