🚥 Canmore Wants Road Renamed

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Quick plug for one of our own: our editor, Fortune, is also a romance author, and her novel One Night With You is free to download until the end of the month. Expect small-town tension, big feelings, and one unforgettable night. If your summer reading list could use one more book, now's a good time.

- Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Madalyn Beach

CANMORE ASKED RESIDENTS HOW THE TOWN SHOULD BUILD. HERE'S WHAT THEY SAID.

What's Happening? Canmore residents are weighing in on one of the Town's biggest long-term planning projects: a complete rewrite of its Land Use Bylaw, the rules that determine what can be built, where it can be built and how development takes shape. More than 287 residents, businesses and community groups participated in the latest round of public engagement.

What Residents Want. The strongest message was that residents want a rulebook that's easier to understand and better reflects today's Canmore. Participants called for simpler language, more diagrams and a searchable online version instead of the current 600-plus-page PDF.

Sustainability also emerged as a major priority. Residents generally supported making it easier to build energy-efficient homes by accommodating features such as EV charging, heat pumps and secure e-bike parking and storage. 

However, support had limits. While many were open to minor height increases for features like solar panels, nearly two-thirds opposed allowing taller buildings simply because they met a green building standard.

Balancing Tourism And Livability. The feedback also highlighted a familiar challenge in Canmore: balancing the needs of visitors with those of year-round residents.

Participants called for rules that protect residential neighbourhoods rather than "exclusively catering to tourist needs." Parking generated more discussion than any other topic at the community open house, with some residents suggesting commercial tourist accommodations should be responsible for providing or paying for their own parking.

Not everyone wanted significant change. Some residents also urged the Town to preserve the low-density character of neighbourhoods such as Larch and Eagle Terrace.

Why The Rewrite? Town planners say the current rules have become too complicated after years of changes. Today, more than half of Canmore's developable land is governed by special site-specific rules, and about 40% of recent development proposals needed exceptions to move forward, suggesting the bylaw no longer reflects how the town is growing. 

Looking Ahead. This is only one phase of a multi-year process. The Town will use the feedback to prepare draft zoning rules and other proposed changes before bringing them back to residents for another round of consultation later this year. 

Read our full story

FROM “WE SHOULD REMOVE THAT TREE” TO DONE IN A WEEK

Most tree projects in the Bow Valley start the same way.

A tree a little too close to the house. A few branches that don’t feel right. Something you’ve been meaning to deal with… eventually.

Then it sits there.

Partly because you’re not sure what actually needs to be done. And partly because you don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting quotes, coordinating crews, and hoping nothing gets damaged in the process.

That’s where Nordic Tree Care makes things easy.

Fred, the owner, meets you on-site for a free assessment and walks the property with you. Not just the tree you called about, but anything else worth flagging. Sometimes that leads to removal. Often it doesn’t.

From there, the plan is clear. And typically within a week, their crew is on-site.

They operate like a larger company when it comes to safety and equipment, but with the care and communication of a local owner-led team. And when they leave, your yard usually looks better than before they arrived.

You can book a free estimate and get it handled properly.

_{*Presented by Nordic Tree Care.}

THE DIGEST

• 🦬 Yellowstone Bison Launches Tourist Into The Air. Conversations about wildlife coexistence are nothing new in the Bow Valley, which is why this story from our neighbours to the south caught our attention. A tourist in Yellowstone was seriously injured after a bull bison tossed him about eight feet into the air while walking with his grandson. A professional photographer said the animal was already "charging anything and everything" through the campground. The footage is so unbelievable it almost looks AI-generated, but it's very real. Watch the video. 

• 💸 Canmore Forgot To Bill Two Major Festivals. The Town of Canmore says it accidentally failed to charge the Canmore Folk Music Festival and Highland Games for using town fields over the past eight years. Rather than asking the organizations to repay those missed fees, council approved a one-time 50% discount on this year's bills and delayed payment until the end of 2027, saying both festivals had likely already finalized their budgets. From next year onward, they'll pay the same field rental fees as other community events. Here's what happened. 

