🦌 Deer Rescue Goes Viral

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We're feeling a little romantic today. If you've never heard the term, a "missed connection" is basically the modern-day version of, "We had a great conversation, and then I forgot to ask for your phone number." A traveller flying into Calgary recently took to Reddit in search of an Australian woman he met on the plane after realizing he never got her contact information. She was headed to Canmore as part of her first trip to Canada. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, consider this our small attempt to help fate along. 

- Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Madalyn Beach

TRAPPED DEER FREED FROM BANFF FENCE IN CROSS-AGENCY RESCUE

What’s Happening? A young buck trapped in a metal fence at Banff's Cascade Gardens was successfully rescued last week after Banff firefighters and Parks Canada staff teamed up to free the animal.

How It Happened. Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue said it received a call June 18 from a concerned resident who spotted the deer wedged in a gate outside the Banff National Park administration building. The group helped coordinate a response between Parks Canada and the Banff Fire Department.

A Delicate Rescue. The deer had become stuck with roughly half its body through the metal gate and was unable to free itself. Video from the scene shows rescuers working to calm the distressed animal while a firefighter used a hydraulic spreader, commonly known as the jaws of life, to pry apart the fence.

One responder covered the deer's eyes to help keep it calm while others carefully held it in place during the rescue.

A Happy Ending. Once the metal gate was spread open, the deer pulled itself free and immediately ran off unharmed. Onlookers who had gathered to watch broke into applause as the animal disappeared into the distance.

Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue praised the response as an example of strong teamwork between local agencies.

Watch the rescue video here

THAT GAS LINE ISN’T A DIY PROJECT

There are a lot of things homeowners will try themselves.

Gas lines shouldn’t be one of them.

Whether it’s hooking up a BBQ, installing a garage heater, or upgrading a stove, gas work needs to be done properly. Not just so it works, but so it’s safe, up to code, and won’t cause problems down the road.

Because when something’s off, you usually don’t get a warning.

Cleon at Cool Runnings Plumbing is a licensed gasfitter who handles installs and modifications across the Bow Valley. BBQ lines, fireplaces, furnaces, garage heaters. Everything is tested, fitted properly, and built to meet code so you’re not second-guessing it later.

It’s one of those jobs where doing it right the first time matters.

Reach out to Cool Runnings Plumbing if you want a quick look at what’s going on behind the scenes before it turns into something bigger.

P.S. We spoke with several plumbing companies before recommending Cleon. He's the local business we've chosen to stand behind and refer to our readers (and our own friends and family).

_{*Presented by Cool Runnings Plumbing.}

THE DIGEST

• 🏕️ New Tool Helps Campers Snag Sold-Out Campsites. Alberta Parks has launched Spot Watch, a revamped alert system that notifies campers when campsites become available due to cancellations or newly opened booking windows. Users can now track multiple campgrounds, receive text or email alerts, and filter for specific amenities. One catch: Spot Watch only notifies you that a site is available. It doesn't hold the reservation, so you'll need to act fast.

• 💸 Banff Waives Patio Fees For Caribou Street Businesses. Banff council has approved nearly $46,000 in patio fee relief for businesses impacted by nine months of construction on Caribou Street. Several owners told council they faced significant revenue losses, reduced foot traffic, delayed patio openings, and challenges retaining staff during the project. The savings could be substantial: a full-service restaurant with a 30-square-metre patio would normally pay about $5,100 for the season. The relief comes as the $6.8-million reconstruction project enters its final stretch, with Caribou Street expected to fully reopen July 6.

• ⚡Daylong Power Outage Leaves Hundreds In The Dark. A major power outage knocked out electricity to as many as 1,600 Banff customers yesterday after service was interrupted shortly after 9 AM. Most customers had power restored by midday, but roughly 700 downtown properties remained without electricity for much of the afternoon and evening. As of 10 PM Tuesday night, FortisAlberta's outage map showed three customers were still affected. The cause of the outage had not yet been identified.

• 🌳 Quebec Town Grants Rights To Trees. This isn't local news, but we thought many of you might find it interesting. A small town west of Montreal has officially recognized trees as living beings with rights, including the right to life, natural growth, and regeneration. Supporters say it's a symbolic step toward stronger environmental protection. Critics argue it raises practical questions about everything from tree removal and pruning to property rights. The move is believed to be the first of its kind in Canada and is part of a growing international "rights of nature" movement. 

