🧗‍♂️Fatal Ice Climbing Fall

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Brrr: It looks like winter finally arrived! With temps plunging to -30 °C and fresh snowfall on tap, frostbite warnings are in effect. A slight warm-up is expected by Wednesday, but for now, bundle up and embrace the chill.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Two rising local photographers have their work recognized  

• A novice ice climber has a tragic fall near Canmore

• Travel influencer sparks outrage after an act of vandalism 

• Plus, Valentine’s Day flower workshop, sip and paint night, author talks, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

P.S. 🤗 Big thanks to Carrie Suwal for referring so many friends to Bow Valley Insider! She loves the valley’s friendly river trail vibes, tree hugs, and great eats at 4296. Keep spreading the community spirit, Carrie!

Want to advertise to Bow Valley locals? Learn more.

2024 CANADIAN PHOTOS OF THE YEAR: TWO LOCALS FEATURED

What's Happening? In Canadian Geographic’s annual photo showdown, local stars Pete O’Hara and Matthew Littlewood caught the judges’ eyes with standout shots, earning them honorable mentions.

Local Lens. Pete O’Hara’s captivating capture of the northern lights twirling above Vermillion Lakes in Banff Park charmed the Weather, Seasons, and Skies category. His seasoned background in TV and cinematic travel brings a storyteller’s magic to every frame.

Frame of Reference. Meanwhile, Matthew Littlewood’s dynamic snap of the Dome Glacier along Banff’s Icefields Parkway clinched runner-up honors in Outdoor Adventure. With a knack for turning remote landscapes into visual narratives, his work speaks volumes of a decade-long journey across breathtaking terrains.

In a Nutshell. Both photographers remind us that nature’s best moments are fleeting—yet, when caught just right, they transform into art that inspires us to look a little closer and explore a little further.

FORGET GROCERY STORE FLOWERS—MAKE THEM TOGETHER INSTEAD

Want to impress your Valentine this year? Skip the generic bouquet and create something together at Alpenflora’s Galentine’s Gathering on Sunday, February 9th.

This hands-on floral workshop is the perfect date idea—whether you’re bringing your partner, your bestie, or a family member. Sip mimosas, snack on Le Fournil pastries, and craft a fresh floral arrangement while learning expert tips on flower care (including how to make rose petals from grocery store roses!).

No experience? No problem. Just bring your creativity and someone you love. You’ll leave with a beautiful bouquet and an even better memory.

✨ Spots are limited—Sign up now! 

_{*Presented by Alpenflora}

THE DIGEST

• 🧗‍♂️Ice climbing fatality. Ukrainian-born climber Eugene Vahin, who only took to ice climbing last fall, tragically fell near Canmore, marking the Rockies' second fatality this winter. Social media feedback—equal parts tough love and cautionary advice—reminds locals: ice climbing isn’t for the inexperienced. Take a course, folks.

• 🌳Cochrane’s cherished grandfather tree fell during a wild windstorm, sparking a community rally. Safety crews are busy pruning damaged branches while locals dream up memorial ideas—from benches to statues. With seeds collected for cloning, this iconic tree might soon inspire a new chapter in local heritage.

• 😡Travel influencer Kelsey Owens sparked outrage after carving her company’s initials into a Banff fence post. Though quickly deleted and an inconclusive investigation followed, the online backlash was fierce. Locals and nature lovers agree: leave our wild spaces untouched, and keep your initials off nature’s canvas.

• 🏗️Highway 40’s getting a facelift. Effective January 31, construction crews are upgrading utilities and infrastructure between Kananaskis Emergency Services and Canoe Meadows—impacting Canoe Meadows and Barrier Lake Day Use Areas. Expect detours and delays until further notice.

• 🌟Dad and daughter Greg Scott and Hali ScottSmith just conquered Alberta’s 39 lift hills in 34 days, racking up 8,300 km along the way. From quirky rope tows to epic chairlift chats, they’re not just shredding snow—they’re inspiring community and youth projects.

BANFF COUNCIL PAY SET TO INCREASE

What's Happening? Banff’s mayor and councillors will see a pay bump after the next municipal election, aiming to reflect the increasing demands of their roles.

Breaking Down the Numbers: The mayor’s base salary will rise from $118,559 to approximately $130,000 by 2029, while councillors’ salaries will increase from $39,519 to around $52,000, now set at 40% of the mayor’s wage.

Why the Raise? An independent public committee found Banff’s council pay lagging behind similar towns like Canmore and Whistler. The increase aims to attract qualified candidates and acknowledge the growing time commitments.

24/7 Leadership. Mayor Corrie DiManno highlighted that being a public official in Banff is a round-the-clock responsibility, with residents approaching her about council matters everywhere—from hospitals to hiking trails.

In a Nutshell. While the raises won’t take effect until after the election, the goal is clear: ensuring Banff’s leadership reflects the community and is fairly compensated for the work ahead.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Open Curling Time. Attend these curling times to practice your skills, get together with your league for extra curling, or gather a group of friends for a fun game. Equipment is provided. 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM. Fenlands. Drop-in Fees Apply.

