⚖️Is This Legal In Canmore?

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We usually roll our eyes at announcements like this—so we’ll keep it short. Bow Valley Insider just crossed 10,000 email subscribers. Most of you are in Canmore and Banff (our local legends), but we've also got a growing crew from Calgary (yes, we see you—and we love you too). Thanks for trusting us to bring you the Bow Valley’s news and events every week. Got feedback? Good or bad, we read every reply and respond to them all.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Canmore’s Vacancy Tax is being challenged in court

• The best “quick eats” in Banff (that aren’t burgers and fries)

• A Special Public Avalanche Warning is in effect until Monday

• Plus, comedy nights, epic book sales, playoff hockey, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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IS CANMORE’S VACANCY TAX LEGAL? COURT TO DECIDE

What’s Happening? Canmore’s newly introduced vacancy tax—aimed at second homeowners—has been hit with a lawsuit arguing the town overstepped its legal authority under Alberta law.

What Is the Vacancy Tax?  Passed in December 2024, the tax applies a 0.4% levy on the assessed value of homes that aren't a resident’s primary residence. If your property isn’t lived in for at least 183 days per year (including a 60-day stretch), you're in the “non-primary” subclass and subject to the tax. It's expected to raise $10.3M–$12M annually, with funds earmarked for affordable housing.

The Legal Argument. A group of property owners, including Three Sisters Mountain Village Properties, claims the tax violates Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, which allows subclassing based on property characteristics—not owner characteristics. They argue the tax unfairly targets who owns the home rather than what the property is.

Why It Matters? This is Alberta’s first tax of its kind. Supporters say it’s crucial to community survival; critics say it’s legally shaky and potentially inequitable. 

 What’s Next? The Town hasn’t filed a defence yet, but Mayor Krausert has promised a “vigorous” response. The court battle could reshape how Alberta towns tackle housing affordability.

A MOUNTAIN RETREAT LIKE NO OTHER…421 STEWART CREEK CLOSE

Check out the property tour here!

If you’ve been searching for the perfect mountain retreat, this is it! 

This stunning four-bedroom property in Stewart Creek offers breathtaking mountain views, classic rustic finishes, and easy access to nature. With sprawling windows, a scenic backyard oasis, and a spacious open-concept layout, it’s the perfect space to relax or entertain.

• Built In Monogram Appliances

• Vaulted Wood Ceiling

• Open Riser Stairs

• Rock Finished Gas Fireplace

• Finished Basement With A Private Entrance

Step outside to explore scenic trails, a top-rated golf course, and endless outdoor adventures just minutes away. Homes like this don’t stay on the market for long! Contact Lori and Alex for more details and a private tour, or visit CanmoreAgent.com to explore what’s new on the market.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 🍽️Fast, Local, and Delicious. We tapped one of our go-to chefs to share their top spots for a quick bite in Banff. These aren’t your average grab-and-go joints—think fast service without skimping on quality. Spoiler: it’s not all burgers and fries. Read the full list on our site.

• 💨Avalanche Risk Remains High. A Special Public Avalanch Warning is in effect through Monday, March 24, across Banff, Yoho, Jasper, Kananaskis, and surrounding areas. Recent storms have buried a persistent weak layer, triggering frequent large slides. Forecasters are urging caution—stick to mellow terrain and check avalanche.ca before heading out.

• 🚡Hit The Ski Lifts Instead. Given the avalanche danger, this weekend’s a good one to stay inbounds—and Banff Sunshine just made that easier. Lifts now run 30 minutes later daily through May 19. More time for spring laps, goggle tans, and après vibes without the risk.

• 🧠Plant Wisdom Meets Tourism Boom. Mahikan Trails' medicine walks in Banff and Sundre blend cultural storytelling with plant-based knowledge—and business is booming. Owner Brenda Holder just hired two new staff as interest in immersive Indigenous tourism climbs, with Alberta backing it as a billion-dollar growth pillar.

• 🐕Locals Push Back On Dog Park Plan. Banff residents are opposing a proposed off-leash dog park on Marmot Crescent, citing noise, traffic, wildlife impact, and the loss of one of the town’s last quiet woodlands. Council votes Monday, but feedback so far leans strongly against the idea. We’ll keep you posted on this story! 

FROM JASPER’S ASHES: A WARNING FOR THE BOW VALLEY

What’s Happening? After last summer’s wildfire destroyed one-third of Jasper, the federal government has pledged $187 million to rebuild—just as Bow Valley leaders issue an urgent warning: don’t wait for disaster to act.

From Ember Storms to Action Plans. Fire chiefs from Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise are calling on residents to FireSmart their homes—trimming trees, moving woodpiles, and removing flammable debris. Free home assessments are available, and grant funding can support neighbourhood-level efforts.

Why It Matters Now? The wildfire that tore through Jasper left behind a stark lesson: waiting is costly. Ottawa’s funding will help rebuild infrastructure, housing, and parks, but Bow Valley officials warn that similar devastation could strike here without local action.

Upgrades and Roadblocks. Banff is boosting fire resilience through new roof regulations and design standards. But enforcing FireSmart guidelines remains tricky—some residents want stricter rules, others want the town to stay out of their yard.

The Bottom Line. Prevention starts at home. Fireguards and funding help, but the fate of the Bow Valley may come down to what’s in your eavestrough.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Deck Party. Hop on the Banded Peak Base Camp deck to celebrate Spring Break with White Claw and Bunny Hops. 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Lake Louise Ski Resort. Free. 

• Spring Book Sale. Get ready to stock up on gently loved books at incredible prices - all in support of your local library! 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Library. 

