🚗 Locals Call It “Parking Theft”

Good morning, Bow Valley!

If you’re heading to Highwood Pass this long weekend, here’s a quick heads-up. We were up there yesterday and found the road is being re-paved (yep, news to us too). Traffic is down to a single lane with flaggers directing vehicles one way at a time. Our wait was only five minutes mid-day Thursday, but you should probably expect longer delays over the weekend. We asked the flaggers when the work will be done, and they said paving should wrap up by mid-next week. And, if you’re wondering what to do while you’re up there, we put together a summer guide with tips on hiking, waterfalls, fishing, and more.  Check it out. 

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

AFTER LOSING HIS MOM, HE’S FIGHTING FOR SAFER ROADS IN YOHO NATIONAL PARK

What’s Happening? A year after a deadly crash claimed his mother’s life near Field, B.C., Zach Reich is calling on the federal government to finally twin the Trans-Canada Highway through Yoho National Park, a notoriously dangerous stretch that’s been linked to at least nine deaths in 2022 alone.

A Grieving Son Speaks Out. Rayleen Reich, 68, was airlifted to Calgary’s Foothills Medical Centre after a head-on collision on Aug. 7, 2024. She died later that day. Her husband Richard, now 75, survived with serious injuries. The Reichs had been on a dream vacation from Texas when tragedy struck. When their son Zach later visited the crash site, he said the danger was plain to see as there was no physical barrier dividing the lanes. In his view, it was easy to understand why the stretch has seen so many serious collisions.

A Longstanding Problem. Calls for safety upgrades on this winding, undivided mountain highway date back years. In 2022, volunteer firefighter Patrick Cais responded to eight of nine fatalities on the same stretch. Others, like Dee Morrison, whose husband died there, have pleaded for median barriers and divided lanes.

Twinning Still Unfunded. Parks Canada completed a six-kilometre twinning in 2018 and approved plans for the remaining 40km in 2021, but no funding or timeline has followed. Local resident Alex Goatcher has relaunched a petition to force federal action, citing dangerous driving and near-misses. MP Mel Arnold is backing the effort, urging Ottawa to prioritize this trade and tourism route.

BRAND NEW: AN EXCLUSIVE RETREAT AT FIRE MOUNTAIN LODGE

Welcome to 207-121 Kananaskis Way. 

The only unit in Fire Mountain Lodge with a spacious, covered BBQ deck and a top floor deck! Enjoy shaded privacy with family and friends or soak up the sun and sprawling mountain views from the Three Sisters to Rundle Range. 

This two-storey gem comes fully furnished with two king-sized bedrooms, a pull-out sofa, and open concept floor plan designed for privacy and comfort with ample storage.  From the cozy gas fireplace and walkthrough kitchen, to the recently updated AC and in-suite laundry, this place has all the comforts of home‒plus a few extras.

You’re just steps from scenic trails, cafés, and the Legacy Trail with exclusive access to the onsite fitness room and outdoor hot tub.

Whether you're looking for yourself or a rental-ready investment, this property is worth checking out.

Reach out to Alex and Lori for all the details or follow them on Instagram for more property updates.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 🔌New Tesla Chargers Spark Parking Debate in Canmore. We went to check out the 12 shiny new Tesla Superchargers behind the Circle K lot, each one replacing a regular parking stall. That brings Canmore’s total to 24, all within 2km. Some call it progress, others call it parking theft, as people believe too many general-use spots are now EV-only. Read the full story, plus community comments. 

• 🌊 We Went to See Canmore’s Water Repairs Up Close. In addition to checking out the new parking stalls, we also drove up to see the Rundle Forebay repairs for ourselves. Water levels at Whiteman’s Pond are way down, crews are active, and traffic is down to one lane. The Forebay next to the Nordic Centre still looks normal for now, but that could change. See our photos in case you haven’t been up that way.

