💵 Banff Bank Robbery

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Well, October brought the goods. The first snow of the season just hit Sunshine, and somewhere out there, a guy’s already waxing his skis.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

THE BOW VALLEY’S RELIANCE ON INTERNATIONAL STAFF

What’s Happening? In Tofino, B.C., businesses say new restrictions on Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program are making it harder to staff hotels and restaurants. The same pressures are felt in the Bow Valley, where tourism demand far exceeds the local labour pool.

The Bow Valley Reality.  Like Tofino, Banff and Canmore have small permanent populations and high seasonal demand. Employers often struggle to fill positions locally, especially in hospitality and retail. For years, international workers have helped bridge that gap, and if you have ever ordered a flat white in Banff you already know half the town runs on Aussies.

Local Voices:

• Doncath Holdings, which runs nine Banff gift shops, says about 30% of its staff are foreign workers. The federal cap on “low-wage” positions, defined in Alberta as jobs paying under $36.00/hour, has been reduced to 10%. General Manager Rebecca Lipes warns they may not be able to keep all stores open.

• The Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association has said the new rules could mean the loss of “hundreds of workers” in the region, adding that some roles have “always been difficult to fill.”

• The Town of Banff has formally acknowledged how dependent the local economy is on international staff. In a recent report, the municipality noted it is advocating for temporary foreign workers while cautioning against “anti-immigrant sentiment.”

The Policy Shift. Ottawa wants to reduce the share of temporary residents in Canada from 7% to 5% by 2027. Work permits must now be renewed annually, and businesses must rely on fewer foreign staff than before. Supporters argue this will free up jobs for Canadians and ease housing and service pressures.

The Bigger Picture. The debate highlights a tension: National policies on housing and unemployment don’t always fit resort towns that rely on seasonal labour. Whether Banff, Canmore, and similar destinations can sustain their tourism economy under the new rules is still uncertain.

CANMORE’S NEWEST RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY: ALDER & STONE

We’re excited to give you an exclusive look at Alder & Stone, the newest full-time residential community in Canmore’s Three Sisters Village. Just 7 minutes from downtown, these townhomes are designed for year-round living and convenience.

Life at Alder & Stone:

• Thoughtfully designed 1, 2, and 3-bedroom homes. Perfect for first-time buyers or growing families.

• Spaces built for living and entertaining. Attached garages, private rooftop decks, and walk-out floor plans.

• A community immersed in nature with mountain views, pathways, and upcoming outdoor amenities.

With blueprints and renderings taking shape behind the scenes, Distinctive Homes, the developers behind Alder & Stone, is opening the doors early to those who want in from the start. 

Join priority registration to get first access to floor plans, pricing, and insider details as they’re released, or even secure your spot before the public launch.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 🦬 New Study Shows Wildlife Adjusted to Banff’s Bison Fences. Banff’s bison reintroduction didn’t just bring back a keystone species, it tested whether fences could keep bison in without shutting other animals out. Early hiccups indicated that elk were being impacted, but a four-year study found that wildlife eventually adapted. Read the full recap on our website. 

• 🎬 Banff Film Fest Lineup Just Dropped. This year’s slate of films has been released, and we’re so damn excited for the 50th anniversary of the festival kicking off in less than a month. From Will Gadd chasing wild ice climbs to Becky Bates running ultras at 62 to a 6,900-kilometre Arctic crossing, the stories this year are stacked. Check out all 89 films. Pro tip: search “Canada” in the search bar to get all the Canadian films.

• 🚴 Bow Valley Parkway Reopens to Vehicles. The seasonal cycling-only pilot ends. Starting today, vehicles may once again travel the 17 km section east of Johnston Canyon. Parks Canada has extended the popular cycling pilot through 2030, so continue to expect spring and fall closures each year. Here’s the Google map of what’s open now. 

• 🚨 Banff Credit Union Robbed at Gunpoint. RCMP say the same man is suspected in two other robberies in Red Deer and Airdrie in the past week. The Banff robbery happened Wednesday at Bow Valley Credit Union, where the suspect entered with a gun and demanded cash. We don’t usually cover crime, but if it makes national news, we make an exception. Police are still searching.

