📈Canmore Doubles Population

Good morning, Bow Valley!

It’s that time again—Banff Film Fest kicks off this weekend for 9 days, and the lineup is straight fire. For all the newcomers, these tickets sell out faster than parking at Lake Louise on a sunny weekend. And it's not just films—there’s a ton of cool events happening around the Valley, too. Check out the ticket links below + a sneak peek at opening weekend!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider: 

• Canmore to double the population by 2044

• A Banff hotel is supposedly one of the spookiest places in the world

• Banff Christmas Market returns

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan, Shireen Ahmed, Lauren H., & Ben S.

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CANMORE POPULATION TO DOUBLE BY 2044

What's happening: The Three Sisters development is set to double Canmore’s population in 20 years, bringing much-needed housing, but leaving locals asking, "What’s next?"

The debate: Some see the development as a solution to the town’s growing housing crisis, while others fear Canmore will become the next Whistler—overcrowded and unaffordable. Wildlife advocates also worry the project threatens the area's grizzly bear population.

The affordability crunch: With rent prices sky-high (a one-bedroom averages $2,727), Canmore’s living costs are already a serious issue. Even with affordable housing included, homes in the new development are expected to be $1M+. Locals fear the town’s middle class and small businesses won’t survive the squeeze.

Looking ahead: While some hope the new housing will help with affordability, the town’s future feels uncertain. With its limited space for further development, Canmore’s housing market may remain out of reach for many, despite the growth.

THE 49^th BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM AND BOOK FESTIVAL STARTS THIS WEEKEND!

Join the action on opening day in Banff this Saturday, October 26, at the Jenny Belzberg Theatre. Tickets start at just $32!

Morning: Mixed Films | 9 – 12 am

Visit a remote village in Nepal, freeride mountain bike in Utah, meet a salesman-turned hummingbird expert, and more! (5 films)

Afternoon: Mixed Films | 2 – 5 pm

Dive into a world of freshwater science, embrace a new beginning in a Japanese village, attempt an ascent on a climb in the Karakorum, and more! (5 films)

Reception | 5 - 7 pm 

Max Bell Building Lobby – Free, cash bar

Night: Dawa Yangzum Sherpa and Films | 7:30 pm

Dawa Yangzum Sherpa just became the first Nepali woman to summit all 8000-metre peaks with a successful summit of Shishapangma this month! She joins us for an on-stage interview followed by four films.

VIEW FULL SCHEDULE AND EVENT DETAILS

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THE DIGEST

• 🖤A 55-year-old man reported missing in Kootenay National Park was found dead on a gravel bar in the Vermillion River on Oct. 21. Parks Canada and RCMP conducted the search with helicopters and a rescue dog. Authorities have not released the man’s name.

• 👻Time Out’s 20 spookiest haunted places in the world feature Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The Castle in the Rockies, the only Canadian place on this list, made the cut due to its stories of ghost brides and bellmen. 

• 🎄The Banff Christmas Market returns on November 14th for a special locals-only night, running every weekend afterward for the public until December 8th. This year, the market will feature a cozy outdoor fire lounge located at Banff Heritage Train Station. 

• ⛷️SkiBig3 resorts welcome two new six-pack, heated bubble chair lifts to kick off the snow season, meaning Lake Louise, Sunshine, and Norquay are home to all of Canada’s heated bubble lifts. The ski season opening dates are estimated for the first week of November.

• 🚧Bow River Bridge repairs will take place from October 21st to 28th to maintain the deck, pillars, and underneath structures for the first time since 1987. Sidewalks and single-lane closures are expected. There will be special overnight work to minimize traffic disruptions from 6 pm to 7 am. 

• 💰In August, we reported that many tourism operators in Banff and Jasper are owned by US company Viad. On October 21, Viad sold its events business for $535 million to focus on its lodges, tours, and hospitality in places like Banff National Park, which they see as a "high growth, high return" opportunity.

CANMORE FACES $40M WASTEWATER COSTS

What’s happening? Canmore’s wastewater treatment plant needs an upgrade, with costs estimated at $75-$125 million to meet new provincial regulations on phosphorus and nitrogen levels. Local ratepayers could be on the hook for more than $40 million.

The pushback: Mayor Sean Krausert is pushing for either an exemption or additional provincial funding, arguing Canmore already meets environmental standards for the Bow River. The town’s Biological Aeration Filtration system, installed in 1997, largely controls nutrient levels, and the mayor questions the need for such a costly upgrade.

What’s next: Canmore has until 2031 to make the required upgrades, but with rising costs, the town is seeking provincial grants and support. The wastewater plant serves not only Canmore but also Dead Man’s Flats, adding further complexity to cost-sharing and legal discussions related to the ongoing off-site levy dispute with developers.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Keep your travel memories recorded! Join this Travel Journaling workshop to learn creative ways to journal, draw, and color your daily experiences, 1 PM - 2:30 PM, Banff Fenlands, $105.

