🦌Elk Herd Shocks Locals

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We’re crawling out of the deep freeze just in time for one of Canmore’s coolest events next week. Details below.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• The current state of jobs in Canmore & Banff

• A skier died near Golden in a backcountry avalanche 

• What’s changing at Banff’s Fendland Recreation Centre

• Plus, winter music festival, interactive art, Canada vs US watch party, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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BOW VALLEY JOB MARKET: MORE WORKERS, FEWER OPENINGS

What's Happening? The latest Labour Market Review from the Job Resource Centre reveals a shift—fewer job openings, more jobseekers. Unlike previous years of worker shortages, employers in the Bow Valley are now well-staffed, and employees are staying longer, particularly in roles that offer staff housing.

By the Numbers:

• Job postings are down 8% compared to last year.

• Trades and labour roles made up the biggest slice of openings, fueled by ongoing developments like Three Sisters Mountain Village.

• Average wage: $22.61/hour (up slightly from last year). The highest-paying jobs? Social services and healthcare ($31.57/hour). The lowest? Food and beverage service ($18.30/hour).

The Housing Factor. With rent in Canmore averaging $2,270/month for a one-bedroom, finding affordable housing remains a challenge. Employers report struggling to fill long-term roles when staff housing isn’t available.

New Hiring Rules Incoming. Canada is tightening restrictions on Temporary Foreign Workers—limiting them to 10% of a workforce (down from 30%) and shortening employment terms. Expect a hiring shake-up come September.

THE COZIEST MUSIC FESTIVAL EVER

Winter in Canmore just got a little warmer. ❄️🔥

The Warm Up is back on February 27, 2025, bringing 20+ artists to 10 venues for one unforgettable night of live music. From intimate folk sets to high-energy jam sessions, this festival transforms downtown Canmore into a winter music wonderland—all within a snowball’s throw.

With an all-access pass, you’ll roam from stage to stage, discovering incredible artists and soaking in the cozy vibes of Canmore’s best pubs, cafés, and galleries. 

And if you need a break, visit the Warm-Up Hub at the Civic Centre to warm up by the fire pits, enjoy hot chocolate, check out local vendors, vibe to live DJ tunes, play traditional indigenous games, and hear from Stoney Nakoda knowledge holders.  

This isn’t just a concert—it’s a community celebration. Every step supports local artists, businesses, and the vibrant arts scene that makes Canmore special.

Tickets are on sale now, and they won’t last!

_{*Presented by Canmore Folk Fest}

THE DIGEST

• 🖤Skiing Tradegy.  A skier lost their life in a size 2 wind slab avalanche on Kapristo Mountain on Monday (near Golden). The slide, triggered near the top of a north-facing slope, funneled into a gulley and ran nearly a kilometer. The victim was found 120 cm deep near the avalanche’s toe. 

• 🧥MEC Recalls. MEC is recalling two children's snowsuits—the Toaster and Toaster Bunting—due to mould contamination concerns. About 3,200 units were sold between August and December 2024. Affected customers can return them for a refund. Health Canada warns mould can pose risks, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues.

• 🦌Massive Elk Herd Spotted. Locals captured stunning footage of a large elk herd moving north of Cochrane on Sunday. While elk typically roam in smaller groups, winter migrations can bring much larger gatherings. 

• 🐈Orphaned Cougar Kittens Find Temporary Home. Two cougar kittens allegedly orphaned after their mother was hunted near Canmore now have a temporary home at the Calgary Zoo. 

• 🤗Redefining Possibilities on the Slopes. After a skiing accident left her with a spinal cord injury, Amanda Tim refused to let limitations define her. Thanks to Rocky Mountain Adaptive, she discovered sit-skiing and a renewed love for the mountains. Watch her story. 

THE FUTURE OF FENLANDS: BIG UPGRADES ON THE HORIZON

What's Happening? The Fenlands Recreation Centre is moving into Phase 3 of its multi-year upgrade plan, and Banff residents are being asked for feedback. The Town has been working with HCMA, an architectural firm specializing in recreation centre redesigns, to refine plans that aim to improve accessibility, enhance amenities, and make better use of existing space.

Key Upgrades Incoming:

• Ice Arenas: New seating, better accessibility, and a separate referee room.

• Arena Lobby: Improved entry, universal washrooms, and better traffic flow.

• Curling Lounge: Upgraded flooring, storage space, and a designated player entrance.

• New Amenities: A fitness centre, a bouldering wall, an arts & culture space, and a community boardroom.

No Ice Time Lost. Good news for hockey—construction will be phased so that winter ice time remains untouched.

Get Involved. Residents can share feedback at upcoming focus groups (Feb 10, 13, 19) or at a public info session (March 5, Town Hall).

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Interactive Art. This exhibition invites you to express and engage your own creativity! You’ll find artwork that requires your participation and interaction, as well as collaboration with others. 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM. artPlace, Canmore. Free.