You Probably Should’ve Reached Out Already

Not trying to be dramatic… but most of our partners book months in advance.

June? Gone.
July? 90% booked
Summer? Filling fast

We only have so much space each month.

So if your competitor gets here first…

➡️ Fill out the form before they do

ONE-THIRD OF BOW VALLEY RESIDENTS WERE BORN OUTSIDE CANADA. ADVOCATES RAISE WORKFORCE CONCERNS

What’s Happening? Local immigration advocates are warning that recent policy changes and proposed immigration-related referendum questions could make it harder for Bow Valley employers to attract and retain workers. The concerns are especially significant in a region where nearly one-third of residents were born outside Canada and temporary residents make up a substantial portion of the workforce.

Employers Are Already Struggling. The Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP), a regional organization that helps newcomers settle and succeed in the Bow Valley, told Banff council that staffing shortages remain a major challenge, particularly in tourism and hospitality.

"What we're hearing on a really regular basis is employers are struggling to attract and retain staff, especially during critical peak operation periods," BVIP’s communications specialist Tineke Van Der Merwe told council.

She said shifting immigration policies and sudden changes affecting newcomers' access to services are creating uncertainty for both workers and employers.

Why It Matters Locally. According to 2021 census data, 32.8% of Bow Valley residents were born outside Canada.

BVIP also reported that local newcomer-serving agencies supported nearly 1,800 people from more than 65 countries between April 2025 and March 2026. The top countries of origin included the Philippines, India, Japan, China, Chile and Ukraine.

"That's nearly one in three of our neighbours, colleagues and friends," Van Der Merwe said.

The Referendum Factor. Alberta voters will be asked to weigh in on five immigration-related questions during the Oct. 19 referendum, including proposals that could delay access to provincially funded services such as healthcare for some non-permanent residents and give the province greater control over immigration policy (read our previous reporting).

Van Der Merwe warned the outcome could have significant implications for a community that relies heavily on newcomers to fill jobs and support local businesses.

Building A Welcoming Community. Mayor Corrie DiManno welcomed the organization's work and expressed support for creating more opportunities for newcomers to connect with local government, describing them as a "vital and valued part" of the community.

Read our full story

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Trailhaus Open House. Curious about the proposed glamping development near Quarry Lake? The Trailhaus team is hosting a public open house to share project details, explain the approval process, answer questions, and gather feedback. The proposal has sparked discussion around wildlife corridors, wildfire risk, traffic, evacuation routes, and neighbourhood impacts. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Canmore Nordic Centre. Free.

• Ecstatic Dance Anniversary Celebration. Ecstatic Dance Banff-Canmore is marking four years with a free community dance night. No choreography, no alcohol, and no pressure. Just music, movement, and a welcoming space to kick off summer and shake off the week. 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. The Yoga Lounge, Canmore. Free.

Thursday

• Last Call For Car-Free Highway 1A. Today is the last day to ride the eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway without vehicle traffic. Expect mountain views, quieter roads, and a little extra elbow room before the seasonal closure ends. Bears frequently use the corridor, so carry bear spray and stay alert. Planning one last ride? Check out our guide before you go. 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Free.

• Last Chance To Visit Stoney Nakoda Vendors At The Mountain Market. As part of National Indigenous History Month, Stoney Nakoda vendors return to the Canmore Mountain Market for one final appearance. Browse Indigenous-owned businesses, meet local makers, and explore work inspired by Stoney Nakoda culture, traditions, and creativity. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Elevation Place, Canmore. Free to attend.

THE LOCAL'S ALTERNATIVE TO ANOTHER WEEKEND IN BANFF

If you're like most Bow Valley locals, you've probably spent plenty of weekends hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, or showing visiting friends around the mountains. But when was the last time you did something that felt like a genuine break?

Everwild Spa has launched a new Bow Valley Locals' Spa Pass designed to make Nordic wellness part of your regular routine, not just a special occasion. Residents can now purchase discounted 5, 10, or 20-visit passes and enjoy access to Everwild's thermal circuit, including hot pools, cold plunges, steam rooms, saunas, fire gardens, relaxation spaces, and guided wellness rituals.