• 🔥 Small Wildfire Sparks Near Field, No Threat to Public. If you noticed a slight haze yesterday over the Bow Valley, you weren’t imagining it. A lightning-caused fire broke out on Mount Field above Yoho's townsite, but Parks Canada says it hasn’t grown overnight. Crews are actively fighting the two-hectare blaze, and Burgess Pass trail is now closed. There’s no risk to infrastructure.

• 🐻 Grizzly Warning Issued for Hwy 40 Day-Use Areas. A grizzly and cub are frequenting Hwy 40 day-use areas from Canoe Meadows to Barrier Boat Launch, prompting a new bear warning. And while not Bow Valley-specific, a truly WTF bear moment unfolded east of Edmonton, where someone was caught cutting the paws off a road-killed bear. Fish and Wildlife is investigating.

• 🎨 Canmore Artist’s Work Showcased at London Art Biennale. Stephen Bend, a retired geologist turned painter from Canmore, was one of 350 artists selected from over 10,000 submissions for the London Art Biennale. His piece, Passion Ascending, drew strong reactions from curators and visitors alike. 

Marketing That Slaps (In a Good Way)

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We write clever mini-stories that make 15,000+ locals engage.

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FROM AVALANCHE SURVIVOR TO MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE

What’s Happening? Buried in an avalanche and left with a broken back, pelvis, and hand, Giordano Pillarella is biking 4,000 km from Canmore to Montreal to raise funds for Mountain Muskox, a peer-support group for those affected by mountain trauma. For those of us living in the Bow Valley, it’s a reality that’s always close to home.

From Survival to Support. The physical wounds have mostly healed, but the mental recovery is still unfolding. Pillarella’s solo ride, launching August 1, is as much about processing his experience as it is about raising $5,000 for Mountain Muskox and sparking conversations around mountain mental health. He’s already nearing 80% of his goal.

Why It Matters. Founded by Canadian mountain guide Sarah Hueniken after losing a close friend in an avalanche, Mountain Muskox was born from grief and a need for connection. The group has since supported over 100 outdoor professionals, adventurers, and first responders. Pillarella says the ride is about building the courage to ask for help, something many in the mountain world struggle with.

Coming Up. Mountain Muskox is also hosting a free Immersion Weekend Sept. 27–28 near Canmore. With art therapy, forest bathing, and nervous system workshops, it’s designed for anyone impacted by mountain loss or those supporting them. Sliding-scale pricing ($200–$500).

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Free Family Movie. Watch WALL-E, a movie perfect for all ages. Feel free to wear your comfiest pajamas and bring a blanket or stuffed animal to get extra cozy. 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Canmore Library, Free.

• Songwriting Workshop. Join YYC-based singer songwriter, Nancy Leberge, who will lead aspiring songwriters in co-creating a song together. 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free.*

• Canmore Folk Fest: Community Concert. Live music, beer gardens, food trucks, and dancing return to Centennial Park from August 2–4, with a free community concert kicking things off Friday night. Acts include Al Simmons, The Hearts, and more. 6:30PM - 9:30PM. Free. Passes still on sale for Sat-Mon sessions.*

Saturday

• BMX Show and Shine. Rad bike demos from Cafe Canmore, ice cream treats from Lovely Canmore, and prizes from Canmore Climbing Gym. Check out the parade of vintage BMX beauties that’ll make your eyes pop. 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Core Values, Canmore. Free.

