Realigning Banff's Priorities with Dr David Fullerton

Episode 86 Grounded in Community, Ted Christensen's Case for Re-Election

Episode 85. A Local's Look at Bannf's Evolution with Brian Standish

Episode 84. Banff Now & Then with Chip Olver on Lessons Learned Across Decades

Twelve years ago, Michelle Backhouse came to Banff chasing a longer ski season — now she’s running for Banff Town Council. From community builder to volunteer firefighter and food security advocate, Michelle has spent over a decade working to make Banff a more connected, resilient, and welcoming place for everyone.

In this episode of the Overheard Podcast, recorded live in Banff, Michelle shares her journey from BanffLife and the Ambassador Program to becoming a Town Council candidate, and lays out her vision for Banff’s future — tackling housing, tourism, community safety, and representation at the council table.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Why Michelle chose to make Banff her long-term home

• Her leap from community involvement to local politics

• Practical solutions to Banff’s housing crisis

• Thoughts on density and parking changes and community concerns

• What “overtourism” means to her and how it impacts Banff

• Strategies to ease summer traffic and congestion

• Her take on the Train Station ARP and its role in Banff’s future

• Lessons from being a volunteer firefighter and how it shapes her leadership

• Why she believes more voices need to be heard at the council table

• Why she’s running, and what gives her hope for the future of Banff

Michelle’s story is one of community, courage, and commitment — and this episode offers a thoughtful look at how everyday locals can step up to shape the future of their town.

Hosted by Daniel Ruedl and Matty Rage, recorded live in Banff.

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Support the Show

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! About 70% of our listeners aren’t subscribed — hitting that button helps us keep bringing Banff’s stories to life.

Special thanks to our sponsor @drinkshaft — grab your non-alcoholic shafts at Townhouse Liquor Store or The Rose & Crown.

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#MichelleBackhouse #Banff #BanffPodcast #BanffPolitics #BanffTownCouncil #BanffHousingCrisis #OverheardPodcast #BanffElections #BanffCommunity #BanffAmbassadorProgram #Overtourism #RegenerativeTourism #BanffTraffic #MountainTownLife #BanffFuture

Banff local, small business owner, hockey player, and current Town Councillor Kaylee Ram returns to the Overheard Podcast for a powerful conversation about the future of Banff. With re-election on October 20, Kaylee shares her vision for tackling the housing crisis, managing tourism sustainably, supporting families, and building a stronger community for everyone who calls Banff home.

In this episode, we dive into:

• What keeps Kaylee rooted in Banff

• Real solutions to Banff’s housing crisis by 2040

• Density and parking changes — community concerns and council’s vision

• Defining “overtourism” and what regenerative tourism means for Banff

• The future of summer traffic, vehicle caps, and transit improvements

• The Train Station ARP and how large projects fit within a national park

• Kaylee’s proudest moments from her first term and why she’s running again

This episode offers a candid look at Banff’s challenges and opportunities through the eyes of someone who isn’t just in politics — she’s your neighbour. Whether you’re a local, a voter, or just curious about how mountain towns navigate growth and conservation, this conversation is essential listening.

Recorded live in Banff with hosts Daniel Ruedl and Matty Rage.

⸻

Support the show:

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. About 70% of our listeners aren’t subscribed — hitting that button really helps us grow this Banff-based community.

Special thanks to our sponsor @drinkshaft — grab your non-alcoholic shafts at Townhouse Liquor Store or The Rose & Crown.

⸻

#Banff #BanffPodcast #KayleeRam #BanffPolitics #BanffTownCouncil #BanffHousingCrisis #BanffTourism #OverheardPodcast #RegenerativeTourism #Overtourism #BanffElections #BanffCommunity #MountainTownLife

In this episode of the Overheard Podcast, recorded live in Banff, we sit down with Marc Ledwidge, a respected community leader, certified mountain guide, and candidate for Banff Town Council. Marc’s story is deeply rooted in the Bow Valley. After moving to Banff in 1981, he spent 33 years with Parks Canada, starting as a backcountry warden on horseback and eventually leading major organizational changes in mountain rescue and avalanche safety.

Marc has dedicated his life to the mountains and the community, working around the world in guiding and rescue operations, including time with the legendary Chamonix mountain rescue team. After retiring from Parks, he served three terms as President of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, helping shape the future of guiding in Canada. Today, he continues to give back through local volunteer work with Community Cruisers.

