🦊Paddle Boarder Saves Drowning Dog

Good morning, Bow Valley!

There’s some crazy footage from a paddleboarding competition this past weekend in Kananaskis.  One of the athletes saved a drowning dog who accidentally fell into the Kananaskis River. More on that story below.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Eagles alum signs AHL contract

• Canmore was named the top climbing town in North America

• The pedestrian zone is gone, but traffic troubles remain

Let’s get to it!

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

EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR ALTITUDE AT THREE SISTERS MOUNTAIN VILLAGE

What’s happening? Starting August 22nd, for 30 days, Bow Valley residents have an exclusive opportunity to secure their dream home at Altitude! Featuring 239 stunning condos and townhomes available, including 24 townhomes and 215 condos, this is your chance to live in one of the most coveted locations in the region.

Unique location and amenities: Located adjacent to the Gateway retail area, Altitude at Three Sisters Mountain Village offers unparalleled convenience and access to many exciting amenities. Whether you enjoy walking, biking, or hiking, you'll find the perfect trail right outside your doorstep.

RSVP: Be sure to register for the launch event for the 1st building at Elevation Place on August 22nd from 4-7 pm, August 24th from 4-7 pm, and August 25th from 12-5 pm.

First in line: Be among the first to explore our beautiful properties and envision your future at Altitude. Don't miss out on this 30-day sales window designed just for Bow Valley residents. RSVP here.

_{*Presented By Altitude Developments}

MARMOT BASIN’S CLOSE CALL

Close Call for Marmot Basin: Last month's wildfire came dangerously close to Marmot Basin ski resort, but it narrowly avoided damage. A recent photo shows the flames creeping up to the resort’s access road, just about 400 meters from the village.

Resort Update: Marmot Basin announced in late July that their facilities, including buildings and ski lifts, escaped harm. They’re gearing up for the ski season and can’t wait to welcome visitors back. 

Jasper’s Damage: The wildfire wreaked havoc in Jasper, destroying nearly a third of the town and 358 structures, totaling 800 housing units. Residents will be allowed to return today.

Current Fire Situation: Firefighters quickly contained a small blaze near Upper Kananaskis Lake on August 14.

THE DIGEST

• 🐶Recently, a dog from the Cochrane Humane Society went viral after nearly two years of waiting, and she’s finally on her way to a forever home!

• 💥On August 14, Stoney Nakoda First Nation emergency services warned of loud bangs in the Mînî Thnî area. These noises were just Netflix filming their new series, The Abandons, with simulated explosions—think big firecrackers.
  

• 🚠Lake Louise Ski Resort is debuting its new Upper Juniper chairlift this season. This heated 6-seater with a bubble hood will connect the top of Juniper Chair to the Summit Chair and alpine area.
  

• 🧗‍♂️Outside Magazine named Canmore one of the 10 Best Family-Friendly Climber Towns in North America, and Banff scored a spot on Playboy’s list of the 5 Best Summer Travel Destinations. Not too shabby, right?

• 🐕During KanFest, a paddleboard competition, competitor Jackie Stefaniuk heroically rescued a drowning dog from the Kananaskis River. After spotting the struggling pup, she navigated treacherous rapids, pulled the dog to safety, and returned it to its owners. The dramatic rescue, captured on video, ended with cheers as the dog raced back to its relieved family.

TRAFFIC TUG-OF-WAR

What’s happening: Following a vote to remove the pedestrian zone on Banff Avenue, both sides agree on reducing the number of cars in town.

Mayor’s Take: Mayor Corrie DiManno emphasized that reopening Banff Avenue year-round doesn’t solve the bigger issue—too many vehicles. She’s calling for better public transportation and parking solutions outside of town. “We have a car problem, not a people problem,” she said, urging Parks Canada and the province to help manage visitor numbers.

The Vote Breakdown: 1,328 residents opposed the pedestrian zone, while 1,194 supported it. Opponents said closing Banff Avenue caused traffic in residential areas; supporters enjoyed the pedestrian-friendly, lively atmosphere. 

Next Steps: Despite its removal, DiManno promises the town will keep welcoming visitors and continue discussing ways to handle traffic and maintain a livable community. Crews are set to start dismantling the zone after the council meeting on August 26.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Watch Charlotte’s Web on the big screen! Canmore Public Library is hosting its final Film Friday of the summer, August 16 at 2 PM. Canmore Public Library, Canmore.

• Spend the evening playing poker. Poker Friday is August 16 at 6 PM. The Legion, Exshaw.

• Enjoy some musical theatre in the forest. Parks Canada interpreters present Dungeons and Dragonflies, August 16 at 7:30 PM. Elkwood Amphitheatre, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.

• Spend your evening laughing.Check out comedian Chris Gordon, August 16 at 7:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25/ $21.25 for members

Saturday

• Explore Moraine Lake with a sunrise paddle. Lucy Hill Fitness provides equipment, transportation, and instruction. August 17, pickup at 4 AM. Moraine Lake, Banff National Park. $175.

• Face-painting, bubbles, scavenger hunt, and more. Check out the first annual Kid Fest, August 17 from 12-3 PM. Lake Louise Resort, Lake Louise.

• Casual drop-in hang-out for 2SLGBGTQIA+ people and allies of all ages. Spend some time with Canmore Pride, August 17 from 1-3 PM. Riverside Park, Canmore.

• Sing your favorite Disney and Broadway songs. Check out all-ages karaoke August 17 from 2-6 PM. The Legion, Canmore.

