🔥Extreme Wildfire Danger

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Thought we could breathe easy again now that wildfire season has passed? Think again– our current risk level is set to extreme for k-country. We’ve got the details below!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Canadian Rockies TikTok goes viral

• Banff scraps parking reservation plans 

• XC ski season is here, and so are lessons

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan, Shireen Ahmed, Lauren H., & Ben S.

BANFF’S BUDGET HOSTEL TO CLOSE

What’s happening? The YWCA in Banff plans to close its 42-room hostel to welcome the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). This change aims to enhance education and community programming while ensuring the YWCA can continue to support its valuable services.

Goodbye to Budget Accommodation: The YWCA’s hostel, which has provided affordable lodging for travelers since the 1980s, will be replaced with student housing. This shift will help the Y raise funds to invest back into community programs.

New Learning Opportunities: The Y is excited about a partnership with SAIT to offer tourism and hospitality courses, aligning the school’s mission with the YWCA's focus on community well-being. The plan includes converting the hostel's space into student apartments and using a large common area for classrooms.

Addressing Community Needs: The hope is that this partnership will create synergies between education and local issues, like violence prevention in the hospitality sector. By studying these challenges, the Y aims to develop effective strategies to support community wellness.

Next Steps: Before anything can officially change, the Y needs to secure a change of use permit from the Town of Banff. They aim to launch this new initiative with a pilot program in early 2026.

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THE DIGEST

• 🛢️Lafarge Canada has launched a $38-million facility at its Exshaw, Alberta, plant to convert construction waste into energy, reducing fossil fuel use. The project will use discarded wood to replace up to 50% of natural gas in one kiln, diverting 120,000 tonnes of waste from landfills annually and cutting carbon emissions by 30,000 tonnes—equivalent to removing 9,200 cars from the road.

• 🐻We got more info about the bear carcass that led to a backcountry closure in Banff. Parks Canada closed the trail connecting Pharaoh Lake, Black Rock Lake, and Sphinx Lake from October 2 to 31. A black bear was seen feeding on the carcass, raising safety concerns. Violating the closure could result in fines of up to $25,000. Hikers are urged to stay cautious, keep pets leashed, and carry bear spray.

• 🌏A nature filmmaker’s viral TikTok highlights climate change's impact on Canadian Rockies glaciers. Keith Egglefield’s footage reveals the absence of ice behind Lake Louise, captioned, “What glaciers?” Experts warn this reflects the rapid melting trend worldwide, underscoring the ongoing climate crisis.

• 🚮Freedivers gathered for a lake cleanup at Cascade Ponds in Banff National Park on September 29. Organized by the Alberta Underwater Council, these annual dives help protect the underwater environment by removing trash and keeping the lakes clean.

• 🔥Wildfire danger in Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country has risen to extreme levels due to heat, wind, and minimal rain. As of October 4, the Calgary Forest Area's fire risk was upgraded to extreme, with gusts up to 90 km/h expected. No active fires are reported, but any sightings should be reported to 310-FIRE.

BANFF SCRAPS PARKING RESERVATION PLANS

What’s Happening: Banff council has decided to scrap the idea of a parking reservation system, believing it won’t help with the increasing traffic from day-trippers. While the town could technically implement such a system, officials clarified that they can’t restrict access to the community unless there’s an emergency. 

No Authority to Restrict Access: Council members pointed out that people can still drive into Banff for a coffee or a quick errand, even if parking is fully booked. This could lead to more congestion rather than less.

Record-Breaking Traffic: Banff saw a staggering 32,500 vehicles in just one day over the recent Labor Day weekend! Traffic jams have become a big issue with more than four million annual visitors.

Complexities of a Reservation System: Implementing a parking reservation system poses challenges, like balancing free parking for residents and managing congestion. There are also concerns about how visitors would react to a system they weren’t aware of before arriving.

Looking for Alternatives: While a reservation system is off the table, council members are eager to explore other options for managing traffic and ensuring a smoother experience for residents and visitors.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Escape into nature on a long walk. The Unwind in Nature Forest Therapy Walk is October 7, 1- 3 PM. Spray River Trail, Banff.

• Share a meal and make new connections. Food and Friends is October 7, 5- 7 PM. St. George’s in the Pines, Banff and St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Canmore. By donation.

• Learn about curling and sign up for leagues. The Curling Club Open House is October 7, 5:30- 7 PM. Canmore Golf and Curling Club, Canmore.

• Stretch, breathe, and connect with a yoga session. CYAN presents Winter Yoga on October 7, 9- 10 PM. Yoga Lounge, Canmore. By donation.

• Learn about a Bow Valley Community Fireguard. This Biosphere Earth Talk is October 7, 7- 8 PM. Canmore Public Library, Canmore.

