✋ Banff’s Booze Ban

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Well, this time of year, a lot of us start eyeing up Highwood Pass—one of Alberta’s top early-season bike rides. It’s usually car-free until June 15, but not this year. Thanks to the G7 summit, the highway opens to vehicles on June 1. That means it should be swept and snow-free earlier than usual, offering prime riding conditions by late May. That said, as of May 9 (tip from one of our Insiders), there was still snow on the road. Rideable, but slushy and icy in spots. So if you’re heading out, keep that in mind.

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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BANFF’S BACKCOUNTRY JUST GOT TOASTED (SAFELY)

What's Happening? Parks Canada lit up 65.5 hectares of Banff’s backcountry this past weekend in a prescribed fire at Wigmore Meadows (a remote region NE of the town of Banff). The goal? Restore critical meadow habitat for wildlife like grizzlies, bison, and bighorn sheep—and reduce future wildfire risk while they’re at it.

Why Burn the Meadows? Decades of fire suppression allowed forests to overtake natural meadows. This controlled burn is part of a long-term plan to bring those meadows back, giving animals year-round grazing habitat and opening the landscape back up.

How It Went Down. Crews kicked things off with a successful test burn on May 10. Once conditions looked good, they fired up the helicopters and used aerial ignition to torch 52.5 hectares that day and 13 more on May 11—just before the rain rolled in.

Still Smoky, Still Closed. The area near Wigmore Creek remains closed while cleanup continues. Expect lingering smoke and smouldering logs for a bit.

What’s Next? More burns are planned across Banff—including a massive 4,469-ha re-burn near Fairholme Bench—to keep the forest resilient and the bears well-fed. 

LOOKING FOR MORTGAGE HELP? MEET MICHAEL & CARI.

You know those people you meet and instantly appreciate? That’s Michael and Cari Hossmann.

Michael grew up running a dairy farm after losing both parents as a teen. Cari served 31 years in the Navy as a Logistician, retiring as a Lieutenant-Commander after numerous deployments, including to the Arctic and Middle East.

Different paths, but both rooted in hard work, service, and showing up for others.

They run Dominion Lending Centres Synergy Financial, offering mortgage advice that’s honest and grounded in experience. With over 40 years of combined expertise, they help clients across Alberta and BC with purchases, refinances, retirement lending strategies, and commercial or equipment financing.

Since moving to Canmore in 2021, they’ve embraced mountain life—skiing, trail running, biking, and connecting with the local community. Whether you’re buying, refinancing, or planning, Michael and Cari are the kind of brokers you can talk to and trust.

Have questions? Book a free consult with Michael and Cari—no pressure, just sound advice.

_{*Presented by Dominion Lending.}

THE DIGEST

• ❌ No Booze or Bud on Long Weekends in Banff Campgrounds. Parks Canada is enforcing an alcohol and cannabis ban at 16 Banff campgrounds over all summer long weekends—starting Victoria Day. If you’re caught sipping or sparking up, you could face eviction, fines up to $25K, and zero refunds. Restrictions run from 7 AM Friday to 11 AM Monday.

• 🤔 Ottawa’s Mixed Signals on Tourism Leave Some Scratching Their Heads. Despite the Fed’s winter call to boycott U.S. vacations, the Canadian Tourism Commission just hired American publicists to lure wealthy U.S. travelers north. The goal? Fewer bargain-hunters, more big spenders—especially from states like California and New York—to hit $160B in tourism revenue by 2030.

• 🐻 Grizzlies Are Back—And Making It Personal. Lake Louise staff ran into a roaming grizzly while setting up for summer gondola season (starting June 6), and a Banff hiker was forced to retreat for five tense minutes during a close encounter of his own. Consider this your annual reminder: bear spray isn’t optional.

• 🏆 Canmore’s Änkôr Cracks Canada’s Culinary Elite. Änkôr landed at #23 on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list for 2025—ranking higher than every Calgary restaurant except one. It’s the only Bow Valley spot to make the cut, proving that fine dining isn’t just a city sport. Fun fact: our publisher Ben still hasn’t eaten there. So if you see him loitering out front, toss him a reservation.

• 🖼️ Cochrane Unveils Art With Heart—And History. Three new public art installations now anchor the Cochrane Crossing Civic Plaza, celebrating Indigenous strength, local identity, and community evolution. From 23,000-tile mosaics to bronze jingle dancers, each piece highlights Cochrane’s ties to Stoney Nakoda and showcases a future shaped by women, culture, and connection.

CANMORE’S WALLET: THICK. FORECAST: STEADY.

What’s Happening? Canmore’s financial house is in order—clean audit, healthy reserves, and even a $1.86 million surplus to top it off. But looming infrastructure bills and photo radar fallout are keeping the Town on its fiscal toes.

The Bottom Line. In 2024, Canmore brought in $88.6M in revenue—$14M above budget—and spent $77.3M. That surplus? It’s headed into reserves for future capital costs and tax smoothing (aka: stash a little now in good years, dodge a tax spike in bad years). Long-term debt sits at $60.6M, well below provincial limits.

What’s Fueling the Surplus? Extra grant money, higher property values, and stronger rec fees helped pad the books. Policing cost less than expected, and some staffing gaps were filled with contracted services.

