🚁1 Hiker Dies, 2 Rescued

Good morning, Bow Valley!

It’s been a somber week in the Bow Valley, with details of an ice climbing fatality released on Wednesday and now reports of a hiking group that got lost, resulting in one death. If these events impact you, we want to remind you of our friends at Mountain Muskox, who support people experiencing loss or trauma in the mountains. 

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Canmore introduces tax grant to increase long-term rental supply 

• Wolves and grizzlies in the Bow Valley avoid busy trails, per study 

• Banff will build outdoor dining platforms this summer (ped zone round 2?😉)

• Plus, bread making, run club, festive skating, polar ice bar, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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CANMORE APPROVES 75% TAX GRANT FOR RENTALS

What’s Happening? Canmore’s Town Council approved a tax break for developers to tackle the town’s rental housing crisis. Developers can now qualify for grants covering 75% of municipal property taxes for 10 years, provided they dedicate 95% of new units to long-term rentals for local residents.

High Rent, High Stakes. Housing in Canmore has seen a 65% cost increase since 2006, far outpacing the provincial average. The median property value now tops $1 million, leaving developers struggling to justify purpose-built rentals due to sky-high land costs. Mayor Sean Krausert noted that no such rentals have been built in decades without special accommodations like height allowances.

Builders Raise Concerns. The Bow Valley Builders & Developers Association (BOWDA) claims they weren’t consulted, with chair Jessica Karpat criticizing the policy’s lack of industry input. While the mayor welcomes feedback, Karpat questions whether the incentive is too generous—or not enough—to make a real dent.

Next Steps. With limited land available for development, all eyes are on the proposed Three Sisters Mountain Village project, set to include 20% affordable housing if approved later this year.

CANMORE’S LATEST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Looking for a weekend retreat or investment opportunity surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty? Take a look at Natures Edge.

A brand new boutique vacation complex unlike any other offering 2, 3 and 4 bedroom floor plans each with their own private hot tub!

With lifestyle and luxury at the center of its design the serenity of this location is unmatched.

Protected green space runs along the property surrounding you with lush forests and sprawling mountain views with the highway and train tracks nowhere in site! You’re only a short walk to Downtown Canmore and The Quarry, with countless walking trails to choose from.

Key Highlights:

• Private Hot Tubs

• Rooftop Decks

• Townhouse Style Design

• Attached Garage

Don’t miss your chance to own a slice of paradise. Register here to find out more and reserve your spot today!

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THE DIGEST

• 🚁Tragedy struck in Kananaskis Country as three hikers were rescued after a frigid night on King Creek Trail. One hiker, airlifted in critical condition, later died. With wind chills hitting -21°C, the conditions were unforgiving. The other two hikers were found safe and didn’t require medical attention. 

• 🚉The Banff Railway Station is set for a major facelift, blending heritage preservation with modern upgrades. Parks Canada is seeking public input on plans for a multi-modal hub, better transit, and wildlife corridor restoration. Locals can weigh in on environmental priorities now, with more consultations slated for spring 2025.

• ☕Eclipse Coffee Roasters just went solar! Thanks to the Town of Canmore and Live Solar, their new 35kW system will now cover 80% of the roastery's annual energy use. Another step toward sustainability, one caffeinated sip at a time. Click here to see the shiny new panels in action!

• 🤍The Bow Valley mourns the loss of Phillomene Stevens, a beloved Îyarhe Nakoda Elder who passed away on December 31, 2024. Known for her humor, kindness, and generosity, Phillomene played a pivotal role in preserving Indigenous traditions and fostering understanding through her work at the Whyte Museum. Her legacy of hope and connection will not be forgotten.

• 🍽️Banff’s Caribou Street will get outdoor dining platforms this summer as the town allocates $100,000 to support restaurants ahead of a $6.8M road reconstruction in fall 2025. Businesses pushed for fairness and safety, while Parks Canada debates sidewalk seating policies. A more pedestrian-friendly street design is on the horizon.

HUMAN ACTIVITY DISRUPTS WILDLIFE HABITATS

What’s Happening? Grizzly bears and wolves in the Bow River Valley are avoiding busy trails, with human activity pushing them away from their natural habitats. A University of Alberta study found that human recreation disrupts wildlife behavior, with wolves steering clear up to 600 meters from trails and grizzlies avoiding areas within 300 meters.

A Startling Discovery. Researchers analyzed 1.6 million images from 1,600 cameras between 2007 and 2022. Trails once thought to help animals move efficiently are instead creating “zones of influence,” making critical habitats unlivable for large predators.

Why It Matters? The Bow River Valley is a vital wildlife corridor, but human activity is shrinking usable habitats. Growing recreation use compromises wildlife movement and habitat security, raising concerns about the long-term survival of these species.

Next Steps for Parks. Experts urge better trail management to balance human use with wildlife needs. In Canmore, quieter spaces could help predators thrive while ensuring people enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Bread Making. Looking to dive into the world of bread baking? Whether you’re a total beginner or a novice baker looking to sharpen your skills, these hands-on classes are for you! 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Co-Kitchen, Canmore. $75.

• Swap ‘til You Drop. Whether you are looking for items, have items to drop off, or want to swap items, everyone is welcome! 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Canmore Library. Free.  

• Yoga at the Library. We’ll start with an ice breaker, followed by a 45-minute class. All levels are welcome. 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM. Banff Library. Free. 