• Prepare for your next mountain adventure! Mountain Fit is a free full-body workout to get you ready, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, Fenlands in Banff.

• Pumpkin decorating for French speakers! Atelier de décoration de citrouilles is at Canmore Francophone Community School Center for ages 8+, 6 PM - 7:30 PM, $10 or free for members. Register here.

• Attend Greg Hill’s Book Launch! Join the Canadian ski mountaineer as he discusses his memoir, I Could Die at Any Moment, 7 PM - 9 PM, SkiUphill-RunUphill, Canmore. No cover.

• Trivia Night! Put your knowledge to the test at Tavern 1883, 8:30 PM, $2 per person to add to the jackpot prize.

Thursday

• Practice self-care! Attend the free workshop, Stress-Care: Enhancing Mental Wellness, 12 PM - 1 PM, Origin, 808 Spring Creek Drive, Canmore.

• Join a free games night! Thirsty Thursday Party at Melissa’s Missteak includes Corn Hole, Pool, Jenga, and Beer Pong with discounted drinks and live music.

• Carve pumpkins and connect! Women's Circle: Pumpkin Carving & Decorating is a creative space to reflect, 6 PM - 8 PM, Great Room, YWCA Banff.

• Run and ski! The Strides & Glides Duathlon fundraiser features a 3km run and 3km ski event at Canmore Nordic Centre, 6 PM - 7:30 PM.

• Paint, Sip, and Quiz! Enjoy pottery painting, drinks, and trivia at Canmore Brewing Co. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, $35 per person (pre-registration required).

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ❄️Banff Snow Angels: Volunteers help residents 65+ or with disabilities clear driveways/sidewalks. Snow must be cleared within 24 hours by law. Contact [email protected] or 403-762-1253 to volunteer or request help.

• ☕Happy Hour Alert: Get local deals at Mountain Folk Coffee Co. Monday to Friday, 10-11 AM and 1-2 PM. $5 latte? Yes, please!

• 🥕Local's Month: Crazy Weed Kitchen offers local deals Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays in November. Book your reservations now!

• 🌈Pride Panelists Needed: Canmore Pride seeks speakers for "Pride Across Generations" on Dec 8, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM. $200 honorarium + transportation. Apply by Nov 7.

• 🎨Call for Artists: HeARTburn is accepting applications for its 2025 Group Exhibition and Art Grant Program until Dec 15. Original artworks will be displayed at artsPlace from Feb 14-23, 2025.

• 👚Valley Kids & Local Market: Provides affordable kids' clothing, with a program offering free clothing for low-income families. Unsold items are donated to those in need.

• 🚁Association of Canadian Mountain Guides Auction (ACMG): Bid on lodge stays, Heli-Ski trips, gear, and more until Oct 25, 8 PM. Proceeds support sustainable projects and emergency ACMG staff funding.

• 👩🏾‍🎨ArtsPlace Exhibit: Check out Filipino artist Kuhlein Migue’s Reconfiguration of Home, running until Nov 7 at Canmore’s ArtsPlace.

• 📖Library Fund: Canmore Public Library’s endowment fund has surpassed $200,000, ensuring its long-term sustainability!

CIVIC NEWS

• As the Bow Valley welcomes the snow back, here’s a friendly reminder from the Town of Canmore on snow clearing priorities and how you can help.

• Banff’s Recycling Roundup is on October 26th from 10am to 4pm in the Beaver Street parking lot. Recycle your old electronics, paint, household hazardous materials, oil, tires, etc. Here’s a full list of what’s accepted, or you can drop off hazardous waste and electronics anytime at the Transfer Site on 160 Hawk Avenue between 7:30am and 3:30pm.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, October 23rd, 7pm: Open Mic Night. Location: The Local, Canmore. No cover.

• Wednesday, October 23rd, 10pm: Melissa's Missteak & Mission Echo Events Present Elevate 360. Tickets are $6. 

• Thursday, October 24th, 10pm: Thirsty Thursday: Dance Night with DJ Tenax. Location: The Drake, Canmore. No cover.

• Thursday, October 24th, 7:30pm: Maria Dunn Trio. Location: Arts Place, Canmore. Tickets are $30.

SPORTS

• Connor Howe of Canmore won gold in both the 1,500m and 1000m at the 2024 Canadian Long Track Championships, making him a four-time national champion in the 1,500m. He also claimed bronze in the 5,000m. Howe now prepares for the upcoming ISU World Cup and 2026 Winter Olympics.

• Exshaw Eagles and Mînî Thnî Mustangs meet on the volleyball court at Exshaw school’s gym for a friendly junior high match.

• Canmore Eagles won both their games last weekend against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons. They lead their conference and all teams with 21 points.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Friday, same time, same place!