But Wait, There's Spend. The Town faces $75M+ in wastewater upgrades by 2032 and has major capital projects on deck—like Cougar Creek ($78M) and the Palliser Lane rental build ($64.4M).

And One Speed Bump. Provincial restrictions on photo radar mean Canmore could lose $250K in revenue—money that previously helped fund traffic safety and enforcement. The reserve from that fund? Already drying up.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Connect with the Bow Valley Chamber. Mix, mingle, and sip at Bevvies & Business, hosted by 106.5 Mtn FM—includes snacks, a drink, and studio tours. 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM. Rose & Crown, Canmore. $10 Members / $20 Non-Members.

• Group Bike Rides. Meet up at the brewery, head out for a ride, and then back for a pint. 6:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free to ride. 

• Movie Night. White Bird follows a boy’s transformation after learning his grandmother’s story of survival in Nazi-occupied France. A powerful film about resilience and hope. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free.

Thursday

• Free Compost Giveaway. Pick up to 100L of finished compost for your garden. This is a self-serve event, so bring your own container and shovel. 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Canmore Recreation Centre. Free, but registration required. 

• Pride Flag Raising. Celebrate love and inclusion with the Town of Canmore’s annual Pride Flag Raising—showing support for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. All are welcome. 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. Canmore Civic Centre Plaza. Free.

• Book Release. Climbing legend Sonnie Trotter launches Uplifted—a raw, inspiring memoir on adventure, fatherhood, and iconic climbs. Features stories with Tommy Caldwell, Chris Sharma & Alex Honnold (note: they’re in the book, not at the event). 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free.

• Banff Film Fest Hits Canmore. The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is back with two nights of jaw-dropping adventure films. Tonight’s lineup celebrates wild places, bold feats, and the human spirit. 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $30 / Members $25.50 / Youth $15.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ⛷️ SkiBig3 Season Pass Renewal Reminder. If you’ve ever held a SkiBig3 pass, you’re eligible for renewal pricing. Unlimited skiing at Norquay, Louise, and Sunshine, four buddy tickets, 50% off Mountain Collective resorts, and a refund option if plans change. Buy before May 20 and save up to $850.*

• 🏃 This Race Needs You. Relentless 24 is trying to earn a permanent place on the Bow Valley calendar—but it won’t happen without local runners. Whether you're chasing a challenge, stacking miles with friends, or just curious what a 24-hour trail relay feels like, this is your moment. June 21–22 at Canmore Nordic Centre. Join solo or with a team. Use BowValleyLocal for 15% off.*

• ✨ Wellness Market in the Mountains. Even if you’re not doing the full Well in Banff retreat (which involves yoga sessions, art therapy, meditations, & more), you can still check out the Wellness Market. It’s open to the public and packed with local, sustainable, and handmade finds—from plant-based skincare to herbal tonics to hand-thrown pottery. May 24–25, 10 AM – 5 PM at Norquay Lodge.*

• 🍕 Spring Happy Hour at Murrieta’s. All pizzas are just $15, Monday to Friday from 2–5 PM. Pair your pie with $6 drafts or $7 wine, sangria, highballs, or an Old Fashioned. Tasty eats, better drinks—your afternoon just got an upgrade.*

• 🙋🏻‍♂️ Volunteer Opportunity. On June 21, help plant red oaks and white birch seedlings along the highway near the Stoney Nakoda Casino Resort. Presented by the Urban Forest Initiative, this project needs volunteers—roll up your sleeves and grow something great! Email: [email protected]. 

• 👉 Artist Call.  Want to leave your mark in the Rockies? A bold, nostalgic postcard-style mural is coming to downtown Canmore—and you could be the one to design it! $16.5K budget. Apply by May 16.

• 📣 Another Artist Call. Banff Pride will be popping up weekly at the Banff Farmers Market and is inviting artists to join them in showcasing their work. All proceeds go directly to the creators. Space is limited—apply now to claim your spot! 

CIVIC NEWS

• Silvertip Development Plan Faces Pushback Over Height, Density. A proposed amendment to the Silvertip area structure plan that would allow 100 new residential units and taller buildings will return to Canmore council on May 27. While developers aim to balance density with preserving character, residents raise concerns over height and impact.

• Banff’s Waste Diversion Progress Faces New Challenges. Banff has made strong progress toward its 70% waste diversion goal by 2028—rising from 35% to 53% since 2017. With commercial improvements leading the way, the next big step lies in tackling organic waste. Food scraps still make up 44% of garbage bins—composting is key.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Shameful Hussies. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, May 15th, 2025, 9:00 PM: John Michealz & Deejayzorrow!. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, May 15th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Wild T & The Spirit. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Canmore’s Danielle Liwanag Wins First Superfight. Daniel Liwanag took home a split decision win in her superfight debut at Skunkworks Invitational after six intense minutes of grappling.  Fighting in front of her biggest crowd yet, Danielle credited her coaches, friends, and standout training partner for the prep—and the knee slice that sealed it.

• $80k Boost For Bow Valley Youth Sports. Nineteen local sports and rec groups are splitting a record $80,000 from the True Sport Youth Fund to reduce financial barriers for young athletes. From squash to soccer to smashball, the funding helps cover gear, training, and access—bringing more kids into the game and into community.

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.