🐻 Bear Tranquilized

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We don’t normally say “make sure to scroll to the end for today’s sports story,” but today is an exception. The story and video waiting for you down there can only be described as peak Alberta athleticism.

- Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Madalyn Beach

P.S. A quick note from the early morning BVI crew. We were notified moments before hitting send that the body of the man who jumped from the cliffs at Johnston Canyon on May 1 was recovered yesterday afternoon after Parks Canada responded to reports of a body in Johnston Creek downstream from the lower pools. This is breaking news, and we’ll have more details and timelines in Friday’s edition. Our condolences to the individual’s family. Here’s our prior coverage from May 5th, in case this is your first time learning about it.

BEAR TRANQUILIZED AND RELOCATED AFTER FEEDING ON ELK CALF NEAR DOWNTOWN CANMORE

What’s Happening? A young black bear was tranquilized and relocated on May 23 after feeding on an elk calf near downtown Canmore, prompting RCMP and wildlife officers to temporarily secure the area around the Save-On-Foods and Spur Line Trail corridor. 

Why Bears Are Showing Up In Town. Wildlife officials say spring elk calving season is now underway across the Bow Valley, which can unintentionally lure predators closer to residential areas. Newborn elk calves are considered an easy food source for bears, cougars, wolves, and coyotes, especially in valley-bottom communities where elk frequently gather this time of year. 

What Wildlife Officers Found. Canmore RCMP said they received multiple 911 calls around 2 PM Saturday reporting a black bear near 7th Avenue and Spur Line Trail, a popular pathway running from Railway Avenue across the historic Canmore Engine Bridge and along the Bow River toward the Bow River pedestrian bridge.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife later determined the animal was a lone yearling black bear, not a mother bear with cubs as initially suspected.

“Due to the potential public safety risk, the area was secured by Canmore RCMP and peace officers,” Sheena Campbell, director of communications for Alberta’s Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services, told Bow Valley Insider.

Officials said the bear was safely immobilized and relocated to an undisclosed location outside the community. Campbell also told Bow Valley Insider wildlife officers found no unsecured garbage, pet food, or other human-related attractants connected to the incident.

More Wildlife Warnings Emerging. The same corridor is also now under a fresh Alberta Parks wildlife advisory. On May 26, Alberta Parks issued an elk warning for Spur Line Trail and surrounding areas in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, warning that cow elk can become aggressive during calving season while protecting newborn calves.

Read our full story

ANYONE CAN START A MOVING COMPANY. THAT’S THE PROBLEM.

Ben here. I learned this recently, and honestly, it surprised me.

The moving industry isn’t all that tightly regulated. Anyone can go buy a truck, throw up a website, and call themselves a moving company. And if you’ve ever heard a moving horror story, that’s usually where it starts.

It’s also why I was pretty particular about who I hired for a recent move.

I went with Grizzly Moving and paid full price. No special treatment just because I’m Ben from Bow Valley Insider.

What stood out right away was how different Joel’s approach is. He grew up in Canmore and has been working in the moving industry since he was a teenager. This isn’t something he picked up last year, he’s been around it his whole life.

Before the move even started, we did a full walkthrough so there were no surprises. During the move, everything was handled with care, clear communication, and zero stress.

If you’re hiring a mover, I can’t recommend Joel and his team enough. They do everything, whether it's within Canmore or between provinces.

Get a free quote.  Even if your move isn’t for a few months, it’s better to start the process early.

_{*Presented by Grizzly Moving.}

THE DIGEST

• 🌱 Jasper Replants 22,000 Trees After Wildfire. More than 22,000 trees were planted across Jasper National Park last year as Parks Canada continues recovery efforts following the massive 2024 wildfire. But officials say climate change could permanently reshape parts of the landscape, with some burned areas potentially regrowing into more open grasslands and aspen forest instead of dense evergreens. Rather than replanting the entire burn zone, crews are focusing on vulnerable areas like wetlands, unstable slopes, and high-traffic visitor zones where invasive species are more likely to spread. More recovery numbers here.

• ⚖️ Banff Debates Tracking Workforce Sizes. Banff businesses are pushing back against a proposed business licence question that would require employers to report workforce numbers to the Town. Hospitality groups warned the move could eventually pave the way for future workforce housing requirements or new fees tied to staffing levels, though administration says no immediate regulations are being proposed. Town officials argue the data is needed because Banff’s housing crunch is increasingly being driven by workforce growth from longer operating hours and rising tourism demand, not new commercial development. 

