👮🏼Canmore’s Massive Fireguards

Good morning, Bow Valley!

It’s the last long weekend of the summer! Get outside and enjoy some of the Labour Day Long Weekend events– we’ve got you covered!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Calgary-Banff rail project update

• Wildlife happenings to know before the long weekend

• Have your say on what happens with Lake Minnewanka

P.S. A big thank you to Jack Zenert for helping us grow Bow Valley Insider through all his referrals! As the Admin for the Bow Valley Community Connection Facebook group, Jack loves our area's natural beauty, year-round activities, and community spirit. Jack's favorite dining spots include Tavern, Drunken Lobster, and Ankor. Thanks, Jack! 🌟

Let’s get to it!

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

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NEW FIREGUARD IN CANMORE

What’s happening? Canmore is gearing up to build a new fireguard, a crucial step to protect the town from future wildfires, especially in the wake of the recent devastation in Jasper, where the wildfire caused over $880 million in damage.

Scope of the Fireguard: The fireguard will stretch from the east gate of Banff National Park to Dead Man’s Flats. The idea is to create a buffer zone by thinning out trees and removing flammable vegetation. This will help slow down wildfires and make them easier to control.

Timeline and Areas: Construction will start in October and span three to five years. Initial focus areas include Harvie Heights, Stoneworks Creek, and the east park gates. These spots are prioritized due to their higher risk of rapid wildfire spread.

Expert Opinions: Wildfire experts emphasize that while creating fireguards is vital, maintaining them is equally crucial. Regular management ensures these barriers remain effective against fires.

Funding and Support: The project’s funding is still in the works. Canmore will soon apply for a grant from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta. The goal is to start construction this fall, provided the funding is approved.

THE DIGEST

• ✋Parks Canada canceled all 2024 campground reservations in Jasper National Park due to wildfire recovery efforts. Existing bookings will be refunded. Some areas have reopened, but repairs and hazard removals are still ongoing. 

• 💡Yesterday was a big day for the Stoney Nakoda Nations as they officially renamed "Morley" to "Mini Thni." The name change, from the name given by missionary John McDougall in 1873, was celebrated with ceremony, drumming, and dancing.

• 🏆A local Magazine, Mountain Life Rocky Mountains, has just snagged the Best New Magazine award from the Alberta Magazine Publishing Association! A huge shoutout to Editor Erin Moroz, Publisher Kristy Davison, and Art Director Amélie Légaré.

• ⛷Four Alberta ski resorts got an early taste of winter, including Sunshine Village and Lake Louise.  Check out some of the snowy pics here.

• 🚆Canadian oil baron Adam Waterous faces doubts over his $1.5 billion Calgary-Banff rail project. Despite significant investment and refurbishing the Banff train station, progress is slow, and critics fear it may prioritize private interests over public benefit. Waterous aims to reduce emissions and traffic, but convincing residents and gaining government support remain challenges.

ALGAE AND UNGULATES AND BEARS, OH MY!

Planning a getaway to the Bow Valley this long weekend? Here’s what you need to know before you hit the road.

Wildlife Warnings: Kananaskis Country has issued multiple bear warnings. Black bears and their cubs have been spotted around Mount Kidd RV Park, Three Sisters Campground, and Lac des Arcs Campground. 

Banff’s Elk Rutting Season: If you’re heading to Banff National Park, the elk rutting (mating) season has started and runs until mid-October. Bull elk can be very aggressive. Stay at least 30 meters away and avoid getting between males and females. 

Trail Closures: In Banff, Margaret Lake and Creek are closed until September 20 for fish restoration. Violators face fines of up to $25,000. 

Algae Advisories: Several lakes, including Severn Dam Reservoir, are under health advisories due to cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Avoid contact with algae blooms, keep pets away from the water, and don’t consume fish from these waters.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Take a tour of heritage homes and Indigenous murals. Check out walking tours on August 30 at various times. Whyte Museum, Banff. $14.28- $20

• Unwind with tea and delicious bits and bites. High tea is at The Stirling from August 30 to September 2 from 1-3 PM. The Malcolm, Canmore. $75

• Partake in the Bow Valley’s favorite pastime. Play bingo on August 30 at 7 PM. The Legion, Canmore.

• Put on your poker face! Play some cards on August 30 at 7 PM. The Legion, Exshaw.

• Laugh and learn with some educational musical theatre. Check out Star Bears: The Forest Awakens on August 30 at 7:30 PM. Bow Valley Amphitheatre, Bow Valley Provincial Park. Free.
  

Saturday

• The Canmore Highland Games kick off. Events run all day Saturday and Sunday, including drumming competitions, highland dance competitions, car and motorcycle shows, sheepdog demonstrations, and more.  Plus, enjoy pancake breakfasts, beer gardens, food trucks, and live music. Centennial Park, Canmore.

• Learn about the geology and mining history of our town. Take a walking tour August 31, 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM. Meet at Canmore Museum, Canmore. $25-$30

• Peruse the offerings from local artisans. The Mountain Market is August 1, 10 AM- 5 PM. Canmore CivicCentre, Canmore.

