💰Canmore Local Wins Lotto

Good morning, Bow Valley!

It feels like Mother Nature’s playing a game of weather roulette. One day, avalanches are ripping down in Kananaskis. The next, a grass fire east of Canmore. What season is this, again?

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• An update on all the avalanche activity over the past few days

• A viral proposal in Banff got 1.6 million views (and counting)

• A reality TV cooking show is coming to Canmore

• Plus, film night at Canmore Brewing, $6 chili nights, speakers series is back, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

P.S. Big thanks to everyone who voted in Monday’s poll! 69% of you are on board with us creating unique travel itineraries that support local businesses. We hear the concerns, too—no recommendations that add extra pressure to our land and ecosystem. We’ll keep it mindful.

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AVALANCHE CONDITIONS ARE BRUTAL

What’s Happening? Avalanche conditions are no joke right now. The Icefield Parkway has reopened after control work, but Parks Canada still rates the avalanche danger as considerable in Banff National Park. Over in Kananaskis, things aren’t any better—heavy snowfall is sitting on an unstable slab, increasing the risk.

Closures in Field. In Yoho National Park, Mt. Stephen, Mt. Field, and Mt. Dennis are closed today (Wednesday, Feb. 26) for avalanche control. These peaks flank Highway 1 as you drive through Field, and while the highway remains open, trailheads—including ice climbing routes—are off-limits.

Tragedy in Forster Creek. Near Radium, a 40m-wide, 300m-long avalanche claimed the life of a snowmobiler in Forster Creek. The rider was fully buried after triggering a slide on a steep, rocky northeast slope. Despite rescue efforts, they did not survive.

Stay Safe. Conditions remain dangerous. Experts advise avoiding avalanche terrain, sticking to conservative routes, and checking avalanche reports before heading out.

READY TO ENJOY THE MOUNTAINS WORRY-FREE?

Before you head off on that next alpine adventure (or crack open a local craft brew to celebrate retirement), make sure the future you’ve worked for is totally secure. 

Our friends at Stringam Law know that planning your will or estate shouldn’t feel like navigating a maze in a blizzard. 

They’re lawyers who’ll help you cover every detail—so you can keep exploring those Bow Valley trails with total peace of mind. 

From drafting wills to setting up trusts, they’ll take the guesswork out of “what happens next?” 

Trust us, you’ll breathe a whole lot easier knowing your loved ones (and your nest egg) are in good hands. 

Ready to check one more thing off life’s to-do list and enjoy these Rockies stress-free? 

Reach out to Stringam.

_{*Presented by Stringam Law.}

THE DIGEST

• 🎰A Canmore local just hit the jackpot. Brent Cowan won $179,380 on a Lightning Lotto ticket bought at the Circle K on Bow Valley Trail. The win was instant, and while he's still in shock, he’s playing it smart—stashing the cash in his TFSA and RRSP before making any big moves.

• 💍Viral Proposal in Banff—1.6 million views and counting.  Christian Keenan proposed to Ella McGivern using her favorite book, Six of Crows, highlighting a quote about true love on page 136. Under the night sky, McGivern flipped to the page, saw “Marry Me?” written beside it, and was in tears before Keenan even got the words out. 

• 🌟Canmore Restaurants Earn Elite Status. Two Canmore restaurants just earned AAA Four Diamond status, a distinction given to upscale restaurants with outstanding service, quality, and consistency. Änkôr and Sauvage join an elite list of just 500 restaurants in North America, proving that Canmore’s fine dining scene is among the best.

• 💰Banff Rallies for EMS Quarters. A fundraiser at the Canadian Brewhouse raised over $37,000 to upgrade EMS quarters at Banff Mineral Springs Hospital. With drafty doors and a single shared bathroom, the space needs serious improvements. Donations keep rolling in, including $48K from Improvement District No. 9 and $50K from an anonymous donor.

• 👨🏻‍🍳Top Chef Comes to Canmore. Top Chef Season 22 is making a stop in Canmore, bringing high-stakes culinary battles to the Rockies. With back-to-basics cooking challenges, chefs will have to prove they can handle more than just fine dining. Premiering March 13, the winner takes home $250,000.

FAST-MOVING GRASS FIRE NEAR GHOST LAKE CONTAINED

What’s Happening? Highway 1A has reopened after a grass fire forced a closure east of Canmore between Range Road 60 (near Ghost Lake) and Morley Road (Highway 1X) on Tuesday afternoon.

Fire Under Control. The four-hectare wildfire, located west of Ghost Lake, is now under control. Firefighters, Cochrane RCMP, and Volker Stevin responded, and the cause is still under investigation.

Dry Conditions & Fire Risk. Despite the overall wildfire danger being low, above-seasonal temperatures and strong winds have accelerated snowmelt, leaving exposed dry grass that can fuel fast-moving fires.

What’s Next? Alberta’s wildfire season officially starts March 1, meaning fire permits will be required for burning (except campfires) in the Forest Protection Area. Officials are preparing resources for the season ahead and will provide more updates soon.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Hot Cocoa and Smores Meetup. Keep warm with hot cocoa and smores roasted around the fire! Bring your own mug. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Recreation Grounds Pavilion. Cost: $20 +GST. Banff Residents: Free. (Ages 18-30).

• Library Tech Studio. Join Toni for this library app deep dive and get more out of your Libby app. Bring your Apple or Android device. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free.

