⛑️ Fell 60-Feet (Somehow Ok)

Good morning, Bow Valley!

I bet you didn’t know Canmore had its own podcast. It’s called The Canmorite, hosted by Jeff Mah—owner of The Yoga Lounge and one of our town councillors. Why bring it up today? Because Ben, our publisher, was the latest guest, sharing what really goes on behind the scenes at Bow Valley Insider—our mission, how we operate, and how we support local businesses. Curious how this little local media engine runs? Give it a listen—or better yet, queue it up for your next Highline lap.

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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HOW HIGH SHOULD CANMORE GO?

What’s Happening? Canmore’s Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) is under the microscope, with residents and developers clashing over how tall—and how dense—the future downtown should be.

The Case for Going Up. Proponents, including Bow Valley developers, say modest height increases (3–5 storeys) could help ease Canmore’s housing crunch, support local businesses, and reduce urban sprawl. Bonus: more walkability, fewer cars, and better energy efficiency. Think: more homes, more affordability (in theory), and fewer million-dollar McMansions.

The Case against. Not everyone’s on board. Residents flagged concerns about shadows, obstructed views, and losing Canmore’s signature small-town charm. Many called for strict three-storey caps north of 8 Street, wary that “bonus density” could fast-track overdevelopment.

The Reality Check. Several voices reminded council that more density ≠ more affordability. A new downtown fourplex? Starts at $1.8 million. A teardown lot? $1.7M. 

Where Council Stands Now. Council’s May 27 meeting pushed the ARP’s second and third readings to July 8th and suggested tweaks, including:  

• Capping Main Street heights at 2.5 storeys (no variances).

• Replacing “will” with “may” on pedestrianization.

• Ensuring no net loss in downtown parking.

• Protecting parks like Eklof and Riverside.

What’s Next? With these latest tweaks, the shape of Canmore’s downtown future is coming into focus—but there’s still plenty of debate (and public input) before the July 8 council meeting.

COULD YOU OUTRUN A BEAR… BUT NOT YOUR MORTGAGE?

A survival guide for Bow Valley homeowners.

Picture this: You’re halfway up Ha Ling. A bear steps onto the trail. You run. Fast.

Now imagine this: Your mortgage comes up for renewal. Quietly. No growl, no warning. Just a polite email from your bank with a rate that seems… fine. You sign it. And just like that—you’re financially mauled.

Here’s the thing: most homeowners don’t shop around at renewal. Banks count on it. That’s how people end up overpaying by thousands.

Michael & Cari Hossmann are your mortgage park rangers. Calm in a crisis, fluent in fine print, and ready to guide you through the renewal wilderness with actual advice (not just automated “offers”).

Whether you’re up for renewal, eyeing a refi, or wondering if there’s a smarter way—they’ve got your back. No panic. No pressure. Just better rates and smarter choices.

👉 Book a free call with Michael & Cari

Because outrunning your mortgage is harder than outrunning a bear. Trust us.

_{*Presented by Dominion Lending.}

THE DIGEST

• ⛑ Motorcyclist Rescued After 60-Foot Fall in K-Country. A rider had to be hauled up a steep embankment with ropes after crashing west of Sandy McNabb Sunday evening. Diamond Valley Fire Rescue says the man was seriously hurt but is expected to recover. 

• 🔥 Smouldering Illegal Fire Nearly Sparks Forest Blaze in Banff. Parks crews doused a fire that spread to trees after someone left it burning outside a designated ring (see the pic here). Fires must stay in approved pits, be attended at all times, and fully soaked out. And yes—buy your firewood locally and leave the deadwood alone.

• 💡 Banff Locals: What We Learned at the G7 Info Session. Protest zone placement raised eyebrows, Norquay Road stays open, and most closures are near Tunnel Mountain. Expect congestion, but town access remains. Elk calving season adds complexity, the summit’s going zero-waste, and officials urge: if it feels off, report it. Here’s our detailed write-up.

• 🗣️ Star Power Set to Arrive at Banff’s Biggest TV Fest. The Banff World Media Festival—where shows get pitched and deals get made—kicks off June 8 with a live reading of New Spanish, a post-Trump comedy about an Ontario town trying to break up with Canada. Taye Diggs and Jennifer Whalen will perform the script. Four more pilots follow.

• 🚧 G7 Closures Happening Now Across Kananaskis. Five day-use areas—Beaver Ponds, Evan-Thomas, Ribbon Creek, Troll Falls, and Wedge Pond—are now closed through June 30. Here are all the trails affected by the closures, including Buller Pass, Centennial Ridge, Skogan Pass, and more. Also, in case you missed it, Mt. Kidd RV shut down earlier this month. 

G7 OVERFLOW HITS THE BOW VALLEY

What’s Happening? Hotels in Canmore are fully booked, Banff’s bracing for traffic, and June restaurant reservations are vanishing fast. 

Kananaskis is Full. Delegates, security, media—thousands of them—are flooding into the region. With the summit based in Kananaskis, nearby towns are absorbing the pressure. Restaurants in Canmore report early spikes in bookings, and hotel space is non-existent.

Banff Holding Steady. It’s still “business as usual” in Banff—aka packed—but the town is warning visitors to expect heavier-than-normal traffic. Locals and tourists are being urged to use Roam transit and plan ahead.

Calgary’s Overflowing. Calgary hotels are nearing capacity, with universities stepping in to house Canadian Armed Forces and other summit staff. And that’s before the Global Energy Show and Rotary International Convention hit mid-June.

What’s Next? Officials are betting the global spotlight will deliver long-term tourism gains. The summit is expected to generate $240 million in economic impact for Alberta—$190 million in Calgary alone—and put the Rockies on the map for future high-profile events. 

