🤞 Banff’s Future, Decided Soon

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Ben here. I went out for a climb this weekend with a friend—and came back with an important reminder. After a full day on the rock, we got back to Hwy 1A with some vehicle trouble and needed a ride back to town. After thumbing it for a few minutes, Katrina and her pup Apollo pulled over and gave us a lift back to Cougar Creek—no hesitation, just pure Bow Valley kindness. We got to chatting, and it turns out Katrina runs Alpine Doors, sits on the board of the Bow Valley Riding Association, and—get this—was one of Bow Valley Insider’s first-ever subscribers. Just another reminder that in this place, strangers don’t stay strangers for long—and the best part of living here isn’t the mountains. It’s the people.

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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FINAL CHANCE TO WEIGH IN ON BANFF’S FUTURE

What’s Happening? Banff’s draft 10-year community plan is nearing the finish line—but not without a tug-of-war over its priorities. Residents worry it’s tilting too far toward tourism; business groups argue it’s about time.

Locals Want a Seat at the Table. The latest draft introduces terms like “destination stewardship council” and “human use management,” which some residents say sound regulatory and tone-deaf. Others flagged real-world issues: housing shortages, overloaded ERs, and the daily grind of overtourism. One ER doctor put it plainly: ‘We cannot handle the population swells.’

Tourism Groups Push for Reframe. Banff Lake Louise Hospitality Association and Banff Lake Louise Tourism criticized the original tone for treating tourism as a problem, not the economic lifeline it is. The redline updates now reflect a more visitor-positive tone—emphasizing sustainable, year-round tourism and workforce support.

Not the First Rodeo. This plan’s been in the works since 2023, with dozens of open houses, focus groups, surveys, and feedback sessions. The July 14 public hearing is the final opportunity for public input—before Council moves to second and third readings.

The Big Picture. The plan must align with Parks Canada mandates and can’t be adopted without federal approval. It’s not just about policies—it’s about defining what Banff is, and who it’s for, over the next decade.

THIS GOAT HAS A BETTER MORTGAGE PLAN THAN YOU

(And he lives rent-free on the side of Rundle.)

Meet Todd.

Todd is a mountain goat. Todd doesn’t stress about mortgage renewals. He doesn’t stay loyal to banks out of habit. Todd doesn’t even have a bank. Todd is free.

Meanwhile…you just auto-renewed at 6.4%, because your lender sent a “friendly reminder” with no actual advice attached.

Let’s change that.

Michael & Cari Hossmann help Bow Valley locals stop getting outsmarted by goats. Whether it’s refinancing, pulling out equity, or just not overpaying at renewal time, they’ll break it down in plain language—and help you stop leaving money on the table.

Because your mortgage should work for you, not the other way around. And definitely not for Todd.

👉 Book a free call with Michael & Cari

And finally get a mortgage plan that’s smarter than livestock.

_{*Presented by Dominion Lending.}

THE DIGEST

• 🐻 More Bear Activity—and More Warnings. A grizzly was spotted June 4 on the Johnston Canyon trail en route to the Ink Pots. A man, his wife, and daughter—first on the trail that morning—encountered the bear and deployed spray, but it was used too early and the bear walked through it. Fortunately, there was no contact, and they returned safely. Meanwhile, Parks Canada has banned roadside stops near Olive Lake in Kootenay as bears forage close by.

• 🤒 Measles Case Sparks Warning In Calgary and Kananaskis. A person with measles visited several public spots while contagious, including J Club Grill, Shane Homes YMCA, and Kananaskis Country Golf Course. AHS urges anyone born after 1970 with incomplete vaccination to monitor for symptoms and call the hotline (1-844-944-3434) before seeking care.

• 🔥 Fire Bans Are Lighting Up The Bow Valley. From Canmore to K-Country, nearly every patch on the fire ban map is glowing red. Assume fires are off-limits—yes, even in that cute little fire pit. Propane stoves are still OK, but if it crackles, burns wood, or sparks joy, it’s probably banned. Check the interactive map if you’re unsure.

• 🚧 Highway 40 Shuts Down Tomorrow—Some Areas Closed Even Longer. Today’s your last chance to drive between Lorette Ponds and Galatea (K-Country closure details here). Highway 40 reopens June 19, but many day-use areas stay closed longer—reopening in stages through end of June. Still itching to hike? We built a guide to open trails—and yes, there are plenty. 

• 😃 Canmore’s Main Street Gets a Vibrant New Look. A colourful mural now brightens the intersection near Rusticana Grocery, painted by art duo WKNDRS—one of whom, Rachel Rivera, grew up in Canmore. Inspired by local flora, the piece invites smiles, brushstrokes, and a moment of joy along the pedestrian zone, open until October 17.

BANFF TO PARKS CANADA: LET’S MEET, NOT GUESS

What’s Happening? Banff town council wants to stabilize a rocky relationship with Parks Canada by requesting bi-annual meetings with the park superintendent.

Call It a Diplomatic Hike. Coun. Ted Christensen originally pitched quarterly meetings, but council settled on twice-yearly, face-to-face sessions (starting in October), with formal agendas and the town manager included. This isn’t meant to replace existing liaison committees—it’s about making communications more transparent and inclusive.

Why It Matters? Under federal oversight, Parks Canada controls land use, development, and major planning decisions—and communication gaps have become apparent:

• ➡️ Bow Valley Parkway bike-only pilot: A 17 km stretch was closed to vehicles during spring and fall (2022–24) and extended to 2030. Cyclists loved it—but council says there was no prior consultation.
  

