💸The Tax Man Cometh for Tourist Homes

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Fall is in the air! Some of us are sad to see summer go, but others are psyched to be closer to ski season. We’ve got your projected ski hill opening dates in today’s newsletter!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Dark Horse owner takes a cheap shot in a big match

• BOWDA won’t back down… from a levy fight 

• $2100 Snowball Pot at Canmore Legion’s Bingo Night

  
  

  +Boston Pizza kids’ cards are back!

Let’s get to it!

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

TOURIST HOMES TAXED OUT

The Town of Canmore Council is back from summer break.

What’s happening? Big housing action update! Council made some big moves with the updated Division of Class 1 Property Bylaw.

Tourist Home Tax Change: Starting in 2025, all tourist homes will be taxed at the non-residential rate, removing the option to declare it for personal use on a yearly basis. Owners who wish to be taxed at the residential rate, must permanently designate their property as residential.

New Residential Subclass: Supporters of the new subclass hope it encourages owners to live in their residence full-time or house tenants who will occupy historical vacant properties. Full time has been declared as 183 days within one year and 60 days continuously.

Financial Insights: Council reviewed the financial info on the Primary Residence Tax Program, looking at how different tax rates could impact revenue and comparing it to similar programs in other towns.

For more details on the numbers and financial implications, check out item #G-1 in today’s agenda package.

FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: YOURS!

How to Get Your Property SOLD!

As an experienced real estate agent in the Valley I've seen what it takes to sell a property quickly and for top dollar. Here are three key strategies:

1. Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. A well-maintained exterior, including landscaping, fresh paint, and clean pathways, attracts buyers instantly. In Canmore's scenic setting, highlighting outdoor spaces is crucial.
   
   

2. Professional Staging: Inside, staging is essential. Neutral decor, clutter-free spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere allow buyers to envision themselves living there significantly boosting a property's appeal.
   
   

3. Competitive Pricing: Finally, setting the right price is vital. A well-priced property generates interest and offers quickly. Utilize local market data to determine a price that reflects both the value and demand of Canmore’s unique market.

Most importantly a strategy and a timeline need to be created from the start. Handsome Homes Realty strives to make this process seamless, painless, and fun! [email protected]

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THE DIGEST

• ⛷️Ski season is around the corner! Instead of trying to remember when your favorite resorts open, bookmark this page. For now, Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise are both set to open on November 8, while Mount Norquay is kicking off the season earlier on November 1.

• 💝The Bow Valley Boot Stomp brought great country music to Cochrane and raised $1,850 for Cochrane Search and Rescue (SAR), which services Cochrane, Banff, Canmore, and Kananaskis. SAR’s Lee Hodgers highlighted how crucial these funds are for their volunteers.

• 👉As we reported, The Bow Valley Builders and Developers Association (BOWDA) isn't backing down. The Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT) ruled the local advocacy group is affected by the changes and has standing to appeal. Despite the Town's stance BOWDA isn’t affected by the levy, its significant local ties make it a key player. The hearing is set for October.

• 🚊With the province eyeing a new train service from Calgary Airport to a downtown station, the Calgary Airport Banff Rail (CABR) team has updated their proposal. Liricon and Plenary are once again advocating a Calgary-to-Banff line. This time, at no cost to the province. Too good to be true?

• 🧸Here’s an update on Bear 139, the amazing 13-year-old grizzly who recently adopted a cub abandoned by her own mother, Bear 104. After a male bear attack sadly killed her first two cubs, Bear 104 left the third one behind. As we reported, Bear 139 has now taken on the little cub, making this the first recorded bear adoption in K-Country.

SO LONG, SUMMER PEDESTRIAN ZONE

What’s happening: The Town of Banff has begun dismantling of the Downtown Pedestrian Zone.

Zone Dismantling: Crews have started taking down the pedestrian zone features and planters along Banff Avenue.

Bylaw Repeal: Town Council is set to officially repeal the bylaw on August 26, following the August 12 vote to remove this summer feature.

Business Impact: Businesses with patios or retail displays on the road need to clear out their structures by the end of August 27. Some might take down their setups earlier, while others may keep some sidewalk seating until the last minute.

Roadway Reopening: Once the bylaw is repealed and businesses clear their structures, Banff Avenue will soon be open to vehicles again.

If you’re planning a trip to Banff, keep an eye out for these changes!

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Banff Centre hosts an activation of Rebecca Belmore’s iconic work, Ayum-ee-aawach Oomama-mowan: Speaking to Their Mother. Gather, Listen, Hear on August 23, 10:30 AM. Two Jack Lake, Banff.

• Enjoy a Canmore Food eBike tour. Eat, drink, and explore August 23, 12:30- 4:30 PM. $195.89. eBike rental included.

• Are you 50+? Come play on Banff’s only open turf. Soccer, lacrosse, rugby and more on August 23 2-4 PM. Fenlands, Banff.

• Relax with a chill yoga session. Check out this library yoga class with Chie Fujimaru on August 23, 6:15- 7:15 PM. Banff Public Library, Banff. Free.

• Bingo is the Bow Valley’s favorite pastime! August 23 at 6:30 PM. The Legion, Canmore. An email came in wanting us to spread the word the snowball is up to $2000!

• A social night for local climbers.Climb, hang out, connect August 23, 6- 10 PM. Canmore Climbing Gym, Canmore. $15, members free.

Saturday

• Paint En Plein Aire. Check out this plein aire painting session. August 24, 8 AM- 2 PM, Whyte Museum, Banff. Free.

• Brunch and bake sale. Contribute to this Jasper fire relief fundraiser August 22, 10 AM- 2 PM. The Legion, Exshaw.

