MD of Bighorn

MD of Bighorn council will consider changes to its animal control bylaw and hold a non-statutory public hearing in the near future to prohibit off-leash dogs in Exshaw.

The last week in the Bow Valley saw additional public health restrictions lifted as pre-COVID-19 life slowly began to repair as tourists flocked to the valley, patios reopened and residents were out-and-about.

The Battle Against Drugs Walk was a solidarity protest by members of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation who were raising further attention to stop drugs from circulating in the community.

"I understand that this mitigation work is intended to protect Exshaw from debris floods, but I fear there is still too much uncertainty around groundwater issues in east Exshaw if the current mitigation design were to proceed, so I cannot support [the motion]," said Councillor Lisa Rosvold on Tuesday (June 8).

The Calgary Region Airshed Zone – which includes Banff, Canmore and the MD of Bighorn – received an award from the Alberta Emeral Foundation recently for work it does to monitor and educate people about air quality in the region.

An expansion of a mixed-use commercial and residential development was approved for Dead Man’s Flats, but not before concerns were expressed on parking and traffic congestion.

“The terrain can be unstable and the water in this stretch of the Bow River is ice-cold and especially treacherous. Water levels change without warning and strong undercurrents and undertows can drag people under or sweep them away to further dangers down the river. Anyone going to these sites is not concerned with his or her own safety. That makes them a danger to both themselves and to their friends.”

“It’s predominantly because of COVID the tourism industry has taken a hit and some families have moved out of the valley, so enrolments have gone down. Staff has been adjusted to that as well. It’s a direct correlation. … We admit the enrolments won’t increase or decrease and it’s going to be steady this year, but if enrolments do increase staffing will have to be adjusted.”

Here's a look at photos that were in the newspaper and website for the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

“The garbage and litter is beginning to be very noticeable. It was my motivation to say, I know many people in the community love the environment and they pick-up litter themselves, so why not have a organized day where people can see others and have it be a great community spirit event. … World Environment Day is a great day to come together as safe as we can under COVID and say, ‘let’s do it.’”