👋A Slap in the Face for Banff?

Good morning, Bow Valley!

A big thank you to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts in our annual survey last week! Once we’ve gone through your responses, we’ll share key insights and how we plan to make Bow Valley Insider even better for 2025. Stay tuned! Now, onto today’s news—and for whatever reason, it’s all about Banff.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Banff’s police funding was trimmed by the province 

• Banff’s public washroom availability 

• Banff’s fireguard update

• Plus, happy hour specials, holiday events, games nights, and more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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BANFF BATTLES PROVINCIAL POLICING CUTS

What's Happening? Banff officials are fuming after the Alberta government trimmed its policing grant to the tourist hotspot by $4,560, now totaling $466,440. While the cut may seem minor, town leaders say it's a symptom of a larger issue: years of provincial funding reductions for policing.

The Big Picture. Since 2010, Banff’s provincial funding for RCMP officers has steadily eroded. Town Manager Kelly Gibson called the latest cut an “insult,” noting Banff already shoulders most of the cost for its detachment. The town has added officers at $180,000 each to make up for provincial shortfalls.

Tourist Town Troubles. Banff’s unique needs aren’t factored into funding calculations tied to its 8,000 residents—ignoring the 4+ million visitors it hosts annually. Mayor Corrie DiManno calls this a “slap in the face,” given Banff’s $62M contribution to provincial taxes in 2019.

By the Numbers. Crime rates have dropped in Banff since 2017, though violent crime rose 11% this year, driven by threats. Yet provincial funding still relies on outdated pandemic-era stats.

The Takeaway The town plans to push back, but for now, it’s letters over lawsuits.

THE DIGEST

• 🚦Lights, camera, traffic! Expect delays on Bridge Road and Main Street at 8th Avenue in Canmore today from 8–11 a.m. A film crew’s rolling in, so pack your patience or plan an alternate route—unless you’re hoping for a cameo in the next blockbuster.

• 🛬Banff and Lake Louise are gearing up for even more tourists in 2025, as Jasper rebuilds from last summer’s wildfire. With reduced capacity in Jasper, overflow visitors are expected to crowd the already-busy Bow Valley. Locals, brace yourselves. 

• 🏆Canmore snagged the 60th spot on the Globe and Mail's Most Liveable Cities in Canada list for 2024. Rankings were based on 50 variables, from housing to health care..

• 🚻Banff is tackling a pressing issue: public washroom availability. A detailed report, set for 2025, will map current facilities, analyze gaps, and recommend upgrades for underserved areas. From porta-potties to permanent bathrooms, council aims to ensure visitors and locals alike won’t be caught without a spot. 

• 👎🏼Banff’s fireguard plans hit a snag after Alberta rejected a $150,000 funding request, citing federal jurisdiction. Thankfully, Parks Canada stepped in to cover the tab. While the province supports other fireguard projects, Banff’s efforts to protect against wildfires highlight jurisdictional tensions.

• 🥾Winter hiking is calling! This guide covers everything from essential gear like layers and microspikes to local winter hiking gems like Prairie Mountain.

A DAMSELFLY FOUND ONLY IN BANFF

What's Happening: The vivid dancer damselfly, a federally listed species of special concern, is found only in Banff’s thermal springs in Alberta. Known for its vibrant blue hue, this tiny predator plays a big role in the park’s ecosystem.

A Rare Resident. In Alberta, vivid dancers live exclusively at the Cave and Basin and Middle Springs, sharing their habitat with the endangered Banff Springs Snail. These damselflies are unique as the only species worldwide that thrive in warm thermal springs.

Threats to Survival. Habitat loss, drying thermal springs, and invasive species like watercress endanger their survival. Climate change adds to concerns about water scarcity impacting their delicate ecosystem.

Why It Matters. Vivid dancers aren’t just pretty—they’re key indicators of water quality and crucial players in the food chain. Their presence highlights Banff’s biodiversity, making it vital to protect their fragile habitat.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Food and Friends. This week on the menu: a Christmas Ham Dinner with Stuffing. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. St. Michael’s, Canmore. Pay what you can.