Tuesday

• Bring your child to shake their sillies out. Little Tot Drop-In with Canmore Illusions Gymnastics Club is October 8, 10:45- 11:45 AM. Canmore Recreation Centre, Canmore. $8

• Do you have questions about Canadian Permanent Residency? Check out a free online group information session on October 8, 11 AM- 1 PM. Online. Registration required.

• Enjoy homemade soup and a bun. Soup’s on October 8, 11:30 AM- 1 PM. Banff Park Church, Banff. No connection with the church is necessary. Free.

• Feast on pasta and paint some pottery. CYAN and Crock-a-doodle host Pasta Night on October 8, 6- 8 PM. Canmore Miners Union Hall, Canmore. By donation.
  

• Learn how movement enhances mental wellness. Recharge your Mind: Power Up with Movement is October 8, 6- 7:30 PM. Fenlands, Banff.
  

• Enjoy some laughs at a local improv show. Bad Altitude presents a live show on October 8, with doors opening at 8 PM. Mason Hall, Banff. $11.24.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 📣Huge shoutout to Canmore's Erin Moroz and Mountain Life Media for snagging Best New Magazine at the Alberta Magazine Awards!

• 📝Registration for Trail Sports' XC ski lessons is now open! Join for classic, skate, downhill, and telemark techniques for all skill levels!

• 🌐The Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce and @106.5mountainfm are teaming up for Small Business Week! Share your business tips by October 10 to be featured!

• 😋Sage Bistro is back with a Thanksgiving “Heat & Eat” menu! Enjoy a stress-free, delicious three-course meal.

• 🏘Henry, the lovable Shepherd Mix, is still searching for his forever home! He’s made great progress and is ready to find a loving family!

• 🧑🏻‍💻Want to learn web development? Join the Bow Valley Adult Learning Centre’s program starting October 16th!

• 🙌Valley Kids & Local Market is now open! They’re excited for their grand opening, featuring gently loved treasures for families!

• 🛠️The Town of Banff and the Biosphere Institute invite everyone to the Share and Repair Fair on October 20th!

• 👉The 2025 G7 Summit is officially set for June 15 to 17 in beautiful Kananaskis!

• 🔎The Rocky Mountain section of The Alpine Club of Canada is looking for a volunteer to run their photo contest! Contact Laurie Harvey at [email protected] 

CIVIC NEWS

• Great news! The Harvie Heights Interchange Upgrading Project is officially done, and the westbound off-ramp (Exit 83) onto Harvie Heights Road is now open.

• Good news for MD of Bighorn residents! The large item drop-off program is back for fall 2024. Drop off bulky items at designated bins from October 4 to 15, with the Ghost Area accepting items only on October 5 and 12. Get ready to declutter!

• Starting today, Glen Avenue in Banff will be closed to vehicles for electrical and bridge repairs until April 2025. Detours are in place, and pedestrians and cyclists can still pass through. Plan accordingly!

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, October 7, 1- 2:30 PM: Singer-songwriter Steph O’dette. Location: Beatnik Salon, Banff.

• Monday, October 7, 6- 8 PM: Bow Valley Connections Center DJ Party. Location: artsPlace, Canmore.

• Monday, October 7, 8- 11 PM: Open mic night with Banff Pride. Location: Mason Hall, 153 Caribou Street, Banff. 

• Monday, October 7, 10 PM: Karaoke night in Canmore. Location: Drake Pub, Canmore.

• Tuesday, October 8, 7- 9 PM: Singer-songwriter Steph O’dette. Location: Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise.

• Tuesday, October 8, 7 PM: Matthew Good with the Honest Heart Collective. Location: Melissa’s Missteak, Banff. $51.32

• Tuesday, October 8, 10 PM: Open mic night.Location: Pump and Tap, Banff.

SPORTS

• Netball is back in Banff! Join at Banff Elementary School from October 1 to June 30, 2025. Sessions are Sundays (6-7 PM) and Tuesdays (6:45-8:15 PM). It's free for residents with a membership; non-resident drop-ins are welcome. Open to everyone 16+—no experience needed! Come have fun and get fit!

• Rocky Mountain Adventure Racing held its first summer event in Canmore with the Summit Seeker Adventure Race! Jordan Koroll and Alexander Rivett, dressed as Mario and Luigi, won the men's category. Holley Thomas and Sarah Danielsmith (Sensitive Souls) topped the women's, Elise and Boris Vajsabel (Badass Explorers) won the mixed category, and XCBC Boyz—Ian Thompson, Andrew Thompson, Owen Kory, and Avery Balbanida—took first in the youth category.

That’s all, folks!

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