🧑‍💼 536 Local Jobs At Risk

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Just a quick reminder that we announced the winners of the Bow Valley Insider Awards last week! If you haven't checked them out yet, you can find the full list here. More than 11,000 unique votes were cast for local businesses, so the next time you're wondering where to find the best pizza, which hotel to stay at, or who to call when your toilet starts leaking, this is a pretty good place to start.

-Ben S., Cassandra Stefanic, Fortune Whelan, Brendan Nogue, Alexia Chambers, Keith Fernandes

FEDERAL CUTS PUT HUNDREDS OF MOUNTAIN PARK JOBS UNDER REVIEW.

What’s Happening? On Monday, we reported that Parks Canada was making widespread staffing changes as part of efforts to cut $145 million from its budget. At the time, it wasn't clear how many employees would be affected locally.

Now, we have some answers.

Parks Canada confirmed to Bow Valley Insider that 536 employees across Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay national parks have received notices that their jobs could change. However, how many positions will ultimately be eliminated remains unknown.

How Many Jobs Are Affected? Here's the breakdown across three Parks Canada field units:

• Banff: 194 employees

• Jasper: 208 employees

• Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay: 134 employees

They're among 2,917 employees who received notices nationwide.

Importantly, 536 notices doesn't mean 536 layoffs. Some employees will keep their positions, others may see changes and some will lose their jobs.

Parks Canada expects to reduce staffing by the equivalent of approximately 500 full-time positions nationwide.

The Bigger Concern? Losing A Home, Too. In Banff and Jasper, residency requirements mean some employees who lose their jobs could also lose their eligibility to live in the community.

"For a lot of folks too, it's not only their jobs, it’s also their homes," union representative Krysty Thomas told Bow Valley Insider.

The concern is particularly significant in Jasper, where residents are still recovering from the 2024 wildfire.

Will Visitors Feel The Cuts? Parks Canada plans approximately $145 million in spending reductions over three fiscal years, with potential changes to visitor programs, camping services, and operating hours.

However, no specific service cuts have been confirmed for Banff or the surrounding national parks.

What Happens Next? Parks Canada expects to make decisions over the coming weeks, with changes continuing through winter 2026-27.

The Union of National Employees is holding an online town hall Oct. 28 to provide updates.

Read our full story, which includes all interviews and figures directly from Parks Canada.

WANT TO OWN A VACATION RENTAL IN THE ROCKIES? ONLY 50 UNITS ARE BEING RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC.

If you've ever looked into buying a vacation rental in the Bow Valley, you've probably come across something called a rental pool.

Essentially, it's an arrangement where a management company handles bookings and rentals, often with rules about how owners can use their own properties.

But a new development in Harvie Heights is taking a different approach.

Meet Banff Legacy Resort. Located just five minutes from Canmore and one kilometre from the Banff National Park gates, this new 132-unit development is offering individually owned vacation residences.

Here's The Big Difference. There's no mandatory rental pool. Owners can manage their properties themselves, hire whichever short-term rental management they prefer, or choose not to rent them out at all.

That means more control over how your property is managed and when it's available for personal vacations, subject to visitor-accommodation regulations.

So, What Does It Cost? There are several options depending on your budget and how much space you need:

• One-bedroom residences: Starting at $670,000.

• Two-bedroom residences: Starting at $915,000, with larger layouts starting at $1,058,000.

• Four-bedroom residences: Starting at $1,499,000, featuring four actual bedrooms, not three bedrooms and a den.

All residences include private entrances, balconies, air conditioning and underground parking.

But Here's The Catch. Of the 132 residences being developed, only 50 are being released for public purchase.

If you've been considering owning a mountain getaway that can also generate short-term rental income, this might be worth a closer look.

Fill out this quick form for more info on the available units (scroll down for the form).

_{*Presented by Banff Legacy Resorts.}

THE DIGEST

• 🚗 Record Summer Traffic In Banff, But Fewer Cars On Key Roads. Nearly 1.8 million vehicles entered Banff in July and August, a new record. Yet traffic across the Bow River Bridge dropped 4.4%, while Mountain Avenue saw a 10.5% decline. Higher downtown parking rates ($12/hour) and new paid parking ($17.50/day) near the gondola may be contributing, alongside increased transit use. But parking remains a headache. The free train station lot now fills by 11 a.m., an hour earlier than last year. Of vehicles leaving the lot within 15 minutes, 36% subsequently leave Banff altogether.

