🥊Dog vs Deer Drama

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We’ve got a wild idea—what if the Bow Valley came together to break a Guinness World Record? We’re just shy of 10,000 subscribers, so what could we pull off if only 10% of us showed up in one spot this summer? Most people eating poutine at the same time? Most people wearing denim-on-denim (Canadian Tuxedos) in one place?  Whatever it is, it’d be cool to put Canmore/Banff in the record books for more than just tourists getting too close to wildlife for a selfie. Should we make this happen, or is it ridiculous? Either way, drop your ideas in this survey!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• What exactly happened with the dog-deer conflict in Banff

• A proposed bill is going to make it easier to tweak the Alberta-BC border

• A “Special Public Avalanche Warning” has been issued 

• Plus, theatre performances, comedy night, free yoga, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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DOG BITES DEER IN BANFF, OFFICIALS RESPOND

What’s Happening? A video of a dog attacking a mule deer in Banff has sparked a Parks Canada investigation. The 39-second clip, filmed near the Moxy Banff hotel, shows the dog gripping the deer’s antler while people attempt to separate them. The incident took place on February 18. 

Parks Canada Responds. Officials later found the deer, which appeared unharmed. Parks Canada emphasized that leash laws protect both pets and wildlife, as off-leash dogs can provoke defensive reactions from animals like bears, elk, and deer.

Town of Banff Takes Action. The Town of Banff has classified the dog as a “vicious animal” under local bylaws. The owner has complied with new safety measures, including muzzling.

Conflicting Accounts. A Reddit user who witnessed the attack claims the woman in the video was not the dog’s owner. According to the post, several people worked to separate the animals before the owner arrived, suggesting the dog had broken free and run off before the attack.

ALEX & LORI’S PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 401-810 7^TH STREET

👆 Click to check property tour video

Check out this amazing top floor penthouse at 401, 810 7th Street, just one block from downtown Canmore! 

Coffee runs, morning commutes, and weekend biking adventures have never been easier with a location like this one. 

Not to mention the jaw-dropping mountain views from every window and two spacious decks - perfect for soaking in the beauty of the Rockies! 

Additional Perks:

• Fully furnished & move-in ready

• 2 titled underground parking stalls

• Vaulted ceilings & triple pane windows

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

_{*Presented by Mitchel Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 💨Avalanche Alert. Avalanche Canada has issued a special warning for Banff, Kananaskis, and beyond, in effect through March 3. A thick slab of snow sits over weak layers, making human-triggered slides highly likely. Stick to low-angle slopes, travel one at a time, and check conditions before heading out.

• 🦬Bison Are Back in Banff. After over a century, wild plains bison roam Banff once again, playing a crucial role in the park’s ecosystem. From 16 bison in 2017 to over 130 today, this reintroduction is a major conservation win. Watch this 3-minute documentary to see how scientists made it happen. 

• 『』Tweaking the Alberta-BC Border. A proposed bill would remove the requirement for a referendum to make minor adjustments to the Alberta-BC border, which naturally shifts due to erosion and glacial melt. The change would help clarify land use for businesses like ski resorts while still requiring provincial negotiations for any official changes.

• 🔥Satellites to Revolutionize Fire Tracking. Canada’s new $72M WildFireSat constellation will improve wildfire monitoring by 2029. The system’s seven infrared-equipped satellites will track fire intensity and spread in near real-time, boosting response efforts. With public access to data, it’s set to be a game-changer for safety, tourism, and air quality monitoring.

• 🎞️Uncovering Stoney Nakoda Film History. Stories We Have Earned explores the Stoney Nakoda’s deep yet complex ties to Alberta’s film industry, the Calgary Stampede, and Banff Indian Days. Filmmaker Cody Lefthand dives into Hollywood’s portrayal of Indigenous people, blending history with personal stories. The documentary screens at Globe Cinema in Calgary through Sunday.

WILDLIFE OFFICIALS CLEAR HUNTER IN COUGAR CASE

What’s Happening? Alberta Fish and Wildlife Encrocement Services (FWES) has decided not to press charges against the hunter who killed a female cougar near Canmore, despite the incident leaving two kittens orphaned. While Alberta law prohibits hunting young cougars with spots or mothers with dependent kittens, officials say there isn’t enough evidence to prove the kittens were with their mother at the time of the hunt.

Conflicting Accounts. The Calgary Zoo, which is temporarily caring for the kittens, disputes this assessment, stating that the young cougars, estimated to be 5-6 months old, wouldn’t have survived alone. Meanwhile, officials argue that while the kittens had faint spots, they may not have been visible in the dense forest during the hunt.

Public Outrage. The decision has sparked backlash in the Bow Valley, with residents taking to social media to criticize the ruling. Many fear the case sets a precedent where hunters can claim ignorance, making the law protecting cougar families nearly impossible to enforce.

What’s Next? FWES maintains that they will continue monitoring hunting activity and investigating potential violations. Officials encourage anyone with additional information to contact the Report-a-Poacher line.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Chess Night at the Library. Enjoy a game of chess, connect with other chess players, and pick up a new trick or two. All skill and experience levels are welcome. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free.  

• Live Music On Community Fridays. Every Friday evening through the winter at Canmore Brewing Co., you'll find $6 happy hour pints along with live music. Tonight features Andy Perrin. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Free.

