Running December 1 -31, the Rotary Festival of Trees is a community-based holiday celebration with decorated trees, wreaths and special events and activities for the entire family. It is free to view and walk through the forest of trees. Funds raised from the Rotary Festival of Trees will be contributed to The Rotary Club of Canmore’s numerous programs and services which benefit so many within our community and internationally. Read more HERE.
New Year’s Eve Oscars Red Carpet- The Malcolm Hotel
December 31st, 2023- 5pm
New Year’s Eve Oscars Red Carpet Join us on Sunday, December 31st, 2023, to ring in the new year in true Hollywood style. Full Price list and details of the event HERE.
Canmore New Years Eve Events
Ring it in at the rink– Canmore recreation center from 5pm-8pm.free all-ages evening of fun featuring fireside musical performances with local musicians, a DJ dance party, ice skating, crafts, photobooths, and food vendors. The evening will conclude with a pyrotechnics show at 8 p.m. with viewing from the field outside of the Canmore Recreation Centre.
Midnight Fireworks-Count down to midnight with us at Millennium Park and say hello to 2024 with an exciting fireworks display. If you plan to make your way over to view the fireworks from Millennium Park, please note that the parking lot is closed to vehicle access beginning on Dec. 30 and will not re-open to vehicle access until Jan. 1, 2024. We encourage all residents to walk or to take Roam public transit to access the downtown on New Year’s Eve.
Banff New Years Eve Events
Celebrate in the park-Featuring live music from local and regional artists, such as local favorites Charlie B & Swanee, and headliners The Steadies, a high-energy, four-piece Canadian power band that are sure to get you moving! Join us for Indigenous dance performances and a tipi display, the Lil Toot train for toddlers, winter activities, and, of course, hot chocolate and fire-roasted marshmallows.
Midnight Pyrotechnics-Count down the last minutes of 2023 and celebrate the arrival of 2023 with low altitude, low noise pyrotechnics. These are family-friendly events so please leave alcohol and cannabis at home.
The 2023 RLP Solution’s Food Drive
We would like to extend a heart felt thank you to everyone who donated, supported and volunteered for the food drive this year. Thus far we have raised an astonishing 11,000lbs of food for the Bow Valley Food Bank. We will continue to accept donations at our offices until the new year. We aim to beat last years donations of 12,000lbs.
CLICK HERE to learn more about about the food drive and donate to the Bow Valley Food Bank.
2023 has been another year to be very thankful for!
Happy Holidays!
2023 was a year filled with so many blessings! Drew and I, with Katie’s fabulous help continue to help a great amount of buyers and sellers here in our mountain paradise. 2023 although down in sales volume from our market record breaking 2021 was still in the top 5 for sales volume. We are so very thankful to all our clients who continue to put their trust in us! We expect 2024 to be another good year even with a few parts of the market being affected with higher interest rates, noting that most of our market is not interest rate sensitive.
Reflections from Brad!
I continue to get out and enjoy our mountains with almost enough skiing, (never seems to be quite enough) , I enjoyed many days last year at Lake Louise with friends and a few with Joanna who was nursing her back which seems to be coming along well. I had a hi-lite of the Winter with a roommate from many years ago who lives in Golden, I worked hard to keep up to her on a 25 cm powder day from 9-4pm (I rarely ski that long) I was exhausted but what a day!
Not as much mtn biking or road biking this year, I pulled or tore something in my left shoulder which has left me working hard to get it back into full working order, stay tuned, not quite there yet.
We had a big holiday set up for Jo’s birthday in late May and the 1st 2 weeks of June.Jo and I landed in Istanbul for 3 days of exploring and time changing, we saw all the sights, the spice market, Grand Bazaar, we even had a food tour. We then went to join 10 of our friends for a week in Crete to celebrate Jo’s birthday. We had a 4 bedroom and a 2 bedroom with a shared court yard which was perfect for the 7 course birthday dinner feast I organized with a local chef that we had outdoors under the stars on the courtyard. The dinner was amazing and I even felt that we had maybe a little too much food which is hard to believe. All 12 of us loved Crete! The food was so unbelievably great and inexpensive, friendly people, easy to get around once there, nice weather and who knew that they have such big mountains, would love to go back and do some biking. We chartered a yacht for a day and went to explore some of the surrounding islands and beaches, that was fabulous as well.
