🚗 Car Flips on Hwy 1, Driver Flees

Good morning, Bow Valley!

If you enjoy auroras, look up the next couple of nights. You’ll probably catch some cool Northern lights across the Bow Valley.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

HOW FULL IS TOO FULL? BANFF CANDIDATES WEIGH IN AHEAD OF ELECTION

What’s Happening? Tourism fuels 80% of Banff’s municipal revenue, but at the Banff and Lake Louise Hospitality Association’s all-candidates forum on Oct. 8, that story came with a familiar question: how full is too full?

The Tipping Point. Candidates agreed that tourism is both Banff’s lifeblood and its biggest strain. Mayor Corrie DiManno said “tourism and community well-being go hand in hand,” pointing to the Lead Tourism for Good plan as the town’s guide for balancing growth with livability. She noted that parking fees, which bring in $7.5 million a year, help fund transit and e-bike rebates, small ways to make tourism pay for itself. Still, she acknowledged “a perception of over-tourism,” something the town hopes to define through its new Human Use Management Framework. Or, as it’s known in plain English, a plan to figure out how many people and vehicles Banff can reasonably handle. 

“When it’s full, it’s full.” Several candidates agreed that Banff’s success has real limits. Brian Standish summed it up simply: “Tourism is life,” he said, adding that prosperity has to be matched with restraint. Hugh Pedigrew pushed for data to define those limits, asking, “What’s our capacity?” while Ted Christensen pointed to Parks Canada’s commercial growth cap and strict town boundary as guardrails that have kept Banff livable. Together, their comments reflected a shared recognition that growth must be managed, not chased.

New Season, Same Problem. Days after the forum, Ottawa announced the return of the Canada Strong Pass, offering free park entry during the 2025 holidays and 2026 summer. Mayor Corrie DiManno described the holiday season return as a welcome incentive, saying “more people coming in winter helps level out our economy.” She also cautioned that another summer of free access will require coordination with Parks Canada to manage congestion and protect park budgets.

More Details. Want to hear more about what Banff’s town candidates said? Read our deep dive.

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN CANMORE

Thinking about a home in Canmore? The new construction at Alder & Stone offers a unique combination of customization, financial flexibility, and long-term value that’s hard to match:

• Financial Flexibility: Secure your new home with only 10–20% down, while the builder carries the remaining cost until possession.

• Personalize Your Space: Select your finishes, layout, and upgrades to reflect your lifestyle from day one. 

• Long-Term Investment: Build equity as your home is under construction. As construction progresses, your home’s value typically rises, letting you grow equity before you even move in.

• Peace of Mind: A 10-year warranty plan offers long-term confidence, protection, and reduced risk of unexpected expenses.

• Community Design: New developments are intentionally planned with connection and convenience in mind. From walking paths, green spaces, and close proximity to essential services.

Ready to explore the opportunity? Connect with Alex and Lori. Or sign up here to explore the floor plans. 

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 🚗 Car Flips Into River Near Field, BC. A viral dash cam video posted Oct. 15 shows a car swerving off Highway 1 and plunging into the river about 2 km east of Field. The driver and passenger escaped but reportedly fled the scene in another vehicle. Why? Your guess is as good as ours. We reached out to RCMP, but no details have been released. Leaving the scene of a crash can carry fines up to $2,000.

• 🐻 Hikers Come Face to Face With a Grizzly at Johnston Canyon. A grizzly was caught on video walking toward hikers at Johnston Canyon on Tuesday morning. The encounter ended without incident after Parks Canada cleared the trail. Social media users think it’s “The Boss,” but officials haven’t confirmed. Here’s the original photo if you fancy yourself a bear ID expert.

• 🗳️ Vote on Alberta’s New License Plate Design. Alberta is retiring its old license plate and asking residents to pick the new look. The coolest part is that three of the eight designs feature Bow Valley landmarks: Mount Lougheed, the Three Sisters, and Moraine Lake. If we’re going to stare at plates in traffic, they might as well feature home. Vote here.

• 🏗️ Banff’s 200 Block Redesign Moves Ahead. Some of you might remember that the 200 Block of Banff Avenue is getting a full redesign after Parks Canada launched an international design competition to find the right team. That didn’t sit well with some locals who felt the job should stay in Canadian hands. Turns out, five of the six finalists are Canadian, with only one international contender from the U.K. Concept designs are due in December.

• 🚌 RCMP Crack Down on Unsafe Commercial Vehicles. Between Oct. 7 and 9, Lake Louise RCMP led a joint operation inspecting commercial vehicles in Banff National Park. Photos show officers checking coach buses and semi-truck tractor units. Of more than 50 vehicles inspected, 23 passed, 22 needed repairs, and 8 were taken off the road. 

A Small Town Love Story

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➡️ Fill out this quick form and let’s finally connect

THE BANFF LOCALS SHUT OUT OF THE BALLOT BOX

What’s Happening? A growing number of Banff residents are sitting out this fall’s municipal election, but not by choice. Permanent residents, who make up a sizable share of Banff’s workforce, are legally barred from voting under Alberta’s election laws, which limit municipal voting to Canadian citizens.

Who’s Affected? Locals like Natasha Lay and Jodi Gammad told CBC that the rule leaves them voiceless in decisions that shape their daily lives, from housing to childcare to affordability. Both have lived and worked in Banff for years, pay taxes, and contribute to the community, yet cannot cast a ballot. 

Why It’s a Provincial Issue. Despite Banff council’s support for expanding voting rights, towns can’t change voting rules on their own. The province sets the criteria, which currently limit voting to Canadian citizens. A 2023 push by the Alberta Municipalities Association to include permanent residents failed, and Minister Dan Williams says no changes are planned.