• Pride Ski Night. Get ready for an evening packed with fun on and off the slopes! All abilities are welcome to join in and celebrate this vibrant community. 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Mt. Norquay. Lift ticket prices apply. 

• A Night of Quilting. The Mountain Cabin Quilters Guild Show opens, showcasing art quilts, a raffle, and handcrafted postcards. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Art Guild. Free. 

• Comedy Night. Observational, autobiographical, and hilariously self-deprecating, Brian Stollery’s brand of comedy reveals the underlying absurdity of everyday life.  7:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25 / $21.25 members 

Saturday

• Adoptable Dogs Open House. Have you ever wanted to meet some adoptable dogs? The Winter Dog Day Open House will extend them into the spring!  1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Bow Valley SPCA, Canmore. Free.

• Family Theatre Performance. When a power loss during a rain storm traps Kid inside, Boredom looms. Combining original live music, dance, and puppetry, Splish Splash is a delightful celebration of imagination for the whole family! Two performances: 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free. 

• Poetry Night. Share your words or just listen at this open mic night hosted by Canmore Poet Laureate Tim Murphy. Poets, storytellers, and songwriters of all styles are welcome. Sign up at 7 PM to perform, or arrive at 7:30 PM to enjoy an evening of creativity and community. ArtsPlace Canmore. Free.

Sunday

• Free Yoga. Enjoy a 45-minute yoga session led by resident instructor Chie Fujimaru. Open to all levels. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. Banff Library. Free.

• Big Mountain Finals. The event is a part of the North American Freeride Junior Tour. Freeriders are judged on line, control, fluidity, technique, and style. This is a National Event for ages 12 - 18! 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Lake Louise Ski Resort. Lift tickets apply (but discounted for athletes and family).

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🍞Wild Flour Artisan Bakery is celebrating the community by giving Bow Valley Insiders the chance to win a handcrafted baked treat or fresh bread every week! Sign up once, and you’re entered into the Locals Weekly Giveaway for the rest of the year. Enter here: Wild Flour Giveaway.

• ⚕️Osteopathy can be a game-changer for pain relief. No gimmicks, no quick fixes—just real solutions for back pain, neck pain, and more. If you’ve been dealing with discomfort, Osteopathy For All is offering free total body assessments right now. Might be worth checking out!

• 🎬Fortress Mountain. This is a great video discussing the history of Fortress ski hill.  It dives into the creation of the ski resort, its operational lifespan, why it closed, and the attempts to reopen Fortress. 

• 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻The Banff Pool League is officially underway. They’re still looking for a couple more teams to round off the league, so if you’re interested, reach out to Dawson. 

• ⛷️World Class XC Skiing Facility. We created a short video to showcase why the Canmore Nordic Centre is more than just a piece of Olympic history!  

• 📌Banff Open Houses. Save the dates next week in Banff. There is an open house on Monday about the Caribou Street Reconstruction and one on Wednesday regarding the future of the Fenlands.

• 📣Apply for a climate action incentive! Programs this year include the return of the solar incentives for both residential and commercial units and a new program that covers 75% of the cost of installing publicly available Level 2 EV chargers at commercial or multi-family parking lots.

• 🚧Partial Closure - Bill Milne Trail Ice Flow. The recent cold snap caused a large ice flow, which, with a return of warm weather, is breaking up unpredictably.

• 👨‍👨Be Part of a Live Audience. Slaycation follows larger-than-life queens from across the international drag race family as they vacation together at a winter cabin in the Rocky Mountains. 

CIVIC NEWS

• The MD of Bighorn’s new 9,800 sq. ft. net-zero facility east of Exshaw is halfway done. The $11.75M project replaces a cramped 1988 Quonset, improving space and efficiency. 

• On Monday, Banff council approved the final amendments to the land use bylaw—changes that, following over five years of consultations, aim to tighten B&B regulations to shield residential neighborhoods from commercial pressures. 

• Did you miss the Wildfire Panel last Tuesday in Banff? Watch the video or download the presentation slides here.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, February 28th, 2025,  5:00 PM: Andy Perrin. Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Friday, February 28th, 2025,  9:00 PM: Andrew Staygold. Location:Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Friday, February 28th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Pride Ski Night - AFTER PARTY. Location:Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, March 1st, 2025,  9:00  PM: Wyman/Roland. Location:Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, March 1st, 2025,  10:00 PM: Darryl Anderson. Location:Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, 3:00 PM: Sunday Sessions. Location: Core Values, Canmore.  No Cover.

SPORTS

• Adventure Racing. Cory Wallace is the reigning, six-time World Solo 24 Hour Mountain Bike Champion and the Head Organizer for the Rockies 24 race in Canmore, Alberta. His mountain bike adventures have taken him all over the world, inspiring riders and raising funds for various humanitarian causes along the way. Listen to his latest podcast to hear his epic story.

• Para Snowboard Cross. Canada’s Tyler Turner clinched the World Cup season title in Para snowboard cross with a clutch win in the final race. The Paralympic champ edged out tough competition in a winner-take-all showdown. Next up: the Para Snowboard World Championships at Big White, B.C., March 5-10.

That’s all, folks!

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