🚚Why Are Semis Crashing Into Banff?

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Here’s some news you probably didn’t want with your morning coffee: tick season is officially here. How do we know? We got back from a hike last night… and brought home an unwanted guest. As the snow melts, ticks come out. Protect yourself and your pets by covering up, using bug spray with Deet or icaridin, and checking for ticks after visiting grassy or wooded areas.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Banff releases its bold new vision for the town

• Roam Transit fees going up (but not necessarily for locals)

• Canmore climbing team gets award funding for huge expedition
  

• Plus, Arc'teryx grand opening, community trail clean-up, Sunshine Village scavenger hunt, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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A NEW BLUEPRINT FOR BANFF (BUT NOT EVERYONE’S SOLD)

What’s Happening? Banff’s long-awaited 2025–2035 community plan is out, promising a bolder vision for housing, sustainability, and tourism management—but not everyone's clapping.

Housing & Tourism Take the Spotlight. The plan aims to erase Banff’s 700–1,000 unit housing gap by 2035 and better manage visitor traffic. The Banff and Lake Louise Hospitality Association, which represents some of the biggest businesses in the tourism sector, says the plan aligns with their 10-year tourism vision, applauding its focus on balancing community well-being with a thriving visitor economy.

Conservationists Pump the Brakes. Groups like Bow Valley Naturalists say the plan talks big about “ecological integrity” but is fuzzy on the how-to’s, raising concerns about green space loss and rezoning risks.

Potential Plot Twist. The plan flirts with amending the Canada National Parks Act—a move environmentalists warn could open Pandora’s Box for commercial creep.

Next Steps. Public feedback is open online, with an open house on April 23. Council will consider first reading on May 26, with a public hearing tentatively set for June 23.

ALEX & LORI’S PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 1097 WILSON WAY

This 4-bedroom half duplex has been thoughtfully maintained over the years and was designed with comfort and connection in mind! Thanks to the flexible floor plan—including a den, second rec room, and open-air loft—enjoy plenty of space for everyday living or weekend hosting.

Tucked into a quiet, friendly neighborhood, this home is just a 5-minute walk to the Quarry and off-leash dog park, with popular biking trails like Loki and Highline just steps from your door. With no homes behind you, relax in the private backyard overlooking dense greenspace and mountain views—the perfect setting to recharge and take in the beauty around you!

Additional Features

• Attached double car garage

• Vaulted ceilings

• Stainless steel appliances

For more information contact Lori and Alex or visit CanmoreAgent.com for a look at what’s new in the market.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 🚛Another Crash Causes Major Delays Near Banff. Westbound Hwy 1 shut down just east of Banff after a serious collision involving a semi Thursday morning. No word yet on injuries. This comes just a week after a semi-crash near the park gates, making us wonder what’s going on with all the truck trouble lately?

• 🧗Funding Bold Climbs: John Lauchlan Memorial Award Announced. Honouring adventurous Canadian expeditions, this year’s award funds a Canmore-Squamish team pushing for Ultar Sar’s Hidden Pillar in Pakistan, and a B.C.-based trio targeting a giant unclimbed granite face in B.C.’s coastal mountains

• 🌳Cochrane Moves Forward With Grandfather Tree Tribute. The Grandfather Tree, a 300-year-old Cochrane landmark lost to a January windstorm, has long been a symbol of local pride. Council now plans to honour it with a commemorative bench made from its wood.

• 🏘️Chiniki First Nation Gets Funding To Support Banff–Canmore Housing. As part of a $3M boost to southern Alberta, Chiniki First Nation will receive $281K to plan workforce housing that supports labour needs in Banff, Canmore, and the surrounding area. The project aims to strengthen the region’s economic growth by helping address critical housing shortages.

• 🏞️How Long To Stay In Banff Without Regrets. We broke down the sweet spot for both summer and winter trips — whether you're planning your own adventure or trying to steer visiting family away from rookie mistakes. Full itineraries included so you can hit the highlights (and skip the FOMO). Check out our full guide.

ROAM TRANSIT ROLLS OUT FARE HIKES (BUT LOCALS CATCH A BREAK)

What’s Happening? Roam Transit is hiking fares for its Banff–Lake Louise regional bus just in time for the Victoria Day long weekend—but regular riders can breathe easy.

Visitor Wallets, Not Local Ones. Single fares, day passes, and 10-ride tickets (mostly used by visitors) are going up. Resident-focused monthly passes? Staying put. Roam says the price hike is aimed at tourists and keeps them cheaper than private operators.

Why Now? With ridership nearly doubling since 2022, Roam says demand is sky-high and parts, staffing, and maintenance costs are climbing too. The fare hike is expected to bring in an extra $340,000 a year.

Impact on Riders. Local passes stay at $105/month, but single fares jump from $10 to $12.50. Roam plans to reinvest revenue into reducing bus overloads and improving service during the busy summer stretch.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Free Tax And Benefits Help in Banff. If you’re new to Canada — or just need a refresher — drop by 101 Bear St. on April 11. Service Canada and CRA reps will be offering info sessions on taxes, benefits, and pensions. A must-visit for Banff and Canmore’s many seasonal and first-time filers. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Free. 

• Clothing Swap-O-Rama. A clothing swap is a fun, eco-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe! It’s a great way to save money, reduce waste, and discover unique finds—all while connecting with your community. 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Canmore Library. Free.

Saturday

• Bear Day. This family-friendly event is a celebration of welcoming bears back for another year. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the bears in the Bow Valley and to refresh your bear safety knowledge. 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Canmore Nordic Centre. Free. 