• 🐻 Newly Protected Land Creates Critical Wildlife Link. Conservationists say the newly protected 45,000-hectare landscape near Fernie, BC is one of the Rockies' most important migration routes, allowing grizzlies, wolverines, lynx and other wildlife to move south from Banff toward Montana's Glacier National Park. The Nature Conservancy of Canada acquired the land to protect it from future subdivision or heavy development and now plans to restore habitat, re-naturalize roads and improve wildlife movement. Yellowstone to Yukon, a conservation group focused on connected habitat across the Rockies, says the deal closes a critical gap.   

• 🥾 Ready For A Bigger Hiking Challenge? If you've already worked through some of the hikes we've featured this summer, Gap Peak might be your next objective. Our resident hiking writer, Janine, just published a detailed guide to this challenging 8.2-km route, which gains more than 1,100 metres and includes scree, ridge sections, and moderate scrambling. It's a noticeable step up from your average Canmore hike, so some mountain experience is recommended. But if you're up for it, you'll be rewarded with one of the Bow Valley's most fun ridge walks and spectacular summit views. 

Over The Last 12 Months…

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CANMORE BEGINS PROCESS TO RENAME ROAD MAYOR CALLS 'OUTDATED'

What's Happening? Canmore has taken the first step toward renaming Indian Flats Road, beginning the process of working with the Stoney Nakoda First Nations and the Province to replace what Mayor Sean Krausert called an "outdated" name with a traditional Stoney Nakoda one. 

Why This Road Matters. The gravel road branches off Highway 1A and serves as the main access to the Alpine Club of Canada's national clubhouse, the Bow Valley Riding Association, and several of the Bow Valley's most popular climbing areas, including Echo Canyon and Bataan. It's also a popular starting point for hikers and horseback riders heading toward Grotto Mountain.

Not Official Yet. The road itself hasn't been renamed. Because it sits on provincial land, any formal name change will require collaboration between the Town, the Province and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations.

Council's motion points toward the name Tînda Mîmân, meaning "round meadow," though councillors deliberately left the wording open in case the First Nations recommend a different traditional name through the consultation process.

Krausert said he didn't believe the existing name was intended to be offensive but said it uses an outdated term for Indigenous peoples.

It Wasn't The Only Decision. The discussion happened alongside council's unanimous approval of the Alpine Club of Canada's long-term redevelopment framework for its nearby headquarters.

The plan could eventually add a new maintenance facility, staff housing and up to 140 parking spaces serving both the Alpine Club and nearby trail users. Supporters say the project will improve safety by organizing parking and replacing aging facilities, while neighbouring equestrian users have raised concerns about increased traffic, speeding and conflicts between vehicles, horses, cyclists and pedestrians.

Council emphasized that no construction has been approved yet. Each future phase will require its own development permits and additional public review.

Read our full story

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Slackline Night At Riverside Park. Looking to try something different on a Monday? The weekly Slackjam is back with slacklines, music, hammocks, flow toys, and plenty of people happy to help beginners find their balance. No experience needed, just show up and give it a go. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Riverside Park, Canmore. Free.

Tuesday

• Watch The World Cup Semifinal. France takes on Spain in the FIFA World Cup semifinal at 1 PM, and this one deserves a proper pub screen. Catch the match at any of our favourite spots, like the Rose & Crown in Banff or, in Canmore, The Drake Screaming Retriever and Grizzly Paw. Cheer it on with fellow football fans.*

• Paint Pottery At The Beer Garden. Looking for a different kind of happy hour? Pick a mug, wine glass, or other pottery piece to paint while enjoying a pint at the Grizzly Paw Beer Garden. All supplies are included, and your finished piece will be fired and ready for pickup within a couple of days. 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Grizzly Paw Beer Garden, Canmore. $30.

BOW VALLEY PROPERTY MANAGERS: THIS IS THE EASIEST GUEST UPGRADE YOU'LL EVER OFFER

When guests arrive in Canmore or Banff after a long travel day, they're usually tired, hungry, and facing one more chore before they can relax: grocery shopping.

