🏷️ $10.9M Canmore Lot Sparks Buzz

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Last night we got a text from Ema, one of the high-performance biathletes training in Canmore and helping run the National Championships this week at the Nordic Centre. They’re still looking for local volunteers to help pull the event together. If you’ve got a few hours, it’s a pretty unique way to get up close to the best biathletes in the country. Sign up here. Please consider helping. They need it.

— Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Madalyn Beach

FORMER CANMORE CAR DEALERSHIP LISTED FOR $10.9M AS RARE HOTEL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

What’s Happening? A high-profile Canmore property, the former Wolfe Chevrolet GMC Buick dealership at 707 Railway Ave, just across from Elevation Place, has hit the market for $10.9M and is being pitched as a rare hotel development opportunity.

Why This Property Stands Out. This is not just another vacant lot. The 1.06-acre site is zoned Gateway Commercial District, one of the few remaining designations in Canmore that still allows visitor accommodation like hotels. In a town where short-term lodging has been increasingly restricted, that zoning is a major differentiator.

Under current rules, visitor accommodation must be short-term stays (under 30 days), cannot be used as permanent housing, and requires centralized booking and licensing. In practice, that limits where these projects can exist and makes sites like this relatively scarce.

What’s Driving Interest? The listing highlights a few key selling points: direct frontage along Policeman’s Creek, walkability to Main Street, and unobstructed mountain views. Combined with its location across from Elevation Place, the site sits in a high-visibility, high-traffic part of town that connects visitors to downtown. 

For our Calgary readers, you’ve likely driven past this lot more times than you can count after turning off Highway 1 toward Main Street.

Rumours vs. Reality. Despite rumours circulating on a local Facebook page suggesting the property had already sold, the listing agent confirmed it remains available as of March 24. That said, multiple offers have already been submitted.

Zooming Out. Railway Avenue itself is in transition. The Town has more than $44 million in planned upgrades tied to the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan, aimed at making the corridor more pedestrian-friendly and better integrated with Canmore’s tourism economy.

What Happens Next? The listing pitches a boutique hotel concept, but any development would still need to go through permits, design review, and council approval. Expect close scrutiny before anything moves forward.

Read our full story for the listing details and a closer look at the site.

A LAWYER WHO ACTUALLY LIVES HERE

Ever dream of snapping up that perfect mountain-view condo, but the paperwork feels like climbing Ha Ling?

Or maybe you’re juggling a budding Bow Valley startup and have more contracts than caffeine?

That’s where Stringam comes in.

They’re not some big-city lawyers breezing through; they actually live here, volunteer here, and know exactly how to tackle those rocky legal details so you can keep adventuring worry-free.

Whether you’re investing in real estate, launching a business, or sorting out the family plan, Stringam’s deep local experience has your back.

Trust us…knowing your legal team is as rooted in the community as you are makes every decision feel a little lighter.

Ready to keep forging ahead (without tripping over the fine print)?

Reach out to Stringam and see how local know-how can make all the difference.

_{*Presented by Stringam Law.}

THE DIGEST

• 🛣️ Icefields Parkway Buried by Avalanches, Reopening Unclear. A size 4 avalanche, defined as being large enough to destroy buildings, has buried a 250-metre stretch of Highway 93N under up to 12 metres of snow (see heli footage). The slide was triggered during avalanche control work on Mount Hector. As of Tuesday afternoon, the parkway has partially reopened from Jasper to Parker’s Ridge, but the section south remains closed. Crews are still dealing with multiple avalanche paths, meaning no firm reopening timeline. Meanwhile, another 20-30 cm of snow is expected across Banff between March 24 and 26.

• 💼 600+ Summer Jobs Hit Banff This Week. Banff’s summer hiring push is officially on, with 600+ roles up for grabs at the Summer Job Fair this Thursday (March 26, 1-3:30 PM) at Banff Park Lodge. Employers range from Fairmont and Sunshine Village to local shops and services, hiring for everything from entry-level gigs to skilled roles. No registration needed, just bring a resume. A second fair lands April 17 in Canmore. With job postings up 12% last summer and fewer workers available, employers are starting earlier and competing harder to fill positions.

