🐶Dog-Free Zones In Banff

Good morning, Bow Valley!

It’s Friday—And if you just so happen to have the day off, you can ski cheap at Banff Sunshine today, which is exactly where you’ll find our publisher, Ben. (Details below).

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Dogs are getting banned on some trails in Banff National Park

• Banff’s housing market is getting a boost

• Have a say in the new passenger rail project 

• An update on Canmore’s Olympic hopefuls

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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BUILDING BANFF, ONE PERMIT AT A TIME

What’s Happening? Banff’s housing market is getting a boost, with an expected 150 new development permits as the town fast-tracks projects to meet housing needs.

Accelerated Efforts. Thanks to the $4.66M federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), Banff is tackling barriers to development, updating bylaws, boosting density, and cutting parking requirements. Smaller projects like accessory dwellings are surging, while larger multi-family builds are slowly gaining traction.

Affordable Housing in Focus. A $41M development at 50 Wolf St. will deliver 50-60 below-market rental and ownership units. By 2027, Banff aims to add 240 new housing units, including 43 below-market options, under its HAF agreement.

Other Priorities. Plans have also included climate action initiatives, Indigenous naming at recreation grounds, and a railway lands redevelopment plan, currently under Parks Canada review.

Big Picture: Council’s future goals include mass transit advocacy between Calgary and Banff, though staffing challenges could delay progress until 2026.

ALEX & LORI’S PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 417 STEWART CREEK CLOSE

A picture-perfect location! As one of the few homes backing onto the Stewart Creek Golf course, you’ll find nothing but lush nature and sprawling mountain views pouring in through each and every window. 

A design that seamlessly blends the ease of modern living with an active outdoor lifestyle - not to mention the countless walking and biking trails just beyond the backyard!

This stunning family home comes with all the bells and whistles, from the Control4 “Smart Home” system to the simple luxury of a heated 3-car garage... Not a single detail was overlooked!

For more information contact Lori or Alex or visit CanmoreAgent.com for a look at what’s new in the market!

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THE DIGEST

• 🐕‍🦺Banff National Park is banning dogs on select cross-country ski trails this winter to protect groomed paths and skier safety. Restricted trails include Cascade Valley and Moraine Lake Road. The ban lasts through spring, with fines up to $25,000 for violations. Dog owners are encouraged to use pet-friendly trails instead.

• 🌲Albertans can cut their own Christmas trees with a free Personal Use Forest Products Permit. Trees must be under 8 feet, cut from designated Crown land, and for personal use only. Eligible residents can harvest up to three trees, spreading holiday cheer straight from Kananaskis to their rooftops.

• 🚉Alberta is laying the groundwork for a provincial passenger rail system, aiming to connect major cities, rural hubs, and Rocky Mountain parks. The ambitious plan includes high-speed and commuter lines, backed by global expertise and public input. Albertans can shape the future by completing the provincial survey by Dec. 20.

• 🙏Canmore-based charity Spirit North is breaking barriers by offering free, co-created outdoor sports programs for Indigenous youth. Founded by Olympian Beckie Scott, the charity fosters cultural connections, leadership, and land stewardship. Programs like skiing, biking, and canoeing blend sports with Indigenous traditions, empowering youth and their communities nationwide.

• 🏅Canmore author Stephen R. Bown earned the prestigious Governor General’s History Award for uncovering diverse Canadian history perspectives. Known for books like Dominion and The Company, Bown’s narrative-driven approach highlights the human side of monumental events, including the Canadian Pacific Railway, blending untold stories with meticulous research.

A UNIFIED APPROACH TO BOW VALLEY TOURISM

What’s Happening? Banff is considering a destination stewardship council to tackle regional tourism challenges in the Bow Valley, focusing on collaboration across municipalities and agencies.

Collaboration Over Competition. Councillor Grant Canning, who proposed the idea, emphasized that the council would foster information-sharing, not dictate terms. By pooling data and strategies, the council aims to address shared issues like visitor management and long-term sustainability.

Borrowing From the Best. The idea takes inspiration from similar initiatives in the U.S., like Jackson Hole and Zion National Park, where collaboration has improved transit, conservation, and visitor experience. Canning envisions the same potential for Banff, Canmore, and neighboring areas.

What’s Next? Town staff will return in late 2025 with proposed terms, partners, and budgets. Officials agree this could become a game-changing framework for managing tourism, housing, and environmental impacts—if everyone comes to the table.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Community Ski Day. Open to all residents in Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore, Mînî Thnî, Lac Des Arc, Deadman Flats, Exshaw, Harvie Heights, Field, and Kananaskis. Proceeds raised by Banff Sunshine will be donated to Rocky Mountain Adaptive. All Day. Sunshine Village. Adult $75 Senior/Youth $49 /Child $20.

• Free Family Movie. Join us for a cozy evening watching Elf, the classic holiday comedy that will bring laughs and good cheer. 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM. Banff Library, Banff. Free, but register online if you want pizza! 

• B-I-N-G-O! Friday is Bingo Night at the Canmore Legion. Bring extra cash for those pull tabs and tips for the hardworking staff. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Canmore Legion, Canmore.

Saturday

• Curling Mixed Doubles Championships. The best of the best compete in Canmore and Banff this weekend. 9:00 AM. Fenlands, Banff / Canmore Curling Cub, Canmore. 

