⛔K-Country Going On Lockdown

Good morning, Bow Valley!

It’s a slower weekend for events, but if you’re looking for live music, there’s plenty to check out.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• G7 will shut down major K-Country trails with security zones.

• Canmore’s rent keeps climbing with one-bedrooms now averaging $2,170

• Banff forms a new policing committee

• Plus, Valentine’s events, top ski races, winter gear swap, and more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

Want to advertise to Bow Valley locals? Learn more.

G7 IN K-COUNTRY: HIKERS, EXPECT MAJOR CLOSURES

What’s Happening? Kananaskis is going on lockdown. From June 10-18, the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit will bring world leaders—and an intense security operation—to the mountain retreat. That means road closures, trail shutdowns, and restricted airspace as law enforcement secures the area.

Hiking Plans? Think Again. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will have to reroute, as several key spots—including the popular Galatea and Mount Lorette Ponds day-use areas—will be off-limits. Troll Falls and Kovach Pond face even longer closures, with access restricted from March and May, respectively.

Security Overload. With security concerns heightened due to global conflicts and recent political violence, the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, and international agencies are on high alert. Surveillance, intelligence-sharing, and increased patrols are all in play.

Protests Welcome—Sort Of. Authorities will allow designated demonstration zones, but their exact locations remain unclear. Protesters at past summits have criticized heavy-handed security for discouraging turnout.

The Takeaway. If you’re planning a K-Country adventure this summer, double-check your route—or risk running into an RCMP checkpoint.

AN EXECUTIVE HOME IN A PRIME LOCATION: 1117 14^TH STREET

Discover an exclusive, one-of-a-kind home in a highly sought-after location. 

Nestled on a quiet street just two houses up from the Bow River, this property offers immediate access to scenic walking, hiking, and biking trails—all while being just a 5-minute walk from downtown.

The exterior features massive timber accents, natural rock, and a spacious covered entry. 

Inside, vaulted wood ceilings, custom-paneled appliances, and a breathtaking wall of windows seamlessly blend luxury with nature. The Southwest exposure floods the living space with natural light, enhancing the warmth and elegance of this rare, remarkable home.

Check out all the must-see details and be one of the first to preview the home this weekend!

Open House Details:

• 12-4pm Saturday February 8^th 

• 12-4pm Sunday February 9^th 

For more information, contact Lori and Alex or visit CanmoreAgent.com to look at what’s new in the market. 

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate}

THE DIGEST

• ⚠️Reflecting on recent mountain fatalities. Canmore mountain guide Will Gadd isn’t mincing words—too many climbers are confusing risk with skill. Social media and apps like AllTrails downplay the real danger, luring hikers into technical climbs they aren’t ready for. The fix? A culture shift toward honesty about risk before it’s too late. Read his entire essay. 

• 📸A retired Strathmore photographer stumbled upon Banff’s SnowDays Festival and turned a casual walk into a stunning photo collection. Ellie Jubenville captured intricate snow sculptures crafted by artists from Canada, the Netherlands, and Russia—her favorite? A doe and fawn nestled in snow trees.

• 📈Canmore’s housing crunch isn’t easing up. The January report from Canmore’s Community Housing showed that in 2024, the average rent was $2,170 for a one-bedroom, $3,399 for a two-bedroom, and $3,959 for a three-bedroom. 

• 👮Banff is forming its own police governance committee, opting out of a regional model to focus on its unique policing needs. The committee will enhance civilian oversight, set priorities with the RCMP, and include both local and provincial appointees. Meanwhile, Canmore has already passed its policing committee bylaw this week. 

BIRDS IN DECLINE: BOW VALLEY & BANFF POPULATIONS DROP

What's Happening? Recent studies reveal a concerning decline in bird populations within the Bow Valley and Kananaskis regions. The annual BowKan Circle Christmas Bird Count recorded only 449 individual birds across 29 species—the lowest numbers since the count began.

Harlequin Ducks in Decline. Over the past 25 years, the Harlequin duck population along the Bow River in Banff National Park has decreased by an average of 3.3% annually. Factors contributing to this decline remain unclear, prompting further investigation.

Possible Causes. Experts suggest that a lack of new cones on evergreen trees may have reduced food sources for certain bird species. However, the decline spans various species, indicating that multiple factors could be at play.

The Takeaway. These findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and research to identify the causes behind declining bird populations in these regions. Understanding these trends is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Chess Night with Eric Boerger. Enjoy a game of chess, connect with other chess players, and maybe even pick up a new trick or two! 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Public Library. Free. 

• Winter Gear Swap. Warm up this February at the Monthly Full Moon Swap—just in time for the Coldest Night of the Year! Bring your gently used winter gear, clothing, and more, and swap them for something new! 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Free. 

• Canmore Museum’s New Exhibit. Mountain Kids: Growing Up in Canmore explores the unique experiences of childhood in Canmore across generations, featuring archival photographs, objects from the museum’s collection, and stories contributed by local youth. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Canmore Museum. Free.