Jo and I went back to Turkey for what was to be another 12 days but you will have to ask me about my passport issue and it only having 5.5 months left where they denied me reentry into Turkey. The upside to ending our trip early was that between us booking this trip for Jo’s bday and us leaving was that Cal obtained an internship in Calgary that was starting at the beginning of June. If our trip would have continued in Turkey I would have missed out on the opportunity to spend all of June outside of work with Cal while he was in Calgary so that was a big upside I am very thankful for. It was great having Cal back out west again after much of the previous 4 years back east. Cal’s internship was part of his program that allowed him to graduate from The College and Sports Media in Toronto. He was with Sportsnet The Fan 960 radio in Calgary for the 2 months for his internship and then onto Sportsnet The Fan 590 in Toronto until late November. Cal was loving all he was learning and the people he was meeting with Sportsnet and then a TV job opportunity became available in a small market in Alberta , he applied and got the job and started Dec 4th. Cal is the weather / news / sports anchor plus will have an opportunity to do the colour and play by play for the local hockey team in the new year. His passion is more to be in front of a camera and this is a great opportunity to hone his talents and get a lot of practice. I am very excited that we will be able to meet up more being a lot closer than Toronto.
Lauren is loving her coworkers and her job that is in a department of the federal government. Lauren helped coordinate a conference in France last Spring and loved the travel and went to London to visit some friends after France. Lauren is still able to work remotely and came to the Lake for several weeks. It was fabulous having her nearby for meals and adventures when she was not working. Lauren also was able to get a puppy this summer and Cash is wonderful, high energy for sure which is a puppy’s job. Cash is a lot of fun and so very cute. Lauren will be here for Christmas and for part of ski season and will work from home while she is here, I am very excited to have them both here!
Jo’s has had an extremely busy work year and she is very thankful for her clients support as well. Jo has been volunteering with the Calgary Stampede Board helping mentor young ladies, and of course they love her too, no surprise there! We had a trip planned to Japan for the 1st 2 weeks of Feb 2024 that we seemed to be holding back on booking for some reason which is not like us, we have recently decided to shelve that trip for a year or 2.
I have been out skate and classic skiing several times and actually bought some new classic skis and boots which I am loving! I am still getting to the gym 5 – 6 times a week but I need to pick my attendance at Yoga as I only seem to get there once or twice a week. I have some ski buddies coming for a couple of days in early March and I hope to do a tour in BC to see my skier friends at various resorts. My new passion is wake foiling which I picked up in August when I got back to Alberta and expectthat to be woven into my other non winter activities for a long time, I love the peace and tranquility of carving through the water but I still have so much to learn. I am having fun trying a new sport.
Happy holidays to everyone and all the best in health, happiness, love and prosperity in 2024 and beyond! Brad xo
Reflections From Drew!
Wow, another wonderful year in the beautiful Bow Valley. It is amazing how quickly the year has passed. Last year was exciting as it started with Brad and I having the opportunity to host skiers/snowboarders and a group that snowshoed from across Canada to show them the beauty we get to live in. It is always great to see the reactions and excitement of the people that visit Canmore and Banff.
The food drive was another great success, thank you for all of you that helped out whether it was by helping to collect the food (we go door to door throughout Canmore) sort the food or through a food/monetary donation. If you were not in the Christmas spirit before the food bank drive, you sure are from that moment forward.
Asher has enjoyed 2023 as he moved from grade 10 into grade 11. In the spring he played soccer again for his high school team (Canmore Collegiate High School). In the fall he was back on the field to play another year of football, I am not sure what he enjoys more but both are definite passions. When not doing schoolwork, soccer or football Asher is often found at the gym or better yet on the ski hill. He continues to work part time which will help as he just passed his drivers test…. Make sure you look both ways out there 😉
Hannah had a great season of competitive cheerleading heading back to Florida in the spring to compete at the World Championship. It was exciting to see Hannah over the last year start to transition to coaching teams and she is a natural. Hannah also entered Mount Royal University and is excelling; she will make an amazing teacher!
