❄️3 Killed In Heli-Ski Tragedy

Good morning, Bow Valley!

It’s not every day a sheep jumps on a car—but when it does, you better believe the internet has opinions. Salt, chaos, and a viral video below.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Another deadly slide highlights regional snowpack danger

• Alberta Parks opens 330 new campsites for 2025.

• 4,000+ residents still need a family doctor—one Canmore doc has a plan

• Plus, adventure film tour, comedy night, Canmore’s best Coffee spots, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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DEADLY SLIDE IN B.C. UNDERSCORES REGIONAL RISK

What’s happening? Three heli-skiers — including a local guide — were killed Monday in a deadly avalanche near Kaslo, B.C., in the Clute Creek watershed. A fourth skier was critically injured. The avalanche struck just after 1 p.m. as two groups were waiting below the treeline.

Caught off guard. The pilot of the transport helicopter spotted the avalanche and sounded a siren, giving one group time to escape. The other wasn’t so lucky. A 44-year-old Whistler man, a 45-year-old from Idaho, and a 53-year-old guide from Kaslo were swept into the trees.

Too close for comfort. While this happened outside the Bow Valley, it hits home. This winter has already claimed several lives in our own backyard — from fatal avalanches in Lake Louise and Kananaskis to the recent snowmobiler tragedy near Radium. Conditions remain volatile across the Rockies.

Rising risks. Monday’s avalanche came with a high risk warning from Avalanche Canada, fueled by warming temps and deep, unstable snow layers. A similar danger rating is still in effect for Banff, Jasper, and Kananaskis.

HELP SHAPE A MORE INCLUSIVE BOW VALLEY

A welcoming and inclusive community doesn’t happen by accident – it’s something we build together. 

The Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP) is launching the 2025-2029 Bow Valley Immigrant Inclusion Strategy, a bold commitment to action. This strategy aims to create a more inclusive Bow Valley where every immigrant feels valued, welcomed, and empowered to thrive.

Guided by community input, the strategy focuses on six goals:

• Valued Immigrant Voices – Strengthening immigrant participation in local decision-making.

• Inclusive Wellbeing – Improving access to culturally appropriate care and support.

• Lifelong Learning – Expanding education, career development, and language training.

• Supportive Workplaces – Creating a network for workplace and community integration.

• Better Housing Experiences – Understanding immigrant needs and improving housing conditions.

• Welcoming Communities – Strengthening social connections and public perceptions.

This is a call to action for all who want to shape a more inclusive future. Get involved through working groups, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives. We all have a role to play.

Learn more at https://bvipartnership.com/strategy.

_{*Presented by Bow Valley Immigration Partnership.}

THE DIGEST

• 🐐Sheep Jumps On Car Hood Along The Icefields Parkway. A driver got mobbed by salt-craving sheep licking his car—then one hopped right onto the hood. The Reddit thread that followed was pure chaos. Click to watch the video.

• 🏞️New Campsites Across Alberta. Alberta Parks is making it easier to lock in your summer plans—330 campsites and 2 group areas across 15 parks will be reservable for 2025. They go live April 8 at 9 AM, but at least 40% of each campground will stay first-come, first-served. Click here for the full list under “campground additions.”

• 🚃Jasper Skytram Reopens. After last year’s wildfire, the Jasper SkyTram is officially back. The tram itself survived with just some cable and cooler repairs. Spring riders can expect chilly temps, strong winds, and snowshoe rentals—along with sweeping views of both fresh growth and fire-scarred terrain.

• ▶️Doggone Brothers Drop Debut Album, Tour Hits Canmore April 4. The Kootenay folk-bluegrass quartet just released Hard Luck Livin’, a 12-track album born from jam sessions and real-life stories—including breakups and pilgrimages. With Canmore’s Rhonda Shippy on bass, the band hits artsPlace Apr. 4 at 7:30 PM. The album’s out on streaming.

• 📢Banff And Canmore Move Ridings Ahead of April 28 Federal Election. With boundary changes now in effect, Banff, Canmore, and the Stoney Nakoda Nation are part of the Yellowhead riding—not Airdrie-Cochrane. Incumbent Blake Richards is running, but not in our new riding. Candidates have until April 7 to file; we’ll know who’s on our ballot by April 9.

CANMORE DOCTOR TACKLES PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE HEAD-ON

What’s happening? Canmore’s Dr. Brendan Flowers is on a mission: a family doctor for every Bow Valley resident. And he’s not just talking—he’s expanding clinics, hiring doctors, and even hunting down housing to make it happen.

New clinic, new docs. With demand outpacing supply, Mountain Maternity and Family Medicine just opened a second clinic—Canmore Collaborative Health—downtown. Two new physicians are accepting patients, and a third is expected by early summer. 

4,000+ without a doctor. Estimates suggest over 4,000 residents still don’t have a GP. Staffing gaps, retirements, and local housing hurdles haven’t helped. Flexibility and creative recruitment have been key to luring new talent.

Not just talk. Flowers personally helps match incoming doctors with rental housing and says locums are now helping reduce wait times. His approach? A balance of “access of care” and “continuity of care”—and a whole lot of matchmaking.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Drop-In Tax Support. Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada agents will be on-site, offering free individual support with no appointment needed. Open to anyone living in the Bow Valley. 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Canmore Civic Centre. Free. 

• Summer Job Fair. This is the biggest job fair in the Bow Valley, with 32 of the biggest companies in Canmore & Banff looking to hire. 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM. Banff Park Lodge. Free.