• Celebrate Black History Month. Enjoy a performance by Eyerusalem Dubale, a well-known musician, singer, and dancer in Ethiopia. Stay afterward for an interactive lesson. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free

• Movie Night. The documentary River is an exploration of the timeless relationship between human civilization and Earth's rivers. Narrated by Oscar Nominee Willem Dafoe. With music by the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Radiohead. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free.

Thursday

• Panel Discussion. The Job Resource Centre, in collaboration with the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a panel titled Rethinking Retention: Strengthening Diversity, Building Community Belonging. 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free. 

• Bilingual Board Game Night. Solo or with friends, come play in a relaxed atmosphere full of laughs. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. ACFA Canmore (820 8th St, Canmore). Free. 

• 4 Nations Watch Party. Head down to watch Canada and the US duke it out in the 4 Nations Face-Off Final. 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM. Tavern 1883. No Cover.

• Thirsty Thursday Party. Free games all night long, including beer pong, pool, corn hole, and Jenga. Meilssa’s MisSteak. No Cover.

• Mountain Meditation. The session will include a 20-minute guided meditation, a 30-minute Dharma talk related to Engaged Buddhism and climate change, and discussion time. 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Community Hub (717 9th St, Canmore). Free. 

• Poker Night. Come play Thursday night poker at the Canmore Legion with a fun group of regulars. Enjoy great eats from Avi's Kitchen and refreshing beverages. New players are welcome. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Canmore Legion.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🚴CAMBA Palooza 2025. This event is a family-friendly winter festival, including fat bike trials and skills sessions, CAMBA’s snow dogs demos, trail runs and rides, and bike races, fires, hot chocolate. All proceeds are going to support local trails. 

• 🎊Happy Hour Prices All Month! The lounge at the Canmore Legion has expanded its hours with a new opening of 11 AM to 10 PM close, six days a week from Tuesday to Sunday. To celebrate, the Legion will be offering Happy Hour prices for all of February!

• 🔎Board Opportunities in Banff. Banff Pride and the Banff Library are both looking to fill vacant positions on their respective boards. Apply online.

• 📇Banff Home Owners! Review your 2025 property tax assessment. If you are a property owner and have not received your assessment notice by February 21, please call the Town of Banff Finance Team at 403.762.1230 or email [email protected] 

• 🚶Walking Fundraiser. The Homeless Society of the Bow Valley is excited to announce the third annual Coldest Night of the Year family-friendly walk, taking place on February 22. This event is not just a walk; it's a heartfelt journey to raise funds for individuals facing hurt, hunger, and housing insecurity in our community.

• 👨🏻‍🏫$25,000 Scholarship. The 2025/26 Lillian Agnes Jones Scholarship is now open for applications, supporting research and studies on the history and culture of Western Canada.

• 🎒Rundle Thrift Hours. Bring your own bag and shop until you drop. Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM and Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

• 💫Non-Yoga Events at Yoga Studios. Head to The Yoga Lounge Friday night for Ecstatic Dance, Saturday night for a Sacred Sound Healing Journey, or to Flow State in Banff for an Embodied Astrology Workshop. 

• ⛷Demo Day at Lake Louise. This Sunday, find the Blizzard skis, Nordica skis, Salomon Alpine, and Salomon Snowboards tents in the base area, and their team will set you up. A limited number of demos are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: VALLEY WINDS MUSIC ASSOCIATION

The Valley Winds Music Association was started in the fall of 1994 as a legacy project, as music and bands had been a big part of Canmore’s history during the coal mining days. The Rotary Club agreed to give the band the initial seed money to launch the first season.

Today, the VWMA has over 110 members and consists of 4 community musical groups – the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Choir CHORDillera, and The Men of the Mountains Choir.  Located in the Canmore and Banff area of the Bow Valley in Alberta, Canada, the groups hold weekly rehearsals and periodic public performances throughout the fall, winter and spring.

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore boosts flood safety. With the Cougar Creek dam nearly complete, zoning updates will support smart growth while limiting high-risk density. This ensures future development is both safe and sustainable. Attend the public hearing on March 4th. 

• More affordable housing for Canmore. A minor zoning change for a 144-unit rental project heads to a public hearing on March 4. This tweak allows for smarter design, long-term affordability, and better sustainability—helping Canmore grow while keeping housing accessible.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, 6:00 PM: Open Mic Night. Location: Wild Life Distillery. No Cover. 

• Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, 10:00 PM: DJ Hops Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, February 20th, 9:30 PM: ELEVATE 360 Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $11-22.

• Thursday, February 20th, 10:00 PM: Peach Panic. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Snow Rodeo.  Sunshiner Rachael Karker just snagged 3rd place at Calgary’s Snow Rodeo Half Pipe World Cup. Check out her run here. 

• Hockey.  The Canmore Eagles become the second team in the AJHL this season to clinch a playoff birth for their chance at the 2025 Inter-pipeline Cup.

That’s all, folks!

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