• 🎬 Canmore Man's Recovery Story Is Heading To The Big Screen. Nine years after a vehicle collision left him with a traumatic brain injury, Canmore local Skye Lybbert is sharing how the mountains helped him rebuild his life. The 17-minute documentary Patches of Skye follows his journey through chronic pain, the loss of his geology career, and his gradual return to hiking, skiing, and paragliding. We spoke with Skye and the filmmaker about the journey behind the documentary ahead of its Nov 8. Premiere at the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Read our interview.

• 🩺 Free Mammogram Clinics Coming To Banff And Canmore. Getting a mammogram is about to become a little more convenient for local residents. Primary Care Alberta's mobile mammography clinic is rolling into Banff Nov. 16-19 and Canmore Nov. 20-24, offering eligible residents free breast cancer screening closer to home. Women aged 45 to 74 can book without a doctor's referral, while those aged 40 to 44 need one for their first screening. Check full eligibility and how to book.

• 📈 Moraine Lake Visitation Jumped 34% This Summer. Keeping private vehicles off Moraine Lake Road hasn't kept the crowds away. Parks Canada says visitation climbed 34% this summer, with roughly 4,000 people arriving daily between June and September. Commercial vehicle traffic has also increased 46% since the road closed to private vehicles in 2023. Parks Canada is finalizing a visitor management plan that could introduce parking reservations and visitor limits in the Lake Louise area. We previously reported on the Town of Banff's concerns about how growing commercial shuttle traffic affects the wider national park.

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We’ve built the largest digital audience in the Bow Valley for locals and weekenders.

Now we help businesses tap into it.

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CANMORE'S LIVABILITY TAX FALLS NEARLY $1M SHORT AS RULES TIGHTEN.

What’s Happening? Canmore expects to collect nearly $1 million less than planned from its Livability Tax this year after lowering tax bills for 191 properties. Now, stricter rules are coming in 2027, and missing a declaration deadline could leave homeowners facing thousands in additional taxes.

What Is The Livability Tax, Again? It's a higher property tax on certain homes that aren't considered primary residences, with the money intended to support affordable housing initiatives. For example, a $1-million home would face roughly $4,000 in additional annual taxes.Homeowners must declare how they use their property by Dec. 31 each year. 

Why Is The Town Collecting Less? Canmore originally expected to collect $10.3 million in 2026. But new provincial exemptions for Alberta property owners brought that estimate down to $4.4 million. Since then, adjustments to 191 tax bills have reduced expected revenue by nearly another $1 million, bringing the total to approximately $3.4 million. That leaves 667 properties paying the higher tax rate.

What's Changing For Homeowners? Starting in 2027:

• Miss the Dec. 31 deadline, and you could pay more. Even Alberta residents who qualify for an exemption could face the higher tax.

• Selling won't automatically change the tax rate. Buyers and sellers must settle any tax differences themselves.

• Correcting mistakes will be harder. Owners who miss the deadline must ask council for tax relief, which isn't guaranteed.

Why Does It Matter? Canmore has already lowered its expected Livability Tax revenue by $5.9 million this year and now faces another nearly $1-million shortfall. That could slow down affordable housing investments, while homeowners who miss the new declaration deadline risk paying thousands more in taxes.

The declaration window opens Oct. 30 and closes Dec. 31 at 11:59 PM.

Read our full story

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday 

• Free Avalanche Safety Webinar Kicks Off Winter Season. Avalanche Canada is hosting its first free webinar of the season, covering how to recognize and avoid avalanche terrain, choose safer routes, and understand what safety equipment you need. Experts from Avalanche Canada will also share practical trip-planning tips. Perfect for beginners or anyone needing a refresher. Online, 8 PM. Free.