• 🚜 Snowcat Camp Helps People With Disabilities Return to Mountain Careers. A first-of-its-kind snowcat operator camp at Sunshine Village is giving amputees and wheelchair users hands-on training to pursue careers operating snow groomers. The two-day camp, organized by Paralympic snowboarder Tyler Turner, drew applicants from across North America. Organizers say modern snowcats require surprisingly few modifications, opening up new pathways back into mountain life and employment for people recovering from traumatic injuries. See the recap video.

• 🏘️ Banff Workers Lose Canmore Housing Option. Banff municipal employees can no longer use the Town’s housing incentive program to buy homes in Canmore after Canmore withdrew support for the arrangement. Canmore says the decision reflects both its worsening housing crunch and the reality that most Canmore workers cannot buy homes in Banff because of Parks Canada residency restrictions inside the park. The program, which offers eligible employees interest-free loans of up to $53,000, had helped seven Banff employees buy homes in Canmore since 2017. Future purchases through the program are now limited to homes within Banff.  

The local paper has newspaper stands around Canmore and Banff

They’ve been there forever. You’ve seen them.

When a new storefront opens, maybe they add another stand. That’s how they grow.

Our distribution is different. It’s email and social media.

20,000+ locals get Bow Valley Insider in their inbox. And we add another 1,000 every month.

That’s not more “stands.” That’s more people. And we’re not limited by physical distribution.

One video on social media can reach 50,000… 100,000+ people in a matter of days.

No new stands required.

➡️ Want that kind of reach? Let’s talk

BANFF & CANMORE MAYORS REJECT ALBERTA SEPARATION

What’s Happening? The mayors of Banff and Canmore are both publicly rejecting Alberta separation ahead of the province’s Oct. 19 referendum, with Banff’s mayor urging residents to vote to remain in Canada and Canmore’s mayor saying he will personally vote the same way.

“Too Important For Silence.” Both mayors said they would normally avoid publicly weighing in on a provincial referendum, but described Alberta separation as an exceptional circumstance.

“Normally, I would hesitate to speak publicly about a provincial referendum. How you vote is ultimately your choice. But this issue is too important for silence,” Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno wrote in a statement shared publicly this week.

“On Oct. 19, I will be voting for Alberta to remain in Canada and I urge Banffites to do the same.”

DiManno also described Banff as “integral to our country’s identity, culture, and economy,” while noting the town sits on Treaty 7 territory that predates both Banff National Park and the province itself.

Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert echoed a similar sentiment in an emailed statement to Bow Valley Insider.

“Under normal circumstances, I would hesitate to speak publicly as a Mayor on a provincial vote,” Krausert wrote. “However, these are anything but normal circumstances.”

“As an extremely proud Canadian and 4th generation Albertan, on October 19th I will be voting… for Alberta to remain a province of Canada.”

What Happens Next. Albertans will vote Oct. 19 on whether Alberta should remain in Canada or begin the legal process required to pursue separation through a future binding referendum.

A new Angus Reid poll released May 25 found 60% of respondents said they would vote “No” on beginning that process, compared to 35% who said they would vote “Yes.” The survey also found Edmonton respondents were the strongest supporters of remaining in Canada, while rural Alberta respondents were evenly split. 

Read our full story

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Bow Valley Business Networking Night. Looking to meet more people in the local business community without the awkward conference-style networking vibe? The Bow Valley Chamber’s Bevvies & Business event is designed for casual conversation and connections over drinks. It’s open to Chamber members and anyone curious about joining. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Moxy, Banff. Tickets are $15-$40, and pre-registration is required.*

Thursday

• Last Day For 1996-Priced Beer. Grizzly Paw’s 30th birthday throwback pricing wraps up today before Founder’s Series beers return to regular prices. For one more day, all Founder’s Series beers are $4 for a full 16 oz pour across its Canmore locations. Happy hour runs from 3-6 PM at The Paw Pub, and 2-5 PM at The Taproom and TANK310. Tiny time machine, tall beer.*

• Mountain Film Night Returns to Canmore. The Banff Centre World Tour is bringing another packed night of outdoor adventure films to artsPlace. Thursday’s lineup includes Best Day Ever, about adaptive mountain bikers in Vermont, alongside films on Indonesian climbing twins, a 69-day Baffin Island expedition, ski-season storytelling, wild bee conservation, and Canadian riders battling brutal conditions. 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $30.*

CANMORE’S BIGGEST MTB RACE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Canmore is about to host some very fast people on bikes, and organizers desperately need more locals to help keep the wheels turning.

