💍Viral Wedding Proposal + Banff Housing Crisis

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Good morning, Bow Valley!

Did you know there are multiple Little Free Libraries dotted around Banff and Canmore? Look out for them at the start of trails, in mall corners, and in hotel lobbies!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Changes to tackle the housing crisis in Banff

• Wedding proposal at Lake Louise goes viral 

• Freeride skiing and snowboarding could be heading to the Olympics

• + Have a say in how Canmore trails get developed

Let’s get to it!

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

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DEBATES START ON THE BANFF LAND USE BYLAW

What’s happening: Banff proposes changes to the land use bylaw to address the housing crisis. Changes include removing parking requirements for new housing and increasing building height allowances. The proposal moves to its second and third hearings this week.

Why: Banff faces a shortage of 700 to 1000 homes. With 60% of the population renting and 40% working short-term, the surge in retail and restaurant venues has increased the demand for housing.

Support: Critical workers will get housing, helping businesses during peak seasons. Some residents believe this will retain valuable community members.

Concerns: Increased building heights may affect the town's character and scenery, reduce green space, worsen congestion, and impact environmental protection and residents’ privacy.

Your thoughts: Do you support the proposed changes to Banff's land use bylaws?

THE DIGEST

• 💍As locals, we’ve seen surprise proposals all over the Bow Valley, whether in front of Three Sisters Peak, at Surprise Corner, or at the top of mountains. But over 3.8 million people saw this one at Lake Louise when it went viral on TikTok! 
  
  

• ⛷️Two skiers fell 550 meters down the southwest ridge of Mount Temple, resulting in one of the parties being critically injured.
  
  

• 🛰The RCMP showcased how drones enhance public safety and aid in investigations. In a mock scenario, they used drones over Îyârhe Nakoda First Nation to locate a missing five-year-old who wandered into a wooded area.
  
  

• 🛣️Alberta is launching a Canmore Area Trails Strategy and wants your input! Share your thoughts on safety, recreation, and accessibility. The Bow Valley community knows best! Take the survey here.
  
  

• 🚧Part of Highway 1 near Ghost Lake Village was closed in both directions on Monday after a serious car collision. Detours were set up at both Morley and Jamieson Road.

THE BOW VALLEY WINTER SHELTER NEEDS MORE

What’s happening: The Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley (HSBV) is requesting additional funding for a longer operational period based on last season's needs.

Why it’s important: More funding is crucial due to an increase in the number of people needing shelter (40 people, 640 occupied bed nights in 2023-24). Bow Valley temperatures can drop to -40°C, often extending beyond the shelter's current open period (December to April).

HSBV's Requests:

• Sustainable, diverse funding

• Use of Scout Hall in Canmore from October to May

• Free rent from 10 pm to 9 am (currently 12 pm to 6 pm)

What’s next: Canmore Council will discuss this funding request in July.

Feedback: Guests have stated that without the winter shelter, they would have slept outside, couch-surfed, or had no place to stay, highlighting the shelter's essential role. Share your thoughts on the winter shelter and its impact.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday, June 26th

• Indoor Walk, 1.30 PM-3.30 PM at The Fenlands Recreation Centre, Banff. Every Wednesday, you can join others for a social, indoor walk around the Fenlands facility or on a cardio machine, guided by a certified fitness leader. Free. 
  
  

• Guided Plain of Six Glaciers Hike, 7.30 AM-2.30 PM. Join the BanffLIFE program for a guided hike from Lake Louise to the Plain of Six Glaciers. Cost is $100 or $20 for Banff Residents. Transportation is provided.
  
  

• Cultural Learning Circle: Stories Are In Our Bones, 7 PM-9:30 PM at Arts Place, Canmore. Watch short films on cultural disconnection and healing by Indigenous filmmaker Janine Windolph and the Nakoda AV Club, followed by discussions with the artists. Free. RSVP is required here. Spaces are filling up!
  
  

• Voluntary Work for Trail Build Nights, 6 PM-8.30 PM. Calling all volunteers to help with trail maintenance for the Highline Berms Connector. Meet in the Quarry Lake parking lot.

Thursday, June 27th

• Home Hardware Charity BBQ, 11.30 AM - 2.30PM. On Thursdays, join a BBQ while supporting a great cause in Canmore for the YWCA Higher Ground Project.

Friday, June 28th

• Salsa Socials with Salsa Canmore, 8 PM. Arts Place is holding a Latin Dance class followed by a dance party and snacks. Registration is $15 for non-members or $12.75 for members.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🏷️Rhythm and Howl in Canmore giving 15% off to locals (Restrictions apply)
  
  

• 🐶Last week, we highlighted some Bow Valley SPCA adorable pooches waiting for a forever home. This week, Henry needs your help.
  
  

• 🛤️Volunteers needed! The Friends of Kananaskis are doing trail work at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Work will include trail maintenance, building a new trail, and spring sweeps. Create a volunteer account to join.
  
  

• 🔥HOT off the press! Parks Canada has raised Banff’s fire danger rating to High. Report any suspicious smoke or illegal campfires to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470. 
  
  

• 🛠Do you know about the BanffLIFE and MountainLIFE programs? The Town of Banff facilitates activities in the Bow Valley and around the mountains, like hikes, climbing, and BBQs for both young adults in Banff and adults aged 31+. 
  
  

• 🏥Ridgeview Medical Clinic has moved! It’s operating out of Spring Creek Integrated Health at 1404 Spring Creek Gate while its clinic undergoes renovations. 
  
  

• 🏄🏻‍♀️Take a Stand-Up Paddle Board Class and join a new community! Lucy Hill hosted a community paddle in Canmore for the full moon and said it was absolutely incredible meeting so many other amazing locals. 
  

• 🛟On Monday we talked about outdoor fire ethics, today here are some tips for water safety!

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore's Subdivision Development and Appeal Board will decide whether to confirm an appealed stop order given to a resident for an unauthorized tourist home on Thursday, June 27, at 1:30 PM. (See full meeting agenda here.) 

  
  

• The Town of Canmore Planning Commission approved three significant projects, including a church, a mixed-use building, and an apartment building. (See the full meeting minutes here and all current planning applications here).  

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, June 26, 7.30 PM. Chamber Music Concert: Epic is a ‘journey from timeless classics to the modern edge of chamber music.’ Location: Rolston Recital Hall. Tickets here for $20. 
  
  

• Thursday, June 27, 7.30 PM. Mari Rosehill is a Canmore-born-and-raised Indie/Folk singer-songwriter. Her new album touches on her phases of life growing up in Canmore and how this town has changed alongside her. Location: Arts Place, Canmore. Get tickets from $25 here.

SPORTS

• On June 22, Kananaskis Village was the finish line for a 100 mile relay race that started in Longview, south-west Alberta. Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge hosted the post-race experience including meals and drinks to keep the staff busy well after the runners finished the Kananaskis 100 Mile Relay.
  
  

• Watch out 2030 Olympics, Freeride skiers and snowboarders may be making their debut now that the sport is officially an International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) discipline. This announcement has had a huge impact on hopeful skiing and snowboarding careers.

That’s all, folks!

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