• Climb in a safe space. Check out the Queer and Trans Pride Climb, August 17 from 6-9 PM. Canmore Climbing Gym, Canmore.

• Salsa your cares away and then socialize. Check out the Salsa Social, August 17 at 8-11:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $15/ $12.75 members

Sunday

• Are you interested in food, drinks, and trail building? Join the Canmore Nordic Centre Trail Team for Specialized Soil Searching, August 18 from 9-5 PM. Canmore Nordic Centre, Canmore.

• Learn about the benefits of sound healing. Introduction to Sound Healing and Shamanic Sound Healing workshops are running, August 18. Banff Yoga Practice, Banff. $88

• Enjoy some gentle Yin Yoga and a massage. This relaxing and rejuvenating Sunday Session is held on August 18 from 5:30- 6:45 PM. The Studio, Canmore. $49.26

• More musical theatre in the forest. Parks Canada interpreters present To Bee or Not to Bee, August 18 at 7:30 PM. Elkwood Amphitheatre, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.

FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: SILVERTIP

Silvertip Has Been Busy: The Mountain Tranquility development, high on the slopes of Mt. Lady Mac continues to attract buyers, with 60% of their lots selling in the past year. Homes range from 3,000-10,000 sq ft and feature flexible zoning to accommodate residents and short-term rentals. 

But That’s Not All: Silvertip has announced "Cadence Pond," a project to be built by the pond on the 6th hole. Canmore residents will have first crack at the townhouse-style villas and apartment-style condos with a yet undisclosed percentage of units designated as "entry-level." Pre-sales for Cadence Pond are anticipated to kick off this year.

And Amenities, too: Visions for Silvertip are taking shape with approvals for a Nordic spa and conference center. Discussions are also ongoing with 5-star hotels, and there is a renewed interest in a gondola project. With all this going on, Silvertip is a top investment opportunity.

Are you looking to buy or sell or put your fingers on the real estate pulse in the Valley? Contact [email protected] with CIR Realty - Your Realtor.

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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🤸Want to try adult gymnastics? Check out CAPTivate Gymnastics, coming to Canmore! They offer fun, full-body workouts for all skill levels.

• 🥞Join Take A Hike Market for Lunch Happy Hour daily from 12-2:45 PM for 10% off food, $5 beers, $6 cocktails, and $7 pints!

• 🪹Check out the live osprey nest feed in Exshaw—three new fledglings took their first flight!

• 🍁Starting September 1, Culture Days in Alberta starts with a month of art and music. Join Association Canadienne-Francaise de l’Alberta, Regionale de Canmore-Banff for three days of free events!

• 🎸If you’re a millennial, you might like this: Hawksley Workman is performing at Banff Centre on November 14!

• 🏃Iron Legs 100k race starts this weekend with 20k, 60k, 50-mile, and 100k options. That’s a serious challenge! If you don’t want to race, you can volunteer!

• 🙋🏻The Canmore Highland Games are coming up and still need volunteers. Ready to help out?

• 🐻Bear warning at Lac des Arcs Campground. Black bears are munching on berries.

• 🎬Canmore’s Bow Valley Film Tour is selling out fast!  Tickets are still available for the August 21 and 31 showings.

• 📸This week, YMCA Camp Chief Hector shared a photo of Sharon Wood as a 1978 wilderness counselor—by 1986, she was the first woman to summit Everest!

CIVIC NEWS

• MD of Bighorn seeks your feedback in a 15-minute anonymous survey on their services. Open to residents 13 and older. Share your thoughts directly with Council and Administration.

• Banff’s Municipal Planning Commission met on Wednesday. The main agenda item was a proposed AC unit at 132B Kootenay Avenue. Despite a complaint from the neighbor next door, the variance for the unit was approved.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, August 16 (9 PM), Saturday, August 17 (9 PM), and Sunday, August 18 (6 PM): Local favorite Bear Brewer. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore.

• Friday, August 16, 10 AM- 2 PM: An afternoon of live music. Location: Melissa’s Missteak, Banff.

• Friday, August 16, 10 AM: Happy Hour drink specials starting at 11 PM along with a local DJ. Location: High Rollers, Banff.

• Saturday, August 17, 5-8 PM: Local musician Tyler Wood. Location: The Yard, Canmore.

• Saturday, August 17, 5:30- 8 PM: Music and Silent Auction Fundraiser featuring Gord Mark, Mark Eckerle, Brock Mills and Mike Petroff. Canmore Golf and Curling Club, Canmore.

• Saturday, August 17, 6-8 PM: Great tunes with REWD. Location: Sheepdog Brewing, Canmore.

• Sunday, August 18, 2-5 PM: Check out SRV and The Classic Rockers. Grizzly Paw BBQ Beer Garden, Canmore. $40

• Sunday, August 18, 7:30 PM: Jazz and Sonic Arts: Resounding. Jenny Belzberg Theatre, Banff Centre, Banff. $20

• Sunday, August 18, 10 PM: Get down with local DJs. Rose and Crown, Canmore. No cover.

SPORTS

• The Ontario Reign, AHL affiliate of the LA Kings, has announced the signing of Colton Young to an AHL contract for the 2024-25 season. Colton, a forward and Canmore Eagles alum, is set to join the team next season.

• Big congratulations to Les Horbay, the 2024 Senior Men’s and Super Senior Men’s Club Champion at Canmore Golf & Curling Club! What an awesome achievement!

That’s all, folks!

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