🚚 Truck Erupts In Flames

Good morning, Bow Valley!

The Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival may have wrapped up yesterday, but there’s still time to dive into Taste For Adventure! Top Bow Valley chefs are dishing out exclusive menus you won’t want to miss. All the delicious details are below.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Banff’s traffic volumes are rising 

• A semi-truck burst into flames just east of Lac Des Arcs

• Two rams were killed on the 1A due to a vehicle collision.

Let’s get to it!

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

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TRAFFIC JAM SEASON RETURNS

What’s happening? Banff’s summer vehicle volumes have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with daily entries up 2% from last year. However, vehicle counts on the congested Bow River bridge and Mountain Avenue, leading to popular attractions like the gondola, are down, thanks to effective transit campaigns.

The challenge continues Even with traffic control measures, Banff’s single bridge and road up Sulphur Mountain face congestion, especially since lots fill by 10 a.m. most days. Despite visitor redirects and transit options, up to 46% of cars on Mountain Avenue turn back due to full lots, sparking debate over accurate data on turnaround rates between the Town and Pursuit, the gondola operator.

What’s next? Mayor DiManno emphasizes the need for disincentives to curb private vehicles accessing Sulphur Mountain’s limited parking. Banff seeks more action from Parks Canada, hinting at solutions like restricted access, paid parking, or transit-only zones, although those decisions are outside municipal control.

CANADIAN ROCKIES PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEED HOST FAMILIES FOR FEBRUARY!

Canadian Rockies Public Schools is urgently seeking two more families to host international students for the upcoming 5-month semester starting in February. These students are eager to experience life in the Bow Valley, and they need your help to make that possible!

Whether you’re a retiree, empty nester, young family, or couple, hosting an international student offers a unique chance to bring cultural diversity into your home while receiving $1300 per month to cover expenses. Share your Bow Valley lifestyle, explore new cultures, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Check out what former students and host families say!

This is your chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding experience. Time is running out—apply now and welcome an international student into your home this February!

Contact Laura Mooney at [email protected] to learn more.

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THE DIGEST

• 🚚A semi-truck burst into flames, and a pick-up rear-ended another semi in separate incidents near Lac Des Arcs on Friday night. Minor wrist injuries were reported, and emergency crews cleared the Trans-Canada Highway by 1 a.m. We caught the burning truck on camera, which you can see on our Instagram. 

• 🐐Two bighorn rams were killed on Highway 1A near Canmore, highlighting ongoing wildlife conflict concerns. Wild Sheep Foundation of Alberta announced plans for a habitat restoration project in the area, and Alberta Transportation is preparing to install wildlife overpasses to reduce future incidents, using collar data to guide these safety improvements.

• 🗝️A $3.1M Calgary home takes its design cues from the iconic Banff Springs Hotel, offering a “Castle in the City.” With over 7,000 square feet, the home features Banff-inspired stone and woodwork, a grand entrance, an indoor pool, and a private deck with hot tub views overlooking the Bow River. We’d offer to split it with you, but even our fairy godmother’s maxed out.

• 😍Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park just earned a spot on Conde Nast Traveller’s list of “Winter Wonderlands Around the World,” standing out as the only Canadian location among 32 iconic sites from Switzerland to Mount Fuji. 

• 🏞️Lake Louise Ski Resort is kicking off its season early, opening tomorrow (November 5th) with the Glacier Express Chair offering access to beginner runs and a terrain park.

BANFF BISON HUNT UPDATE

What's Happening: For the first time in 150 years, Piikani Nation hunters harvested a young bison in Banff National Park on Oct. 9, marking a historic return to Indigenous hunting traditions in the region. This hunt, part of an Indigenous-led initiative supported by Parks Canada, allows one bison per First Nation within the Indigenous Advisory Circle.

Honoring Tradition. Piikani Nation members plan to distribute the meat to the Piikani Foodbank, with some set aside for a community meal. Waylon Yellowhorn, a Piikani hunter, called it a proud moment for his people.

Bison Management Ahead. Since the bison reintroduction project began in 2017, the herd has grown to 138 animals. Conservationists now envision a herd of over 1,000 to ensure long-term sustainability, but Parks Canada will need to tackle complex questions around expanding the bison's range beyond Banff’s borders.

The Hunt Is Not Without Opposition. Naturalists question whether national parks remain protected wildlife sanctuaries, noting recent park-facilitated hunts in Jasper.   

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Homework Help is a free drop-in tutoring program for grades 1-12 students! Banff Library 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM. Free. 

