🐺Wolf Hunt Sparks Outrage

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Happy Monday, and welcome to December!  When we hear things like, “I look forward to opening your newsletter,” it honestly makes our team so happy. So, thank you for your kind words! And don’t forget—this newsletter is your space, too. Keep sharing your thoughts, stories, and ideas. Let’s make this the best Monday yet!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Bearspaw’s $5 fight with the feds 

• A $5000 prize for Alberta’s top wolf 

• How a lost wedding in the snow turned into a miracle 

• Run clubs, cheap groceries, grand opening specials

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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

BEARSPAW TO CANADA: $5 DOESN’T CUT IT

What's Happening? The Bearspaw First Nation is suing the federal government, claiming Treaty 7’s $5 annual payment made to each member of the Nation hasn’t been adjusted for inflation since 1877. The lawsuit, filed on Nov. 25, seeks a court-mandated adjustment to reflect modern cost-of-living standards.

Historical Context. Treaty 7, signed in 1877, promised payments, land, and resource-sharing agreements in exchange for traditional territory. While $5 once supported a family through winter, today, it barely buys coffee. Legal reps argue this neglect is “an 11 out of 10” on exploitation.

The Bigger Picture. The lawsuit follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that governments failed similar obligations in other treaties. While Treaty 7 lacks a specific inflation clause, Bearspaw claims a promise to mirror other treaties supports their case.

Next Steps. The suit must first be certified by the court. If successful, it could compel Canada to address longstanding inequities and recalibrate Treaty 7 annuities for its 30,000 members. Stay tuned—history may be in the making.

THE DIGEST

• 🐺In controversial wildlife news, a wolf hunt in Alberta offering cash prizes and bounties has sparked debate. Organizers say it helps manage predator populations to protect ungulates, while critics question its scientific basis and raise concerns about its ecological impact.

• 🏘️Do you want a nice house or nice views? A Canmore home near downtown sold for $3.2 million after 223 days and $500,000 in price cuts. While the design and location impressed, obstructed views and nearby construction slowed the sale—until repeat visitors finally made an offer.

• 💍How’s this for a treasure hunt story? Dani’s wife lost two rings hiking near the Three Sisters in Canmore before their flight to Spain. The Ring Finders, a global network of metal-detecting specialists, stepped in. Despite no luck with the detector, their persistence paid off. Watch the full video to see the recovery!

• 🤝Many small Alberta municipalities are hiring for roles with salaries over $100,000. We skimmed the list, and Canmore has a spot that fits the bill. The town is looking for a general manager for corporate services—sure, it’s not the most exciting title, but a six-figure salary in the Rockies? Not bad.

• ⛷️Vogue Magazine gave a nod to our backyard, ranking Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine Village among Canada’s top ski spots, a nice reminder that locals don’t need to travel far for an unbeatable winter experience.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING JUST GOT MORE AFFORDABLE

What's Happening? Starting Jan. 1, 2025, the Banff Housing Corporation (BHC) will no longer pay municipal property taxes on its below-market rental housing. This new exemption, introduced by a provincial ministerial order, aims to reduce costs for affordable housing providers.

By the Numbers. In 2024, the BHC paid approximately $58,000 for the 131-unit Ti’Nu project and $2,700 for two Moffat Manor units. The exemption will free up funds for BHC to focus on maintaining and expanding affordable housing options.

Who is BHC? The Banff Housing Corporation is a non-profit organization created by the Town of Banff to address local housing challenges. It develops and manages affordable rental and homeownership programs to help residents live and work in Banff—a community where housing demand often exceeds supply.

What’s Next? The ministerial order allows municipalities to reinstate taxes via bylaw but keeps properties exempt from the provincial education tax. Banff’s council decided not to pursue this option, ensuring these properties remain tax-free.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Winter Run Club. The Rockies Run Collective meets at Lululemon in Banff at 6 PM. Free.

• Public Skating. Lace-up those skates and come on down for public skating. 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. Canmore Rec Centre. Drop-in fees apply.  

• Trivia Night. Gather some friends and work your brains. The Moxy Banff. 8 PM.   