Brendan is now in his third year of biomedical engineering at the University of Calgary. His work ethic and long days/nights are helping him not only survive but thrive. He was invited to present at a Biomedical Conference in Banff in October and is excited to see what this next year will bring with an opportunity to start a Co-op in May.
My folks are doing very well, and it was nice to get out with them this past weekend to see the lights at Spruce Meadows.
We were able to travel more this year. It was great to go with Cheryl down to Florida to support Hannah. We truly were there to enjoy watching Hannah but felt different as Hannah runs the show herself. After the competition Cheryl and Hannah got to spend some mother daughter time swimming with Manatees and enjoying the Clearwater area of Florida.
My brother and I have been trying to plan a golf trip to Ireland for the last 10 years and we finally went in June. It was such a great trip and my first time there. While the golf had its ups and downs, Ireland was stunning and I will find my way back there soon I hope, the next time with Cheryl.
A long time in the planning was our summer holiday down to Florida and the Caribbean on a cruise to celebrate graduation of all three kids. Brendan’s was a couple of years late; Hannah was on time and Asher was a couple of years early. Cheryl and I fully understand that as the kids get older times like these will be harder and harder to come by so this was a very special time for the five of us.
In November, Asher and I were able to get away for a university tour out east. It is hard to imagine having all three kids at university in a couple of years.
As I look back on the entire year, it was also with a lot of fun activity be it trail runs, bike rides, golf and just most of all fantastic family time. I hope this finds you and your loved ones healthy and happy, and my family and I wish you great health and happiness in 2023.
We are delighted to announce the sale of 133, 13 Aspen Glen. Congratulations to everyone involved in this transaction.
The stunning mountain views in all directions will have you awestruck. At 2,767sqft and a large renovation just a few years ago you will love being able to move in and enjoy. As you enter this home you are pulled up to the high cathedral ceiling in the large living room with a mammoth wall of south facing windows. With multiple outdoor spaces and windows on 3 sides, you have views everywhere you look. Up a few steps is the dining room along with the modern and bright kitchen that enjoys waterfall stone countertops, lots of storage and top of the line appliances. Upstairs has the large primary bedroom with more views and vaulted ceilings, renovated 5 pce ensuite, 2nd bedroom, 3 pce ensuite, laundry and office area. The lower walkout level has a large family room with even more south facing windows, space for another office plus an area that could also be another bedroom and a renovated 3 pce bath all with in slab heat. Lastly is the heated double car garage and loads of storage.
We are delighted to announce the sale of 303, 150 Stonecreek Road, Canmore. Congratulations to all that were involved in this sale.
Enjoy this top of the world premiere penthouse in Pinnacle, the highest elevation of any building in Canmore. This well designed 2,837 sqft single floor home has truly unmatched views inside and out and features a south facing primary balcony & a 2nd balcony accessed by both primary retreats. In the kitchen with stone countertops & walk in pantry, the chef in the family may find it hard to concentrate with the views of Three Sisters each time they look up. These views continue though the dining & living room with a feature gas fireplace. The first primary retreat features a corner gas fireplace, sitting area, walk-in closet & spa-inspired ensuite. The second primary retreat also has a walk-in closet & spa-inspired ensuite. Completing this beautiful plan are 2 more bedrooms or offices with access privilege between them, a three piece bath, large laundry room & a grand entry with a library. Other features include two heated underground parking stalls & a massive storage unit.
The 48th Annual Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival happened from October 28th- November 5th, 2023. If you are a local, you are likely already accustomed to what it entails. If you are not local, the film festival is a international festival which accepts entries from numerous topics showcasing Mountain adventures and tales from around the world. This year we managed to sneak in a few of the shows, and we are excited to share our experience.
Saturday October 28th, 2023- 9:00 am – Mixed Morning Films!