• Osteopathy Presentation. This presentation explores the importance of causality within healthcare, how to use the neurological system to our advantage to diagnose the root cause, and how to treat the cause for long-lasting back pain relief. 10:15 AM - 12:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free. 

• Music Class. Join music Christmas activities and visit a few countries around the world to see how they celebrate Christmas. 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM. Scout Hall, Canmore. $20 per child/$30 for two siblings. Ages 0-6.

• Celebrate Winterfest. Winterfest is a one-of-a-kind event in the Bow Valley where every room, nook, and cranny is transformed by the spirit of holiday magic into a place of childhood wonder. 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Canmore Collegiate High School. Free to attend. Events are ticketed ($20 allows every child to participate in every event once).

•  A Toast to Tails! Enjoy a night of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music, and games—all for a great cause–Heart Mountain Rescue. 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM. CanGolf, Canmore. $35.

Sunday

• Holiday Story Time. Join your favorite librarians for a fun and festive storytime.  They’ll share some of their favourite holiday rhymes, songs, and books! 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Malcolm Hotel, Canmore. Free. 

• Gingerbread house and cookies decorating party! Indulge in the joy of decorating delicious treats while creating unforgettable memories. 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM. Co-Kitchen, Canmore. $65.

• Pride Across Generations Panel. Celebrate the power of stories, the resilience of rural 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and the strength of Pride across generations.6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Location: Artsplace. By donation at the door.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🧺Last Weekend! The annual Banff Christmas Market captures European Holiday Markets' tradition, heritage, and romance with a Canadian Rocky Mountain twist. Saturday’s tickets are 50% sold.

• 💝Annual Banff Santas Anonymous Fundraiser. Featuring live music, 50/50 draws, live & silent auctions, and lots more! All funds raised support Banff and Lake Louise seniors in need and Defending Awesome’s Holiday Hamper Program. To donate an item for the auction or to help out as a volunteer, please reach out via email: [email protected]. 

• 🎭Roald Dahl’s Matilda Jr. Playing at Canmore Collegiate from Thursday, December 12, through Saturday, December 14, at 7 PM.  Plus, an additional Matinee will be performed on Saturday, December 14th at 1:00 PM. 

• 🧀Fondue is Back! Your winter nights just got a whole lot better. Say hello to Bridgette Bar’s Gruyère, Raclette & Emmental Fondue! Honestly, what cheesy dreams are made of.

• 🩰Dance Classes Winter-Spring Session classes for ages 3-7 years are open for registration at Canmore Dance Corp.

• 📝CYAN Survey. Share your thoughts and help shape the future of the Canmore Young Adult Network! Complete the survey and enter to win 1 of 8 $10 @eclipsecoffeeroasters vouchers! 

• 📣Volunteer Call! Each year, the Town of Canmore hosts events and activities on New Year's Eve thanks to the help of a dedicated crew of volunteers. 

• 🥌Curling Clinic. Looking to improve your sweeping and delivery out on the curling ice and want to learn more about your technique? Register for this 2-day curling clinic in Canmore! $120.00 per person. To register, call the office at 403-678-5959 ext. 236. 

• 🛼Outdoor Skating. It’s that time of year for taking a lap around the ice. Not sure where to go or where to go? We’ve got you!

CIVIC NEWS

• This past Tuesday, Canmore Council approved several key housing and infrastructure actions. They allowed existing tourist homes to be converted into residential homes without needing a new permit. They also gave Canmore Community Housing the option to pay off-site levies in installments for their new development at Palliser Lane. Additionally, they sold land in Teepee Town for $480,000 to support housing projects.

• In non-housing news, the council increased the budget for the Waste Water Treatment Plant odour control work to $2.6 million. They also approved a new project to review municipal documents for FireSmart, appointed election officers, and formalized a cost-sharing agreement for parking revenue at Quarry Lake.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, December 6th, 7:30 PM: Laila Biali: Wintersongs & Holiday Classics featuring Jane Bunnett. Location: ArtsPlace, Canmore.$40 / members $34 / youth $20 

• Friday, December 6th, 7:45 PM: Ecstatic Dance with Jess Simson with Live DJ Set By Lethargica. Location: The Yoga Lounge, Canmore. $10 advance / $15 at door

• Friday, December 6th, 9:00 PM: 40 Watts. Location: Tavern 1883. No Cover. 

• Friday, December 6th, 10:00 PM: Dangerous Cheese (80s Tribute). Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. $5 Cover. 

• Saturday, December 7th, 7:00  PM: Open Mic Night Location: ArtsPlace, Canmore. Free.

• Saturday December 7th, 9:00 PM:  Digital Hobo Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday December 7th, 10:00 PM: Dangerous Cheese (80s Tribute). Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. $5 Cover. 

SPORTS

• Cross Country Skiing. Canmore-based athletes are driving Canada’s Olympic cross-country skiing hopes, with relays and team sprints targeted for podium finishes in 2026. Rising stars like Xavier McKeever and Tom Stephen are excelling, while revamped coaching focuses on individual plans over centralized training. The future looks bright for Canada’s young and competitive ski team.

• Curling. Banff and Canmore are hosting the final 2025 Mixed Doubles Trials Qualifier, with 32 teams battling for a single spot at the Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Trials. Top-ranked teams will compete in a high-stakes event offering ranking points and a $30K purse. Action begins Thursday at 9 a.m. Mountain.

That’s all, folks!

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