💵 Banff’s $1,231 Fee

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Well, it looks like spring skiing isn’t going anywhere just yet. Resorts across Banff are still sitting on a deep snowpack heading into April, with upper mountain bases around 245 to 273 cm at Lake Louise and Sunshine, and roughly another 10 cm in the forecast this week. Some of the Bow Valley Insider team took Friday off to hit the slopes, and it turns out they weren’t the only ones. A Bow Valley Insider reader sent us a video showing the insane lift lines at Sunshine on Good Friday. They ended up turning around after seeing the parking lot, but we stuck it out and got some good turns in.

— Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Madalyn Beach

WHY IT COSTS $1,231 TO WORK IN BANFF AND $150 IN CANMORE

What’s Happening? Running a business in Banff can cost up to eight times more than in Canmore, largely due to how each town structures its annual business licence fees.

The Price Gap, Explained. For Trent Funke, a Canmore-based garage door repair owner, the difference is clear: $150 per year in Canmore versus $1,231.48 per year in Banff. The key factor is Banff’s tiered system, which charges more based on business type and whether you’re considered a “non-resident” operator.

Where The Money Goes. Here’s the big distinction: in Banff, business licence fees are not just administrative. About 98% of that revenue is directed to Banff & Lake Louise Tourism (BLLT), funding destination marketing, visitor services, and industry coordination. In Canmore, fees are much lower and primarily cover administrative costs. Tourism marketing is funded separately through accommodation levies and other sources.

The Non-Resident Catch. Businesses like Funke’s, based in Canmore but operating in Banff, fall under the “non-resident” category, which comes with higher fees tied to tourism funding. Funke noted that in his trade, most providers in the Bow Valley are based in Canmore, adding friction to the distinction given the short distance between the two communities.

What Officials Say. According to the Town of Banff, the gap largely comes down to how tourism is funded.

 “If the Town of Banff did not have an agreement with the BLLT agency, with the Town facilitating its funding, the business licence fee in Banff and Canmore would be comparable,” said Jason Darrah, communications director for the Town of Banff.

A recent four-year bylaw review made technical updates but left the overall fee structure unchanged.

Why It Matters? For some businesses, the added cost may influence whether they take on work in Banff. For others, like Funke, it is just part of the math, one that gets paid off job by job.

Read our full article.

BOW VALLEY EVENTS DON’T RUN THEMSELVES

When you’re hosting an event, security is one of those things you only notice when it’s missing.

Ten-8 Security provides professional event security for everything from weddings and banquets to festivals, community events, and private functions across the Bow Valley. Their guards handle guest access, crowd monitoring, alcohol compliance, parking control, and early intervention when situations start to escalate.

They already work events at places like The Malcolm, Three Sisters, PEKA, film shoots, and the Highland Games, and they are expanding their presence in Canmore with dedicated local staff and vehicles based here.

This is not about heavy-handed security. It is about calm, trained professionals who know when to step in and when to stay out of the way. People who can de-escalate situations quietly, coordinate with organizers, and keep things running smoothly so hosts can focus on the event itself.

If you are planning an event where safety, professionalism, and discretion matter, this is the kind of security that actually supports the experience.

Request a free security consultation here. 

_{*Presented by Ten8Security.}

THE DIGEST

• 🏆 Banff Bow River Bull Trout Set Two World Records. A 16-year-old angler landed two record-breaking bull trout in the Bow River in the Banff townsite last November, but it’s making headlines now after the International Game Fish Association officially certified both catches. Ryder Humphries first set a youth world record on November 2, 2025, then broke the overall world record just five days later on November 7. Both fish measured about 70 cm. Check out the quick video of Ryder’s catch. We bet locals will know the mountain in the background.

• 🔥 Controlled Burns Light Up Lake Louise Roadside. Parks Canada’s planned burn near Lake Louise is now very visible, with roadside burn piles drawing attention over the weekend (see images). The work, located near the Lake Louise Operations Centre, is part of ongoing wildfire prevention efforts and is expected to wrap up within a few days. That said, smouldering and smoke will likely stick around a bit longer, especially in the mornings. Expect occasional trail and parking closures nearby, and if you’re driving through, stick to the flow of traffic. Don’t stop along the highway.

• 📊 Province Launches Survey on Future of Ghost-Kananaskis. The province has launched a public survey as part of a new long-term plan for the Ghost-Kananaskis region, covering nearly 6,900 square kilometres of trails, parks, and public land. It’s aimed at balancing recreation, conservation, and development as usage climbs, including roughly 5 million visitors to Kananaskis alone last year. The survey takes about 5 to 10 minutes. For Bow Valley locals who regularly head into Kananaskis, this is one of those rare chances to weigh in before decisions are locked in. 

• 🥇 Canmore’s Ema Chlepkova Wins First Senior Biathlon National Title. If you were at our Try-It Biathlon Day in March, you likely met Ema on the range. And just last week, she was standing on top of the national podium. Chlepkova won the women’s 12.5 km individual race at the Canadian Biathlon Championships at the Canmore Nordic Centre, marking her first senior national title. It’s a meaningful step. The result could improve her chances of securing federal funding, helping cover training and travel, and puts her in the mix for a first World Cup start. Read our full interview.

Local Ads That Actually Work

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SPRING RULES RETURN IN CANMORE AS WILDLIFE SEASON BEGINS

What’s Happening?  April in Canmore comes with a seasonal rule reset. Bird feeders are now banned, wildlife enforcement ramps up, and yes, snow-clearing is still your responsibility.