Waking up on a Saturday Morning at 9:00am to watch a movie is not the first choice for the majority of people. Feeling slow moving and sleepy, with a overflowing thermos of coffee, we excitedly ventured to the Banff Center. Parking was an easy feat with multiple options, there is also a free bus from the town of Banff and walking up to the Banff center from town is an extremely realistic option.
The mixed Morning films included a variety of short films encompassing different cultures, adventures and environments. The energy in the auditorium was palpable. Mutters of what to expect filled the room. The 3 hour screening journeyed us thorough multiple experiences and stories, the allure of each clip grasps you with awe. The variance of the movies shown in this three hour time slot truly pulls on all your heart strings. From a Dallas based non profit community resilience hub rooted in Skate culture to rock climbing to fight a lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis in Sardinia in Italy you immediately feel like you are part of something bigger. It gives you an appreciation of the world we live in, the boundary’s we as humans have pushed and the ability the mind play’s in reaching our goals.
Vertical Canada: The closing movie was a 45 minute adventure documenting Canada’s first ever North to South human crossing. Starting in Ellesmere Island a group of Quebecoise took on the challenge. They expertly convey the challenges, successes, little wins and hardships along the way. This inspirational movie was the perfect way to end the show. It left the audience feeling exhilarated for the upcoming winter season.
Sunday October 29th, 2023- 7:30pm – Snow Show
The snow show is one of the most anticipated shows of the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival. It Showcases a mix of snow sports over a varying terrain. This show is a highly anticipated kick off to the winter season. While waiting for the show to start the muffled chitchat of the upcoming winter season fills the room. The contagious anticipatory energy sets the tone for what’s to come.
It was inspiring to see a submission from Adrian Grabinski, a Canmore local. ‘The Best Skier you’ve Never Heard of‘ follows the story of Adrian who after his successful ski racing career on the Junior Canadian Team, decided to venture West. He shares his truly remarkable journey that led him to realize that the captivating mountains would not be the only thing to steal his heart in a small non profit ski hill near Terrace, B.C.
A favorite pick from this show was ‘How Did we Get Here’. The story of The Blonde’s, three ladies who wanted to Sled but could only afford one sled. You cannot help but reminisce on your own childhood and the many fun adventures you had playing on sleds. The ladies certainly know how to navigate any terrain on their skis and have no fear of being off the ground. The movie is portrayed through brilliant cinematography. A must see for any adventure seeker.
Saturday, November 4th, 2023- 7:30- Jess Kimura and Films
Comedian Katie Burrell hosted a brilliant night interviewing Jess Kimura about her career in snowboarding. Throughout the evening the audience indulged in tears of happiness and joy. Jess Kimura has not gained her success easily. Through many trials and tribulations she persevered to being one of the top female snowboarders worldwide. From being disregarded by the snowboarding community to loosing her partner in a biking accident, she truly has overcome some of life’s hardest lessons.
What separates Jess from the mainstream professional athlete’s is her commitment to bringing other people along with her success. She produced a all female snowboarding movie, The Uninvited, showcasing some of the up and coming boarders in the industry. With the intention of giving the girls the opportunity to demonstrate their skills while also giving the viewers encouragement to keep on going.
The Banff Mountain Film Fest exhibits some of the worlds best adventure movies. The submissions for the Film Festival open in April 2024. If adventure videography is something your interested you should considering entering a video into the competition. If you are more of a observer, the Banff Mountain Film Festival happens in the last week of October/ Early November annually. It is the perfect way to kick off the winter season. If you are interested in watching the movies for the Banff Mountain Film Festival 2023 , Click Here to see if the shows world tour comes to a town near you.
Whether you want to get hyped for the upcoming season/adventure or learn about some inspiring people, you cannot go wrong by checking out a show at the Banff Film Festival. The festival truly embraces the strength and resilience of humans. The exhilarating movies will have you inspired to get out there and chase your dreams..
