🤑 1.2M to Move The Banff Sign

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We’re starting today with a call to action.  Our local dog rescue is running out of resources. Briana, the founder of Heart Mountain Rescue, and her tiny team of volunteers are the last lifeline for dogs with nowhere else to go. So here’s the deal: we’re asking Bow Valley Insiders to please snag a $10 raffle ticket right now. When you do, you’ll be entered to win a round-trip WestJet flight for two. But, the real prize is that you will be supporting a local organization that urgently needs our help to cover essential costs like food, medicine, veterinary care, and other life-saving services. Ten bucks won’t change your day, but it can completely change a dog’s life. 

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

BANFF WEIGHS OVERCROWDING PLAN AS WATERTON HITS CAPACITY

What’s Happening? Waterton Lakes National Park hit capacity on Sunday of the August long weekend, forcing Parks Canada to divert vehicles away from the entrance for several hours. Officials said the move was “absolutely necessary” to prevent unmanageable congestion. (cough, cough, does that sound familiar?)

Plan Ahead or Be Turned Away. Waterton doesn’t have a fixed cap on visitors, but on long weekends, especially this year with free entry under the Canada Strong Pass, staff monitor traffic in real time and close access when parking overflows or emergency vehicle access is at risk. The last time this happened was in 2017.

How This Plays Out in Banff. Banff National Park doesn’t have a hard “no more visitors” number either. Instead, it uses the same dynamic approach: tracking vehicle counts, closing hotspots when full, and diverting traffic if congestion risks blocking emergency routes. These closures tend to happen at specific sites rather than park gates:

• Lake Louise: In peak summer, ~1,800 cars a day are turned away once the lot is filled.

• Moraine Lake: Before the private vehicle ban in 2023, up to 5,000 cars a day were refused entry.

• Sulphur Mountain Gondola: More than half of drivers after 10 AM in summer 2022 were turned back.

Banff’s Crowd Management Plan. Banff is weighing a “human use management framework” that could use tools such as timed entry, coordinated transit systems, and multi-agency partnerships to address overcrowding. While some locals want hard visitor limits and others fear economic fallout, the framework would first seek public input before determining specific measures.

THREE BATHROOMS WALK INTO A BAR…

 …and none of them have to be shared. Every bedroom in this brand-new half duplex has its own spa-like ensuite, so there’s no waiting in line or competing for mirror space.

Welcome to 245B Three Sisters Drive, a 3-bed + den walkout where the large office easily doubles as a 4th sleeping area, and a spacious rec room is just steps away. Inside, you’ll find Fulgor Milano appliances, custom cabinetry, wood ceilings, a built-in wet bar, and sleek hardwood floors.

Oversized sliders open to a sun-soaked balcony, private covered patio, and a mountain-facing view deck. The walkout backyard backs onto protected green space, so you’ll always have peace and privacy.

If you’re into space, luxury, and serious hosting potential, come see for yourself at the Open House this Saturday, August 9, from 12 to 3 PM. 

And be sure to follow Alex and Lori on Instagram for more property updates.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 🤑 Banff Sign Moving to Train Station (All on Private Dime). We’ve finally got the date. The iconic Banff sign will move from Mt. Norquay Rd to the Train Station this October. The Waterous family, owners of Mt. Norquay Ski Resort, is covering the entire $1.2M bill, which includes the move and a new parkette, giving visitors a safer, photo-friendly gathering space. That’s a lotta sign moolah, but it’s not costing taxpayers a cent. Read the full press release.

• ✅ Highway 40 Reopens to Single-Lane Traffic After Mudslide. Traffic is moving again on Highway 40 after a weekend mudslide shut it down. One-lane alternating traffic is now open between Mist Creek and Mount Lipsett day-use areas as crews prop up the slide zone. We asked Alberta Parks if Mount Lipsett and Mist Mountain trails have reopened. They didn’t respond (of course). But, their website quietly dropped the advisories before we hit publish.