Bird Feeders Are Out. As of April 1, bird feeders are prohibited until November 30 because spilled seed can attract bears and other wildlife. And this is not one of those “technically against the rules but no one cares” situations. Fines start at $250 and can climb to $1,000 for repeat offences.

The Expensive Part. If wildlife actually gets into an attractant on your property, the penalties jump fast. A bear accessing food can mean a $1,000 fine for a first offence, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 after that. That also applies to more than feeders, including garbage, compost, pet food, dirty barbecues, and fallen fruit.

Your Sidewalk is Still Your Problem. Even with warmer days showing up, property owners and occupants still need to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 48 hours. If not, the Town can do it for you, tack on a 10% admin fee, and add the unpaid bill to your property taxes. Very thoughtful of them.

Business Owners, Doors Shut. Canmore’s open-door rule is still in effect for commercial properties until the last Friday in April, unless the forecast rises above 10°C. Businesses cannot leave exterior doors propped open for long stretches, though normal customer access, deliveries, and accessibility needs are still allowed.

None of This Is New. But April is when these rules start mattering again in real life.

Read our full story.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Pasta Monday at Evergreen. Head down to Banff Ave for pasta night featuring rigatoni bolognese, salmon pesto penne, white wine chicken fettuccine, and eggplant lasagna. Simple, hearty, and a nice way to ease into the week. 4:00 PM - close. Evergreen Lounge, Banff. $16.*

• Monday Striders Trail Run. Join the free Monday Striders trail run. Each week features a mix of scenic trails, hill work, and light intervals in a supportive group setting. All paces and experience levels are welcome, just show up and run. 5:30 PM. Canmore Nordic Centre. Free.

• Reel Time Film: The Secret Agent. Set during Brazil’s 1977 dictatorship, the film follows a widower on the run amid political unrest and resistance movements. The Cannes award-winning film, starring Wagner Moura, is part of the long-running Reel Time series showcasing standout films from the festival circuit. 6:30 PM. Lux Theatre, Banff. $14.

Tuesday

• Silvertip Gondola Open House. Curious about the proposed Silvertip gondola? Residents can drop in to learn more about the proposal and share feedback as the Alberta government considers designating land for an all-season resort tied to the project. It’s a chance to see the plans and have your say on a project that could shape Canmore’s future. 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Silvertip Pavilion, Canmore. Free.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎭 Live Comedy Show in Banff on April 17. The Fat Ox in Banff is hosting a one-night-only performance featuring Ricky Diamonds, known for his high-energy style, sharp humour, and crowd interaction. Expect more of a lively, late-night atmosphere than a typical dinner service. Tickets are $20 per person and spots are limited. If you’re looking for something different to do that night, this should do the trick. Find tickets.*

• 🩺 Canmore Workshop Focuses on Children’s Cold and Flu Care. A practical children’s health masterclass is coming to Canmore on April 12 from 9 AM to noon. Led by herbalist and mother of three Caroline Evans, the session is aimed at parents who want to feel more confident handling coughs, colds, earaches, sinus issues, chest infections, and more. It will also cover when home care makes sense and when it’s time to seek urgent medical help. Register here.*

• 🚧 Road to Marmot Basin Partially Closed Due to Falling Debris. A section of Highway 93A near Jasper is closed after debris fell on Mile 5 Hill, affecting access between the Icefields Parkway and Marmot Basin Road. The closure took effect at 6:00 PM on April 4 and remains in place until further notice. Marmot Basin is still accessible via the south end of 93A near Athabasca Falls, with detours in place. Cleanup will begin once it’s safe to do so.

• 📰 Outdoor Magazine Seeking Rocky Mountain Stories. Got a story or photo idea? Mountain Life is now accepting pitches for the Winter 2027 issue. They’re looking for ideas that explore people, culture, and adventure across the Rockies, tied to the theme “Holding Pattern.” The magazine covers communities from Fernie to Jasper and across the broader mountain region. Writers are asked to submit a clear pitch, explain why it fits the publication, and include samples of previous work if available.

• 📼 Banff in the ’90s Video Nears 200K Views. Aardvark Pizza, which has been slinging late-night slices in Banff for 30 years, jumped on a viral social trend where people ask “what was it like back in the ’90s?” and follow it with nostalgic clips from the era. Their version focuses on Banff and clearly struck a chord. Despite having just over 1,100 followers on Instagram, the video is now pushing 200,000 views. It leans into old-school Banff nightlife, packed bars, and a version of the town many locals still talk about. Watch the video here.

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Gives Heritage Board More Say On Historic Homes. The Town of Banff has approved a change giving the Banff Heritage Corporation a stronger role in redevelopment proposals for historic homes. Council voted to require heritage review for development permit applications that affect a building’s exterior, such as foundations, roofs, windows, or walls. The goal is to ensure upgrades don’t “accidentally strip away a building’s soul,” while still allowing housing projects to move forward.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, April 6th, 2026, 10:00 PM: Karaoke Mondays. Location: The Drake, Canmore. No Cover.

• Tuesday, April 7th, 2025, 9:00 PM: Banff Punk Night: Volume XV. Location: Pump and Tap, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore Eagles Take 2–0 Series Lead. The Canmore Eagles opened the AJHL South Division final with a 5-4 overtime win over the Drumheller Dragons on April 3, with Aidan Tkachuk scoring the winner just 55 seconds into overtime. They followed it up with a dominant 4-0 shutout on April 4. Goalie Alex Scheiwiller stopped all 37 shots, while the Eagles scored three times in the first seven minutes to take control early. After being outshot heavily in Game 1, the response in Game 2 showed a much tighter, more controlled performance as the series now shifts to Drumheller.

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.