For more about skiing in the Bow Valley: Click Here
November Brings the 31st Annual RLP Food Drive and a Feeling of Déjà vu
31ST Annual RLP Food Drive
As we move through the fall season, we are excited for what all that it brings. The 31st Annual RLP Food Drive is taking place on November 29th at Canmore Chrysler. It is such a great event and so needed in our community. As the ski hills are starting to open it is great to see the Bow Valley getting excited for the upcoming winter season. you can feel the excitement building. You can feel the excitement building, people walking around town with their skis / boards to get tuned following epic adventure movie watching at the recently ended Banff Mountain Film Festival.
Déjà Vu
Looking back to our newsletter in November of 2022 we feel a good dose of déjà vu. Quotes from last year of “Our market is one that many are struggling to understand. While it has felt for many like the market has taken a step back and with many price reductions, we can see how it could be viewed that way.”
Current Market
As we look at our market, we see the listing inventory this time of year quite consistent. There are small increases each year over the past three years with total listings being 131, 138, 144. What is dramatic is the listing inventories in November for the 3 years prior to Covid was 189, 196 and 228. The average number of listings in November over the last 10 years is 192 which makes 2023 25% below that.
Listing inventory is just one of many metrics we use. When we look at sales numbers for the month of October in the 5 years prior to the pandemic we get an average of 49. That is 40% higher than this year. During those years we started the month of October with an average of 231 listings giving buyers 70% more properties to choose from. The reason this is so important to consider is that the lack of inventory in a recreational market often causes buyers to be more patient and hence wait for the right property at the right price.
As mentioned above and below, we are proud to announce once again, that our 31st annual Royal LePage Food Bank Drive will be on Wednesday November 29th. This is our biggest ask of the year, as we always need help on the evening for a few hours. We are happy to pick up any donations both nonperishable food and/or a monetary donation. Please follow the link below if you can help out in any way.
Another beautiful property has sold. We would like to thank everyone involved in this transaction.
Mountain views abound in this sprawling 4 bedroom South Canmore like new half duplex. The extensive use of windows from floor to ceiling in this contemporary alpine home capture views from the southern Three Sisters past HaLing to the East end of Rundle. Walking into the great room your eyes dance from the chefs kitchen with stone countertops, Thermador appliances & a walk in pantry to the living/dining & out to the large private south facing view deck. Also on this floor is the primary retreat with spa inspired ensuite, walk in closet & another view deck. Upstairs is a 2nd primary bedroom with ensuite and access to the third view deck. The entry level completes this stunning home with 2 more bedrooms, 2 additional baths along with a family room. Other features include a double car garage with epoxy floor, toe warming inslab heat and a large mudroom. Take this opportunity to be in quiet south Canmore close to the river trails and just a few blocks away from main street.
We are delighted to announce the sale of 202- 56 Lincoln Park. Congratulations to all involved in the sale of this property.
Investor alert, commercial space, ground level access with no one above. This 1,057 sq ft fully finished space is a great investment or place for existing business. Currently this thriving clinic is looking to downsize, giving you a wonderful opportunity to own your own business space, the bright space has easy client access, windows on 3 sides no adjoining walls with other spaces. There is a welcoming lobby area with adjoining admin office, staff kitchen area, 3 treatment rooms or offices ( 2 very large) with potential to create more, plenty of storage and a 2 piece washroom. It has 2 entrances so could be used for different purposes as well. The unit has 2 assigned parking stalls with access to additional available scramble parking. Ideal office for a growing company, physio, massage, or other health care provider, hair and esthetics. Contact your Commercial Associate for a viewing.
Another whole rotation around the sun, its hard to imagine its that time of year again. We are proud to be able to say that this is our 31st Annual Food Drive. Brad helped organize the first Food Drive and Drew joined a few years later. That’s 31 years of supporting local food banks, communities, friends, and families. Whether you volunteered to help, donated product, sponsored the event or spread the word, you are a massive part of this all-encompassing community event. We would not have been able to do it without the help of all of you and we are reaching out again to ask for you help.
When and Where?
This year we will be holding the food drive on the evening of the 29th of November at 5:30pm. It will be based out of Canmore Chrysler- 101 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 1N8. This means there is 3 things for you as a Canmore local to be aware of:
Keep the date free so you can volunteer and become part of an amazing event that helps hundreds of families in our community.