The Bigger Picture. According to the 2021 Census, about 27 percent of Banff residents were immigrants (people born outside Canada). That figure includes both naturalized citizens and permanent residents, so the exact number of permanent residents who are not yet citizens and cannot vote is unknown. They make up a smaller share within that 27 percent group.

What’s Next? The Town of Banff says it will keep pushing for reform while using its new Public Input Policy to give non-voting residents more say in local decisions through surveys, meetings, and community consultations.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Comedian Ryan Williams Live. Former college athlete turned comedian Ryan Williams brings his high-energy, razor-sharp wit to the artsPlace stage. Bold, smart, and seriously funny, this Western Canadian comic delivers a show worth the laugh workout. 7 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25 / $21.25 members.*

Saturday

• Happy Hour Yoga Workshop. Build strength, balance, and bliss with Lydia’s energizing asana practice followed by Sarah’s calming yoga nidra. Leave feeling strong, rested, and happy. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. The Yoga Lounge, Canmore. $50-65.

Sunday

• Annual Ski Swap. The Alpine Racers host their annual Ski & Snowboard Swap, offering a great chance to buy, sell, or trade gear. Whether you’re gearing up for the season or looking to declutter last year’s equipment.  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Banff Train Station. Free Entry. 

• Pottery Wheel-Throwing for Teens. Learn pottery basics in this free multi-week program for teens. Create your own ceramic pieces while exploring hand-building, wheel-throwing, and sculpting with instructor Jennifer Poirier. All materials provided. 10 AM–12 PM or 1–3 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free.*

• Last Day for EV Test Drives in Canmore. It’s your final chance to get behind the wheel of the latest electric vehicles. Chat with Plug’n Drive ambassadors, learn about EV technology, and take models like the IONIQ 5, Silverado, and Volvo XC60 for a spin. 10 AM–5 PM. Canmore Recreation Centre. Free.*

ROB MURRAY FOR CANMORE COUNCIL

My name is Rob Murray, and for over 20 years I was the local voice who woke up the Bow Valley on Mountain FM. Today, I’m running for Canmore Town Council because I want to be your voice in municipal government.

I love Canmore. It’s an amazing community. I saw how we came together during the 2013 floods to support one another. We are so strong when we are united. With our major affordability challenges and growth pressures, I believe it’s time to come together again.

As a member of Council, I will have open and honest conversations to understand all perspectives, dig deep into the data, and make fully informed decisions for the future of our great community. I’m well versed on our current challenges, but I’m not the kind of politician who thinks they’re an expert on everything. We have so many brilliant minds and voices here, experts in their fields and great people with great ideas. I believe it's time we have a collective community conversation, and tackle our challenges together.

We already have some great plans: a large area of land and a blueprint to build an entire community of below-market housing, and an outstanding Regenerative Tourism Action Plan that balances visitation with sustainability. I want to help bring these big visions to life.

Communication. Collaboration. Community. Rob Murray. Your Voice on Canmore Town Council.

🔗 Email newsletter: robmurrayforcanmore.substack.com

🔗 Podcast: https://pod.link/1841460699

🔗 Social Media: www.facebook.com/robmurrayforcanmore

_{*A message paid for by the Rob Murray campaign.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎭 Happily Ever After Gets Messy. Forget the bedtime stories you grew up with. Into the Woods brings Cinderella, Little Red, and Rapunzel together with a twist that is funny, clever, and not exactly “once upon a time.” Jason Carter’s set transforms the theatre into an enchanted forest. Now playing at Carter-Ryan Gallery. Get tickets here. Use code BOWVALLEYINSIDER for 15% off.*

• 👩‍🍳 Tracy Little on Top Chef Canada. Tracy Little, owner and executive chef of Sauvage in Canmore, is competing on Season 12 of Top Chef Canada. After surviving the first episode’s elimination, she shared her experience and insights in an exclusive interview with Global.

• 🏊 Upcoming Canmore Swim Meet. The Aquatics Centre at Elevation Place will be closed on Oct. 18 from 12:45 – 8 PM and Oct. 19 from 8 AM – 1 PM for the Bow Valley Riptides Swim Meet. Feel free to show up and cheer for our local swimmers.

• 🚧 Trail Closures Near Peyto Pit Road. All trails south of and including Peyto Pit Road are temporarily closed. The west boundary includes the Hoodoos Interpretive and Tunnel Bench Loop trailheads. Closures are for public safety during mechanical forest thinning, burning, and log hauling operations. 

• ✅ Climbing Gym Reopened at Elevation Place. After a temporary closure from Sept. 22 to Oct. 10 for new flooring, padding, and other upgrades, climbers can finally get back on the wall. We checked it out yesterday and can confirm the velcro on our shoes stuck a little too well to the new mats. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore School Trustee Podcast Interviews. Hear all three School Trustee candidates on the Canmorite podcast hosted by Jeff Mah. This is the only place to listen to each candidate discuss their platforms in depth. Remember, there are three candidates and you can vote for two on the ballot. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, October 17th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Reed Alton.  Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore. $5.

• Friday, October 17th, 2025, 10:00 PM: The Final Squeeze.  Location: Anejo, Banff. No Cover.

• Saturday, October 18th, 2025, 7:30 PM: LGS (Le Groupe Swing). Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $35 / members $29.75 / youth $17.50.

• Saturday, October 18th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Double Suede. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. No Cover.

• Sunday, October 19th, 2025, 7:30 PM: Sons of Town Hall. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $35 / members $29.75 / youth $15.

SPORTS

• Eagles Torch First-Place Dragons in 5–2 Win. The Canmore Eagles are flying high again, picking up their second three-game winning streak after defeating the Drumheller Dragons 5–2 on Tuesday at the Canmore Rec Centre. The Eagles now sit second in the AJHL’s South Division.

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.