🍂Driest Winter in Banff—Ever

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Quick poll to start the day. Half our team golfs, half don’t.  But we want to hear from you.  Are you a golfer?

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Suicide rates in banff are rising

• New policing rules in Canmore

• Camp Chief Hector got major upgrades

• Plus, brunch parties, Norquay skimo race, free yoga, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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BANFF GRAPPLES WITH RISING SUICIDE RATES

What's Happening? A rise in suicides in Banff over the winter has sparked urgent conversations about mental health, addiction, and systemic gaps in care. Community leaders and advocates are calling for better coordination of services, less stigma, and a proactive approach to preventing further tragedies.

The Hidden Struggles. Despite Banff’s image as a dream destination, the high cost of living, job insecurity, and social isolation are driving a mental health crisis. A recent report found 16% of Bow Valley residents struggle with mental illness, with lower-income groups being hit hardest.

System Gaps & Service Shortfalls. Advocates highlight the need for more integrated mental health data and support services. Gaps in follow-up care after suicide attempts, a lack of detox programs, and overwhelmed health services are major concerns.

A Push for Change. Banff Mental Health and Addiction Week (May 4-9) aims to connect residents with resources while pushing for systemic change. Local leaders, including Banff’s mayor, stress that a coordinated, community-driven approach is essential.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text 988, Canada’s national Suicide Crisis Helpline, for free, 24/7 support.

A SINGLE-FAMILY HOME IN CANMORE WITH HUGE RENTAL POTENTIAL

👆 Click to check property tour video

Looking for a home with mountain views and financial potential? Check out 960 Wilson Way! 

This charming detached home is located in a family-friendly neighborhood with beautiful North & South exposure. 

Enjoy three spacious bedrooms upstairs with a cozy living room, wood-burning fireplace, and a large South-facing yard—perfect for relaxing or entertaining.

On the lower level, the self-contained 1-bedroom suite offers incredible rental potential and mortgage assistance! Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to upgrade, or to get your hands on a practical holding property, this is an amazing opportunity you don’t want to miss! 🙂

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

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 🖤Red Deer Man Dies in Kananaskis Ski Accident. Devin Parker Vriend, a 24-year-old athlete, tragically passed in a skiing accident in Kananaskis on February 28. 

• 🍂Banff’s Driest Winter on Record. Banff just logged its driest meteorological winter in 134 years, with only 15.8 mm of precipitation—just 26% of normal levels. Red Deer and Calgary also saw near-record lows. While drought concerns rise, March and April are typically the snowiest months, meaning a late-season turnaround is still possible.

• ✅Camp Chief Hector Nears Fundraising Goal. YMCA’s Camp Chief Hector is closing in on $17M in upgrades to improve accessibility, extend its season, and revamp facilities. With $12.4M raised, a final $4.6M push is underway. New yurts, ropes courses, and staff housing are already in place, with more renovations planned—including a long-overdue kitchen update.

• 📑Canmore to Form Policing Committee. Following a provincial mandate, Canmore will establish a Municipal Policing Committee to provide feedback on policing priorities. The committee, set for October, won’t control operations but will enhance civilian oversight. With five appointees, including one council member, it aims to strengthen community-police collaboration and develop a yearly safety plan.

• 🌟Sony TV Boss Heads to Banff. Keith Le Goy, Chairman of Sony Pictures Television, is set to keynote this year’s Banff World Media Festival. The event runs June 8-11 at the Fairmont Banff Springs.

CANMORE’S PLAN TO CUT WASTE AND BOOST SUSTAINABILITY

What's Happening? Canmore is taking steps to strengthen its circular economy—an approach that reduces waste and promotes reusing and recycling materials. Town council has approved a plan to collect information on existing initiatives, with findings to be presented in late 2025. This effort will help shape the role of a new zero waste coordinator set to begin in 2026.

From Waste to Opportunity. Canmore already has a strong foundation in circular economy efforts, with community-led initiatives like the library of things, clothing swaps, and bike repair programs. The goal is to align and expand these efforts, potentially creating new economic opportunities by repurposing materials.

A Future Built on Sustainability. While a proposal for a re-use centre—similar to Banff’s—was previously rejected due to budget concerns, Mayor Sean Krausert sees this research as a way to identify future opportunities. Council hopes the new coordinator can help reduce landfill waste and integrate circular economy principles into Canmore’s long-term sustainability plans.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Brunch Party. Congratulations to Chez Francois on celebrating 35 years in the Bow Valley! Head down today for 15% off if you’re local.

• COWS Banff Fundraiser. 100% of all proceeds from COWS Banff ice cream sales (cones, cups, and takeaway pints) will support YWCA Banff. 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Cow’s Banff. 

• 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.

• Free Family Movie. TRANSFORMERS ONE is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once, they were friends who bonded like brothers and forever changed the fate of Cybertron. 5:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free. 

