👨‍🚒Firefighter Laid to Rest

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Anyone who lives in the Bow Valley knows how difficult it can be to find housing at all, let alone affordable digs. We’re excited to see what happens with the new Canmore Community Housing director on board!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Cash for hockey player billets

• Canmore Town Council is back in session 

• Local artist drops a new single

P.S. Happy birthday to Bart Robinson! From teaching SCUBA to diving into the Bow Valley’s vibrant community, Bart’s passion runs as deep as the ocean. When not exploring, he’s enjoying a bite at Murriettas. Cheers to Bart for sharing our newsletter with so many friends!

Let’s get to it!

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

A PEEK INSIDE NEW CANMORE CONDOS

What’s happening? Last week, we shared a lot about a new condo and townhome development called Altitude at Three Sisters Mountain Village. A total of 239 condos and townhomes will be built to bridge the entry-level housing market in Canmore.

A peek inside: Now, you can dive into the "digital experience" to explore what the first condo building will look like. Take a peek inside this brochure to see floorplans, availability, and discover the stunning design features that set Altitude apart.

Attend the event next week: If you have questions or want to inquire about sales, the folks from Altitude Developments will be at Elevation Place (Room 212) next week to celebrate the launch. RSVP here for either Thursday, August 22 (4-7pm), Saturday, August 24 (4-7pm), or Sunday, August 25 (12-5pm).

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MUDSLIDE MAYHEM

What’s happening: The stretch of Highway 93 North from the Icefields Parkway to Saskatchewan River Crossing reopened on Saturday evening (August 17) after being shut down for nearly 24 hours due to a mudslide. Parks Canada and 511 announced that the road is clear now and open for traffic in both directions.

Current Access: You can now visit popular spots like the Icefield Centre, Mistaya Canyon, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake via Highway 1 from Lake Louise. However, the Icefields Parkway north of the Icefield Centre is still closed due to wildfire response in Jasper National Park.

Mudslide Details: The mudslide, which occurred on Friday night (August 16), was quite significant. Crews were on the scene around 9 p.m. and have since cleared the debris. Fortunately, there was no risk to public safety.

Jasper National Park: Keep in mind that Jasper National Park remains closed between Athabasca Glacier and the townsite due to ongoing issues.

If you’re heading out, make sure to check the latest updates and travel safely!

THE DIGEST

• 🕊️Canmore's Biosphere Institute is helping out in Cochrane with a new initiative called Wildlife Coexistence Cochrane (WCC). It aims to boost wildlife awareness and focus on education to keep both residents and wildlife safe as Cochrane's population grows. They’re kicking off their efforts at Cochrane’s Saturday Farmers Market.

• 🖤Union members in Banff gathered to honor Morgan Kitchen, a wildland firefighter who tragically lost his life battling the Jasper wildfire. The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) held a minute’s silence to pay their respects. Morgan was laid to rest on Saturday. Rest in peace, Morgan.

• 📀Canmore’s own Nurdjana just dropped her new single “Dancing”! Known for her delicate yet soulful sound, Nurdjana’s debut album Coming Home came out in 2022. Born in the Netherlands, her music blends love and sadness into something truly special.

• 🤕A head-on crash on Hwy. 40 in Kananaskis Friday sent two people to hospital. According to RCMP, a truck veered into the southbound lane and collided with an SUV near the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino. Hwy. 40 was closed for several hours but had reopened by Saturday morning.

• 🏒With the new season around the corner, the Canmore Eagles are bumping up their billet stipend to $600 per month, an increase of $100 from last year. Billeting families also enjoy perks like discounts at local businesses and early access to special events. Email [email protected] if you’re interested! 

NEW DIRECTOR, NEW ERA

What’s happening: Canmore Community Housing (CCH) has a new executive director, and it's Kristopher Mathieu! After stepping in as interim director for five months, Mathieu was officially appointed on August 8, 2024.

New Leadership: Mathieu, who joined CCH as a development project manager in 2023, now leads the team full-time. With a strong background in construction and project management, he’s excited to tackle the big job ahead.

Ongoing Projects: CCH is gearing up for major developments, including the Palliser Trail area, which is set to bring 1,300 new units to Canmore, with a good chunk being affordable housing. Construction on this project is expected to start in 2025 and wrap up by 2026.

Current Challenges: The housing authority’s leadership has been in flux recently, with multiple changes in the top spot and staffing turnover. Despite this, Mathieu is optimistic and committed to stabilizing and growing CCH’s efforts.

Housing Needs: Canmore’s demand for affordable housing remains high, with long waitlists for both homeownership and rental properties. CCH is working hard to address these needs and expand its portfolio to meet the community’s growing requirements.

Mathieu is eager to leverage his experience and lead CCH into a new era of growth and development.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Drop-in Settlement Support for PRs, Refugees, and Ukrainians. Check out this helpful event August 19, 10 AM- 2 PM. Canmore Civic Centre, Canmore.

