🚣‍♀️ Canmore’s Paddle Spot Debate

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We hope you’re having a great holiday Monday. We’re still cranking out stories over here, so let’s get into it.

- Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Madalyn Beach

NEW SIGNS SPARK CONFUSION AT POPULAR CANMORE PADDLEBOARDING SPOT

What’s Happening? New signage at Canmore’s Rundle Forebay is raising questions after warnings appeared discouraging swimming, boating, wading, and dogs at one of the Bow Valley’s most popular unofficial paddleboarding spots. While both the Town of Canmore and TransAlta are discouraging recreation, neither has clearly confirmed whether the activity is formally prohibited or how enforcement would work.

The Signs Sparked Questions. Photos shared by local residents on Facebook on May 5 show large red-and-white signs stating the forebay “feeds into Canmore’s drinking water” and warning: “NO SWIMMING, BOATING OR WADING AND NO DOGS ALLOWED.”

The signage drew attention because the Rundle Forebay and nearby Whiteman’s Pond along Spray Lakes Road have long been informally used for paddleboarding, wading, and other recreational activities during warmer months. For readers unfamiliar with the area, here’s the Google Maps location.  

Town Calls It “Precautionary.” The Town of Canmore said the signage was installed in 2025 during TransAlta’s operational work on the Spray Canal system. If you were around last summer, you probably remember the unusually low water levels during the repairs. 

Cara Hedin, communications advisor for the Town of Canmore, told Bow Valley Insider the forebay is private property owned by TransAlta and that the company is “taking a precautionary approach by discouraging recreational activities in the area.” The Town stopped short of calling the restrictions a formal ban. 

TransAlta gave a similar response, citing safety and drinking water concerns.

“As the Rundle Forebay is a source of drinking water for the Town of Canmore and located near active hydroelectric operations, TransAlta does not recommend recreational and commercial activities on the Forebay,” the company said.

Questions Remain. During last summer’s repairs, both the Town and TransAlta urged residents to avoid swimming and paddleboarding near the system, though recreational use continued in parts of the forebay throughout the season.

As of publication, neither the Town nor TransAlta has directly clarified whether recreational use is formally prohibited or whether the signage is intended primarily as a strong public warning discouraging access.

Read our full story

THE CHECKUP YOU PROBABLY SKIP

We all book regular dental cleanings, even when nothing hurts. But when it comes to our spine, most of us wait until something is screaming for attention. Precision Spinal wants locals to think about spinal checkups the same way they think about brushing and flossing: a small investment now to avoid bigger problems later.

Their approach is NUCCA, an upper cervical technique that focuses on the top of the neck, where tiny misalignments can quietly affect posture, muscle tension, balance, and even how well the nervous system communicates. Many issues that show up as headaches, hip pain, or stiffness start long before there is noticeable discomfort.

The assessment is detailed. Laser aligned X-rays. Computerized nerve and muscle scans. A full posture analysis. It gives you a baseline so you know exactly how your spine is doing, not just how it feels today.

If you want to stay active, mobile, and ahead of problems, a spine checkup might be your most overdue appointment

Bow Valley Insider readers get a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Dr. Chris Long. Fill out this quick form, and he’ll be in touch.

_{*Presented by Precision Spinal.}

THE DIGEST

• 🐻 Bear Shows Up Before The Beer Does. One of Banff’s best-known grizzlies casually wandered through Sunshine Village’s parking lot Thursday, just days before Slush Cup and the resort’s final weekend of the season (with closing day landing today). Video shared with us by visitor Samantha Yates shows Split Lip (Grizzly 136) walking near vehicles and buildings while staff rushed to warn guests and keep people clear. Witnesses said the bear appeared calm and simply moving through the area. No aggressive behaviour or conflicts were reported. 

• 🐕 Best Dog-Friendly Patios In Banff. As we head into patio season, one of the most common questions we get is: “Where can I actually eat with my dog?” So last week, we called every restaurant in Banff asking exactly that. Turns out, a lot of the internet is outdated. Some patios changed policies. Some spots closed. Some never called back. After two days of phone calls, only 12 restaurants confirmed dogs are currently welcome on their patios. A few even offer water bowls, treats, or dedicated pet menus. Check out our full guide, and shoutout to Jeanica on our team for making all the calls. 

