🥘Famed Breakfast Spot Opens In Canmore

Good morning, Bow Valley!

The heat wave continues, and if it doesn’t break soon, we might find ourselves in the middle of a bear-b-cue.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Exshaw’s developer fees are under review

• Local tattoo artists tie the knot

• Facing a terminal illness, a local conversationalist shares his story
  

  +More events and live music than you can possibly enjoy all weekend

Let’s get to it!

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

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DEVELOPER FEES ARE UNDER REVIEW IN EXSHAW

What’s happening:Development in Exshaw has prompted the review of an off-site levy.

What's an off-site levy? It's basically a fee imposed on developers to fund infrastructure needed by to new developments. This includes things like roads, water systems, and community facilities.

Why the update? The current bylaw dates back to 1998 and needs a refresh to reflect current needs and future growth, especially with the Exshaw Mountain Gateway development bringing in more residents.

Who's involved? Bill Luka, the MD’s engineering director, is leading the charge. They've presented a first draft to the Bighorn Council and plan to consult with the Bow Valley Builders and Developers Association for input.

What's next? The proposed model outlines how costs will be shared between developers and the MD. It aims to ensure fair allocation of expenses for infrastructure upgrades necessary for both new and existing residents.

THE DIGEST

• 💍Local tattoo artists Dillon Leask and Kristen Sali from New World Samurai are tying the knot! They're not the only inked-up couple in town, either. Ben and Emjey Burlock run Fin & Fern Tattoo, and Dwayne and Veronique Wiebe own Aurora Tattoo, all downtown in Canmore. Ready for some new ink? They're open for walk-ins!

• 🦪The Bro’Kin Yolk, famed for its breakfasts and brunches in Calgary, has just opened at 201 – 300 Old Canmore Road. Enter through Lovely Ice Cream and head upstairs. Enjoy mountain views while savoring classic brunch favorites and Filipino-inspired dishes like Belgian waffles, Eggs Benedict, and pork belly adobo bowls.

• 🐻Berry season in Banff means bears are out feeding. Parks Canada says to stay safe: Make noise on trails, travel in groups, and ditch earbuds. Carry bear spray, watch for signs, and report bear sightings. Especially around Lake Louise.

• ⛔The Bow River loop pathway by Rundle Power Plant will close for a few days over the next two weeks. TransAlta needs to prep for a bridge refurb in 2025. Please use other routes during these times: July 18-19 and 22-23 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and July 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It's a popular route, but Legacy Trail and Engine Bridge remain open!

FROM WILDLIFE WARDEN TO CONSERVATION PIONEER

What’s happening:Local author, conservationist, and perpetual thorn in the side of developers Karsten Heuer reflects on his life.

Who he is: Karsten Heuer is a pioneering conservationist renowned for his extensive wilderness explorations and advocacy for large-scale environmental protection initiatives.

Why he’s a local treasure: Karsten’s not just any outdoorsy guy; he’s been a major force in conservation. From bringing bison back to Banff to advocating for wildlife corridors, he’s been at the forefront of large-scale conservation efforts.

Why we’re reflecting: Sadly, Karsten’s now facing a terminal illness called multiple system atrophy, and he’s chosen to have an assisted death this fall. 

Legacy: His journey from wildlife warden to conservation pioneer to author has been incredible. It’s amazing how he’s impacted the Rockies, fighting against development and preserving these wild spaces. His upcoming book, "Buffalo Lessons," will be his last gift to us all.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Watch Paddington 2 inside with air conditioning.The film will be shown on Friday, July 19, from 2-4 PM. Canmore Public Library, Canmore.

• An evening of music and poetry readings. Derek Beaulieu, Banff's Poet Laureate, hosts "Poetry and Pints" on July 19 at 5 PM. The Legion, Banff.

• Watch Dungeons and Dragons and eat pizza. Movie night is July 19, 6- 8:30 PM. It's free, but registration is required. Banff Public Library, Banff.

• Fun and relaxing yoga class. 45-minute free yoga session with Chie Fujimaru on July 19 at 6:15 PM. Banff Public Library, Banff.

• Comedy night with comedian Alex Mackenzie. Check out the Happy Camper Tour on July 25 at 7:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25.

• Fridays at The Drake mean Fish and Chips! Golden batter, crispy fries, and coleslaw. $14/ $18

Saturday

• Breakfast, market, parade and more.Check out Bragg Creek Days on July 20 starting at 7:30 AM. Bragg Creek.

• Fun activities, drama, and games for 6-8 year olds. Check out Game Show Day on July 20 from 10 to 11:30 AM at Canmore Public Library, Canmore.

• Bring and take things, all for free.Check out the Full Moon Swap on July 20 from 10 AM to 2 PM, hosted in partnership with HSBV at Canmore Public Library, Canmore.

• Interactive displays, guided walks, games, and crafts. Parks Day Celebration on July 20 from 11 AM- 2 PM. Boulton Bridge Day Use Area, Kananaskis.

• Party in the park. Check out the Banff Rotary Centennial Celebration from 11 AM- 3 PM July 20. Banff Pavilion, Banff.

• Get new to lightly used, affordable supplies for your dog or cat at the Bow Valley SPCA Garage Sale on July 20 from 12 to 3:30 PM at BVSPCA, Canmore.

• Luau with pork ribs and pineapple dessert. Check out the tropical party on July 20 at 2 PM. The Legion, Exhsaw. $20.