When Bow Valley Insider visited Everwild shortly after it opened, what stood out wasn't just the spa itself. It was running into friends, coworkers, and neighbours while soaking in a hot pool beneath the mountains. The experience felt surprisingly social, relaxed, and local.

If you're looking for a different way to spend a day this summer, this may be the closest thing to a vacation without actually leaving town.

Interested in learning more about the new Bow Valley Locals' Spa Pass? Click here to explore the options and start planning your next visit. (Our publisher, Ben, just bought the 10-pass, so you might see him there!)

_{*Presented by Everwild Spa.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎵 The Most Canadian Musical Ever Created? A brand-new musical inspired by the story of the Hawkins Cheezie is coming to Canmore this summer, and yes, you read that correctly. The Cheezie Musical is part love letter to Canada, part underdog business story, and part celebration of the salty snack that somehow became a national icon. Expect laughs, live music, and more Canadian nostalgia than a cottage weekend. Opens tomorrow at Carter-Ryan Theatre. Get tickets here and use code BOWVALLEYINSIDER for 15% off.*

• 🥓 Valbella's Summer BBQ Collection Has Arrived. If your Canada Day plans involve a grill, Valbella has launched a new Summer Sizzlers collection featuring some of its favourite warm-weather picks. Think bison burgers, smokies, bratwurst, skewers, steaks, charcuterie, and a few condiments to go with them. Orders can be placed online and delivered to the Bow Valley, Calgary, Cochrane, and Airdrie every Friday, with a Thursday 10 AM cutoff. This is the most convenient way to stock up for your summer of backyard BBQs.*

• 🖼️ New ArtsPlace Exhibition Now Open. ArtsPlace's latest RISE Emerging Artist exhibition opens today in Canmore, featuring Edmonton artist Kay Peters. Between Then and Eventually explores abandoned houses scattered throughout Edmonton, capturing the quiet moments before they disappear through redevelopment, demolition, or decay. Using painting and printmaking, Peters documents these forgotten spaces and the traces of the people who once lived there. The exhibition runs through Aug. 5 and admission is free.*

• 🍃 Bow Valley Weather Is Ruthless On Plants. There’s a reason some Canmore patios look lush all summer while others look like they’ve been emotionally defeated by June. Wendy’s Garden Centre specializes in flowers, shrubs, and plants that can actually handle Bow Valley conditions, from surprise cold snaps to intense afternoon sun. Wendy has been gardening in Canmore for more than 20 years and supplies many of the flowers you see outside local businesses around town. Her new setup is now open across from Elevation Place (map). Open daily 9 AM-6 PM (5 PM Sundays), rain or shine.*

• 🎬 Pine Tree Players Seeks Ride The Cyclone Crew. Pine Tree Players is looking for band members and production team volunteers for its upcoming musical, Ride the Cyclone. Musicians and community members with or without theatre experience are welcome to apply. Roles include band positions, assistant director, assistant choreographer, assistant stage manager, props, wardrobe, and production support. Rehearsals begin August 10, with performances in November. Applications are due July 8.*

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore Wants Alberta To Pause Disability Assistance Changes. Canmore is urging the province to delay the July rollout of Alberta's new disability assistance program, warning some recipients could end up with less income than they receive today. In a letter to the province, Mayor Sean Krausert raised concerns that the changes could increase housing insecurity, homelessness, and pressure on local social services. The concerns come as the Bow Valley continues to face growing housing challenges, including a recent assessment identifying a need for 45 permanent supportive housing units in the region.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, June 24th, 9:00 PM: Open Mic/Jam Night. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore. No Cover.

• Thursday, June 25th, 10:00 PM: Adequate. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore Eagles Will Raise Their Championship Banner In September. The AJHL has released its 2026-27 schedule, with the Canmore Eagles set to open the season Sept. 18-20 and celebrate their Inter Pipeline Cup championship with a banner-raising ceremony. The Eagles will also host Korea University during the preseason as part of a series of international exhibition games.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Friday, 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.