Saturday

• Winter Gear Swap. Keep swapping by bringing your gently used winter gear, clothing, and more, and swap them for something new - all in support of your community! 10:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Free.

• Adoptable Dogs Open House. Long-term resident dogs Daisy, Kiki, Kohen, and Bedard will be available for visitation (and adoption). 2:00 PM - 3:45 PM. Bow Valley SPCA, Canmore. Free. 

• Family Friendly Live Game Show. It’s like Family Feud with a Bow Valley twist. Head down for food, drinks and fun! 7:00 PM. Exshaw Legion. $25. 

Sunday

• Brunch, mimosas, and fresh flowers. Alpenflora is hosting a Galentine’s Gathering where you'll sip mimosas, enjoy brunch, and create your own fresh floral arrangement to take home. Bring a bestie, partner, or family member—everyone’s welcome! $95 covers everything. Grab your ticket now!

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🍰❤️Valentine’s Gift Boxes & Cakes. Wild Flour Bakery is offering elegant gift boxes of pink macarons, gold-flake truffles, and heart-shaped cookies. Want something extra special? Try the Valentine’s Vegan Chocolate Torte, complete with a custom message for your loved one!

• 📝Last Day for Alberta Chamber of Commerce Survey. Complete the survey from Alberta Chamber of Commerce on US-Canada trade policies before the deadline on February 7th at 4 PM. Your insights will help represent the needs of our local business community.

• 🧘🏻‍♀️New Day and Time for CYAN Yoga. Join CYAN at The Yoga Lounge every Sunday from 8:15 PM - 9:15 PM for drop-in, by-donation yoga classes to stretch, breathe, and connect in the cozy Yoga Lounge. All are welcome!

• 🏌Founder’s Story. If you’re not familiar with Luke Elvy’s background and the journey that led him to Canmore and CanGOLF, you’re going to love this fascinating story. 

• 👩🏻‍💼Women in Business. Registration is now open to active members for the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce: Women in Business on March 6th. Looking forward to seeing everyone and celebrating International Women's Day.

• 🔒Store Closure. Sweet Home cafes and boutiques have closed down their business, including Sweet Home in the Mountains in Canmore.

• 🛌Free Sleep Workshop. Learn practical strategies to improve your sleep, develop healthy sleep behaviours and stop unhealthy habits. Register today. 

• 🧺Vendor Applications Open. The Canmore Folk Festival is now accepting applications for Artisan and Food Vendors, as well as Community Booths.

• 🎬Auditions. The Canmore Summer Theatre Festival is looking for performers to join their 2025 outdoor theatre productions: The Wizard of Oz and Treasure Island.

• 🙏Volunteers Needed. Support Food and Friends in Banff with some sweat equity! Front or back of house, your choice. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore is looking to expand its Assessment Review Board (ARB) by recruiting members from outside town limits. Rising property values mean more appeals, and while Banff and the MD of Bighorn aren’t ready to join a regional board, collaboration remains possible. If enough new members aren’t found, Canmore may need to join the Central Alberta ARB to keep property assessments fair and efficient. 

• Canmore plans to expand public transit by boosting funding for Route 3 (Banff-Canmore) and making Route 12 (Grassi Lakes, Hospital, Spring Creek) year-round. The goal is to improve affordability, reduce car use, and offer better winter transit, possibly shifting Route 12 to the Nordic Centre in colder months. Funding will come from paid parking reserves, strengthening Canmore’s transit system.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, February 7th, 2025,  5:00 PM: Wood & Wire. Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Friday, February 7th, 2025,  9:00 PM: Tyler Wood. Location: Rose and Crown Canmore. No Cover.

• Friday, February 7th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Rock Bottom. Location:Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, February 8th, 2025,  7:30 PM: Orontes Guitarists.. Location: artsplace, Canmore. .Regular $37 / members $31.45 / youth 18.50 

• Saturday, February 8th, 2025, 8:00 PM: Travis Pickering.. Location: Canmore Legion. $10. 

• Saturday, February 8th, 2025,  9:00 PM: DIRTY DEEDS DDC.. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $15.75.

• Saturday, February 8th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Rock Bottom. Location:Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, February 8th, 2025,  10:00 PM: DJ Najee V. Location:Rose and Crown Canmore. No Cover.

SPORTS

• XC Skiing. Canmore’s Xavier McKeever skied his way into the top 10 at the U23 World Championships, finishing 9th in Schilpario after a tight semifinal battle. Fellow Canadian Sonjaa Schmidt also had a strong showing, landing 12th place. 

• Biathlon.  When Grande Prairie’s Calforex Cup #4 got axed due to low attendance, Canmore’s Local Organizing Committee jumped in to save the race—on just one week’s notice. Now scrambling to finalize details, they’re proving once again that Canmore doesn’t back down from a challenge. Stay tuned for race updates!

That’s all, folks!

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