🚠 Canmore Gondola Can Advance

Good morning, Bow Valley!

It’s amazing what six days can do. Last weekend, the larches were looking pretty weak. We went for a sunrise hike in Kananaskis yesterday and found them in full colour. This weekend and next should be the ticket. Just remember, Pocaterra, arguably K-Country’s most popular larch hike, is still closed. We’re not blowing up yesterday’s spot since we had it to ourselves, but here are eight still fairly under-the-radar alternatives.

-Ben S., Fortune Whelan, Brendan Nogue, Alexia Chambers, Keith Fernandes

CANMORE’S SILVERTIP GONDOLA PROPOSAL CAN NOW MOVE FORWARD

What’s Happening? After years of discussion, the proposed Silvertip Gondola above Canmore has entered its next phase. Alberta has designated a portion of Mount Lady MacDonald as an All-Season Resort Area, allowing Stone Creek Resorts to formally submit the project for provincial review. But the gondola itself has not been approved for construction.

So, What Was Actually Approved? You might remember that back in March, we reported the province was gathering public feedback on whether this area should be designated under the All-Season Resorts Act. The province has now made that designation. 

Thursday’s decision removes the affected land from Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park and designates it as an All-Season Resort Area, allowing it to be considered for resort development. The province calls this the “first step in the regulatory process” and says it does not approve construction, development or operation of the gondola. 

Stone Creek president Shauna Dudding told Bow Valley Insider the company can now file its Master Development Plan, which will include environmental assessments, traffic studies and parking studies.

As for what changes immediately? “Nothing will be changing on the property here,” Dudding said.

What’s Being Proposed? First conceived in 2017, the gondola would travel from a base station near Palliser Trail, through Silvertip Village and to an upper terminal on the summit ridge of Mount Lady MacDonald. The concept also includes visitor, trail and utility infrastructure.

The Alberta government says new activities and attractions at Lady MacDonald could create 1,750 jobs and generate $238 million in visitor spending over the next decade.

But There’s Opposition. Conservation groups have opposed both the proposal and land designation over concerns about development and increased human activity in protected lands and wildlife habitat.

The proposed development area overlaps land classified as prime protection and critical wildlife zones. Concerns have focused particularly on the Upper Silvertip Wildlife Corridor and habitat used by bighorn sheep, including whether noise, visual disturbance and increased human activity could discourage animals from using otherwise suitable habitat.

Stone Creek says wildlife impacts have been central to its environmental work and that feedback on wildlife, recreation, transportation and community impacts has shaped the proposal.

What Happens Next? Stone Creek now submits the detailed plans and studies for provincial review. That process will determine whether the gondola itself can ultimately proceed.

Read our full story

YOU DON’T HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL OCTOBER 19 TO VOTE IN ALBERTA’S REFERENDUM

Albertans heading to the polls for this fall’s provincial referendum have another option that could make voting a little easier: requesting a Special Ballot and voting by mail.

Special Ballots are available to all eligible Alberta voters, and you don’t need to provide a reason for requesting one.

That means Bow Valley residents who expect to be away, have a busy schedule or simply prefer to complete their ballot from home can apply online now rather than waiting to vote in person.

This year’s referendum includes 10 questions, giving voters plenty to consider.

Topics range from immigration to voting requirements, the appointment of judges, federal-provincial powers and Alberta’s future within Canada. 

Voting by mail allows you to review those questions, complete your ballot on your own schedule, and skip the lines.

There are a couple of deadlines worth putting in your calendar. 

The last day to request a Special Ballot is Sept. 25 (this Friday), and Elections Alberta must receive your completed ballot by mail before 5 PM on October 16.

Request your special ballot here

Get informed. Spread the word.  Vote. 

_{*Presented by Jennifer Weingardt, a Canmore resident encouraging Bow Valley residents to participate in the October 19 referendum.}

THE DIGEST

• 🚧 Lake Minnewanka Backcountry Closed Due To Black Bears. Parks Canada has closed the Lake Minnewanka and Aylmer Pass trails, along with six backcountry campgrounds, after black bears displayed food-seeking behaviour in the area over several months. The closure took effect Sept. 16 and will remain in place until further notice. No entry is permitted, and Parks Canada says anyone violating the closure could face a fine of up to $25,000. This same area was closed in June and later reopened after a black bear ripped apart a camper’s tent while they were away hiking.  

