🥶Wild Ice Awaits

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We’re exactly 1-week out from Christmas, and the festive events are on full display this week. There are also many ways to give back this holiday season, and we’ve tried to recap some of those local opportunities today. If you’re really feeling generous, you could also help us out by sharing Bow Valley Insider with your friends who may want to stay in the know. 

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Rate Hikes Hit Canmore in 2025

• G7 Tensions Rise In Kananaskis 

• Alberta’s Snowpack Needs a Miracle

• Plus, Santa’s Reindeer Are in Kananaskis

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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CANMORE’S UTILITY RATES SURGE TO FUND CRITICAL FIXES

What’s Happening? Canmore residents will see their utility bills climb starting in 2025, as council greenlights rate hikes to fund major infrastructure upgrades. Water and wastewater rates are set to rise by 12.9% next year and 14.6% in 2026.

Why the Increase? Big-ticket projects are on deck, including $75M in wastewater treatment upgrades, $500K+ for utility replacements, and skyrocketing construction costs since the pandemic. The goal? Keep Canmore’s utility reserve above $8M by 2030.

The Breakdown

• Residential: Average bills jump ~$183 in 2025.

• Commercial: Expect 12–13% hikes next year.

• Fixed water rates rise to $31.90/month in 2025; variable rates increase per usage.

Waste Not. Solid waste rates rise 4%, while residential recycling holds steady thanks to provincial reforms shifting recycling costs back to producers—saving Canmore ~$1M annually.

On Tap. Future projects include leak repairs, lift station upgrades, and accelerated water meter replacements, totaling $125M+ through 2030.

THE DIGEST

• 🚧Tunnel Mountain Drive will close Dec. 17–19 for emergency water repairs. Don’t worry, Buffalo Mountain Lodge and the Prow Restaurant guests—you’ll get a temporary road for smooth access. Just a small detour for the greater good of water services!

• ❄️Snow is scarce in Kananaskis this season, with a weak foundation for the snowpack, according to rescue specialists. Heading out? Check avalanche forecasts and brush up on safety. Mountain teams spend 80% of their time forecasting—so you can safely play with your new holiday toys. Let’s hope Santa brings snow!

• 🏡Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is serving holiday magic and s’mores this year, transforming into a life-sized gingerbread village. From strolls through candy cane-lined paths to an 8-foot gingerbread replica in the lobby, it’s a sweet escape for families. Don’t miss Santa’s real reindeer or a festive cocktail class—runs until Jan. 5!

• 🚅Roam Transit may soon retire cash fares and physical tickets, eyeing a move to contactless payments like credit cards, Interac, and fare-capped pre-paid cards. A review cites hygiene, ease for tourists, and better data collection as benefits. No changes yet—officials expect hard costs by March 2025 before deciding.

• 🛼Alberta’s wild ice season is here, and these stunning spots are ready for your skates. Glide over Lake Louise’s postcard-perfect rink, explore Abraham Lake’s famous methane bubbles, or hit quieter gems like Gap Lake (our personal favorite) or Johnson Lake. Just remember: check ice thickness, layer up, and bring your best skating moves.

STONEY NAKODA PUSH BACK ON G7 PLANS

What’s Happening? Two Stoney Nakoda First Nations are reconsidering their support for next year’s G7 summit in Kananaskis, citing Ottawa’s failure to address their concerns. Canada announced the summit location in June, but communication since has been rocky.

A Missed Connection. The Chiniki and Goodstoney bands were blindsided by the decision and have pushed for in-person talks with federal leadership to discuss their role. A planned November meeting with Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu was abruptly canceled, adding to frustrations.

What They Want. The nations are demanding timelines to resolve outstanding royalty issues, renegotiate expiring land leases, and discuss legacy funding. They envision building a cultural centre and museum on their land as part of G7 benefits.

On Thin Ice. Without meaningful engagement, the nations warned Ottawa they’ll “pursue other avenues” to ensure their voices are heard—an unwelcome development for an event focused on international diplomacy. Ottawa says a new meeting is pending.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Gift Wrapping Party. An evening of festive fun, creativity, and community! This special event is all about spreading joy—100% of proceeds will go to the CommUnity Fund, supporting local initiatives. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. CanMore Together, Canmore. $15 Donation to the CommUnity Fund

• Pottery Project & Pints. The team from Crock A Doodle Canmore will guide you through a fun evening designed to help you unleash your inner artist and create your very own choice of winter or holiday-themed project. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Banff Ave. Brewing Co. $42.

• 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.

• Elevate 360 with a Holiday Twist. Bring your non-perishable food donations and help make a positive impact in our community. As a thank you for your generosity, each food item you bring gives you a chance to win a Swag Bag and a $100 UNLTD Gift Card*. 10:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Melissa’s MisSteak. $10.50.   

Thursday

• Mini-Christmas Party. Parents and caregivers, drop in to the play program with your children aged 0-6 for a mini-Christmas party 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Exshaw Community Centre, Exshaw. Free.