If you do not have the ability to volunteer that is okay. If you have the means, pick up some food to donate. We can use all the donations we can get. On the evening on November 29th, leave your porch light on and be listening for your doorbell.
Traffic in the area may be slightly busier while the food drive is getting under way.
What can you do to help?
Our goal is to knock on every single door in Canmore and ask for donations. That’s where the majority of our volunteers come in. The more people we have to help, the more doors we get to knock on and the more donations we receive.
What roles are there for volunteers.
Driver- In this role you drive around with a group ( usually your friends or family) and bring them to their map area. You stay with them so they can load donations into your vehicle. Once you have knocked on all the doors in your area, you drive your group back to Canmore Chrysler to drop off the donations. ( you will need to have a vehicle for this role). Then you will head over to Royal LePage Solutions on 101, 710, 10th Street, Canmore for an thank you reception.
Walker- You get a map of an area, you get to go out and knock on doors asking for donations. You will be with a group of people (usually your friends or family). You will collect donations and load them into your drivers car as you go. You will then drop the donations back to Canmore Chrysler once you have finished your area. Then you will head over to Royal LePage Solutions on 101, 710, 10th Street, Canmore for an thank you reception.
Packer- In this role you will stay at Canmore Chrysler to pack and box the donations we receive. We weigh every box to track how much we receive. Then you will head over to Royal LePage Solutions on 101, 710, 10th Street, Canmore for an thank you reception.
There is a role for everyone so if you are unsure that any of the roles above would work for you due to health conditions or any other concerns just reach out to us at canmore@royallepage.ca and we will be happy to find a role that works for you.
Not able to volunteer on the night? No Problem. You can donate some non-perishable items on the night when one of the volunteers knocks on your door. We have reached out to the Bow Valley Food Bank and asked them what they are in the most need of this year.
Soup- Chunky and Regular
Hamburger Helper
Sidekicks Noodle/Rice Packs
Spaghetti Sauce
Canned Fruit
Coffee
Tea
Toothbrush and Tooth Paste
Do you live in a condo? That’s also no problem. We are accepting donations at the Royal LePage office located at 101, 710, 10th Street, Canmore.
If you have an excess of any of these products, please consider donating to the RLP Food Drive. The food bank is of course happy to any take non-perishable products you are willing to donate.
Thank you so much for any support you can give. Together we can fight hunger and strengthen our community.
Want to learn more about the RLP Food Drive ? Click here
With the leaves changing colour and falling we are welcoming the fall market. We have seen some amazing weather and with the return on snow on the mountain peaks fall has arrived and ski season will soon follow.
While the number of sales in July, August and September look very strong they also include 80 sales combined of preconstruction hotel condo units. If we remove those sales 2023 looks quite consistent with an average number of sales per month at 34 and a low in January of 22 and a high in July at 45.
You will hear us speaking of comparing our current market to pre-covid numbers and currently we are very close to 2018 numbers but about 20% lower than sales in 2019. We both feel a large part of this reduction is lack of choice for buyers. The total number of active listings on the market is dramatically less with a 54% less active listings on the market in 2023 compared to 2019. With less choice more buyers are being forced to be patient.
Looking at the Quarterly numbers we continue to see stability in the number of sales with prices increasing over the last few years with the pandemic and increased activity. As we expected last year, the market is starting to see some consistency again with the lack of inventory being the major factor in holding back the number of sales. We do expect that to continue this year while it would make sense to see a balancing of the active listings to move us closer to a balanced market (although we would have quite a way to go to get there)
We are still getting the question on interest rates and still feel that rising interest rates affect a smaller part of the Canmore market than elsewhere but higher interest rates will slow the 1st time buyer and move up local buyer market back down to the long term sales trend line.
Please read through the rest of our newsletter to get the added information on both the Underused Housing Tax Act along with the resent decision by the courts on the future of the Three Sisters Development.
Click here for our newsletter page for the full newsletter including Graphs!