• An afternoon of wit, wisdom, and ridiculous tasks for teens 13+. Check out the Teen Taskmaster Event on July 20, 2-4 PM. Canmore Public Library, Canmore.

• Live caricaturists, outdoor outdoor art, and drink specials. Check out the July 20 Graffiti party at 9 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore.$5

Sunday

• Volunteer at the Canmore Enduro Bike Race.July 20, 8 AM. Nordic Centre, Canmore.

• Get your hands on some freshly baked or frozen take-home empanadas.Pop-up location open Sundays 10 AM-7 PM and Monday 9 AM -7 PM. The Co+Kitchen, Canmore.

• A fun and relaxing yoga class. A 45-minute free yoga session with Chie Fujimaru will be held on July 21 at 9:30 AM at Banff Public Library, Banff.

• Yin yoga and massage. Check out this session on July 21, 5:30- 6:45 PM. The Studio, Canmore. $50

• Recharge with a full moon sound bath.On July 21, spend an evening relaxing and rejuvenating at The Rimrock, Banff, starting at 7 PM or 8:30 PM.

• Have you checked out S’mores Firepit Nights at Table Food + Drink? Every Fri & Sat, 6-9:30 pm. S’mores Kits 2 for $10!

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🚲Food Bike Tour is hosting amazing food tours in Canmore, connecting locals with sustainable adventures!

• 🏄Join Alberta River Surf for their annual casual surf weekend at Mountain Wave, July 19-21, 2024!

• 🩸It’s been scorching hot lately. Do you know the 4 levels of drought monitoring and how they affect Canmore?

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧Fenlands Family Fun Zone is open daily from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, except Tuesdays and Saturdays for Little Rippers Indoor Bike Zone. Drop-in Fees apply.

• 🏊Banff offers private swimming lessons for all ages and abilities. It’s $25 for residents and $30 for non-residents per lesson.

• 📝The ACFA wants to hear from Bow Valley residents about French-language activities for this year. Share your ideas in their survey!

• 💁🏻‍♀️Want to get into hiking, but your friends don’t? Check out Coaching With Lucinda guided hikes.

• 🎉Did you know about Get Out Friday Nights? It's a cool drop-in sports program at Banff Elementary School, perfect for hanging out and playing non-competitive sports with snacks and giveaways!

• 👫🏼Speaking of getting out, we highlight many Canmore Young Adult Network (CYAN) events, and the organization is looking to add to its event staff team!

CIVIC NEWS

Canmore's Flood Mitigation Project is in full swing. Cougar Creek Canyon remains closed during construction, so please respect the closures for safety. Our community, nestled in a river valley, faces flood risks, especially from mountain creeks like Cougar. Here’s how they're boosting resilience:

• Conducted comprehensive risk assessments on priority creeks
  

• Implemented a Mountain Creek Hazard Mitigation Program
  

• Upgraded channels and culverts to handle floods
  

• Building a Debris Flood Retention Structure on Cougar Creek
  

• They're actively monitoring and updating regulations to keep us safer during potential flooding events.
  

The Municipal District (MD) of Bighorn is reviewing their ward boundaries and considering their council setup.

• The MD's population has grown by 45% since 1989, now reaching 1,598 residents in 2021.
  

• They're evaluating if the current ward boundaries accurately represent everyone in the district.
  

• They're also debating whether to keep the title of their chief elected official as 'reeve' or switch to 'mayor'.
  

• This review and any potential changes will be done through a bylaw under the Alberta Municipal Government Act.

They want your input; take the online survey here.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, July 19, 5-9 PM:Stellar music with The Black Canary. Location: The Yard Poutinerie, Canmore. No cover.

• Friday, July 19, 7:30 PM: Art of Piano with Joanna McGregor. Location: Rolston Recital Hall, Banff Centre, Banff. $75.

• Friday, July 19, 8-9:30 PM: Ethereal vibes with Co Kue Varo and the Only Hopes. Location: Core Values Cider Co, Canmore. $25

• Friday, July 19, 7-10 PM: $18 smash burgers and fries, $7 pints from 3 PM to close, and music from Colton Brewer. Location: Moxy, Banff.

• Friday, July 19, 10 PM: Rock with Last Call Leonard. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. $5

• Friday, July 19, 10 PM: Music with Five-O-Six. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff.

• Saturday, July 20, 2-4 PM: Singer songwriter Jennie Harluk. Location: Canmore Hotel, Canmore.

• Saturday, July 20, 2-5 PM: H2OMG! Pool Party ft DJ Bunny Hops. Location: Moxy, Banff.

• Saturday, July 20, 5-9 PM: $6 Beer, $5 Shooter, $14 Pizza, and DJ Pentsy. Location: Uprising Lounge, Canmore.

• Saturday, July 20, 8 PM: Broadway legend Patti Lupone performs Songs From a Hat. Location: Jenny Belzberg Theatre, Banff Centre, Banff. $150

• Saturday, July 20, 10 PM: Rock with Last Call Leonard. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. $5

• Saturday, July 20, 10 PM: Music with New Soul Duo. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff.

SPORTS

• Canmore United FC clinched a 2-1 victory against Banff Springs FC last Thursday, July 11! If you're into soccer, catch their matches on Thursdays and Sundays—it's a great watch!

• The AJHL Canmore Eagles just dropped their 2024-2025 regular season schedule!  Check it out here.

That’s all, folks!

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