• ➡️ Intercept parking lot stuck in neutral: A proposed east-entrance intercept lot—intended to ease downtown traffic and act as a wildfire buffer—has been stalled by federal land-use restrictions and concerns about wildlife corridors and housing.
  

• ➡️ Commercial development cap dispute: Banff’s commercial floor space is capped at ~361,390 m² under 1998 law. Parks Canada’s recent reinterpretation sparked a showdown—town officials say only a legislative change can alter the cap.
  

Tensions Run Deep. Council members say these examples—and surprise visitor-use decisions—show that earlier, formal collaboration is essential for managing wildfire, tourism, infrastructure, and long-term planning.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Coffee Connector. Network, chat business, or just enjoy a good brew. Hosted by Bow Valley Pride and BlueBird. Registration required—only 14 spots. 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM. Moxy Hotel, Banff. Free.

• Mountain Weather Course. Learn to read and forecast mountain weather—an essential skill for safe backcountry travel in the Rockies. Covers both basic and advanced techniques. 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. $30 - $125.

• Canmore Food & Friends. Enjoy a meal of Hungarian Chicken or Veggie Golash on herbed rice with old friends or new. Everyone is welcome to this weekly community dinner. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. St. Michael’s Church, Canmore. Pay what you can.

• Outdoor Yoga. Breathe deep, stretch it out, and flow by the river. All levels welcome, by donation. Sign up at Eventbrite. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Riverside Park, Canmore. Free. 

Tuesday

• Every Tuesday is Rib Night. Enjoy a half rack of succulent Canadian baby back ribs 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Stirling at Malcolm, Canmore. $30.*

• Movie Night. Hard Truths is a story about an angry and depressed woman, Pansy, and her sister, Chantal, who keeps her patient and understanding heart open to love her.  7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $12 / youth $6.

WHAT’S EATING YOUR DRIVEWAY, BOW VALLEY?

Not raccoons. (Probably.)

But sun, salt, and water? They’re quietly wrecking your concrete like it owes them money. Oakley from Pine Peak Paving can seal it up and stop the damage in its tracks—before your “meh” driveway becomes a full-blown disaster zone.

All done by the guy in the photo.

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Get a free concrete or asphalt sealing quote today.

_{*Presented by Pine Peak Paving.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🌺 Canmore’s Gardens Start Here. Ever wondered who keeps the town’s flower beds and patios looking so lush? It’s Wendy’s Garden Centre! Find everything from vibrant perennials to fresh veggie starts—just like the ones at Canmore’s hotels and cafés. Visit them now at Roosters Corner! (13 Industrial Pl, Canmore)*

• 🐶 Custom Dog Portraits, Painted By Hand. A photo shows what your dog looks like. A painting shows who they are. Canmore artist Toni Lopes creates one-of-a-kind portraits that don’t just hang on a wall—they hold meaning. Hours of brushwork. Every detail intentional. Because some memories deserve more than megapixels. Reach out to Toni and see how you can get yours.*

• 🎼 Local Students Shine at Provincial Music Fest. Seven Bow Valley talents made it to the Alberta Music Festival Provincials in Edmonton. Highlights: Vasylisa Nikolenko took 1st in Gr. 10 Piano (again), Rowan Dial and Sonora Inageda both placed 3rd, and Ranveer Panesar earned a Speech Arts distinction. First-timers Rosalee Manning and Opal Diemer also represented.

• 🎨 Are You An Artist? Oesa Arts is a unique and collaborative organization for all types of artists. Submit to their magazine, have your art displayed in their Fenlands gallery, access free recording sessions in their studio space, sell your art at their online market, offer a community class, and more. Learn more here. 

• 🤝 Canmore MTB Race Needs You. The Canmore MTB Classic runs Wednesday to Saturday at the Nordic Centre—and they’re short on volunteers. Some shifts have no coverage at all. Help host one of Canada’s biggest mountain bike races. Community support is critical. Sign up here.

• ✍️ Have Opinions on Parks? Alberta Parks wants your input on its new long-term Plan for Parks. The public survey (open until July 26) covers everything from recreation to conservation. It takes 10–15 minutes—and could help shape the future of the trails, forests, and campsites we all love.

• 🛍️ Forget Your Reusable Bag? Banff's new Borrow A Bag program lets you grab one from a community bin and return it later. A simple, sustainable way to shop—and share. Clean bag donations welcome.

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore & Sedona Become Sister Cities. After four years of planning, Canmore and Sedona have officially become Sister Cities. Both councils approved the agreement, with a signing ceremony set for June 28. The partnership promotes cultural exchange, arts, wellness, and collaboration across borders.

• Have Your Say In Shaping The Future of The MD. Help create a Land Use Bylaw that reflects local values, guides development, and supports community priorities. Your input ensures planning decisions are made with the community, not just for it. Start with the survey here.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday June 9th,  2025, 10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Tuesday, June 10th,,  2025, 10:00 PM: All Was Lost - Mourn the Storm While It's Warm EP Release Tour. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. $10 at the door.

• Tuesday, June 10th,  2025, 10:00 PM: Karaoke Tuesdays with Andrew Staygold. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Hometown Hockey Hero. Canmore’s Finn McLaughlin is headed to the NCAA, committing to the University of Minnesota for the 2025–26 season after a strong year with the Fargo Force and Muskegon Lumberjacks—capped off by winning his second championship with Muskegon last week.

• Banff Teen Wins Big After Bold Move To Calgary. Leona Gentien, 16, left Banff last fall to train full-time in Calgary—living apart from her family to chase a national title. At her first-ever nationals, she nailed every event and took home gold. “It’s all been worth it,” she said. Hard to argue with a vault like that.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Wednesday, 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.