Thursday

• Two Canadian Magicians Are Coming To Banff For One Night. Travis Bernhardt and James Jordan are bringing 90 minutes of “how did they do that?” to the Rose & Crown. Bernhardt has toured award-winning magic shows across Canada and created magic for TV and film, while Jordan mixes magic with juggling and comedy. All ages welcome. Doors at 7:00 PM, show at 7:30 PM. Rose & Crown, Banff. $32.71. Tickets here.*

• Play a Free Game of Chess in Canmore. Whether you're a chess beginner or already thinking five moves ahead, the library is hosting an evening of friendly competition. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and chess sets are provided. No registration needed. 5:00 PM-8:00 PM. Canmore Public Library, Friends Program Room. Free.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ⛰️ Canmore Ecologist To Explain Why Mountain Meadows Matter To Wildlife. Those open, grassy patches scattered across the Rockies do more than look pretty. They're important habitats for Bow Valley wildlife, and local ecologist Jonathan Farr wants to show you why. At the Biosphere Institute's next Earth Talk, he'll explore how wildfire prevention work could actually help restore these meadows, and how everyday locals can get involved in protecting them. The event is Nov. 23; it’s free, but registration is required.*

• 💃 Exshaw Is Throwing It Back To The '80s This Halloween. Big hair, questionable fashion choices, and your best dance moves are all welcome at the Exshaw Legion's Halloween Howler this Saturday. '80s tribute band RETRObution will be bringing the throwback tunes, while cash prizes for the best costumes give you another reason to go all out. Expect Jell-O shots, spooky outfits, and plenty of dancing. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with live music starting at 9:00 PM. Admission is $10 per person.*

• 🏗️ Construction Could Limit Parking Near Prairie Mountain. Heads up if you're heading out for an after-work hike in Bragg Creek. Construction crews are working at Elbow Falls and Powderface Day Use Areas. Portions of the parking lots may be temporarily closed, and parking could be limited as crews move between work areas. Highway 66 will remain open, but visitors are asked to follow posted signs and stay out of marked construction zones, even when crews aren't present.

• 👨🏻‍🔧 Carignan Mechanical Is Hiring Plumbers And Gasfitters. If you’re looking to build a career in the Bow Valley, this is one of the best places to consider. The position pays $42/hour plus 9.6% stat and vacation pay, with extended health and dental benefits, a company van and gas card. There’s also company-paid training, room to advance and flexibility for appointments or days you need to leave early. Applicants need Red Seal certification, at least three years of commercial or residential plumbing experience, and a valid driver’s licence. Apply here.*

• 🤝 Got A Great Idea For The Bow Valley? There’s A Grant For That. If you've got an idea to bring neighbours together or make the Bow Valley more welcoming, the Banff Canmore Foundation wants to hear it. Its Wellbeing in Community grants support projects that help people feel connected and included. Past funded projects include fly-fishing outings for first responders, sharing circles with Indigenous Elders, and mental wellness workshops for injured athletes. Applications close Saturday.

• 👨‍💼 Last Call For Bow Valley Community Leaders. The Biosphere Institute is recruiting volunteer board members to help guide its work protecting the Bow Valley's environment. From wildlife safety and climate action to youth education, the local non-profit runs programs that make a difference in our community. They're especially looking for people with experience in leadership, finance, fundraising or non-profit governance. If you've been looking for a meaningful way to give back, this could be it. Applications close Monday, Nov. 2. Learn more and apply.*

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Considers Waiving $256K In Fees For YWCA Housing Project. The YWCA's $30.8-million Banff Elevated redevelopment could get some financial relief. Banff council is exploring whether to waive $256,311 in building permit and Safety Codes fees, potentially reducing the project's costs. No decision has been made yet, with town staff expected to report back with options in November. We've previously reported on the YWCA's work addressing housing insecurity in Banff.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, October 28th, 2026, 10:00 PM: Pineo & Loeb. Location: Melissa's Missteak, Banff. No Cover.

• Thursday, October 29th, 6:30 PM: Andy Curtis & the Bow River Drifters. Location: The Dusty Boot, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• No Skis Needed For Biathlon Canada's Revamped Youth Program. Kids in the Bow Valley could soon have an easier way to try biathlon, and they won't even need to know how to ski. After more than 20 years, Biathlon Canada is giving its youth program a makeover, introducing electronic shooting equipment that doesn't use ammunition and can be set up in schools, parks and community centres. The new gear could also help clubs like Canmore Nordic Ski Club accommodate more kids without needing more rifles. The bigger goal? Double the number of young biathletes across Canada by 2030.

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.