• 🤍 Celebration Of Life Planned For Canmore Man Found Along Hwy 1. The 24-year-old Canmore man found dead along the Trans-Canada Highway last week has now been identified as Zack Zawada. A celebration of life for Zack will take place May 21 at 4 PM at the Bill Warren Training Centre in Canmore. In his obituary, family described Zack as a “kind and gentle soul” who loved the outdoors and helping others. RCMP continue asking anyone who travelled westbound Highway 1 through Canmore between 11 PM. May 10 and 1 AM May 11 to contact police if they have dashcam footage.  

• 📝 Your Favourite Kananaskis Spot Could Be Affected. Alberta has launched a public survey asking people how the Ghost-Kananaskis region should be managed over the coming years. The plan could influence everything from recreation access and trail use to conservation, wildfire management, tourism, and industrial activity across nearly 6,900 square kilometres. The area includes popular spots used by Bow Valley locals for hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, and camping. Survey takes 5-10 minutes and is open until June 5. 

How Our Instagram Videos Stack Up

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• Banff & Lake Louise Tourism: 593,100 views
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We’ve built one of the largest digital audiences in the Bow Valley for locals and weekenders.

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➡️ Fill out this quick form and let’s see if it’s a fit.

CANMORE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES REUSE HUB TO KEEP USEABLE WASTE OUT OF LANDFILL

What’s Happening? A new reuse hub in Canmore is aiming to keep usable materials out of the landfill as rapid growth continues putting pressure on the Bow Valley’s waste system. The ReUse Bow Valley pilot project combines a physical reuse site with a free online exchange network for surplus materials.

Why It Matters. More than 7,000 tonnes of waste are sent annually to the Francis Cooke Landfill east of Exshaw, which is expected to reach capacity within roughly 30 years with no room to expand or nearby alternatives. Construction, renovation, and demolition waste, known as CRD, remains one of the largest contributors, including usable cabinets, flooring, doors, windows, lumber, drywall, and fixtures that often end up buried anyway.

The project is part of a broader regional strategy led by the Bow Valley Waste Management Commission, which has set a goal of diverting more than 70% of CRD waste away from landfill through expanded recycling, reuse, and builder education efforts. 

“With Canmore expected to grow significantly, we must reduce what we bury in the landfill,” Tanya Pacholok, community engagement lead with the Biosphere Institute, told Bow Valley Insider. 

How It Works. The project operates through both a Facebook exchange network and a physical site in Canmore at Unit B3, 105 Boulder Crescent. Residents, contractors, and businesses can donate reusable materials, while others can browse and claim items free of charge. 

“Our main focus for this project is CRD waste, 75% of items, with a smaller focus on household items,” Pacholok said.

The Reuse Hub is open Thursdays from 3 PM to 6 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM to 10 AM.

Biggest Challenge? Space. Organizers say the project was inspired by reuse initiatives in places like Squamish but adapted for the Bow Valley’s unique challenges, particularly high land costs and limited space.

“One of the major challenges is the cost of space,” Pacholok said.

Read our full story

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Slush Cup at Sunshine Village. Banff Sunshine’s annual pond-skimming showdown returns for May Long Weekend and the final day of the regular season, complete with costumes, crashes, and spring ski chaos. Registration 8:00 AM, event starts 12:00 PM. Sunshine Village, Banff. $50. 

Tuesday

• John Lennon & Yoko Ono Concert Film Screening. A restored concert film captures John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1972 Madison Square Garden performances, featuring Imagine, Instant Karma!, Come Together, and more, with special guests including Stevie Wonder. 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $20.*

THE BOW VALLEY NEEDS MORE HOST FAMILIES

Remember our story on Friday about the Canadian Rockies Public Schools international student program, where students from places like Japan, Germany, Brazil, and Spain come to Banff and Canmore to study in the Rockies?

Well, one of the biggest misconceptions about the program is that you need to be a “traditional family” to host.

You don’t.

Some hosts are empty nesters. Some are couples. Some are retirees. Some are single adults. Some have young kids. Some don’t have kids at all.