The 2026 Canmore MTB Classic runs June 10 to 13 at the Canmore Nordic Centre, with volunteer shifts available from June 6 to 13. It’s once again the only Canadian stop on the UCI Continental Series calendar, which means an international field of athletes will be rolling into town. Casual stuff.

Volunteers are needed for course marshaling, course crossings, merchandise sales, beer service, setup, teardown, and other race-day roles. No prior experience is needed.

Perks include meals and snacks during shifts, a beer ticket, an event t-shirt, raffle entries for every shift worked, and a volunteer thank-you party after the event.

Sign up here.

(Please 💖)

_{*Presented by Canmore MTB Classic.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎤 Tim Hus at the Exshaw Legion. Exshaw Legion is marking the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary with an evening of cowboy country, Canadiana, and roots music from Alberta songwriter Tim Hus, known for his storytelling-style songs about prairie and western life. The June 6 event includes a 3 PM meat draw, a 5 PM pulled pork supper, and a 6:30 PM show. Tickets are $30 and include supper, dessert, and music. Email Kim at [email protected] to get your ticket.*

• ✅ Moraine Lake Road Is Open to Cyclists Right Now. Moraine Lake Road has officially been cleared of snow, giving cyclists a rare window to ride it before shuttle traffic and summer crowds arrive on Monday. The ride is a 14-km one-way climb with 527m of elevation gain. We’d recommend parking at the Lake Louise Ski Resort to start. It adds a bit of distance, but parking is free. If you’re looking to rent e-bikes that make the climb a whole lot friendlier, we recommend Rebound Cycle in Canmore.*

• 🎬 Pine Tree Players Theatre Scholarships. Bow Valley students interested in acting, directing, stage design, and other areas of theatre can apply for Pine Tree Players scholarships to help attend Artstrek, a professional summer theatre program in Red Deer. The $800 Bow Valley Community Artstrek Scholarship is open to local youth passionate about theatre and performing arts. Applications close Sunday, June 7 at 11:59 PM.*

• 🚧 Heart Creek Area Closures and Warnings. Alberta Parks has a few overlapping advisories in place, so this is one to check before you lace up. Heart Creek Trail is closed for tree removal and hazard mitigation, with reopening expected sometime today. A bear warning is also in place for Heart Creek, Heart Creek Bunker Trail, and part of the Trans Canada Trail after multiple black bear sightings, including a sow with cubs. Trail work on Heart Creek and Quaite Creek continues through June 15.

• Overheard Podcast Breaks Down Bow Valley Fishing Culture. This episode is worth a listen if mountain fishing has always felt a bit intimidating or mysterious. Longtime Bow Valley angler Chris Karol explains fly fishing basics, local fishing etiquette, beginner mistakes, conservation rules, and how people actually learn to fish in the Rockies. The conversation also dives into how the Bow Valley has changed over the years, from rising costs to busier rivers and social media blowing up once-secret fishing spots. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Waste Diversion Falling Short. Banff is unlikely to hit its goal of diverting 70% of waste from landfill by 2028, with residential recycling and composting proving especially tricky. The town’s overall diversion rate is now 51%, but residential diversion dropped to 28% in 2025. Officials say shared neighbourhood bins, resident turnover, and wildlife-safe collection needs make household waste habits harder to shift.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 10:00 PM: Tommy's Open Mic. Location: Tommy’s Neighborhood Pub. No Cover.

• Thursday, May 28, 2026, 10:00 PM: Rumble in the Jungle. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Alberta Man Completes “18-18-18” Spring Challenge. An Alberta man has completed an extreme version of the province’s unofficial spring “9x9x9” tradition by doing 18 snowboard runs at Sunshine Village, 18 holes of golf, and drinking 18 beers all in a single day. Ted Rud completed the challenge May 15 after being inspired by local creators documenting the original version online. While the stunt has become a tongue-in-cheek spring ritual in Alberta outdoor culture, safety groups continue warning about the obvious risks tied to alcohol consumption, winter sports, and travel between activities. Watch the video recap. It’s actually wild.

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.