• 🚂 Calgary-Banff Train Isn’t In Alberta’s Three-Year Planning Window. This week, we attended a provincial seminar on Alberta’s passenger rail plans and asked the question many locals have been wondering: Does Canmore get a stop? Officials confirmed Canmore hasn’t been selected for a station, and detailed planning for the Calgary-Banff route isn’t even in the province’s current three-year plan. That said, officials stressed that if a community isn’t on the current map, “that doesn’t mean that you’re not being seriously considered.” As you may recall from our previous reporting, Canmore council definitely wants a stop. We also learned a Calgary-Banff trip is currently estimated at $40-$70. 

• 📍 The Long-Awaited Banff Sign Parkette Is Finally Done. It’s been quite the journey for Banff’s most photographed letters. The sign moved from Norquay Road to the Train Station last year, was unveiled in its new location, then disappeared again this spring so crews could build the surrounding parkette. Now the letters are back, the pathways, seating and landscaping are finished, and the entire project is finally complete. Banff is celebrating the new park today from 10-10:30 AM.

• 🤖 AI Bots Are Coming For B.C. Park Passes. This one isn’t Bow Valley related, but apparently bots are now making their way into the world of park reservations. BC Parks is changing its day-use reservation system after concerns about bots snapping up passes when demand is high. Starting Sept. 22, users will need an account and identity verification, with BC Parks saying the goal is to ensure passes are reserved by “real people.” The system covers popular spots including Joffre Lakes and Garibaldi. 

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LAKE LOUISE'S NEW FIRE HALL BREAKS GROUND AFTER MORE THAN 20 YEARS OF PLANNING

What’s Happening? After more than two decades of planning, construction has started on Lake Louise’s new fire hall and staff housing. The two projects will cost a combined $28.9 million, add 12 housing units and are expected to be completed in 2028.

The Current Setup Is Tight. The Lake Louise Fire Department currently operates from just two bays inside a Parks Canada facility. Two fire engines fit inside, while its other three vehicles are parked outdoors. There isn’t enough locker or office space, and firefighting gear is stored at the back of the bays.

“It’s not an upgrade. It’s not to meet a demand. There isn’t a fire hall currently,” ID9 chief administrative officer Danielle Duffy told Bow Valley Insider.

The new hall at 105 Village Road will provide dedicated space for vehicles, equipment, maintenance and training.

And There’s Room For An Ambulance. The design includes space for an additional bay that could someday accommodate an ambulance. That could be particularly significant because Lake Louise currently doesn’t have a full-time ambulance, leaving firefighters responding to a substantial number of medical emergencies.

Data provided to Bow Valley Insider shows medical emergencies accounted for at least 40% of fire department calls in every year with available data between 2019 and 2026, averaging about 49%.

Emergency Health Services Alberta says there are currently no confirmed plans to station a full-time ambulance in Lake Louise.

Housing Is Part Of The Project Too. Twelve staff housing units are being built for firefighters and other essential workers, including doctors, medical support and recreation staff.

That matters in a community without an open housing market. Duffy said residential properties in Lake Louise are tied to commercial employers, making it difficult for essential workers without employer accommodation to find somewhere to live.

Who’s Paying? More than $14 million is coming from the federal government, while ID9 is putting nearly $10 million from its capital reserves toward the projects. Another $3 million will come through debentures, with Alberta contributing $1.69 million through grants.

Read our full story

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Free Indigenous Bison Celebration in Banff. Bison Courtyard is hosting a free afternoon of Stoney and Métis performances, traditional buffalo teachings, storytelling and hands-on activities. There’ll also be bison lantern-making, snacks and four murals exploring the bison’s cultural significance and return to Banff National Park. 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Bison Courtyard, Banff. Free.*

• National Cheeseburger Day at Banff’s Rose & Crown. The rooftop grill is firing up for National Cheeseburger Day, with $8 Royale cheeseburgers, $20 Rose Burgers with fries, and $6 hot dogs. No reservations, just one more excuse to squeeze in some rooftop time before patio season disappears. 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Rose & Crown, Banff. No cover.* 

• Mountain Bike Film Playing at Lux. LikeMinded is an independent mountain bike documentary featuring riding crews and cultures filmmaker David McMillan encountered over a decade of travel. Each brings a different style and perspective, tied together by a shared love of riding, creativity and community. 7:00 PM. Lux Cinema, Banff. $15.