• Run with friends. The Rockies Run Collective meets at Lululemon in Banff at 6 PM. Free.

• Make your own beadwork with Stoney Nakoda Community Member Michelle Wesley. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at ArtsPlace. $95 / member $80.75 (materials included).

• Exercise your brain at Trivia Night. The Moxy Banff. 8 PM. 

• Winter Yoga with Canmore Young Adult Network. Yoga is indoors for the season at The Yoga Lounge! 9 PM - 10 PM. FREE. 

Tuesday

• Cheer on biathletes as they compete for spots on the World Cup Tour. Canmore Nordic Centre. From 10 AM. A conservation pass is required to park.

• Learn 2 Curl with local experts from the Banff Curling Club. Fenlands. 530 PM - 7:00 PM. $30.   

• Drop in for board games, snacks, resources, and more! Basecamp is a free social program for young adults living or working in Banff. Catherine Robb Whyte Building. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Free.

• Have a baby on the way? Birth and Beyond is a 3-week program for expecting parents, covering labor and breastfeeding information from Heather Koppang RN. 6 PM - 9 PM. Screen Room at Origin. Free.

• The Library Studio Presents: Wonders of the Night Sky. Discover how to locate and appreciate some of the Bow Valley night sky treasures. Canmore Library. 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Free. Registration required.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ♨️Taste for Adventure is back, serving up exclusive menus, unique dishes, and foodie events that highlight the best of the park’s flavors. Just a few days left going until Nov 7th.  

• 🔒Closed for Renos. The Local Canmore is winterizing. They’ll be closed for renovations tomorrow and plan to reopen Tuesday, November 12th. 

• 🍕Happy Hour Pizza. In the meantime, daily specials are back at Bear Street Tavern, including 50% off pizzas after 5 PM on Mondays and $12 calzones on Tuesdays. 

• 💰Online Auction. Don’t miss the 4th Annual Online Auction for Special Olympics Alberta-Bow Valley! Bid on awesome prizes from November 3-7!

• 🛞Road Safety. Just a reminder that winter tires are required when driving on the Icefields Parkway from November 1 to March 31. 

• 🎲Pre-and Post Game Savings. Show your tickets to a Canmore Eagles game at Tavern 1883 and receive 15% off your bill. Restrictions apply. 

• 💸Grant Funding. Town of Canmore has updated the funding opportunities listed on the Bow Valley Non-Profits Website. Grants are available for small community initiatives..

• ⚒️Backcountry Huts. Alpine Club of Canada has been hard at work prepping the new Castle Mountain Hut before the season wraps up.

• 👵Quilting history. The Bow Valley Chapter, Mountain Grannies contributed to the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s 20th anniversary quilt. Stitched together with contributions from grandmothers across Canada and six countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This special quilt is on display this week at Artsplace and is free to view.

• 📉Member Benefits. Shadow Lake Lodge is reducing the cost of overnight accommodations for Alpine Club of Canada members, starting at $250 per night.

• 🛟A Toast to Tails. Heart Mountain Rescue's Anniversary Bash hosts an elevated evening, complete with hors d’oeuvres, music, and a bevie or two, all for a cause. Event tickets are $35.

CIVIC NEWS

• Taking the bus just got better. The Town of Canmore has made enhancements to 15 bus stops such as enlarged concrete pads, garbage and recycle bins, bike racks, lighting, benches, shelters; installed 10 new shelters and will install six more in the spring!

• A Regular Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 9 AM at the Town of Canmore Civic Centre. This meeting is open to the public and can be attended in person at the Civic Centre or live-streamed. Two bylaw amendments are on the agenda, as well as a request for a decision on discouraging employees' housing in Industrial Areas. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday November 4, 10 PM: DJ 86EGO & DJ Corn. Location: High Rollers. No Cover 

• Tuesday November 5, 7:30 PM: Australian classical guitarist Jacob Cordover. Location: ArtsPlace. $30 / members $25.50 / youth $15.

• Tuesday November 5, 9 PM is Open Mic Night. Location: Beaver Bar. No Cover. 

• Tuesday November 5, 10 PM: Karaoke Night with Andrew Staygold. Location: Melissa's MisSteak. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• We aren’t the only ones currently enamored with Noah Philp. Hockey Writers recently shared some standout facts about his inspiring journey to the NHL. Making his Edmonton Oilers debut on Oct. 31, Philp’s big night saw him notch an assist, win the most faceoffs, and play a strong 11:54 on ice.

That’s all, folks!

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