• New Year Bingo! Bingo gets busy in winter...so arrive early for preferred seating and enjoy some great food from Avi's kitchen. .7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Canmore Legion. 

Saturday

• Java Run Saturdays! Come on out for a run or walk and coffee social! All levels welcome - always a few groups at different paces heading out for about an hour. Walkers welcome! 9:00 AM. Strides, Canmore. Free. 

• Keep on Swappin! Whether you are looking for items, have items to drop off, or want to swap items, everyone is welcome! 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free. 

• Ice Bar. Located off the Whiskyjack deck, the Polar Ice Palace features a stunning Polar Ice Vodka Bar, crafted from over 100,000 pounds. 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Lake Louise Ski Resort Free.

Sunday

• Festive Skating. Warm up with the cozy ambiance of family time and indulge in delicious hot chocolate and traditional holiday donuts. 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM. 119 Birch Dr, Banff. Free.

• Ukrainian Christmas. This holiday season, escape to Banff for a magical celebration of Ukrainian Christmas. Come together as one family to honor Ukranian roots, embrace the warmth of community, and create memories that will last a lifetime. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Moose Hotel & Suites, Banff. $38.61.

• Music Bingo with Sam.  Join in for five rounds of music bingo with multiple prizes. 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore. Free. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🪷Invest in Nordic Spa. Basecamp Resorts is hosting a free webinar on January 16 to unveil the Wildwood Nordic Spa Investment Opportunity. Learn about their vision for a mountain-inspired wellness sanctuary coming to Canmore in 2025. 

• 🌲Oh Christmas Tree. Recycle your natural Christmas Tree until January 16 by dropping it off at the Beaver Street Parking Lot next to the Fire Hall. 

• 📝Mountain Market. Vendor applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Canmore Mountain Market season! Application deadline is March 1, 2025 and applicants will be notified of the outcome by March 15, 2025.

• 🐕Dog Sled Local Special. Beat the winter blues and enjoy the scenic trails by dogsled. 10% off weekday bookings from January 6th to February 12th, 2025. Open to locals living in Canmore, Exshaw, Banff, Lake Louise, and Kananaskis. 

• 🎤♫Music Registration. If you want to play an instrument, sing, or refresh forgotten music abilities, the Valley Winds Music Association (VWMA) is a wonderful way to experience the joy of music and learning in our community. 

• 🅱️Dirty Bingo. Head out to the Exshaw Legion, BR. #179 on Saturday January 25th for Dirty Bingo! 18+ only. The cost is $25. The kitchen and bar are open. 

• 📺Movies filmed locally. Ever get asked about movies filmed in our neck of the woods? Commit this list to memory or watch ones you haven’t seen yet!

• 🎟️Art tickets! HeARTburn 2025 tickets go on sale Sunday, January 19 at 8:00 PM. This event is guaranteed to sell out quickly. 

• ✈️Alaska Airlines. Fly to and from your favorite worldwide ski destinations to get extra discounts… actually. Fly Alaska Airlines to Calgary International Airport and present your boarding pass dated November 8, 2024 to April 15, 2025 to receive: Premium Performance Rentals for the price of Mid Performance Rentals at the SkiBig3.

• 👨‍🎨Endowment for the Arts. Applications are now being accepted for the Lamphouse Endowment for the Arts: Emerging Artist Bursary. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15.

• 🧗🏼‍♀️Climbing Grant. If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident planning a climbing expedition this year, apply for the John Lauchlan Award!

CIVIC NEWS

• The Town of Canmore approved a budget increase from $500,000 to $600,000 to cover the costs of appealing the 2024 Off-Site Levy Bylaw amendments. These levies help pay for public infrastructure needed due to the town's growth, and the updated bylaw aims to ensure fair distribution of costs to new developments, with the Land and Property Rights Tribunal decision pending.

• The Town of Banff council has voted against implementing a requirement for criminal record checks for municipal election candidates. Council members expressed confidence in the existing self-disclosure process, where candidates voluntarily declare any criminal history.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, January 10th, 2025,  6:00 PM: Six by For, Blues and more... Location: Sheepdog Brewing, Canmore. No Cover.

• Friday, January 10th, 2025,  7:30 PM: The Woodshed. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $30 / members $25.50 / youth $15

• Friday, January 10th, 2025,  8:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Ecstatic Dance. Location: The Yoga Lounge, Canmore. $10. 

• Friday, January 10th, 2025,  9:00 PM: Dr. Z duo. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, January 11th, 2025,  4:00 PM: Mike Burns. Location: Banff Legion. No Cover.

• Saturday, January 11th, 2025,  9:00 PM: Dr. Z duo. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Hockey. Hockey fans, mark your calendars! On January 18, Canmore hosts the 25th anniversary of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada. Catch all seven Canadian NHL teams in action via Sportsnet, including free multilingual streams in Punjabi, Cree, Mandarin, and more. Join Ron MacLean, NHL alumni, and fans nationwide to celebrate the love of the game. 

• More Hockey. Women’s hockey in the Bow Valley is rewriting the playbook for rec leagues. The Rundle Women’s Hockey League (RWHL) will showcase its innovative equity-based team selection model during a free game on January 14 at the Canmore Rec Centre. Sportsnet will spotlight this inclusive league, which has doubled in size since 2019.

That’s all, folks!

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