Saturday

• Best Dressed Dog Contest Comes to The Drake. The Drake Screaming Retriever is going full Oktoberfest tomorrow with beer, a DJ, lawn games and a best-dressed dog contest. They’re also debuting a Chocolate Retriever Dunkel Lager. Tickets are $15 and include a pint. And yes, we’re still hoping someone brings a wiener dog dressed as a wiener. 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The Drake, Canmore. $15.*

• Watch Canada's Fastest Coffee Competition. Eclipse Coffee Roasters is hosting a regional qualifier for the Canadian AeroPress Championship, with home brewers, baristas and coffee enthusiasts competing for a spot at nationals. Competitors get just five minutes to brew their best cup, while spectators can watch with a coffee and live music from DJ Tenax. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Eclipse Coffee Roasters, Railway Ave, Canmore. Free to watch.*

Sunday

• Terry Fox Run Returns. Banff’s Terry Fox Run includes 1K, 2K, 5K and 10K routes for runners, walkers, wheelers and families. Registration opens at 9 AM before everyone heads out from the Sundance Park pavilion at 10 AM. Pick your distance, bring the family and take part in a Canadian tradition that’s been going strong for more than four decades. 9:00 AM registration. Sundance Park, Banff.

• NFL Sundays at the Rose & Crown. Football Sundays are back, with RedZone on the screens, $15 Dirty Bird fried chicken, drink specials and weekly giveaways throughout the season. Doors open at 11 AM, so settle in early and let Sunday disappear into football. 11:00 AM. Rose & Crown, Banff. No cover.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ✨ Free Weekly Improv Comes to Canmore. Pine Tree Players is launching a new 12-week program for Bow Valley adults, with free drop-in improv every Wednesday starting Sept. 23. It’s designed for everyone from complete beginners to experienced performers, with no registration required. Expect theatre games, improvised scenes and plenty of practice thinking on your feet. There’ll also be three guest-led workshops and an optional low-pressure performance for anyone who wants to take things a little further.*

• 💭 A Place to Talk About Life’s Bigger Questions. Where do you find fulfillment? What excites you? What are you struggling with? Our Lady of the Rockies is creating a low-pressure place to actually talk about questions we don’t always get around to discussing. Each Thursday, The Search pairs finger food with a 25-minute video and guided table conversation. You don’t need to have answers or agree with everyone, and people of any faith or no faith are welcome. No registration required. Thursdays from 6 PM - 7:15 PM, running until October 29. Location here.*

• 🍻 TANK310 Launches New Weekend Happy Hour. TANK310, the restaurant on the top floor of The Grizzly Paw brewery, has a new Executive Chef, refreshed menu and revamped Happy Hour, now running Thursday through Sunday from 2–5 PM. You’ll get 25% off all beer and wine, plus select dishes including wings, pork belly bites, burgers and pizzas. The broader menu includes everything from Alberta striploin to roasted salmon and wild mushroom pasta. Check the full menu.*

• 📺 A Famous ’90s TV Set Is Still Standing In Kananaskis. CBC’s North of 60 was set in the fictional Northwest Territories community of Lynx River, but the town was actually built in Kananaskis, west of Bragg Creek. More than 30 years later, parts of the set are still standing and can be spotted from a viewpoint along the Snagmore Trail. Fun fact: the show takes its name from the 60th parallel, while its Alberta stand-in sits just above the 50th. 

• 🐻 Canmore Residents Are Being Asked To Pick Their Fruit Trees. WildSmart says black bears are still moving through Canmore, with chokecherry and pin cherry trees drawing them into Cougar Creek, Eagle Terrace and the Benchlands. Residents are being asked to pick fruit, clear fallen berries and remove other attractants. Once bears learn that backyards offer easy food, they’re more likely to return, increasing the risk of conflicts that can ultimately lead to bears being relocated or killed.

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Rejects Heritage Demolition Tax Idea. Banff council voted 5-2 against exploring a new tax aimed at discouraging heritage properties from being demolished and left vacant. The proposal would have looked at taxing properties where redevelopment didn’t begin within three months of demolition. Supporters said it could make owners think twice before tearing down heritage buildings, while opponents worried owners could be penalized when construction stalls for reasons beyond their control. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, September 18th, 2026, 6:00 PM: DJ Tenax.  Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Saturday, September 19th, 2026, 9:00 PM: Daniel James McFadyen.  Location: The Drake, Canmore. $19.91.

• Saturday, September 19th, 2026, 10:00 PM: Ferny Turnbull.  Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore Eagles Raise Championship Banner on Saturday. The Eagles begin their AJHL title defence against the Camrose Kodiaks with a home opener and championship celebration. A pre-game tailgate starts at 5 PM, followed by the raising of the first championship banner in the franchise’s 31-year history and the season’s first home game. 

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Monday, 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.