🔑116-Year-Old Banff Lodge For Sale

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Lake Louise saw ping pong-ball sized hail on Monday and there were reports of baseball-sized hail in other parts of Alberta.  Neither of which tops the record for the biggest hailstone in Alberta, which was recorded in 2022 and measured 12.3cm across.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Edelweiss Village opens doors in Golden

• Oilers’ forward Evander Kane visits Banff

• Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival tickets on sale

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan, Shireen Ahmed, Lauren H., & Ben S.

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CANMORE’S PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN

What’s happening: The Town of Canmore wants to reimagine how the downtown looks, feels, and functions, including ways to integrate more housing and how we use parks and open spaces.  

A deadline to provide feedback has been extended: Phase 2 of Canmore's Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP), which was to gather public input about strategies that would reshape how we interact with the downtown over the decades to come has extended to August 12th.

Community comments: Some residents have written an open letter expressing their concerns with Canmore’s ARP and shared thoughts on Facebook. Concerns with the plan include the impact on the charm and character of the downtown residential area, the approval of four-story buildings, parking restrictions, and the removal of parks like Eklof Park. 

What are the town’s next steps: After gathering all public feedback following the August 12th deadline, the Canmore ARP will start to develop a draft plan that will aim to be completed by Fall/Winter 2024, which will go on to be presented to council in Spring 2025.

Survey: To give your input about the proposed strategies for downtown Canmore, complete the survey here. You’ll also have a chance to win a $100 gift card to a downtown business of your choice.

THE DIGEST

• 📺HBO has released the First Look for season 2 of The Last of Us, which will be coming in 2025. The Bow Valley was the star of the first season of The Last of Us whereas season 2 is largely filmed in BC.  Here’s Davey Gravy showing us all of the show’s filming locations.

• 🏠This vintage, blue, 116-year-old lodge is up for sale for $3.4 million in the heart of downtown Banff!  It’s more than just a property, it’s a well-established business, charging $1100 per night according to the Three Peaks Banff website.

• 🐻The latest bear warnings include Upper Bryant Creek Valley Trail closure, Allenby Pass trail restrictions, and the shutdown of Rampart campground due to wildlife activity in close proximity to campers. 

• 🚧Parks Canada has also closed Nigel Pass and Parker Ridge trails to ensure public safety during wildfire operations. 

• 🔥A fire has destroyed the Stoney Medicine Lodge just west of Ghost Lake.  It was a cultural landmark that held a lot of memories for its community. Luckily, the fire was contained to the building. 

• 📉This new report by Verum Consulting highlights the economic damage of the recent wildfires in Jasper.  Between the lost revenue from tourism activity and the demolition, reconstruction, and rebuilding effort, it’s estimated to cost more than 2 billion dollars.

EDELWEISS SWISS VILLAGE & RESORT PREPARED FOR VISITORS IN GOLDEN

What’s happening: Edelweiss Swiss Village & Resort in Golden was acquired by Canmore Investment group, Montayne Capital, in July 2023 and is getting ready to welcome guests. No date has been confirmed for the opening, but it is estimated for summer/fall 2024.

History: In the early mountain tourism industry of the BC region, Swiss mountain guides, over 100 years ago, helped build the mountaineering culture that is famous in BC and Alberta today. 

About 110 years ago, these Swiss-style chalets in Golden were built as permanent housing for the guides and their families.  Many people around Golden, including the Mayor, say the town wouldn’t be what it is today without Edelweiss Village.  

Next steps: The Edelweiss Village website is launched where guests can make reservations to stay in one of the chalets as part of phase one. The next phases include additional buildings, a spa, thermal pools, eco pods, and a "Swiss Guide Great Hall" built to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Swiss Guides. 

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Sign up to volunteer for Trail Day! Friends of Kananaskis is hosting a trail maintenance day at Volcano Ridge from 9:30am to 3:30pm.

• It’s Wing Wednesday: Get $7.50 per pound of wings at The Drake from 4pm. 

• Try indoor roller skating or boarding! 6:30pm-8pm at Banff Fenlands Centre.

• Beers for Queers: Get $6 beers from 8pm at Banff Ave Brewing Co.

Thursday

• Take a morning stretch: Yoga in the Park, 7:30am-8:30am at Banff Central Park, free.

• Wildfire Grief Support: If you’re experiencing loss as a result of the ongoing wildfires and looking for emotional support, the Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley is here to help.12pm-1:30pm via Zoom.

• Try women's indoor soccer: 6pm-8pm at Banff Fenlands. Free and equipment provided.

• Thursday Poker Night: Enjoy great eats from Avi's kitchen and refreshing beverages, 7pm at Canmore Legion.

• Watch 9 short films about the mountains! Bow Valley Film Tour’s annual event is back, 7pm at Artsplace, Canmore. $15 ticket. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🍺The beer that gives back! Banded Peak is giving back to Mountain Muskox throughout August, donating $1 from every pint sold.  Mountain Muskox is a community that supports and cares for those impacted by loss or trauma in the mountains. 

• 🍽️Lunch breaks just got easier with the new Onigiri Vending Machine in Canmore. It’s like something straight from Tokyo but you can get it at 638 8 Street, Canmore. What is it exactly? It’s basically rice with various toppings. 

• ⭐Banff Pride is pleased to offer SMARTstart in partnership with the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce. The 8-month program will support and mentor 2SLGBTQIA+ business owners and entrepreneurs to start and successfully run their own businesses. 

• 🧘🏻‍♀️Canmore Counsellor and Yoga Teacher Nicola Mosley is offering an online yoga training from August 9-11.  This course aims to teach how yoga can help heal from trauma, focusing on how oppression and trauma affect the brain, body, and relationships. Learn more and register here. 

• 🙋🏻‍♂️Can you volunteer to greet and assist Jasper evacuees? Jasper Donation & Pick Up Centre in Canmore needs you. There are several dates and times you can volunteer on the sign-up form here.  

• 🎫Tickets for the 2024 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival & World Tour go on sale Thursday August 8 at 12pm. Prices start from $20, and the festival runs between October 26th and November 3rd.

• 🔖In case you weren’t aware, all Town of Banff drop-in sessions and discounts can be accessed by any Banff resident at no charge if they have a current Banff Activity Pass Membership. This annual pass is $10.50 per year for those aged 26 and older and free for those 25 and under.

CIVIC NEWS

• Regular Council Meetings are back in session with dates as follows:

  • Canmore: Tuesday, August 20th at 9am 

  • Banff: Monday, August 26th at 2pm

  • MD Bighorn: Tuesday, September 10th at 9am

• If you’d like to apply for a committee, there are ongoing opportunities for input. You can apply here.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, August 7, 8pm-1am: Electrifying Beats & Baked Goods: Tangerine Dance. Location: The Uprising Craft Bakery, Banff. Free!

• Wednesday, August 7, 10pm: Listen to 16 DJs (and win some prizes)! Elevate 360 1 Year Anniversary. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $5.25 a ticket.

• Thursday, August 8, 4pm-6pm: Hear Steph O’Dette play. Location: The Bison, Banff.

• Thursday, August 8, 10pm: Listen to new country talents: The First Annual Bow Valley Jamboree. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. Free entry.

SPORTS

• Edmonton Oilers’ forward Evander Kane vacations in Banff with his family. Kane’s partner, Mara Teigen, shared adorable photos to Instagram of their family biking in Banff and exploring Lake Louise.

• Zenith Hrdlicka celebrated her 99th birthday by playing nine holes at Kananaskis Country Golf Course with her family. Known for her active lifestyle, she still golfs weekly and swims regularly.

That’s all, folks!

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