• Play with and pet some pretty pooches. Check out the Dog Day Open House on August 31, 1- 3 PM. Bow Valley SPCA, Canmore. 

• Sing some 80s songs and enter a 50/ 50 jackpot. All ages karaoke happens on August 31, 4 PM. The Legion, Canmore.

Sunday

• Bingo bonanza! Sunday Funday with Rock and Roll Bingo September 1 at 8 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore.

• Enjoy free live local entertainment. Check out an amazing karaoke show on September 1, 8- 11 PM. The Canadian Brewhouse, Banff.

FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 1005 9TH AVENUE

The property: This 2,500-square-foot home has been extensively renovated to offer modern comforts and stylish design, featuring three bedrooms and three bathrooms. 

Highlights include: A finished basement with a TV room, workout area, and sauna. The main floor grabs attention with its copper accents, dramatic copper ceiling feature, and a kitchen with an intricate backsplash, copper double sink basin, and sleek hood fan. 

Outdoors: The property boasts a spacious backyard with stunning views, well-manicured greenspace, a hot tub, and a detached garage, ideal for entertaining. 

Open house on Saturday: Contact Cory at [email protected] to learn more or schedule a private viewing.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎬Hey filmmakers and photographers! Enter the Community Cruisers Bike Shorts Video Contest with your bike-themed videos. Plus, apply for the Banff Centre Photo Rodeo!

• 🧗🏼‍♂️The BIPOC Cultural Climbing Camp is coming up Sept 6-8 in Bow Valley! Participants will climb, connect with community leaders, and learn from Elders.

• 📢Nominations are open for the Alpine Club of Canada’s 2025 Board of Directors. Apply now for a three-year term!

• 🎶Join Valley Winds Music Association for their Membership Evening on September 8 at Canmore Legion! Sing, listen to live music, and socialize. Registration available!

• 🌈Queer Prom tickets are on sale now and super limited! Join Canmore Pride at Sauvage on September 15th at 8 PM!  Food and entertainment are provided, plus one drink.  

• 🚌Roam Transit reservations for Route 8X to Lake Louise and Route 10 to Moraine Lake open September 3rd at 9 AM MST.

• 💸Legion Bursaries and Scholarship Applications are due September 1! Apply now for financial support for post-secondary education.

• 🌉On Wednesday, we mentioned Peter Lougheed Park made a top ten list. Check out Blackshale Suspension Bridge in Kananaskis for stunning views!

• 🛶Have your say on the Lake Minnewanka Area Plan! Parks Canada is seeking your input to shape the plan’s direction.

CIVIC NEWS

• Are you a Banff business leader eager to drive environmental change? The Town of Banff's Environmental Working Group wants you! This team tackles zero waste and climate action goals and advises the Town on key initiatives. Meetings are every 6-8 weeks, with the next on September 19, October 17, and November 28. Apply by September 10. For details, contact Carla Bitz at [email protected] or 403-762-1132.

• Roam transit is asking for extra funds in their 2025 budget as they expand service and add new staff. They’re eyeing $14.14 million in operating costs with $14.97 million in income. Proposed upgrades include more hours for Banff routes, extended winter service for Grassi Lakes, and a new passenger counter. They’re also adding new buses and hiring extra staff. The budget will be reviewed on Sept. 11, with final approval by Oct. 30.

• The Banff Inclusive Housing Committee wants your input on affordable senior housing in Banff. They're gathering data to show the Town Council later this year, especially concerning land near the Mineral Springs Hospital. If you care about local housing issues, take 5 minutes to fill out their survey and make your voice heard.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, August 30, 2 PM: Opening Concert with Cheng² Duo. Location: Rolston Recital Hall, Banff Centre, Banff. $58

• Friday, August 30, 7:30 PM: Banff Festival Orchestra with James Ehnes, Ehnes Quartet and Barry Shiffman. Location: Jenny Belzberg Theatre, Banff Centre, Banff. $105

• Friday, August 30, 9 PM: Pop rock with Jamie Allanach. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore.
  

• Saturday, August 31, 9:30- 10:30 AM: Violin concert at the library. Location: Banff Public Library, Banff. Free.

• Saturday, August 31, 10:30 AM: Fifty for the Future with David Harrington of Kronos Quartet. Location: Rolston Recital Hall, Banff Centre, Banff. $50

• Saturday, August 31, 5-8 PM: The REWD band. Location: The Yard, Canmore. No cover.

• Sunday, September 1, 3-5 PM: Live local music. Location: Three Bears, Banff.

• Sunday, September 1, 6-11 pm: Check out a Highland Ceilidh. Location; Canmore Highland Games, Centennial Park, Canmore.

• Sunday, September 1, 10 PM: DJs LT and Raven. Location: High Rollers, Banff.

SPORTS

• Hey parents! The Bow Valley Pond Hockey League registration for 2024-2025 is open. Please complete your registration and pay your fees within 24 hours.

• The defending provincial rugby champs are on fire! Both men’s rugby teams have made it to the Calgary Rugby Union semifinals. The Div. 2 Grizzlies shut out Lethbridge 29-0, and the Div. 3 Ba Baas won 36-24 against the Hornets. Stay tuned for who they’ll face next!

That’s all, folks!

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