• Garage sale season! Check out the sales at 405 8th Avenue and 521 1st Street, both August 24 and 25, 9 AM- 5 PM.

• Pamper your pooch. End-of-season garage sale August 24, 12- 3:30 PM. Bow Valley SPCA, Canmore.

• Live music, food trucks, and beer. Check out the Backlot Bash August 24, 1 pm- late. Canmore Brewing Company, Canmore.

• Stunning views, craft beer, and cocktails. Check out the Grizzly Beer Festival August 24, 1-6 PM. Lake Louise Summer Gondola, Lake Louise.

• Community picnic, lawn games, and a raffle. Check out Gourlay Pharmacy’s 30-year anniversary bash August 24, 2-5 PM. Gourlay’s Pharmacy, Canmore. $5

Sunday

• Paint En Plein Aire. Check out this two-day plein aire painting session. August 25, 8 AM- 2 PM, Millennium Park, Canmore. Free.

• Soccer for all ages, genders, and skills levels. Check out this casual soccer meet August 25, 10 AM. Eagle Terrace Park, Canmore. Free.

• Play a rousing game of Dungeons and Dragons. Your teen can join this magical campaign August 25, 1-4 PM. Canmore Public Library, Canmore. Registration required.

• Explore Canmore’s downtown with a unique adventure. Check out this interactive clue-solving game that will take you around town August 25, 9:30 AM- 7 PM. Downtown Area, Canmore. $86.90/ team.

• Bingo with a twist. Enjoy a game of bingo set to rock music August 25, 8 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🐕‍🦺Bow Valley SPCA's Essential Life Skills class for dogs starts August 25, 2024. Five weeks for $315.

• ♻️Banff residents, join our six-week waste wagon pilot starting in September! Get an in-home kit and weekly pickups. Call 403.762.1279 to sign up.

• 👧🏻Hey parents! Kids' cards are back at Boston Pizza—donate $5 and get 5 free kids' meals! Best deal around!

• 🎤Canmore Pride’s Loud and Proud is almost sold out! Enjoy dazzling drag performances, great food, and an unforgettable night. Get tickets now!

• 📦Not sure what to do with these upcycling treasures? Alberta's Own Marketplace is seeking bubble wrap and Canmore Public Library needs cardboard egg cartons!

• 🚚Cooler weather’s here! Grassroots Pharmacy now offers local Canmore delivery for your prescriptions. Call 403.609.4100 to set up!

• 🥟Craving empanadas like Auntie’s? Only two months left of markets! Catch Bow Valley Empanadas at Mountain Made Market in Canmore on Aug 31st!

• 🙋Banff Pride needs volunteers for pre-festival promo, event support, and more! Join them Oct 4-14.

• 🤸🏽Feeling the Summer Olympic blues? Channel your inner Simone Biles with Captivate Adult Gymnastics or cheer on Banff RFC in Calgary this Saturday at noon!

• 🩸Bow River Veterinary Centre is hosting a blood donation clinic with @canadiananimalbloodbank on August 24th! If your pup is 25+ kg, 1-8 years old (or up to 10 if already a donor), and up-to-date on vaccinations, call 403-678-9595 to join in or learn more!

CIVIC NEWS

• Council has greenlit $250,000 from the General Municipal Operating Reserve for Partners for Affordable Housing. The partnership involves identifying five community housing projects in Canmore and applying to CMHC for a Capital Connect grant to kick off a new demonstration project.

• Wildfire is still the biggest threat to life, property, and infrastructure in the Bow Valley. The Town of Canmore, along with local partners, has successfully applied for Phase 1 of the FRIAA Community Fireguard Program to plan a fireguard that will protect the area. Phase 2, construction, opens for submissions soon, with work potentially starting in October 2024.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, August 23, 3:30 and 5:30 PM: Premiere of the Newly Commissioned Score by Raven Chacon titled 'Background Music.’ Location: Lloyd Hall, Banff Centre, Banff.

• Friday, August 23, 6:30- 8 PM: Check out singer songwriter Steph O’Dette. Location: Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise.

• Friday, August 23, 9 PM: 'Evensong (Breathing as One)' with Pamela Hart and Lou Sheppard. Location: Shaw Amphitheatre, Banff Centre, Banff. Free.

• Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24, 10 PM: Funk with Zebra. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. $5

• Saturday, August 24, 12- 3 PM: Check out singer songwriter Steph O’Dette. Location: Trappers at Sunshine Village.

• Saturday, August 24, 6 PM: Live music with Reed Alton. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore.

• Saturday, August 24, 7 PM: Classical music with Kaimerata. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $45/ $38.25 for Members/ $22.50 for Youth

• Saturday, August 24, 9 PM: Summer patio party with DJ Styler Nazo. Location: Tavern 1883.

• Sunday, August 25, 6- 8 PM: Check out singer songwriter Steph O’Dette. Location: Banff Social, Banff.

• Sunday, August 25, 10 PM: Beats by Tenax. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore.

• Sunday, August 25, 10 PM: DJ night. Location: Melissa’s Missteak, Banff.

SPORTS

• In July, the Canmore Eagles requested the Town forgive their outstanding debt. Council chose not to forgive the debt but agreed to extend the repayment terms. The new deadline for full repayment is September 15, 2028. The decision was made unanimously during the meeting.

• Canmore business owner Travis Erlam competed in martial arts in Las Vegas last weekend. His match against France’s Tyrone Gonsalves almost went viral after Gonsalves shoved Travis face-first into the mat, even after Travis tapped out.

That’s all, folks!

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