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Railway Crossing Closures, Photo Radar Reform, Gear Swap

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Bow Valley Insider
September 06, 2024

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Breaking news: As of 3 p.m. yesterday, Banff Avenue is back open to vehicles. The Town of Banff would like to remind everyone—whether you're driving, cycling, or a deer casually jaywalking—that the town-wide speed limit is 30 km/h. Yes, that means you too, Bambi. Slow your hooves down!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

  • Canmore’s photo radar changes

  • Banff’s housing incentive

  • Mountain Film Festival schedule

Let’s get to it!

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

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CANMORE’S PHOTO RADAR REFORM

What’s happening? Canmore is gearing up for some major changes in how it handles traffic enforcement, thanks to new provincial guidelines shaking up the use of automated traffic systems.

Impact on Revenue: The new rules are expected to slash photo radar revenues, which could drop from around $638,000 in 2023 to just $36,000. This drop is due to the guidelines focusing only on construction, school, and playground zones.

Adjustment in Enforcement: With the province shifting its stance, Canmore is cutting back on speed zones that no longer align with the new rules. Recently, two high-enforcement areas on Bow Valley Trail were removed.

Future Plans: To cope with reduced revenue, Canmore might boost traditional traffic enforcement methods or install new technology like Intersection Safety Devices. There’s also talk of increasing fines under the Traffic Safety Act.

Ongoing Safety Focus: Despite these changes, Canmore still aims to enhance road safety and traffic flow. Speed limits on local roads have already been reduced to 30 km/h, which has cut collisions and led to more speed limit violations.

The Town will keep refining its strategies and will present updated plans in the 2025-26 budget discussions.

THE DIGEST

  • 🌊Catch the Alberta Provincial Whitewater Championships, September 7-8, 10:30 AM-6:30 PM at Canoe Meadows, Kananaskis River! This free, family-friendly event features slalom, kayak cross, and freestyle competitions. Enjoy camping, picnics, and walking paths—just note, no potable water on-site.

  • 🍜Ramen Arashi, a favorite in Banff and Canmore, is opening its first Calgary location in Kensington on September 24th. If you're in the city, don't miss the grand opening—enjoy some seriously delicious noodles and support this local favorite as it expands! 

Note: In Wednesday's newsletter, we reported on a dog rescue by a stand-up paddle boarder. The story mistakenly implied the dog died, but it survived. We apologize for the confusion and hope this clears things up. For more details, click here.

CASH IN ON BANFF’S HOUSING INCENTIVE

What’s Happening: Banff is rolling out a new financial incentive program to boost the creation of legal secondary suites, like those in basements or above garages. 

Grants Available: Homeowners can apply for up to $30,000 to create a new accessory dwelling. There’s also up to $10,000 for converting illegal suites into legal ones, aiming to make homes safer. 

First-Come, First-Served: Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. With $780,000 allocated over three years, there’s no limit on how many grants can be given each year.

Housing Crunch Solution: This program is part of Banff’s strategy to tackle its housing shortage, supported by $4.66 million in federal funding. Officials expect strong interest, with two applications already in and ten more in the works.

Eligible Costs: The grant covers design, basic construction, and site improvements but not appliances, furniture, or flooring. Permit fees, usually around $1,625, are also included.

Meanwhile, Canmore is testing a pilot project to sell a small piece of land to fund affordable housing. A $480,000 sale could boost Canmore Community Housing, and if successful, this approach might be used more widely.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

  • Hockey night in Canmore. The Olds Grizzlies and Canmore Eagles face off on September 6 at 7 PM. Canmore Rec Centre, Canmore. $5

  • Restore and recharge. Check out Return to Nature - A Yoga Nidra & Shamanic Sound Healing Experience on September 6, 8:30- 10:30 PM.The Yoga Lounge, Canmore. $52.50

Saturday

  • Do you love the King of Waltz? Check out a screening of AndrĂŠ Rieu's Power of Love 2024 Maastricht Concert September 7 at 7 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $20

  • Enjoy an evening of Indigenous Arts and Mountain Culture. Watch Stories Are In Our Bones, Our Maternal Home, and Slides on the Mountain on September 7 at 8:30 PM. Shaw Amphitheatre, Banff Centre, Banff. In case of unfavorable weather, this event will be moved indoors to the Max Bell Auditorium at Banff Centre.

Sunday

The property: Feast your eyes on over 2,000 sqft of luxury living in this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bath apartment in Trailside Lodge, nestled within the sought-after Three Sisters community. This tastefully designed unit offers an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, perfect for entertaining. The master bedroom is impressively large, providing a serene retreat.

Highlights include: A 254 sqft south-facing deck with breathtaking views of the Three Sisters mountain range. Year-round access to the incredible clubhouse sets this unit apart, featuring a theater room with Lazy Boy recliners, an outdoor hot tub, an indoor resistance pool, and a party/games room complete with a bar, fireplace, pool table, and shuffleboard.

Price reduced today: Contact Cory at [email protected] for more information or to schedule a viewing.

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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

  • 🚴The new asphalt bike pump track at Banff Recreation Grounds opens today! With paved rollers and banked turns, it's the perfect spot for cyclists and skateboarders to have fun!

  • 👩🏻‍🎨Artsplace is seeking volunteers for the Festival of Art and Creativity, September 13-15. Get involved and connect with the community!

  • 🤝In 11 years, the Fieldlaw Community Fund has supported 144 projects with $835,000. They’re giving $80,000 more in 2024—apply now!

CIVIC NEWS

  • From September 12-14, the rail crossings at Boston Pizza/17 Street and Spice Hut/Save-on-Foods will be closed for essential repairs by CPKC Rail. This closure is outside the Town’s control,  but is for everyone’s safety. Expect delays and use alternate routes like Railway Avenue South (by A&W) or Spring Creek.

    • The MD of Bighorn and the Town of Canmore are seeking volunteers for various boards and committees: MD of Bighorn: Join boards like the Assessment Review Board or Cultural Advisory Committee to help shape local decisions. Applications are due by 8 AM on September 23.

    • Town of Canmore: Get involved with boards such as the Canmore Library Board or Community Events Committee. Apply by 8 AM on September 23.

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That’s all, folks!

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

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