• Stepping in Leadership. CYAN presents an informative evening with Councillor Joanna McCallum. This session will explore the evolving role of councilors, recent changes to the position, and what it takes to step into local leadership. 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. By Donation.

• Francophone Comedy Night. "My Italian Family," the second show by Cathy Fuoco, humorously and tenderly takes us into her childhood, coming from Calabrian immigrants.  7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Adult: $15. Youth: Free.

• $6 Chili Night. Tuck into a HEARTY bowl of house-made chili (meat or veggie) served with buttery artisan sourdough, cheese & sour cream. Every Wednesday, from 5 PM - 7 PM. Wild Flour Bakery, Banff. 

Thursday

• Speaker Series. Welcome local adventurer and world traveler, Fred Swaine. In his presentation, Fred will highlight the cultural and archeological aspects of his trip as well as some of the hikes he completed in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Canmore Library. Free. 

• Free Adventure Film Night. Featuring two epic films: “Goran Kropp” - the crazy Swede who biked from Sweden to Mt. Everest, climbed it, and then biked home. Plus, "Backyard” - a fierce skier making the most of incredible ski descents in her own backyard. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free. 

• Author Talk. Chic Scott has researched and written more than a dozen books about the mountain world—ski guidebooks, history books, and biographies. Listen to Chic’s love of books combined with his love of mountains and more about his rich and fascinating life. 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Banff Public Library.  Free. 

• Poker Night. Come play Thursday night poker at the Canmore Legion with a fun group of regulars. Enjoy great eats from Avi's Kitchen and refreshing beverages. New players are welcome. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Canmore Legion.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🤖Learn How AI Can Improve Visitor Experiences. This March 17th Zoom session, hosted by the Interpretive Guides Association, explores AI’s role in interpretation, including ChatGPT’s ability to craft visitor-centered questions. Led by Dr. Jacquie Gilson. $10 for members, $20 for non-members—register here.

• 🔒Another Restaurant Closure. Elita Restaurant in Canmore is closing at the end of the month. Head down during business hours for great deals and a final goodbye. 

• 🛢️Bottle Drive. The Bow Valley Connections Centre will come by to pick up your empties on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Email [email protected] or let the Canmore Bottle Depot know you’d like to donate.

• 📝Downtown Canmore Survey. Take the last Canmore Connect Downtown survey by March 2 for a chance to win a $100 gift card to a downtown business of your choice.

• 🚴Bike All Winter Group Ride. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just looking for a fun way to enjoy the winter scenery, this is a great way to meet new people, explore the stunning Bow Valley, and stay active. Wednesday at 5:00 PM at the Bear Street Fire Pit or Friday at 5:00 PM at artsPlace.

• 🌱Communal Garden Registration. The Communal Garden in Canmore allows members to share in both the responsibility and bounty of over 50 garden beds. Registration opens March 1st.

• 🍀Hoping for a Gardening Plot in Banff? Registration opens on March 18 for Banff residents participating in the lottery for one of the approximately 80 greenhouse plots operated by the Banff Greenhouse Gardening Society.

• 🙋Volunteer Opportunities in Exshaw. The ECA is always looking for volunteers for events and activities. Whether you can be a one-time volunteer for the Skating Rink, Harvest Market, or any of their other activities. 

• 🧠Canmore History. Have you ever wondered about that giant head on Main Street? We created a quick video about the history of it and how it relates to Canmore’s name. 

• 🤝MicroGrant Applications Open. Bow Valley Climate Action and the Biosphere Institute are offering microgrants (Max: $1,000) to support community-led projects that help combat climate change or promote sustainability.

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: BOW VALLEY CONNECTION CENTRE

The Bow Valley Connection Centre’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for those with developmental disabilities by fostering social connections, personal growth, and involvement in the community. They strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where individuals feel welcome and empowered to make a difference in their community. Learn more on how to get involved here.

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore Council updates pay, per diems & RRSPs for 2025-29 to attract diverse candidates. The mayor's salary rises to $130K, while councilors will earn $53K. These changes aim to reflect the cost of living, encourage broader participation, and ensure sustainable leadership.

• The Town of Canmore may loan $12M to Canmore Community Housing for a 144-unit affordable rental project at 100 Palliser Ln, aiding federal funding. It's part of a 1,300-unit plan, with most homes designated affordable. Council votes on final approval on March 11. 

• After extensive public input, the Harvie Heights redevelopment plan is officially in place. The plan, shaped by local feedback, addresses key concerns like stormwater management, traffic, and commercial design. With Canmore’s wastewater and water supply already connected, this marks a new chapter in shaping the hamlet’s future growth.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Latin Fiesta.  Location: Melissa’s MisSteak. $8.79.

• Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, 10:00 PM: DJ Tenax Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, February 27th, 10:00 PM: Live Music With Acoustic Arn & Mike Webb. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No Cover.

• Thursday, February 27th, 10:00 PM: Darryl Anderson. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Canmore to Host 2029 Biathlon World Cup. Canmore has been selected to host the 2029 BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup, bringing top international competition back to the Canmore Nordic Centre. This event cements Canmore’s status as a premier winter sports hub and plays a key role in Canada’s road to the 2034 Winter Olympics.

• Unclaimed Hockey Day 50/50 Jackpot.If you bought a 50/50 ticket during Hockey Day in Canada, check your numbers! The winning ticket is still unclaimed, and the jackpot is up for grabs. Proceeds support hockey initiatives in the Bow Valley, so someone’s big win will also give back to the community.

That’s all, folks!

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