• Community Meal. This week at Food & Friends, you can choose chicken or veggie curry with coconut rice and spinach salad. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. St. Michael’s Church, Canmore. Pay what you can. 

• Sip and Paint Night. Join in for the perfect way to relax, learn & sip in great company as you create this beautiful watercolor painting of Wolf Lake in the Bugaboos under the friendly and professional eye of Emily. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Wildlife Distillery. $90 per person + 18% Gratuity.

• Beginner Knitting Class. Make a cozy cowl. Using knitting needles and bulky yarn, learn the basics of knitting. Explore different stitches and finishing techniques to make this cowl unique. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $105 / members $89.25.

• Adult Volleyball. Drop-in for a pickup game of volleyball. First come, first serve basis. An online Town of Canmore waiver must be signed before the first play. 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM. Lawrence Grassi Middle School. $5. Ages 16+.

Tuesday

• Coffee with a Cop. Please stop by, say hello, and meet some of your local Canmore RCMP and Municipal Enforcement officers. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Beamers (Shops of Canmore Location). Free. 

• Community Conversation. Join in for a Community Conversation on the topic of culture shock, where you’ll explore the diverse experiences of travel, immigration, and the journey to belonging. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Canmore Mier’s Union Hall. Free. 

• Author Talk. Bring a friend and take part in a conversation with authors, Sharon Wood, and Bernadette McDonald, about writing, storytelling, and the craft of spinning tales to share with readers.6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free. 

• Drawing Class. Practice different drawing challenges every week. Whether you’re a beginner, or already experienced, this class will help you hone your skills. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $180 / members $153 (Materials extra, 6-week course).

• Play Cribbage. Go head-to-head with other crib players. All levels are welcome with a prize to the highest scoring player. 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM. CanGolf, Canmore.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ⛷️Fun or Competitive Cross Country Ski Race. Enjoy a scenic ski at the 53rd Lake Louise Loppet! Open to all levels, this community event is perfect for a relaxed day on the trails. Ski at your own pace and soak in the stunning Lake Louise views! More details or sign up.

• 💼Job Opportunity: Programs & Operations Coordinator! The Interpretive Guides Association seeks a detail-oriented, creative contractor to support courses, marketing, and member engagement. Remote, but preferred Canmore/Banff. 32 hrs/week (seasonal). Starts March 2025. Apply here.

• 🏞️Winter Kananaskis Roadtrip. Mike Drew takes us on a frosty road trip through Kananaskis, from splash ice at O’Shaughnessy Falls to frozen ice climbs on Mt. Kidd. Read more for your complete mountain fix.

• 👋Vendor Applications Open. The Canmore Folk Festival is now accepting applications for Artisan and Food Vendors, as well as Community Booths.

• 🙋‍♀️Volunteer Board Members. CYAN is recruiting board members to join their team. This is a unique opportunity to build networks and make meaningful connections
, gain valuable experience, and boost your resume
. 

• 🐶Pup-O-Gram Fundraiser. Bow Valley SPCA volunteers home-baked dog cookies you can send to a special dog in your life or to a shelter pup!

• 💌Volunteers Needed. Help seniors and low-income individuals and families complete their 2024 taxes. A basic understanding of income tax is all you need. To volunteer, email [email protected].

• 🎙️Local Jiu Jitsu Podcast. Check out local business owners Travis Erlam and Emmett on their brand new podcast, Black and Blue. 

• 📣Wildfire Panel. Attend a Public Panel Discussion to meet the experts in the Bow Valley Interagency Wildfire Committee and learn about the work being done to help reduce the risk of the spread of wildfire in our area. Registration to attend is required. 

• ♻️Reducing waste in the Bow Valley. Join the construction, demolition, and renovation industry in Bow Valley to discuss potential ways to improve waste management in Banff, Canmore, and the Municipal District of Bighorn. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore’s finance committee has recommended extending the e-bike rebate program through 2025 and 2026 following high demand during last year’s pilot. The program, aimed at affordability, offers up to 67% off e-bikes for low-income residents. Councillors praised the initiative for supporting affordability, sustainability, and local businesses. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, February 3rd, 2025,  10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover. 

• Monday, February 3rd, 2025,  10:00 PM: Karaoke Mondays. Location: The Drake Pub, Canmore. No Cover.  

• Tuesday, February 4th, 2025, 7:30 PM: Catherine MacLellan. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $35 / members $29.75 / youth $17.50

• Tuesday, February 4th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Puttin' on the Foil Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover. 

• Tuesday, February 4th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Banff Punk Night Vol 3. Location: Pump & Tap, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• XC Skiing. Three Canmore-raised nordic skiers are set to shine at the Junior/U23 World Champs in Italy. Xavier McKeever and Ben Field will race for Canada, while Tabitha Williams represents Great Britain. Locals are proud as our cross-country system fuels these rising stars on the international stage.

• More XC Skiing.  Results are coming in from the Western Canada Cup in Kimberley from last Friday.  Canmore’s Noah Weir Chaba finished first in the Senior Men’s Sprint Classic; Teow Wadsworth placed first in the U18 category. Congratulation to all our hometown athletes! 

That’s all, folks!

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