🏠 Illegal Rental Crackdown

Fire Ban, Pedestrian Zone Vote, Housing Updates

Author

Bow Valley Insider
July 12, 2024

Good morning, Bow Valley!

The weekend is here, and we have some awesome events and live music to share with you. But first, here's all the community news you need to know.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

  • Advance voting for Banff’s Pedestrian Zone

  • Fire ban in Canmore

  • Stand-up paddle boarding season

Let’s get to it!

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

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ADVANCED VOTING FOR THE BANFF PEDESTRIAN ZONE

What’s happening: Advanced voting for the future of the Banff Pedestrian Zone starts tomorrow, July 13, at Banff YWCA for those who want to vote before the August 12 voting day. Here’s what you’ll need to vote.

The background: Since the summer of 2020, Banff has been experimenting with a pedestrian zone on Banff Avenue. It started during COVID to help with social distancing. Now, the community is trying to figure out what to do next.

Pros:

  • Safety & Space: It provided more room for people to move around safely, especially when COVID was still a big concern.

  • Economic Boost: Businesses benefited from more foot traffic and outdoor seating, which was a big hit with locals and tourists alike.

  • Community Vibes: It created a lively atmosphere for hanging out, dining, and shopping, making downtown feel more vibrant.

  • Environmental Impact: Less traffic meant cleaner air and quieter streets.

Cons:

  • Traffic & Access: Some folks, especially drivers and delivery services, found it inconvenient because of the road closures.

  • Business Concerns: While some businesses thrived, others have struggled with the changes or extra costs for outdoor setups.

  • Public Opinion: Not everyone supports the summer closure; opinions vary depending on how you use downtown.

What’s next? If the majority supports rescinding it, the town council will be required to pass a bylaw within 30 days to reopen the area to vehicles.

THE DIGEST

  • 📛Canmore has implemented a fire ban starting July 10. It means no wood campfires anywhere in town—public land, campgrounds, or private properties. Barbecues with charcoal and fireworks are also off-limits. Propane and natural gas appliances are still okay.

  • 🐈What should you do if you find a pet on the highway? The Bow Valley has owned free-roaming dogs who venture near the highway. If the dog is injured or in distress, please contact the Cochrane Humane Society at (403) 932-2072 or the Morley RCMP at (403) 881-2828. Otherwise, leave the dog alone so it can return home.

FINAL DECISION ON ILLEGAL CANMORE RENTAL

If you’ve been following Bow Valley Insider for a while, this story will be familiar. However, today, we bring you the final outcome. 

What’s Happening

The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) ruled that 133 Wapiti Close, a Canmore home, was an illegal tourist home.  The board denied owner Hans Herchen’s appeal and upheld the town’s stop order, citing proper enforcement and zoning laws.

Key Details

  • Zoning Violation: Herchen’s home was used as a tourist rental despite being zoned for residential use. This was his second offense.

  • Enforcement Confirmed: The SDAB confirmed the stop order was properly issued, noting that tourist homes aren't permitted in the area.

  • Resident Complaints: Neighbors reported noise and parking issues from short-term renters, influencing the board’s decision.

  • Summer Rental Plea: Herchen requested to honor existing summer bookings, but the board denied his request.

  • Legal Pushback: Herchen’s lawyer argued the declaration was an invasion of privacy, but the board deemed it necessary due to repeated violations.

What's Next

Herchen plans to switch to monthly rentals and must provide proof of compliance by July 12 to prevent further infractions.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

  • Channel some Bridgerton vibes with a weekend garden party. French cuisine, signature cocktails, outdoor games, and live music at Banffchella. Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30 AM- 2PM. Fairmont Banff Springs Vermilion Room.

  • Steep yourself in elegance at High Tea. Enjoy tea and snacks at the Malcolm’s new High Tea. Fridays and Saturdays, 1-3 PM. The Stirling at the Malcolm, Canmore.

  • Free Stampede BBQ with games and face painting. Giddy-up to Pursuit’s annual event from 11 AM to 1:30 PM on July 12. Pursuit Parking Lot, 100 Gopher Street, Banff. Donations accepted.

  • Love Bingo? Bingo night in Canmore July 12, 7 PM. The Legion, Canmore.

Saturday

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

  • 🌱Britestone Farming is bringing antibiotic-free, hormone-free, non-GMO Alberta grass-fed beef, poultry, produce, and more to the Bow Valley starting July 19th.

  • ⛳️Golf for Hospice to help support the Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley, which offers compassionate programs and care during the palliative journey.

  • 💪Keep fit and have fun! Did you know the Exshaw Community Station has a fitness center open to members 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week?

CIVIC NEWS

  • Eligibility: Voters must be Canadian citizens, 18 years or older, and reside in Banff.

  • Advance Voting: Available on July 13, July 17, and July 29 at specified locations and times.

  • Special Ballot: For voters unable to attend advance voting or Voting Day due to absence from Banff; contact Municipal Elections Office at 403-762-1209 for details.

  • Development Details: The project will add 44 lots, potentially increasing Exshaw's population by over 100 people.

  • Conditions and Concerns: Approval came with 9 additional conditions addressing issues like construction hours, flood mitigation, road widths, and wildlife corridors.

  • Future Phases: Phase one focuses on residential lots, with plans for phase two land uses yet to be determined, possibly including trails or green energy initiatives.

LIVE MUSIC

  • Friday, July 12, 7-10 PM: Local singer-songwriter Gareth Bruce. Location: Moxy, Banff.

SPORTS

  • If you’re looking to stay cool, these local businesses have got you covered: Lucy Hill Fitness offers 1-on-1 training sessions and Yoga classes (use the code LOCAL at checkout for a discount).  Also, Bow Valley SUP has lessons, events and races all paddleboard related!

That’s all, folks!

  • Have a cool story or event to share? Hit reply. 

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

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