That's where Vacay Essentials comes in.

Owner Karen handles everything from pre-arrival grocery stocking and alcohol delivery to special occasion setups and custom requests. Guests arrive to a fully stocked accommodation, ready to start their vacation immediately.

For property managers and resort operators, the appeal is simple: it's an added concierge-style service without adding work for your team. Vacay Essentials handles the guest communication, shopping, delivery, setup, and coordination directly.

Karen launched the business after using a similar service on her own vacation and realizing nothing like it existed in the Bow Valley. Since then, she's helped everyone from family vacationers to stag and stagette groups start their trips with one less thing to worry about.

If you manage vacation rentals, hotels, or resort accommodations and want to elevate your guest experience, fill out this quick form, and Karen will personally reach out.

_{*Presented by Vacay Essentials.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🖼️ Local Artists: This One's For You. Canmore Collaborative Health is looking for a local artist to help transform a hallway at its downtown family medicine clinic into a welcoming space that reflects the Bow Valley. They're open to everything from murals and photography to painted installations and other creative ideas that help patients feel at ease while navigating the clinic. If you're an artist, or know someone who'd be a great fit, they're accepting expressions of interest now. Learn more and apply here.*

• 👩🏻‍🍳 Cooking Class Focuses on Local Food. Looking for a fun night out that also teaches you something? The Biosphere Institute is hosting a hands-on cooking workshop on August 12th where you'll turn a surprise box of seasonal local produce into a shared meal, pick up practical kitchen tips, and head home with leftovers. Doors open at 5:30 PM for refreshments before cooking begins at 6 PM. Tickets are already selling quickly, which is why we wanted to mention it now.*

• 🍾 Old World vs. New World Wine Dinner. Ever wondered what separates Old World wines from New World ones? Canmore’s Stirling Grill is hosting a one-night winemaker's dinner on August 13th, where premium wines are paired with a multi-course menu, while two chefs create competing dishes designed to complement each style. It's part tasting, part friendly culinary showdown, and a fun way to explore the differences side by side. August 13, 6:00 PM. Stirling Grill & Lounge, Canmore. Reserve your spot here.*

• 🏃 Canmore's Toughest Running Challenge Returns. If running one mountain isn't enough, the Canmore Quad is back on July 25. Participants tackle Lady Mac, Grotto, EEOR, and Ha Ling in a single day, choosing their own order over roughly 52 kilometres and nearly 5,000 metres of elevation gain. It's a free community event starting and finishing at SkiUphill, with categories for both solo runners and teams. With the Canmore Hill still closed to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, we'd expect most participants will access Ha Ling and EEOR via the Riders of Rohan Trail, though we haven't been able to confirm the route with organizers.   

• ☕ Coffee Worth Sitting Down For. Our friends at Eclipse Coffee Roasters let us know they've expanded the patio at their downtown Canmore café with more outdoor seating, encouraging people to slow down instead of grabbing a coffee and rushing off. Pull up a chair, watch Main Street go by, and enjoy one of the best people-watching spots in town (location map here).*

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Could Get Its Smallest Hotel Yet. A proposal before the Town of Banff would convert a second-floor office above Banff Street Outfitters and Value Buds into a single one-bedroom boutique hotel suite, something planners say would be a first for the community. The application still requires approval from the Municipal Planning Commission, though a meeting date hasn't been set as the Town prioritizes a surge of housing applications.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, July 13, 10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Tuesday, July 14, 10:00 PM: Noche Caliente. Location: The Drake, Canmore. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Five Local Swimmers Head To Provincials. The Bow Valley Riptides are sending five swimmers to the Alberta Summer Provincial Championships in Calgary later this month after a standout qualifying meet that included multiple gold medals and podium finishes. Coaches say the success reflects not only strong performances in the pool, but a team culture built around encouraging one another to improve. Provincials run July 23-26. 

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.