• 🔥 Banff Cracks Down on Backyard Fire Risks. Banff homeowners could now face fines for leaving wildfire risks unchecked, after council approved new bylaw rules on March 10. The update defines “fire hazards” as combustible materials within 10 metres of a structure, including firewood, dead trees, and grass taller than 10cm. Violations carry a $150 fine, plus $100 per day if unresolved. Firewood is still allowed if stored in non-combustible containers. The move aligns with FireSmart principles and signals a shift from encouraging prevention to enforcing it.

• ⚱️ From Learning Pottery on YouTube to a Full-Time Studio. A Canmore pottery studio that started with YouTube tutorials is now a full-fledged local hub for artists and first-timers alike. Haley Cole picked up pottery during COVID, went viral with custom pet mugs, and eventually opened up a shared studio after noticing a gap in local access. Today, she runs small-group memberships, beginner classes, and collaborative pieces, all while keeping waste near zero and production intentionally slow. Read the story behind this local entrepreneur.

Traditional Media Called. It Wants Its Budget Back.

We get it. You’ve “always done” print.

But your customers are in their inbox, not your neighbor’s recycling.

We deliver clicks and sales, not column inches.

➡️ Stop funding nostalgia. Start driving results.

PROPOSED CANMORE WELLNESS RESORT DRAWS 1,300+ SIGNATURES IN OPPOSITION

What’s Happening? A proposed Nordic-style spa and hotel in Canmore is already facing organized opposition, with more than 1,300 people signing a petition before a formal application has even been submitted.

Still Early Days, But High Stakes. The project, led by Flo Alpine Spa Inc. in partnership with Spring Creek developer Frank Kernick, would be built on roughly 18 acres of provincially owned land near Rundleview. The province has issued a lease allowing tourism use for up to 60 years, but that lease is conditional and does not override municipal approvals.

To move forward, council would need to change how the land is designated and update local zoning rules, since it’s currently set aside for open space and recreation. The town would also need to create new, project-specific rules to allow this type of development.

Kernick said the team is “following the legislation process” and hopes to submit an application within three to six months. “We’re in the process of completing over a dozen reports to support our application,” he said.

What’s Being Proposed. Project materials describe a destination-style wellness resort with hot and cold pools, saunas, steam baths, and therapeutic programming designed around a nature-based experience.

Why People Are Pushing Back. Opposition has centered on land use and community benefit.

“We are not objecting to developers wanting to build a hotel or…spa,” said resident Bruce Libin. “We are objecting to…this green space.”

Libin added residents have not identified a clear benefit that would justify changing the land-use designation.

At a community-organized public meeting on March 5, concerns included: 

• Loss of protected green space

• Wildlife movement through the corridor and potential conflict

• Geotechnical risks from historic coal mining, with old underground workings that can cause unstable ground or potential sinkholes

Next Steps. Any application would trigger a multi-stage review process, including technical studies, public notification, revisions, and a formal council hearing.

The developer must secure approval within three years of the lease (issued April 2024) or risk losing it.

Read our full story for the breakdown of the proposal, community concerns, and what hurdles it still needs to clear.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Canadian Biathlon Championships Begin. Canada’s top biathletes are in Canmore this week for a full slate of national championship races and festival events. Competition kicks off today with the sprint races, a fast-paced format combining skiing and shooting. Two sessions: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM. Canmore Nordic Centre. Free to watch.*

• YWCA Film Night: Girl Climber. A screening of Girl Climber followed by a guided group discussion on resilience, identity, and navigating challenges. A welcoming space to listen, share, or just take it in. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free.