What matters most is having a stable home, a private bedroom, and a willingness to welcome a student into everyday life for a semester (5 months) or a school year (10 months).

Hosts receive $1,575 per month for the 2026-27 school year, along with 24/7 support from the Homestay team. New hosts who apply before May 31 can also receive a $200 sign-on bonus.

CRPS says they urgently need more local homes secured before the end of the month or some incoming students may not be able to come this fall.

Sometimes all it takes is one extra bedroom to completely change someone’s life… and bring a whole new culture, perspective, and connection into yours.

Fill out this quick form to express your interest.

_{*Presented by Canadian Rockies Public Schools.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🏞️ Grassi Lakes Trail Work Begins. If Grassi Lakes is on your hiking list, expect a little construction company along the way. Starting tomorrow, crews will be completing improvements on the Grassi Lakes Interpretive Trail. The trail remains open, but hikers should watch for equipment, workers, signage, and active construction zones. 

• 🥂 New Happy Hour at The Fat Ox. Banff’s Fat Ox just launched a new aperitivo-style happy hour that feels a lot more like an actual meal than the usual “here’s three fries and a $19 cocktail” situation. Running daily from 1-4 PM, the menu includes $5 snacks like elk meatballs, whipped ricotta toast, focaccia, and prosciutto, alongside $9 pastas, salads, oysters, wines, spritzes, and cocktails. There are even larger plates like chicken parmesan and flat iron steak starting around $18-22. Check the menu.*

• 👨‍🎓 Local Theatre Scholarships Open For Bow Valley Students. Pine Tree Players is offering several $800 scholarships to help local youth attend Artstrek, a professional theatre training program in Red Deer. Opportunities are available for students interested in performing arts, including awards through local schools and one Bow Valley-wide community scholarship open until June 7. A solid opportunity for students interested in acting, directing, stage production, or theatre design. Apply here.*

• 🙋🏻‍♂️ Reuse Hub Volunteers Needed. If today’s top story about Canmore’s new Reuse Hub caught your attention, the project is now looking for volunteers to help make it work. The initiative aims to keep usable materials out of the landfill by connecting them with people who can use them. Volunteers commit about two hours per week and get first access to free items. Interested? Email [email protected].*

• 🍽️ Breakfast at Canmore Golf & Curling Club. In case you’re looking for a new spot, the Canmore Golf & Curling Club is now serving breakfast daily from 8-11 AM, with a menu that sticks to the classics: eggs benedict, pancakes, breakfast wraps, omelettes, breakfast burgers, coffee, Caesars, and more. There’s a full-service patio overlooking the course, plus free parking, making it an easy option before work, errands, golf, or heading into the mountains.*

• 🐻 Bear Warning at Lower Lake Campground. A grizzly bear with cubs has been reported in the Lower Kananaskis Lake Campground area in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. The warning is in effect as of May 13 and remains until further notice. Here’s a Google map of the area. Visitors should make noise, travel in groups, keep pets leashed, and carry bear spray.

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Mayor Urges Car-Free Visits. With summer crowds ramping up, Banff’s mayor is asking visitors to consider leaving the car behind. The town recorded nearly seven million vehicles at its two entrances last year, and parking can be tough by mid-morning in peak season. Officials are encouraging visitors to use transit, walking, and cycling instead of driving around town.

• MD of Bighorn Land Use Hearing. A reminder that the MD’s big land use bylaw rewrite goes to public hearing May 19. The bylaw touches planning rules, including density, development permits, home businesses, and hamlet-specific changes. Residents can attend in Exshaw or join online. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, May 18th, 6:30 PM: Matt Blais & Arn Smit. Location: Dusty Boot, Banff. No Cover.

• Tuesday, May 19th, 8:00 PM: Bobby Bazini. Location: Communitea, Canmore. $55.

SPORTS

• Canmore Eagles Eliminated At Centennial Cup. The Canmore Eagles’ historic season came to an end Friday after a 7-3 quarterfinal loss to the Toronto Patriots at the Centennial Cup in P.E.I. Canmore carried a 3-2 lead into the third period before Toronto scored five unanswered goals to pull away. The loss closes out a breakthrough year for the Eagles, who won their first-ever AJHL championship. 

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.