We Can Make Anything Sound Sexy. Even Septic Services.

Want proof?

“Need a clean start? Call Randy’s Royal Flush, the Bow Valley’s #1 in #2. Whether it’s a backup, blowout, or your cousin Doug’s questionable RV hookup, we’ve smelled worse. (Probably).”

Too bad that’s not a real business.

But yours is. And it could be in front of 16,000+ locals.

➡️ We’ve done it for fake septic tanks. We can do it for you. Let’s chat.

RESCUE TEAMS LOCATE MISSING OFF-ROADER

What’s Happening? A 50-year-old Alberta man spent a night in Kananaskis after his Jeep got stuck off-road. He was reported missing Tuesday, prompting RCMP and the Southwest Alberta Regional Search and Rescue Society to launch a search. Crews found him the next day, cold but unharmed, after intermittent communication was established. His Jeep had become stuck and he had walked away from the vehicle during the night, though it is unclear why.

The Location. The search was handled by the Southwest Alberta Regional Search and Rescue Society, which covers the Crowsnest Pass, the Castle region, and the southern end of Kananaskis Country. Since RCMP said the man went missing while off-roading in Kananaskis, it was likely somewhere in that southern stretch near Highwood or Cataract Creek Area, although the exact location has not been confirmed.

The Seasonal Risk. The rescue is a reminder of how quickly conditions can change in the Rockies during fall. Daylight is fading fast in October, with nearly 10 minutes lost each day. As the RCMP noted: “Even experienced outdoorspeople can be caught by surprise.”

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Climbing for a Toonie. Try climbing with friends of all ages and skill levels. All day. Canmore Climbing Gym. $2.

• Pride Speaker Series. Lamar Van Dyke and Adrienne Rosen, members of the Brunswick Four, share how their 1974 protest, where they sang lesbian-themed songs, were heckled, and arrested, sparking one of Canada’s first national conversations on lesbian rights. 7 PM. Lux Theatre, Banff. Pay what you can.*

Saturday

• Pancake Breakfast & Open House. Join the Banff Fire Department for free pancakes, fire engine tours, and safety demos. Learn about lithium-ion battery risks, FireSmart programs, and meet Sparky the Fire Dog. Bring your own plate, mug & cutlery. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. 201 Beaver St., Banff. Free. 

• Ballet Beats Launches in Canmore. Free intro classes this weekend at The Yoga Lounge, blending ballet, yoga, and fitness for all levels. No prior dance experience required. 826 8th Street, Unit 210. Free.

Sunday

• ArtsPlay for Families is Back. Bring the whole family for a hands-on, creative adventure. Explore painting, crafting, and imaginative play in a fun, relaxed environment where kids and adults can unleash their inner artists together. All ages. Two Sessions. artsPlace, Canmore. Free.*

• Taylor Swift Premiere. The Lux in Banff is hosting an exclusive event for Swifties. See the world premiere of the “Fate of Ophelia” music video, plus behind-the-scenes footage and Taylor Swift’s own reflections on her 12th studio album. Three showings. Lux Theatre, Banff. $16.99.

• Blues Legend Guy Davis Coming to Canmore. Two-time Grammy nominee Guy Davis brings his storytelling, guitar, and banjo to artsPlace. A true “Renaissance man,” Davis blends blues tradition with family lore, theatre, and social commentary. 7:30PM. $40.*

APPLY TODAY: PURSUIT COMMUNITY FUND NOW OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 15

What’s Happening? The Pursuit Community Fund is turning ticket sales and volunteer hours into grants for local organizations. Pursuit, which owns and operates attractions like the Banff Gondola, contributed $317,000 in monetary and in-kind support across the Rockies last year. Now, applications for this year’s funding round are open.

The Fund at Work. Launched in 2022, the Pursuit Community Fund is the company’s way of reinvesting in the places where its 1,500 employees live and work. The fund supports everything from cultural festivals and family programs to environmental projects and newcomer services. The next grant window is open October 1–15 for grassroots groups and non-profits across Banff, Jasper, Golden, and Canmore.