• 🐻 Bear Warnings Spread in K-Country. Multiple bear warnings and two closures are now in effect. One cyclist used bear spray after a close encounter near Mount Shark Road, where bears are gorging on berries. Other closures involve carcass and berry feeding sites, with several grizzlies (some with cubs) active. Thirteen areas in Spray Valley Provincial Park alone are affected as of August 5th. Check them all before heading out.

• 📰 Bow Valley Mayors Push for Calgary–Banff Passenger Rail. The mayors of Calgary, Cochrane, Canmore, and Banff have formed the Bow Valley Corridor Alliance, urging Ottawa to fast-track a Calgary-to-Banff passenger rail line under the “One Canadian Economy” Bill. They favour a conventional route over high-speed rail, saying it would boost tourism, cut traffic, and serve commuters, including Stoney Nakoda communities.

• 🐆 Canmore’s Orphaned Cougars Find Permanent Home in Quebec. You might remember the story from February, when two young cougars were orphaned after their mother was killed near Gap Lake. They’re now settled at Parc Safari in Quebec. After months in quarantine, the 11-month-olds are starting to be seen by visitors.

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BY 2031, BOW VALLEY NEEDS 3,000 MORE HOMES

What’s Happening? The Bow Valley will need nearly 3,000 new homes by 2031 and over 5,200 by 2041 to meet projected growth. And that’s just to keep pace, not to solve the backlog. The numbers come from Bow Valley Regional Housing’s 2024 Needs Assessment.

Affordability in Freefall. Between 2021 and 2024, advertised rents climbed at four times the pace of wages, and we can vouch for it. One of our writers watched their rent jump from $1,800 to $2,800 a month in that span. That kind of squeeze pushes many households into “core housing need,” meaning they spend more than 30% of income just to keep a roof overhead. 

Where the Gaps Are:

• Banff: Shortfall of 700–1,000 units 

• Canmore: Needs 1,740 units by 2030; two-thirds of the valley’s total housing stock sits here.

• Supportive Housing: By 2041, the 65+ population will hit 6,069, requiring 175 more long-term care units.

The Big Constraints. Land scarcity, growth limits, and Banff’s residency rules keep supply tight, while high land values steer developers toward top-dollar projects. 

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Free Family Movie. Paw Patrol fans can catch a free screening of Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie with complimentary popcorn. Wear your comfiest PJs and bring a blanket or stuffed animal for extra coziness. 3:00–5:00 PM. Banff Library, Free.

• Roller Disco. Show off your best roller disco moves as you skate beneath the spinning disco ball. Wear a costume? Why not? Bring a friend? Absolutely. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Drop-In Fees Apply.

Saturday

• Heart Mountain Rescue Fundraiser. Support local dog rescue with live music, cold beer, sunshine, and adoptable pups at this feel-good summer event. All proceeds go toward helping homeless dogs in the Bow Valley. 1–4PM. Sheepdog Brewing, Canmore. Free entry, donations welcome.*

• Full Moon Sound Bath. Experience a sound bath that blends full moon energy with healing vibrations for stress relief, intuition, and deeper meditation. No experience needed. 7:00–8:00 PM. Rimrock, Banff. $30.

• Chase the Ace. A weekly lottery where you draw cards to find the ace of spades and win the growing jackpot. Last Saturday, Ann Miller missed it, so the pot’s still up for grabs. Get tickets online or at the Banff Legion. 7:15 PM. Banff Legion.*

Sunday

• Hiking Meet-Up. Connect with fellow hikers on a 16k moderate loop around Upper Kananaskis Lake. Leisurely pace with time for a swim. 9AM–4PM, Upper Kananaskis Day Use Area. Free.

• Brunch With The Boss. The Boss offers a great brunch menu. From the classic Mountain Breakfast (with bison fennel sausage), to "Build-Your-Own-Benedicts” Croissant French toast, and Omelettes! 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM every Saturday + Sunday, plus long weekends. The Boss, Banff.*

ANTS. SPIDERS. WASPS. IT’S NOT A NATURE DOCUMENTARY… IT’S YOUR HOUSE.