• B-I-N-G-O. Friday Night Bingo. Arrive early for preferred seating and enjoy some great food from Avi's kitchen. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Canmore Legion. 

• French Movie Night. A housewife who wins a million trading stamps invites her sisters, sisters-in-law, and neighbors to a stamp-pasting party. However, her joy and excitement will spark jealousy. 7:45 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free.

Saturday

• Adoptable PUPPIES Open House. That's right, there are puppies available! 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Bow Valley SPCA, Canmore. Free.

• Norquay Twilight Skimo. During this 60-minute race, racers will use alpine touring equipment, telemark, or split boards to climb uphill and ski down. After 60 minutes, they stop the race and count up all the laps; then head to the lounge for food and prizes. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Mount Norquay. $25 per registrant.

• Adventure Film Series. An epic series of adventure films that will ignite your wanderlust and inspire your next great outdoor escapade 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. $10 (ticket sales go directly to the filmmakers). 

• Astronomy Presentation. Astrophysicist Dr. Phil Langill presents an entertaining and informative talk on recent discoveries from our solar system. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Senior Centre. $20 Adult / $10 Students (Free for 12 and under when accompanied by an adult).

Sunday

• Free Yoga. Enjoy a 45-minute yoga session led by resident instructor Chie Fujimaru. This class is open to all levels of yoga practitioners and book lovers. Children are welcome to attend but must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. Banff Library. Free. 

• Backcountry Skiing & Riding Day. Perfect for those who want to continue building beginner to intermediate touring skills with an experienced guide following an Avalanche Safety Training 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Banff. $200 +GST. Banff Resident: $90 +GST.

• SOULgasm. Medium & Spiritual Conduit Dan King returns to Canmore in a chill, intimate vibe, with readings for all. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. The Local, Canmore. $86.53.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 💢Tired of back pain running your life? Whether it started at the gym, at your desk, or just crept up over time, osteopathy helps fix the actual problem—not just mask the pain. Osteopathy For All is offering free assessments right now if you want to see what’s going on and how to fix it.

• 💐Mini-Bouquet Give Away. Eclipse and Alpenflora have teamed up for International Women's Day. They’ll be giving away mini-bouquets on Saturday, March 8th, at all 4 Eclipse locations while quantities last. 

• 🥬Vegan Eats in Banff. Gone are the days of heading to a restaurant where the only vegan options were green salad and polenta (what?). Check out these three vegan restaurants on your next culinary outing. 

• 🧗Are You Prepared for All-Season Hiking in Banff? This blogger has got you covered with her list of essentials. In other hiking-related FAQs, if you hear a “woman screaming,” it's almost always a cougar, as they are notorious for being mistaken for a woman screaming.

• 🔪True Crime Podcast. We don’t report crime here, but there was a time when crime in Banff was minimal. If you don’t know Lucie Turmel’s story. Here it is. 

• ♀️International Women’s Day Reading List. Saturday is International Women’s Day, and the Canmore Library has put together a list of reading suggestions here. 

• 🐕Lost Pets. Do you recognize this guy? This male dog was found wandering on Elk Run Boulevard in Canmore on March 1, 2025. He is wearing a metal collar but does not have any tags.

• 🎤Men of the Mountains Singing Choir. Get your tickets for Down By the Riverside 

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday March 10, to hear comments about proposed changes to the Banff Design Guidelines. Proposed changes to landscaping, building materials, and other construction and redevelopment in Banff focused on updating guidelines to follow FireSmart principles and reduce wildlife attractants.

• Last Tuesday, Canmore Council gave second and third readings to Land Use Bylaws following a public hearing. The amendments are aimed at removing tourist homes from TeePee Town and Bow Valley Trail. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, March 7th, 2025,  5:00 PM: Isaac Brothers. Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Friday, March 7th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Mo' Marley.  Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, March 8th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Mo' Marley. Location:Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Sunday, March 9th, 2025, 3:00 PM: Sunday Sessions. Location: Core Values, Canmore.  No Cover.

• Sunday March 9th, 2025, 7:30 PM: Virginia MacDonald Quartet. Location: artsPlace, Canmore.  $30 / members $25.50 / youth $15

SPORTS

• Hockey. The Canmore Eagles are clinging to first place with three games left, putting pressure on the Calgary Canucks and Whitecourt Wolverines. Playoff opponents are down to two—Camrose or Drumheller—while veteran leadership and home-ice advantage remain key factors. The AJHL postseason kicks off March 21.

• More Hockey. Top Canmore hockey prospect Finn McLaughlin is heading to the Muskegon Lumberjacks after a trade from the Fargo Force. The 19-year-old defenseman, a University of Denver commit, captained Team USA to gold at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge and is ranked 209th for the 2025 NHL Draft.

• Skiing. Bow Valley Freestyle coaches got inspired by their athletes and threw down their first backflips of the season! 

That’s all, folks!

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