How It’s Raised. The money doesn’t just appear out of thin mountain air. Throughout the year, Pursuit hosts Locals Days, when residents can visit attractions like the Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka cruises, and Columbia Icefield adventures for $5. Every ticket dollar goes back into the fund. On top of that, Pursuit donates $10 for every hour employees volunteer at food banks, trail cleanups, and other causes, multiplying the impact well beyond the ticket booth.

Apply Now. If you’re part of a local non-profit or grassroots group working on initiatives like mental health programming, family support, community events, affordable living, or sustainability projects, now’s the time to step up. Apply here.

_{*Presented by Pursuit Collection.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🏞️ Join Us for Via Ferrata. One spot’s left for our October 12 adventure at Abraham Lake. We’re heading out with Braeden from Leviathan Guides for a remote via ferrata that’s cheaper than Norquay and way wilder. Fall colours, big views, small crew. Details here, and if the link doesn’t work, the spot’s already gone.

• 🧩 Canmore Date Night, Upgraded. Skip the same old dinner-and-a-movie routine. With Cluesolvers, you and your partner team up for a mystery storyline that takes you on a 2 to 4 km walk through Canmore. Crack 20 clues, explore hidden corners of town, share a laugh or two, and still wrap it up with a pint afterward. We played and filmed the whole thing. Want to play? Go to Cluesolvers, select canmore, and get started.*

• 📚 Books for Mînî Thnî Students. A gift registry has been created by teacher Coralia Sevilla to bring new books to Grade 4–6 classrooms at Stoney Nakoda Elementary. With 247 of 368 books already purchased, you can still contribute by selecting a title or e-gift card. Every contribution supports diverse learners.

• 🏃 Banff’s Legendary Night Run Returns. On Nov. 1, hundreds of glowing runners will light up Banff’s starlit trails for the Winterstart 5-Miler. Headlamps, reflective gear, and even Christmas lights turn the course into a glowing parade of fun. Awards, prizes, and post-race celebrations cap off this magical night.

• 🧑‍🚒 Bow Valley Community Fireguard Work Continues. Wildfire mitigation work is ongoing at the Canmore Nordic Centre. While many trails remain open, some are closed for active logging and hauling. Most work should wrap up by late October.

• 📕 Local Author Releases New Book. Retired Park Superintendent Kevin Van Tighem reflects on a life spent protecting the Rockies, and the emotional toll of watching landscapes and species decline. His new memoir blends conservation, activism, and personal loss into a lyrical meditation on finding purpose and hope in the face of environmental grief.

CIVIC NEWS

• Replay: Municipal All-Candidates Environment Forums. Missed the live events? Watch Banff and Canmore candidates debate local environmental priorities, from wildfire resilience to sustainable growth, in forums hosted by the Biosphere Institute.

• Banff Approves $41M Wolf Street Housing Project. The Municipal Planning Commission has greenlit a 90-unit, $41M mixed-use development despite concerns over traffic and parking. Just 20 stalls will be tied to community spaces, with none for housing under new bylaw rules. A traffic study will follow as Banff pushes to ease its 700–1,000 unit housing shortfall.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, October 3rd, 2025, 7:30 PM: Jesse Roper.  Location: Communitea, Canmore. $43.

• Friday, October 3rd, 2025, 7:30 PM: Motown 6. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $28.50 / members $24.23/ youth $14.25.*

• Friday, October 3rd, 2025, 9:00 PM: Mean Girls Party. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $21.86 - $32.47. 

• Saturday, October 4th, 2025, 9:00 PM: Chalet 54 (Studio 54 meets alpine chic). Location: Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Banff. $32.47 - $43.09.*

SPORTS

• Canmore Girls Push Cobras to the Limit. The Canmore Wolverines were the only team to take a set off Willow Creek at their home volleyball tournament on Sept. 27. In a hard-fought final, Canmore forced a deciding third set before narrowly falling 15–11, finishing runners-up but proving to be the toughest challenge of the day.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Monday, 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.