• Health Support Group. Find out what it means to be an Endo Warrior. Participants will discuss key topics, share stories and tools, and set the stage for what’s to come in January  6:15 PM. The Basement (Banff Canmore Foundation), Banff. Free.

• Holiday Hangout: Ornament Making (optional $24.76) & Ugly Christmas Sweater Competition. Celebrate the season with CYAN, a craft beer (or two ), and the ultimate holiday vibes. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Canmore Brewing Company, Canmore. Free. 

• Women’s Circle: Ugly Sweater Making. Gather for a fun evening of making ugly sweaters and connecting with others. Sweaters, decorations and materials are provided by the YWCA. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. YWCA Banff. Free, registration required.

• Three Sisters SOULstice Sound Session. Celebrate the solstice with a light ceremony and singing bowl sound journey. 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. 75 Dyrgas Gate, Canmore. $33.

• Nada Yoga Sacred Sound Healing Journey. Nāda Yoga is an ancient meditative art and science that brings inner peace, connection and radical transformation. 7:45 PM - 9:15 PM. The Yoga Lounge, Canmore. $40.  

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🥦Cheap Groceries. If you’re hosting dinner this year, Defending Awesome has compiled a list of the best prices for your holiday meal. Hurry! Some prices end today. 

• 🧺Holiday Hamper Volunteers Needed. Defending Awesome is looking for some hands to assemble and distribute hampers. Distribution is tomorrow.

• 🏒Ball Hockey Tournament. Teams from all corners of the Bow Valley are invited to register for the Tournament at Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada. 

• 👏Local Clothing Company. Congratulations to Motion96, which launched its activewear brand last week! 

• ⛸️Outdoor Skating in Banff. The outdoor skating rink in the Fenlands Meadow (northeast corner beside the recreation centre) is now open for the season! The rink is open daily, 8 AM to 8 PM, and rentals are available inside the Fenlands during operating hours.

• 👩🏻‍💻Canada Post Resumes Service. Canada Post employees are back to work as of yesterday. 

• ⛏Coal Mining History. Ever been interested in Canmore’s coal mining history. Start here with this awesome video.

• 🍻Fondue Happy Hour. The après party is with SkiBig3 at Bluebird. Keep the mountain high going with 50% off fondue, cocktails from $7, and ski chalet vibes. Saturday - Thursday 4 PM -5 PM and Friday 3 PM - 5PM. 

• 👉Tubing! The Tube Park at Norquay opens daily this Friday. The minimum age to participate is 4 years and 48 inches tall. 

• 🐶A Forever Home for Christmas. This will be Bedard's second Christmas at the Centre without a forever family. With everything going on, Bedard was unable to meet anyone last Saturday. Share this cutie’s face far and wide.

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: CANMORE SENIORS ASSOCIATION

From humble beginnings in 1976 as a collaborative project between the Town of Canmore’s Family and Community Support Services and its founding members, the Canmore Seniors Association has over 850 members today. A charitable, volunteer-led organization, the Canmore Seniors Association enhances the lives of its members through indoor and outdoor activities, social events, and learning opportunities. 

CIVIC NEWS

• The Town of Banff plans to replace the old water and sewer pipes under Caribou Street starting in fall 2025. The project will improve pedestrian access and safety but will disrupt businesses and traffic, especially during construction phases. A community open house is planned for March 2025 to provide more information. 

• A new Home Support Program, funded by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation, has launched in Banff. The program provides non-medical services such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, and companionship to older adults and other community members. This program aims to help residents remain independent in their homes and prevent social isolation. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday December 18th, 6:30 PM: Open Mic. Location: Wild Life Distillery, Canmore. Free.

• Wednesday, December 18th, 7:00 PM: Open Mic with Colin Macdonald. Location: The Local, Canmore. Free.

• Wednesday, December 18th, 10:00 PM: Battle of the Bands (FINALS TONIGHT!) Location: Tommy’s Neighborhood Pub, Banff. Free to Attend.

• Wednesday, December 18th, 10:00 PM: Halle Ponton. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, December 19th, 10:00 PM: Halle Ponton. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover

SPORTS

• Hockey. Canmore’s Finn McLaughlin played hero for Team USA, scoring the gold medal game-winner at the World Junior A Challenge. Meanwhile, Canmore Eagles’ Hudson Sedo and Zach Coutu helped Canada West secure bronze. Tough prelims aside, both Eagles called the experience unforgettable—Sedo’s framing his jersey, and Coutu brought the “western way” of hockey.

• Ski Cross. Canada dominated the Nakiska Ski Cross Nor-Am Cup, sweeping the women’s podium on day one and claiming top spots in all four races. Sage Stefani, Anne-Marie Joncas, and Kael Oberlander led the charge, while the men’s team placed six racers in the top 10 across both days. Next stop: Lake Louise in January.

• Climbing. Canmore’s Becca Frangos, 27, is retiring after a decade on the international climbing stage. From youth nationals to the 2023 Pan-Am Games, Frangos leaves a legacy of top-30 finishes and inspiration. Now, she’s trading chalk bags for mental health work, pursuing a Masters in counselling and new life passions.

That’s all, folks!

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