Thursday

• Bevvies & Business Networking Night. A fast-paced networking event designed to help you meet a wide range of local business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals through short, structured conversations, followed by open mingling. 43 businesses are already registered, so expect a strong turnout. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. The Gem, Harvie Heights. $15 (members) / $40 (non-members). Register here.*

• A Space to Talk It Out (With Donuts). If the world’s been feeling like a lot lately, this is a space to slow down and not carry it alone. This free community gathering brings people together for honest conversation, shared experiences, and ways to stay informed without burning out. Expect thoughtful discussion, local voices, and a room that feels a little lighter by the end. Plus, donuts. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. 191 Sundance Rd, Banff. Register here.*

BOW VALLEY INSIDER HOSTS TRY-IT BIATHLON EVENT

Sticking with the biathlon theme, here’s a quick shot from our Try-It Biathlon event yesterday at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Big thanks to the 38 of you who came out and braved the weather. And a shoutout to the high-performance athletes from the Biathlon Alberta Training Centre for showing us how to shoot like pros under real conditions. We’ll bring more .22 rifles next time!

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🩺 Canmore Clinic Launches Free Osteopathy Care for Low-Income Residents. A new pro bono healthcare option has quietly launched in Canmore. The Osteopathy For All Clinic on Main Street has partnered with the Canmore Affordable Services Program to offer free osteopathy appointments to residents in the program’s Tier 1 low-income category. That includes households earning up to $40,275 for a single person or $60,564 for two adults. Clinic founder Clement Rhein says the initiative aims to remove financial barriers for people dealing with pain or mobility issues. To book, email [email protected].*

• 🏕️ Reservations for Pre-Canada Day Camping. Reservations for the weekend before Canada Day (June 26) open March 28 at 9:00 AM. If you’re planning a summer camping trip, this is one of the key booking windows to jump on. These spots go quickly, so it’s worth being ready right when reservations open. Here’s the booking link.

• 🐶 RCMP Puppy Naming Contest Opens for Kids. Not Bow Valley-specific, but a fun one for the kids in your life. The RCMP is now accepting entries for its annual “Name the Puppy” contest, where 13 winners from across Canada help name future police dogs. This year’s theme: names starting with the letter “B.” The contest is open until tomorrow (March 26), and entries can be submitted online. Winners will be announced in late April.

• 🏡 Open House on Logging Plans Near Bragg Creek. Have thoughts about logging near Bragg Creek and Moose Mountain? West Fraser Mills is hosting an open house in Cochrane to share proposed harvest plans and answer questions. It’s a chance to understand what’s coming and how it could impact local trails and recreation areas. Drop in, review maps, and be part of the conversation.

• ❄️ Track Snow Plows Live Before You Head Out. Ever wonder where the plows are during a storm? You can track snow plows in real time on the 511 map as they move through the Bow Valley. It’s oddly satisfying and a handy way to check if roads are being cleared before you head out, especially after a snowfall. We’ll often pull it up to see what’s happening on routes like Highway 40 before committing to the drive. Just click the “snowplow” toggle on the right-hand side.

CIVIC NEWS

• Indigenous Artists Invited to Apply for Summer Exhibit. Local Indigenous artists and storytellers are invited to apply for Resurgence: Honouring Indigenous Strength, an upcoming exhibition at the Three Sisters Gallery. The paid opportunity runs June through September and will highlight both traditional and contemporary work celebrating culture, resilience, and storytelling. It’s open to artists from Treaty 7 Nations and the Métis District within the Battle River Territory, with applications due April 30.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, 10:00 PM: The Blue Mules. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, 10:00 PM: Noche Caliente. Location: Sizzlers, Banff. $10.

• Thursday, March 26th, 2026, 9:00 PM: DJ Bunny Hops. Location: Magpie & Stump, Banff. No Cover.

• Thursday, March 26th, 2026, 10:00 PM:  Acoustic Arn & DJ Palf. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore’s Mahler Loses Ski in World Cup Crash. A tough break for Canmore’s Kristofor Mahler, who lost a ski mid-race during the ski cross World Cup at Blue Mountain. In a rare moment, Canadian teammate Reece Howden hit the exact same turn and lost his ski as well, knocking both Canadians out in the quarterfinals. Same corner, same outcome. Watch the footage.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Friday, 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.