• Monday Night Stretch! CYAN hosts Monday night yoga weekly. Drop-in, no experience necessary. 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM. The Yoga Lounge. By Donation. 

Tuesday

• 15% off Groceries! It’s the first Tuesday of the month, which means 15% off groceries. All Day. Save-On-Foods. 

• Meet New Friends at Basecamp. This a free drop-in social program for young adults living/working in Banff. Play games and enjoy free drinks and baked goods. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Wild Flour Bakery. Free.

• Cribbage Night. Open cribbage night. One on one. Prizes are available to first and last participants. Arrive early to register. Email [email protected] for questions. 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM. CanGolf/Finchy’s.

• Learn 2 Curl. Local experts from the Banff Curling Club share their knowledge. Fenlands. 530 PM - 7:00 PM. $30.  

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 💝Giving Tuesday! Two generous donors will match all donations to the BVSPCA this Giving Tuesday up to $20,000! This means your generosity will be doubled, up to $20,000, when you donate on December 3! 

• 💺Expired Car Seats. The Town of Banff Waste Transfer Site will accept used and expired child car seats for recycling until the end of the year! 

• 📝Applicant Assistance. Need help applying for a holiday hamper? Defending Awesome has you covered! Drop by Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday this week.

• 🍻Happy Hour is Calling. $6 16oz draught at all Grizzly Paw locations. $25 Pizza and a Pint at Tank 310, Monday to Friday from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

• 🏷️Grand Opening Special. Jugemu Banff is offering locals 20% off drinks until December 24th! 

• 🎄The Annual Mînî Thnî Christmas Feast is on. The Ralph Connor Memorial United Church is seeking toys, donations, and volunteers for Santa’s upcoming visit to the Bearspaw Youth Centre.

• 🌟Cash Prizes! Lake Louise Resort is hosting its first rail jam of the season! The contest is open to Skiers & Riders 16+ and will give out cash for tricks + prizes for standouts. 

• 📌Real-Time Snow Clearing Info. Most Town of Banff snow management vehicles have GPS sensors, which report their current location and speed. This information is updated every 5 minutes so you can see where vehicles are currently located, as well as where they’ve been today. 

• 🎨Art Grant. Art is the heART of what makes HeARTburn so special. Every year, inspiring art pieces come to life for this exhibition!  Applications close December 15, so don’t miss out. Apply today!

• 🎗Community Helpers Wellness Program. This workshop is a mental health awareness and suicide prevention program funded by Alberta Health Services. The program teaches you how to help those experiencing a mental health issue and introduces you to free resources in the Bow Valley. Wednesday, December 11. Register by contacting [email protected]. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Dead Man's Flats has reached its water and wastewater capacity, leading the MD of Bighorn to approve new connection fees. This was necessary after using up the limits set in a 2020 agreement with Canmore. Canmore also increased its off-site levy rates, which are under appeal. Both municipalities are working together to address future development in Dead Man's Flats and ensure transparency in cost allocation.

• Canmore Council has approved a medical, caregiver, and compassionate care leave policy for its elected officials, marking a step forward in supporting council members during personal or family emergencies. The policy includes paid leave options for medical needs, caregiving, and end-of-life situations, ensuring leaders can serve the community without sacrificing personal responsibilities.

• The Town of Canmore’s Regular Council meeting is tomorrow at 9:00 AM, and it’s a big agenda. This meeting is open to the public and can be attended in person or live-streamed.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday December 2nd 10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Tuesday December 3rd 10:00 PM: Andy Loops. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Tuesday December 3rd 10:00 PM: Karaoke with Andrew Staygold.. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• World Cup Update. Canmore’s Britt Richardson secured 27th place at the Killington World Cup giant slalom, earning her second top 30 finish this season. Competing alongside the world’s best, Richardson continues to make her mark on the international stage.  

• CHL Player Eligibility. The NCAA’s decision to allow CHL players eligibility for Division I hockey is reshaping the hockey landscape, including the Canmore Eagles. Rookie goalie Hudson Sedo, who’s shined with a .926 save percentage, is now on the WHL radar, adding to a whirlwind season for the Eagles as they navigate player movement and new opportunities.

That’s all, folks!

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