• ShredAbility returns to Sunshine Village. Teams of 2–4 will hit the slopes for a wild adaptive scavenger hunt fundraiser. Expect costumes, sit-ski challenges, big prizes, and mountain-wide bragging rights — all in support of Rocky Mountain Adaptive. Open to all abilities, with adaptive equipment and volunteers on hand. Register here. 

• Arc'teryx Banff Grand Opening Party. Enjoy the après-ski experience in their dedicated community space. There will be beverages, delicious food, and live music all day. 10:00 AM. Arc'teryx Banff. Free.

• Pysanky Workshop. Join Elizabeth Sorochan to learn about the traditional art of Ukrainian Easter Egg decorating. This workshop is designed for adults.  1:00 - 3:30 PM. Banff Library. Free, but space is limited. 

• Adventure Film Tour. Zhang Hong, a blind Chinese man, successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest from the southern slope with the assistance of his team guides. Watch his story. Two screenings: 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.. Lux Theatre, Banff. $15. 

• Banff’s Got Talent(ed) Drag Queens! Performer or audience member, this event will guarantee to be a fun night. 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Moxy, Banff. Free. 

Sunday

• Kid’s Ride Day. Got a shredder in the fam? This is your chance to check out what Banff Norquay’s snowboard programs are all about — for free! Only 30 spots are available, so register now. 

• Art for the Whole Family. Enjoy free, family-friendly art activities every Sunday at artsPlace Canmore. Two sessions: 10:00–10:45 AM and 11:15 AM–12:00 PM. Free.

• Trail Clean Up. Join in for a community clean-up along the river pathways. Supplies provided—just bring yourself, some gloves, and good vibes. Everyone’s welcome! 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Riverside Park, Canmore. Free.

• Spring Yoga in Canmore. Join CYAN for drop-in, donation-based yoga classes to stretch, breathe, and connect. All are welcome. 8:15 PM - 9:15 PM. Yoga Lounge, Canmore. Free. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🐣Easter Sunday Brunch April 20th. Celebrate Easter at The Prow with a delicious breakfast buffet! Enjoy eggs benedict, crispy bacon, fluffy waffles, and a decadent chocolate fountain, $32 for Adults and $20 for kids under 12. 7 AM - 12:30 PM. Bring your appetite and celebrate the holiday with great food and great company!

• 🍔Burger Quest: We Ranked CanGolf’s Crush Burger! See how Bow Valley Insider rated this famous Canmore burger.  Let us know where we should go next in the comments. 

• 🏃Become a Relentless 24 Ambassador! Rocky Mountain Adventure Race is seeking passionate runners and stoke-spreaders to help grow this wild mountain event. Perks include race entry, swag, insider access, and an epic crew. No ego required—just heart and hustle. Apply now!

• 🍷Guided Wine Tasting. Reserve your spot with Tuscan winemaker Niccolo Chioccioli when he comes to Canmore for an exclusive guided tasting of his unique Chianti wines, aged in terracotta amphoras. Enjoy a curated charcuterie board, four wines, and a surprise spirit treat. 18+ only!

• 🚧Upcoming Ski Area Closures. Nakiska shuts down April 20th and Mt Norquay on April 21st. Castle Mountain and WinSport are already done for the season. 

• 🛝New Adventure Playground in Banff! Designed for ages 2 to teens, the Adventure and Nature Playground in Banff’s Sundance Park, offers thoughtful challenges and safe risks—supporting creativity, cognitive growth, and social play through nature-inspired design. 

• 🌌Aurora Chasers. The Northern Lights are back and visible. See some recent pics from amateur Aurora chasers. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Community Events. The Town of Banff is hosting a number of upcoming community events, including Volunteer Appreciation on May 1st, a Community Clean-up and BBQ on May 3rd, and an all-day Rummage Sale at the Fenlands on May 4th.

• Green Brush Bins.The MD of Bighorn will be placing all the green bins for grass/leaves and brush in the Hamlets next week. For Exshaw residents, two green bins will be placed at the recycle depot on Mount Allen Drive until further notice.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, April 11th, 2025,  5:00 PM: Isaac Brothers.  Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Friday, April 11th, 2025, 7:00 PM: Open Mic Night. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. Free.

• Friday, April 11th, 2025, 9:00 PM: Phil Nugent. Location: Tavern 1883. $5 Cover.

• Friday, April 11th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Throttle Up. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, April 12th, 2025, 7:30  PM: Aimee-Jo Benoit and The New Assembly: Horns of Hope. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $35 / members $29.75 / youth $17.50.

• Saturday, April 12th, 2025,  9:00 PM: Phil Nugent. Location: Tavern 1883. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, April 12th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Throttle Up. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Sunday, April 13th, 2025, 3:00 PM: Sunday Sessions. Location: Core Values, Canmore.  No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canada’s Para-Nordic Team Gears Up For 2026 Games. From their base in Canmore, Canada’s Para nordic skiers are training hard for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics. Led by stars like Mark Arendz and Natalie Wilkie, the team faces a steeper, faster, more technical course — and they’re more than ready to take it on.

• Canmore’s Erik Read Eyes One Last Olympic Run. After a tough season off the national team, veteran skier Erik Read still hopes to make a third Winter Olympics in 2026. With ties to Italy and unfinished business on the slopes, he’s chasing one more shot — but says a lot still needs to fall into place.

That’s all, folks!

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