• Background Beats & Patio Pints. Austin Live is a songwriter and fearless live performer whose sound blends indie rock grit with alternative folk soul. Known for raw, honest storytelling and a sharp sense of humor, they bring heart to every stage. 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free.*

Sunday

• Breathwork Workshop. Explore the power of conscious breathing in this guided breathwork workshop. Release stress, deepen self-awareness, and reconnect with your body and mind in a supportive space. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Wildheart, Canmore. $43.93.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ✨ Lucent Festival Is Your Yes Weekend. Pitch a tent Friday night and say yes to it all. Yes to yoga in the forest, yes to live music under the stars, yes to bike rides between sessions with your kids. With over 200 makers, teachers, and volunteers, Lucent is a choose-your-own-adventure weekend for barefoot kids and wide-open grown-ups. August 8-10 at Star 6 Ranch. More details and ticket info.*

• 🍝 Family Style Italian Cooking. Join Chef Joe for a one-of-a-kind family-style/ individually coursed dining experience at the Fat Ox where he’ll personally cook a seasonal multicourse Italian-inspired menu. $79 per person with two seating options. August 15th at 4:30 PM or 7:30 PM. Email our friend [email protected] to reserve your seats. If you love Italian food, you 100% don’t want to miss this one.*

• 🖌️Help Bring Art To Life At Artsplace. Volunteering is a fun, social way to meet neighbours, support creative programs, and enjoy free events. From front-of-house roles to artist partnerships, and student service hours, there’s a spot for everyone. Contact [email protected] to learn more. 

• ✅ Jasper National Park Is Open Again. After last year’s wildfire, crews restored 112 km of roads, 69 km of trails, and 1,200+ campsites, plus replaced bridges, signs, and fire pits. The 5th Bridge day-use area reopened July 24. Jasper’s back in action, so if it’s been a while, now’s the time to explore.

• 🍱 Bow Valley Food Support Update. July was a busy month for local food support. 192 boxes of the new Bow Valley Fresh Food Box were distributed (you can still order for August), the Community Cupboard expanded their hours, and a food bank was launched in Banff. Learn more here. 

• 🚌 Planning A Road Trip To Banff This Weekend? August Long is Banff’s busiest weekend, with 30,000+ vehicles daily. Skip the car and explore by foot, bike, or Roam Transit. Parking usually fills by 9 AM. If you must drive, come after 5 PM. Plan your car-free trip using this slick new website: CarFreeBanff.ca.

• 🚴🏻‍♀️ Getting to Canmore Folk Fest. Bike and park for free with Canmore Community Cruisers, ride free Roam Transit in town, or grab the $40 Folk Fest Express from Calgary (group discounts available). This is hands down the easiest way to roll in.

• 🚌 Free Kananaskis Shuttle Bus Now Running. Just launched and totally free, the Explore Kananaskis Shuttle offers daily service to popular spots like Troll Falls, Boundary Ranch, and Kananaskis Village. It’s first come, first serve.

CIVIC NEWS

• Temporary Parking in Dead Man’s Flats. MD of Bighorn OKs a 2‑year lease to turn MR land in Dead Man’s Flats into temporary parking only during Cliff Resorts’ build (no heavy equipment or stockpiles allowed). Aimed at easing street congestion while power lines are buried. 

• Canmore Expands its Fruit Tree Removal Incentive. Residents can get reimbursed not only for removing fruit trees (to reduce bear conflicts) but also for planting non-fruit replacements. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, August 1st, 2025, 6:00 PM: Liam Cowan.. Location: Banff Gondola. Free. 

• Friday, August 1st, 2025, 6:30 PM: Festival Friday Kickoff.. Location: Centennial Park, Canmore. Free. 

• Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, 3:00 PM. Austin Live. Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, 10:00 PM. DJ Bunny Hops.. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, 9:00 PM. Dougy Deep.. Location: Tank 310, Canmore. Free.

SPORTS

• 300 Riders Take On Wet and Wild 24-Hour Race in Canmore. Last weekend’s Rockies 24 pushed riders through mud, rain, and 13 km laps at the Canmore Nordic Centre. With solo racers and relay teams grinding through the night, the event drew 300 participants aged 11 to 70. Organizers hope it marks a comeback for 24-hour racing in the Rockies.

That’s all, folks!

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

Heads Up: We sometimes feature paid promotion from local businesses and organizations we trust. When you see a little asterisk (*), that means it’s a sponsored post. We only work with partners we think our readers will actually care about.