🏞️ Visitor Restrictions At Lake Louise?

Missing Hiker Found Dead, Banff Fire Ban, Kananaskis Transit

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Bow Valley Insider
July 15, 2024

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Good morning, Bow Valley!

It was a news-filled weekend, so let’s get you caught up. 

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

  • Managing tourism as visitor numbers rise

  • Fire bans start in Banff

  • Missing hiker found dead

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

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MANAGING VISITORS IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK

What's happening: Visiting Moraine Lake and Lake Louise might get trickier soon.  Parks Canada is working on a visitor use management plan for Lake Louise, part of their broader Banff National Park strategy. They're keen on balancing conservation with public access to these iconic spots, which is getting tougher as visitor numbers rise.

The numbers: Over the past decade, the number of people heading to Lake Louise has shot up by 31%, and that trend is expected to keep climbing.

First steps: Right now, they're gathering feedback on what goals should guide future management decisions through an online survey that will be open until July 28, 2024. The next phase will explore specific strategies, and they're promising more opportunities for the public to weigh in.

End game: These plans will shape how Lake Louise handles visitors for the next five to ten years, focusing mainly on the busy months from May to October. They're also looking at extending this approach to other areas and times of year in the future.

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THE DIGEST

  • 🧸A grizzly bear adopted her sibling. A 21-year-old mama bear emerged from hibernation this year with three cubs, but sadly, two were likely killed by a male bear. Her 13-year-old daughter stepped in and adopted the surviving cub, marking the first recorded instance of such behavior in Kananaskis Country.

  • 😭A sad update on the Edmonton hiker who was reported missing on July 6th. Turner Valley RCMP has confirmed the death of Milenko Todic, 66.  His body was found late Friday afternoon in the area near Holy Cross Mountain in Kananaskis.

NEW ALERT SYSTEM FOR LAKE LOUISE & FIELD

What's happening: Parks Canada has launched the Voyent Alert emergency notification system for Lake Louise and Field to keep everyone informed during critical events.

How it works: The free app sends timely notifications for wildfires, floods, and safety advisories to residents, staff, and visitors.

Customize it: According to James Eastham from Parks Canada, you can register for alerts specific to areas you care about, receiving them via SMS, email, the app, or recorded phone messages. Alerts include event locations, maps, and suggested actions.

Track record: The system is already used in Banff, Canmore, and Radium Hot Springs.

Big picture: If you're in the area or planning a visit, registering for Voyent Alert is a smart move!

THINGS TO DO

Monday

  • Do you love painting pottery? Check out the Crock-a-Doodle collab for parents and kids aged 2-5 on July 15, 11 AM, at Banff Public Library. It's free, but registration is required.

  • Tee off for 9 holes and treat yourself to a meal! Nine and Dine is $99, Monday through Wednesday at Silvertip, Canmore. Call to book a tee time. 

Tuesday

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

  • 🎒Ready to hit the trails but don't have gear? Check out RentaBackpack—they've got you covered with everything you need, delivered free!

  • 🍹Two Buck-a-Shuck is back at The Drunken Lobster in Canmore. Fridays, 4-6 PM.

CIVIC NEWS

  • The MD of Bighorn Council will be on summer break in August, with the next meeting on September 10, 2024. The brief July 9th meeting covered Highway 1A safety improvements, community funding, trail association updates, and strategic planning. No new bylaws were introduced.

  • Kananaskis Improvement District and the Municipal District of Bighorn are collaborating to explore launching a public transit service. They are asking for input via survey to identify transit needs, whether you're a resident, worker, or visitor. It should take five minutes or less. 

  • The Town has banned election signs on public property to reduce visual clutter and level the electoral playing field. Some councilors worry about restricting democratic expression, while others see benefits in engaging voters through community relationships instead of signage.

LIVE MUSIC

  • Monday, July 15, 9 PM: Music with Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff.

  • Monday, July 15, 10 PM: Double the DJ with DJ 86EGO and DJ CORN. Location: High Rollers, Banff. $6.50 pints

  • Tuesday, July 16, 10 PM: DJ night with DJ Styler Nazo. Location: High Rollers, Banff. 75 cent wings.

  • Tuesday, July 16, 9 PM: High energy party covers with FKB. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff.

SPORTS

  • Two Canmore brothers are making headlines in hockey! Luke Philp, 28, signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Washington Capitals. Noah Philp, 25, returned to hockey after a hiatus and re-signed with the Edmonton Oilers.

  • Banff’s Pearce Eshenko was eyeing his first Olympics with Canada’s volleyball team, however a broken leg during a game against Japan has dashed his Paris 2024 aspirations. Despite challenges, he remains determined, focusing on recovery and future opportunities to qualify.

That’s all, folks!

  • Have a cool story or event to share? Hit reply. 

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