• Friday Night Comedy. Myles Morrison has appeared at Just For Laughs, Comedy Brew & Laugh After Dark, The Debaters, and Laugh Out Loud. Myles is instantly relatable, consistently delivering big laughs with his relaxed, conversational style. 7:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25 / $21.25 members.

• Playoff Hockey. The Canmore Eagles take on the Drumheller in Game 1. 7:30 PM. Canmore Recreation Centre. $18. 

Saturday

• Adoptable Dogs Open House. Bedard has spent two full years at the Bow Valley SPCA. He wins the heart of every person he meets with his long, silly tongue, hilarious head tilts, and zest for life. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Bow Valley SPCA, Canmore. Free.

• Documentary Film Screening. Two mountain rescue organizations are linked by a surprising connection. Take a journey with historian Mark S. Weiner as he considers the origins and meaning of their work in The Volunteers. 4:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free. 

• Birthday Bash. Rock Cycle Studio is celebrating its 3rd anniversary with a bash. Try Beers & Gears at 6:00 PM or Barre & Bubbles at 7:00 PM. Rock Cycle Studio, Canmore. Free. 

Sunday

• 🏂Quest for the Village. Watch top snowboarders throw down their best tricks on custom park features at Sunshine Village. Whether you’re competing or spectating, it’s all about big air, style, and good vibes. Registration runs 8:30–10:30 AM. $20 to enter (lift ticket not included).

• 🧘🏻‍♀️Morning Yoga in Banff. Enjoy a 45-minute yoga session led by resident instructor Chie Fujimaru. This class is open to all levels of yoga practitioners and book lovers. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. Banff Library. Free. 

• 📚Fill a Bag of Books for $10. The last and best day of the spring book sale. The last and best day of the spring book sale. Bring your own bag and fill it up for $10. 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Canmore Library. 

• ✨Winter Yoga in Canmore. Join CYAN for drop-in, by-donation yoga classes to stretch, breathe, and connect in the cozy Yoga Lounge. All are welcome. 8:15 PM - 9:15 PM. Yoga Lounge, Canmore. Free. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Endurance Junkies, This One’s for You. Test your limits (and your headlamp batteries) at RELENTLESS 24, the Rockies’ 24-hour endurance-run at Canmore Nordic Centre. Run solo or in teams; it’s all about how far you can go. Register now for June 21-22 before it fills up!

• Got a newborn? This might be worth knowing. Osteopathy For All is offering free assessments for babies and toddlers to catch things like head shape issues, stiffness, or feeding troubles early on. If you’ve noticed anything a little off, they’ll take a look—no cost, no stress, just answers. 

• Summer Job Fair. The Job Resource Centre is hosting a job fair next Wednesday afternoon at the Banff Park Lodge. Head down to ask questions of both employers and community service providers.

• Try Rugby. Bow Valley Women's Rugby would like to invite folks to the first annual Queens of the Pitch Prom Dress Rugby Day!! Try rugby at this 18+ event - no experience necessary and see if rugby is your thing.

• Dodgeball Tournament. Grab your team of (at least) six and take part in this high-energy event. The gym will have beats pumping throughout the evening and prizes for the champs! 

• Camp Chief Hector YMCA Update. Have a look at the progress so far! Every dollar raised by this campaign goes back to Camp Chief Hector YMCA to help it be a place of adventure, growth, and fun for another 100 years 

• Volunteer Drivers. Family and Community Support Services is looking for new volunteers to drive seniors to their medical appointments in Calgary. Please email [email protected]. 

• Learn To Ski Or Snowboard For Just $79.  Lake Louise is extending their "Adult Learn to Turn" program from April 1 to May 4, 2025! Crafted for adult first-timers aged 18 and over, this complete learning package includes everything you need to get started. 

• Safe Park Applications Open April 1st. Safe Park is a seasonal program that is designed to support individuals who are employed in our community and who reside in their vehicles. The program is open to both individual participants and local businesses who want to support their employees. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Council Meeting. On Monday, March 24, in their meeting starting at 2 PM, Banff Town Council will discuss a motion to prioritize Canadian-made materials, parts, and products in all municipal purchases whenever feasible.

• TSMVPL V. Bow Valley Engage. The Court of King’s Bench dismissed calls for a new environmental review of the Three Sisters project, ruling it’s a continuation of a 1992 approval. Bow Valley Engage and Stoney Nakoda First Nation argued the old assessment is outdated, but key landowner Thunderstone Quarries wasn’t properly served, making the case invalid.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, March 21st, 2025,  5:00 PM: Brad Bischoff. Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Friday, March 21st, 2025,  9:00 PM: Dr. Z Duo Location: Tavern 1883. $5 Cover.

• Friday, March 21st, 2025,  10:00 PM: RadioActive. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, March 22nd, 2025,  9:00 PM: Dr. Z Duo Location: Tavern 1883. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, March 22nd, 2025,  10:00 PM: RadioActive. Location:Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, 3:00 PM: Sunday Sessions. Location: Core Values, Canmore.  No Cover.

SPORTS

• Hockey. The Canmore Eagles open their playoff run at home this weekend against Drumheller. Goalie Alex Scheiwiller (a finalist for MVP and Top Goaltender) leads the charge, while hometown kid Will McLaughlin suits up for the Dragons. First puck drops Friday at 7 p.m. in Canmore.

• XC Ski. Canmore’s next generation of skiers is shining at Nordiq Nationals. Aria Grandi (daughter of Sara Renner and Thomas Grandi) took silver in the U18 sprint, while Olin Baergen claimed bronze in U16. With hometown trails and family legacy behind them, these locals are making it count.

That’s all, folks!

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