• Museum Tour. Join this tour, showcasing fascinating toys in the museum's collection. Discover a unique side of Canmore’s history through the games and playthings that found their way to town—from vintage dolls to a rare mahjong set. 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Canmore Museum. $5 public / Free for Members. 

• G7 Information Session. During this session, you’ll be provided with information on the organization of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, as well as on various operational aspects, including security. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Banff Park Lodge. Free. 

• Eco-Tourism Conversation. Join a conversation about eco-tourism, where the Biosphere Institute will dive into meaningful ways to travel sustainably. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. 201, 600a 9 St, Canmore. Free. 

Thursday

• Mental Wellness Workshop. Explore the use of self-care practices to increase resiliency and well-being, as well as tools for coping in the heat of the moment. Bring your lunch to snack on while you learn!  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free.

• Macrame Night. Join facilitator Amelie for Macrame Night, where you’ll learn essential macrame knots and techniques to craft a stylish and functional water bottle holder. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. YWCA Banff. Free, but registration is required.

• BYOB Book Club. Participate in an informal get-together of people who would like to talk about a book (or two) that they have particularly enjoyed. 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free.

• Comedy Night. Comics from Calgary come to Canmore for a night of laughs. The headliner is yet to be announced, but it’ll be a fun night regardless. 8:30 PM - 11:00 PM. Tavern 1883. $11.98. 

• Adventure Film Tour. These films showcase real stories about women from a variety of cultures and sports around the world. 7:00 PM. artsPlace. $25 / members $21.25.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 💡Master the Art of Storytelling. Whether you lead hikes, tours, or educational programs, this half-day Zoom workshop will help you turn facts into powerful, memorable stories. Learn to spark curiosity, build connection, and explain complex topics in a way that sticks. Led by expert trainer Kristin Robinson. April 17. $65 members, $90 non-members—register here.

• ☕Where Do Locals Actually Go For Coffee In Canmore? We’ve sipped our way through town to find the best spots—whether you’re up before sunrise, craving a killer pour-over, or hunting for the perfect croissant to go with your flat white. Here are our top 3 picks.

• 🖼️Final Week For The Homegrown Art Show At Banff Town Hall. Stop by Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. The community exhibition showcases the work of young, new, and emerging artists in a variety of art media, including paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, and more. 

• 🚲Community Bike Swap. Stop by on Saturday, April 5th at the Bill Warren Centre for the perfect opportunity to refresh your cycling setup for the season ahead. One rider's unused bike is another's new adventure machine. 

• 🙋Volunteer Opportunity. Meals on Wheels is looking for backup delivery drivers to cover occasionally when our weekly drivers are unavailable. For more information or to sign up, please email Town of Canmore at [email protected].

• 💸Call for Donations. The Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley and the Canmore Public Library are seeking donations of gently used gardening items for the Library of Things! Drop off items at the Canmore Library. 

• 🧠Free Classes Through the Public Library. Your Canmore or Banff Library card gives you access to LinkedIn Learning, an educational site with thousands of video courses to help you develop your business, creative, and technology skills. Each course is taught by an industry professional who is excited to share their knowledge with you. 

• 🎗Banff Mental Health and Addiction Week Schedule. From May 5-9, check out hands-on workshops, community events, and powerful conversations. This year is all about breaking stigma, building connections, and prioritizing mental health in the Bow Valley. 

• 🚵‍♂️Last Week for Bike All Winter. Today and Friday are the last two “bike all winter” community rides hosted by Community Cruisers. Meet in Banff on Wednesday at 5:00 PM or Canmore on Friday. 

• 👩🏻‍💼Visual Arts Director Appointment. Congratulations to Haema Sivanesan who has been appointed as the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity’s new Director, Visual Arts. She will start the role on May 1, 2025. 

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: BANFF PRIDE

Banff Pride creates opportunities to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ people of the Bow Valley and build connections for a strong, discrimination-free community. Learn about their events or how to get involved.

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff B&B Bylaw. Banff investigated four illegal B&B complaints in 2023 but lacked evidence for enforcement. A new bylaw bans exchange home programs, pending Parks Canada approval. The Municipal Planning Commission renewed 45 B&Bs for 2025, with parking changes raising public transparency concerns. Some worry these changes favor commercial use over residential needs. 

• Energy Rebates. Banff homeowners can now access up to $50K in low-interest loans for energy-efficient home upgrades through the Clean Energy Improvement Program. Paired with $480K in rebates, the initiative helps cut costs & emissions. Applications are open now.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, 9:00 PM: Elevate 360. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $11 - $22 CAD.

• Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Mike the Knight. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, March 27th, 7:00 PM: UNCLE STRUT. Location: The Drake Pub, Canmore.  $17.31.

• Thursday, March 27th, 9:00 PM: Country Night with Sheriff Arn and Honkytonk Tom. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, March 27th, 10:00 PM: Aaron Ball Band. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore Eagles Recognized In Ajhl League Awards. Goaltender Alex Scheiwiller was a finalist for both MVP and Top Goaltender, while Rhett Dekowny and Coach Andrew Milne earned nods for Most Dedicated Player and Coach of the Year. No wins this time, but strong showings across the board for the Eagles. 

• Playoff Tickets Now Live. Canmore hosts Drumheller for Game 5 of Round 1 on Friday, March 28 at 7 PM at the Canmore Rec Centre. Get your tickets now and support the Eagles.

That’s all, folks!

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