• Work on your disc golf game. Free for Banff residents with a valid membership. Drop-in rates apply for non-residents. August 19, 12- 1:30 PM. Fenlands, Banff..

• Faculty lecture by Elisabeth Belliveau. Learn from this feminist still life artist August 19, 4 PM. Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Bldg 204, Banff Centre, Banff. Free.

• Canmore Pride presents Bike Maintenance 101. Community Cruisers teaches the basics in a safe space August 19, 6-7 PM. Canmore Public Library, Canmore.

• Heal with a Full Moon Sound Bath. Check out this immersive event August 19, 8:30- 9:30 PM, Rimrock, Banff. $25

• Do you enjoy painting pottery? Attend this Pottery Painting event August 19, 7- 8 PM. Fenlands, Banff. $25

Tuesday

• Enjoy the water and move your body. Public Swim is August 20, 9:30- 11:20 AM. Sally Borden Pool, Banff Centre, Banff. $2

• Meet new friends in an inclusive space. Check out Basecamp, a drop-in social program for young adults in Banff, August 20, 5:30- 7:30 PM. Banff Recreation Grounds, Banff. Free

• The Bow Valley is serious about Bingo! Attend Bingo night August 20, 6:30 PM. The Legion, Exshaw.

• Show off your smarts with trivia. Trivia Tuesday is August 20 at 7 PM. Rose and Crown Patio, Canmore.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 📝Queer Climbing Treaty 7 is offering a $40 intro rock climbing course with an ACMG instructor on September 8. Apply by August 28!

• 🚧Margaret Lake, creek, and parts of Hector Lake are closed for fish restoration from August 18 to September 20. Violators face up to $25,000 in fines.

• 💆🏻Gourlay's Clinic Pharmacy and Back At It Sports & Wellness are giving away a wellness day package! From sunscreen, chapstick to a 1-hour massage and other prizes from local businesses, this package is the perfect kit for a wellness day in Canmore.Enter in-store or scan their QR code by August 27 for a chance to win.

• 🤝Volunteers are still needed at the Jasper Evacuee Donation Centre. Shifts are 3 hours—no training needed. Sign up here!

• 🐶Viral sensation Paddy the dog found her furever home but you can meet other sweet pups at the Bow Valley SPCA Dog Day Open House on August 31, 2024!

• 🚶The pedestrian zone is coming down, but Banff's traffic issues persist. Love data and the outdoors? Apply for the Transportation Data Analyst position!

• 👯Sign up now for the Bow Valley Line Dance Club! No partner needed—kick your heels up!

• ✔️Time to check your Pauw Pass (formerly Banff Activity Pass)? It’s just $10/year for ages 26+ or free for 25 and under!

• 🐎Ever seen wild horses near Kananaskis? Check out the Wild Horses of Alberta Society for tours and tips on safe viewing!

• 🗓️Save the dates! Ha Ling Peak Trailhead is closed September 3 - October 15. Also, watch for Pocaterra Warming Hut construction until August 30.

CIVIC NEWS

• The Canmore Regular Council Meeting is set for 9:00 a.m. this Tuesday. Key topics include introducing the new fire chief, decisions on a $250k funding request for affordable housing, considering debt relief for the Canmore Eagles, and approving a bylaw to phase out tourist homes. Also on the agenda: Logal Homes' exemption request and a new collective bargaining agreement with the firefighters union. Live stream the meeting here.

• Hey Banff! Just a reminder your second quarter utility bills are due on August 30. Make sure to get those payments in on time to avoid any late fees. If you need any help or have questions, check with the town office or their website for more info.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, August 19, and Tuesday, August 20, 6:30- 8:30 PM: Check out singer songwriter Steph O’Dette. Location: Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise.

• Monday, August 19, 10 PM: Sing your heart out at karaoke night. Location: Drake Pub, Canmore.

• Monday, August 19, 10 PM: $6.50 Pints and live music from DJ 86EGO & DJ Corn. Location: High Rollers, Banff.

• Monday, August 19, 10 PM: Local favorite Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No cover.

• Tuesday, August 20, 10 PM: Gritty blues with Tony Kaye Trio. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No cover.

• Tuesday, August 20, 10 PM: Karaoke night with Andrew Staygold. Location: Melissa’s Missteak, Banff.

SPORTS

• Banff Rugby is heading to the playoffs! They snagged a crucial win to secure the last spot. Great job to the team for clawing their way in—now, it’s time to keep up the momentum!

• Canmore biathlete Benjamin Brousseau, coached by Rachel Koroscil, is a proud recipient of the Petro-Canada FACE grant. This program supports 55 promising athletes and their coaches across Canada each year, helping them reach their Olympic and Paralympic dreams. Congrats to Benjamin and all the athletes getting this boost!

That’s all, folks!

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