• Mountain Mingle & Jingle. An evening of festive cheer, drinks, and musical community spirit at the Mountain Mingle & Jingle! This holiday mixer is a special gathering for local musicians and music enthusiasts to connect and celebrate. 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM. ArtsPlace, Canmore. Free, but registration is required. 

• Goal Setting Masterclass. Learn a practical framework to break down your intentions into actionable steps to achieve your goals for the 2025 year! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Flow State, Banff. $40. 

• Clothing Swap. Swap until the clock stops! 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Last Temptation Vintage, Banff. Free. 

Tuesday

• Hub Night. Visit the HUB bicycle workshop to buy a bike, donate a bike, or work on your bike! These community bicycle workshops in Banff and Canmore give members access to tools and equipment to work on their bikes and learn from volunteer mentors. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Free. 

• Meet New Friends. Hang out and play board games, eat treats, and drink tea/coffee provided by @wildflourbanff. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Wild Flour, Banff. Free.

• Game Night. Play your games or the ones Armadillo Games will bring. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore. Games are free.

• Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. ArtsPlace, Canmore. $12 / youth $6

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 📝Applications are Open! Bow Valley Pride and the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to offer FREE training, mentorship, and workshops to 2SLGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurs in the Bow Valley. 

• 🅿️Paid Parking. This is a friendly reminder that Riverside Park and the parking lot at the Bow River Boat Launch are now paid parking. Canmore residents are still entitled to their free three hours.

• ⛰Friends of Kananaskis Trail Report. FKC released its 2024 trail report. A stunning 265 volunteers dedicated 4,712 hours to K-Country. Highlights include completing the Powerface Creek Project, Iliad Trail Build, and many more. 

• ✍Registration is Open! Living in the Natural Environment brings together 100 to 150 members of the rural and small urban community, government, and non-agricultural rural residents together to initiate discussion. Presented by the Municipality of Bighorn. 

• 🎨Cave and Basin Mural Project. The one-hour tour provided insight into the inspiration behind the artwork of 14 mural artists, including their connection to Banff, the Hot Springs, and the surrounding mountains.  If you missed it, the tour will return in 2025!

• 🍻Afternoon Happy Hour. Monday through Friday from 2 PM to 5PM, enjoy 25% off all starters, dumplings, BLAKE craft beers, RTDs, and signature cocktails at The Blake.

• 🎟️Free Tickets! Help out the Canmore Eagles by signing up to volunteer to be a part of the 2024/25 game-day crew! Positions include: Stats, Penalty Box (18+), Centre Ice, Ticketing, Merchandise, and Game Sheet (18+). No experience is required.

• 🏒Can’t Commit to Every Game? Crack a Hat Trick from The Grizzly Paw. With $1 from every can supporting hockey in the Bow Valley, it’s more than a beer – it’s a power play for the community. 

• 🏅Gold Medal Beer. Congratulations to Sheep Dog Brewing on the Gold Medal for their Bourbon Barrel Aged Black Forest Cake Stout!

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff residents may face a 6.5% increase in municipal taxes in 2025 if the proposed budget is approved next month. This would result in an $87 increase for the average homeowner. Despite concerns from the business community, councilors believe the tax hike is justified by the essential services provided, such as improved wildfire preparedness and expanded public transit.

• In October, the Vital Homes Ownership program had no new resale listings, but the launch of pre-sales for the Stewart Creek project generated significant interest. The waitlist for the Ownership program increased slightly to 292 households, while new applications rose after a slow September. Rental rates remained high, with low inventory for most property types and an average wait time of 23 months for 1-bedroom units.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, December 16th, 9:00 PM: Open Mic with Liam Cowan. Location: Beaver Bar, Banff. No Cover. 

• Monday, December 16th, 10:00 PM: Brent Lee.  Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Tuesday, December 14th, 10:00 PM: Halle Ponton. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Hockey. Canmore Eagles Split their Friday and Saturday night games. Winning one and losing one. 

• Special Olympics. Team Canada is gearing up for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. Athletes gathered in Alberta for their first in-person training camp, focusing on connection and preparation. Highlights include skiing in Canmore and skating at Calgary’s Oval. 

That’s all, folks!

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