Whether locals want to share the map is another story.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• 15% Off Groceries. Stretch your grocery budget! Don’t miss this monthly 15% discount—perfect for stocking up while saving money. 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Nesters Market, Banff.

• Banff Market Returns. Explore fresh local produce, handmade crafts, art, and more. Walk, bike, or take Roam, as parking is limited onsite. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Banff Central Park. Free to Attend.

• Free Outdoor Concert. This event brings together concert and jazz bands from across the region, including Valley Winds, Razzamajazz, and more. With BBQ, a beer garden, and a laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect day to bring a blanket, soak up the tunes, and enjoy the community.12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Stan Roger’s Stage, Canmore. Free to attend.*

• Identifying AI Images Workshop. Explore how AI images are created, see a live demo of the AI generation process, learn tips for spotting AI images, and test your skills with a fun quiz. No device needed—just bring your questions! Registration is required. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free.

• Group Bike Rides. Meet up at the brewery, head out for a ride, and then back for a pint. 6:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free to ride. 

Thursday

• Local Flavors & Finds. Canmore’s Mountain Market is the perfect spot to discover local produce, meats, baked treats, and more. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Elevation Place, Canmore. Free to attend. 

• Housekeeping Olympics Turns 10. The Banff Lake Louise Housekeeping Olympics marks its 10th year with another round of high-energy competition! Hotel housekeeping teams will go head-to-head in lively events like bed-making battles, mop relays, and creative towel-folding showdowns. 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Free. 

• Steak & Lobster Night. Indulge in a Canadian Certified Angus Beef NY Steak paired with succulent Canadian lobster for just $69, all while enjoying live music. 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Stirling at The Malcolm.*

• Join the Group Run. Run, connect, and unwind with CYAN and Strides Canmore! This social, all-levels group run includes a bear spray demo, warm-up, Salomon shoe trials, and post-run snacks. Registration required. 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Meet at Strides, Canmore. Free.

BORN HERE. CLEANING HERE.

Zoe was born and raised in the Bow Valley, and she’s set on staying—by building her dream business one spotless kitchen at a time. From regular residential cleans to move-outs and commercial jobs, she does it all (and does it well). If we want locals to stay local, we’ve got to back the ones putting in the work. She’s taking on new clients now—reach out and see if it’s a good fit.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🤝 Help Make Canada’s Biggest MTB Event Happen. The 2025 Canmore Continental Series & Canada Cup needs volunteers! Shifts come with free lunch, snacks, an event t-shirt, and access to the June 14 wrap-up party (yes, there’s beer). You’ll also be entered to win prizes from Garmin, Thule, Shimano, and more. From course marshals to beer garden crew—pick your role and join the action.  Sign up to volunteer.

• 🥂 Happy Hour at Murrietta’s. Unwind weekdays from 2–5 PM with $15 pizzas and tasty bites like lamb meatballs, fried Brussels sprouts, and corn chowder. Sip on $6 draft or $7 wine, sangria, or cocktails. Great food, great drinks—just what your afternoon needs!*

• 🥫 New Community Food Cupboard in Canmore. A new Community Food Cupboard opened May 26 at the Canmore Housing office! Stocked with dried goods & outreach support, it's open to anyone in need. Full details including hours.

• 🙋 Bow Valley Christmas Spirit is Recruiting! Bow Valley Christmas Spirit is looking for two new volunteer board members for the 2025 season: a Member-at-Large to support campaign activities and a Fundraising Director to lead grants and donor outreach. Interested? Email [email protected] to learn more.

• 🎙️ Peak Performer Interview with The Ducks. Canmore-born rock trio The Ducks are soaring! In this Peak Performer feature, they reflect on their EP Band and a Rhythm, growing up local, and launching their sound. Their album release show at artsPlace is sold out—check out the interview. 

• 🚧 Temporary Waste Closure. The Waste Transfer Site in Banff’s Industrial District will be closed to public access on Wednesday, May 28, from 9:30 AM to approximately 1 PM for maintenance. During this time, no drop-offs or visits to the Re-Use It Centre will be possible.

• 📸 Now Hiring. Paul Zizka Photography, led by renowned Banff-based landscape and adventure photographer Paul Zizka, is hiring a part-time Administrative Assistant (5–10 hrs/week). Organized, tech-savvy, and love to-do lists? Apply today! 

• 👉 ASL Group in the Works. Banff Library wants to start an American Sign Language group and is looking for someone to help lead it. If you’re interested—or know someone who might be—email [email protected].

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore Municipal Tax Breakdown. Council approved the 2025 tax bylaw with a 3.9% municipal increase. The provincial education tax for Canmore rose 18%, following a 23% hike last year. For a median home ($1.48M), this chart shows a monthly tax breakdown.

• Livability Tax Program Update. The program will launch in 2026 after the Court upheld Canmore’s right to tax non-primary residences at varied rates. Council passed amendments to the 2025 Livability Budget since no municipal taxes for the program will be collected this year.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, May 27th, 2025, 10:00 PM: DJ Nazo. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, May 29th, 2025, 11:30 AM: Steph Odette. Location: Canmore Farmer’s Market. No Cover

• Thursday, May 29th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Garrett Barbuto. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore Climbers Make Their Mark at Nationals. After months of training, Marie Gadd cracked the top 15 in lead climbing at youth nationals, finishing 13th in her age group. The Canmore crew—Gadd, Maddy Mann, and Owen Orchard—represented the valley well in both bouldering and lead, showing real progress since last year’s debut.

That’s all, folks!

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

Heads Up: We sometimes feature paid promotion from local businesses and organizations we trust. When you see a little asterisk (*), that means it’s a sponsored post. We only work with partners we think our readers will actually care about.