Cue the suspenseful voiceover:

“In a quiet mountain town, one home was under siege…”

No, you’re not being dramatic. When ants take over your kitchen or wasps build a condo under your deck, it’s time to call in Innovative Pest Solutions.

These guys don’t just spray and pray. They’re local, science-driven, and offer eco-friendly treatments that are safe for pets, kids, and your summer sanity.

Their seasonal pest control plan (May to September) includes proactive monthly treatments for ants, spiders, and other crawling nightmares, starting at just $27/month. 

Founded by three ex-corporate pest pros who moved to Canmore to do things differently, they’ve already earned the trust of major property managers.

Now, they’re here for you.

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_{*Presented by Innovative Pest Solutions.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 📌 A One-Day Tour of Banff & Canmore’s Famous Movie Locations. From The Last of Us to The Revenant, the Rockies have been a leading star in more films than you might think. We’ve mapped out a one-day road trip hitting the most iconic filming spots, including where Leo froze, Jackie Chan brawled, and Pedro Pascal crossed the “River of Death.” See the whole route with Google Maps pins.

• 📸 Artist & Model Networking Event. If you’re a photographer looking for models, or models looking for photographers, this is for you. A relaxed event where people sip coffee and chat with one another (a shocking concept in today’s day and age). 

• ⛑️ Electric Vehicles Fire Safety Training for Firefighters. As more EVs hit the Valley, so do their flammable battery hazards. This past week, Banff firefighters underwent hands-on training and extrication of electric vehicles. Thank goodness for firefighters. Check out the action.   

• 🏞️ Lake Minnewanka Season Trail Restrictions. This is a reminder that trail restrictions, including a minimum group of four people, accessible bear spray, and no bikes or dogs beyond the Steward Canyon Bridge, are in effect until September 15th. Read the statement.  

• ⛳ Nordic Centre Event Notice. The Canmore Nordic Centre is hosting an exclusive disc golf event on Sunday from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. The disc golf course and Top Gun Biking trail will be closed, as the trail runs through the course.

• 👔 Grocery Card Coordinator. Several Canmore non-profits fundraise through a program where supporters buy Save-On-Foods grocery cards, and 10% of each sale is donated back to the participating groups. The program needs a new coordinator as Fortune (yes, the same Fortune that helps produce this newsletter) is moving on. Email [email protected] for details.

CIVIC NEWS

• Permit Approval. The notice of decision for the 100 Palliser Lane Purpose-Built Rental Development has been posted. The approved design variance allows greater flexibility in the building’s architectural design.

• Water Main Flushing in Hamlets. The M.D of Bighorn Public Works Department advises residents that they will be flushing water mains in Harvie Heights, Dead Man’s Flats, and Exshaw next week. More information.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, August 8th, 2025, 3:00 PM: DJ Bunny Hops. Location: Lupo Restaurant, Banff. No Cover. 

• Friday, August 8th, 2025, 6:00 PM: Irene Poole. Location: Banff Gondola. Free. 

• Saturday, August 9th, 2025, 2:00 PM. Andrew Staygold. Location: Lake Louise Ski Resort. No Cover.

• Saturday, August 9th, 2025, 3:00 PM. Sue Chick Denton. Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Saturday, August 9th, 2025, 10:00 PM. Kevin Rowland. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Sunday, August 10th, 2025, 9:00 PM. Dougy Deep. Location: Banff Ave Brew Co. Free.

SPORTS

• Canmore’s Logan Sadesky Takes Bronze at Nationals. Fresh off a win at the Canmore MTB Classic, Logan Sadesky pedaled to a second straight bronze at the Canadian XCO Championships in Langford, BC. Ranked 63rd in the world, he’s just getting started.

That’s all, folks!

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

Heads Up: We sometimes feature paid promotion from local businesses and organizations we trust. When you see a little asterisk (*), that means it’s a sponsored post. We only work with partners we think our readers will actually care about.