In this conversation, Marc shares his journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for Banff’s future. We discuss housing challenges, traffic congestion, overtourism, the relationship between the Town and Parks Canada, and how to support both frontline workers and aging residents in a community under increasing pressure. With decades of experience navigating both wilderness and organizational leadership, Marc brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to Banff’s political landscape.

Overheard is recorded live in Banff and brings you candid conversations with locals, leaders, and fascinating guests who shape life in the Bow Valley. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation.

Sponsored by @drinkshaft, available at Townhouse Liquor and the Rose and Crown.

#Banff #MarcLedwidge #BanffPodcast #OverheardPodcast #BanffTownCouncil #BanffHousing #BanffCommunity #BowValley #Overtourism #BanffFuture #MountainLeadership #BanffLocalVoices #ParksCanada #BanffPolitics

In this episode of the Overheard Podcast, recorded live in Banff, we sit down with Lesley Young, a long-time local, community advocate, and candidate for Banff Town Council. Les has called Banff home for more than 50 years, working across hospitality, retail, and community organizations while contributing to key housing and age-friendly initiatives.

From arriving in Banff in the early 1970s to raising a family and serving on multiple boards, Les has witnessed the town grow and transform over five decades. Now, he’s bringing that experience to the conversation on the future of community life in the Bow Valley.

We explore his journey, his passion for helping Banff remain a place where people can live and age well, and his vision for tackling the challenges of overtourism, housing shortages, and infrastructure pressures. Whether you’re a resident, a long-time listener, or curious about local politics in one of Canada’s most unique towns, this episode offers grounded insight from someone who has grown alongside Banff itself.

Overheard is recorded live in Banff and features candid conversations with locals, leaders, and guests who shape life in the Bow Valley. Listen, subscribe, and be part of the conversation.

Sponsored by @drinkshaft, available at Townhouse Liquor and the Rose and Crown.

#Banff #LesleyYoung #BanffPodcast #OverheardPodcast #BanffTownCouncil #BanffHousing #BowValley #BanffCommunity #BanffPolitics #Overtourism #BanffFuture #BanffLocalVoices

In this episode of the Overheard Podcast, recorded live in Banff, we sit down with Seth Enriquez philosopher, father of four, long-time local, and candidate for Banff Town Council. From his roots in Los Angeles to his leadership as Rector of St. George in the Pines Anglican Church, Seth has built a life centered on community, service, and vision for Banff’s future.

We dive deep into his journey to the Bow Valley, his passion for helping residents flourish, and his perspective on some of the biggest issues facing Banff today:

• Housing and affordability

• Overtourism and traffic

• Community belonging

• The Town’s future and governance

With a background in philosophy and years of local leadership, Seth brings a thoughtful approach to politics and community life. Whether you’re a Banff local, a policy wonk, or simply curious about the future of this unique mountain town, this conversation offers insight, depth, and heart.

Overheard is recorded live in Banff and brings you candid conversations with locals, leaders, and fascinating guests shaping the Bow Valley. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation.

Follow us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsored by @drinkshaft — available at Townhouse Liquor and the Rose & Crown.

#Banff #SethEnriquez #BanffPodcast #OverheardPodcast #BanffTownCouncil #BanffHousingCrisis #BanffPolitics #BowValley #CommunityLeadership #PhilosophyAndPolitics #BanffFuture

In this episode of the Overheard Podcast, recorded live in Banff, we sit down with town council candidate Allan Buckingham to talk about the future of Banff and the Bow Valley. Allan has lived in Banff since 2006, is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, founder of Chill Audio Visual Solutions, and a dedicated community volunteer. Known for getting around town on a push scooter or paddling a canoe, Allan brings a unique perspective on what it means to live, work, and thrive in Banff.

We dive into the biggest issues facing Banff today, including:

• The Banff housing crisis and how to create affordable, realistic solutions

• Overtourism and whether Banff should consider a visitation cap

• The future of Banff’s traffic and transit, including the train station ARP and parking challenges

• Protecting and supporting frontline workers

• Balancing the guest experience with preserving quality of life for residents

• Wildfire readiness and Banff’s ability to prepare for climate impacts

• Allan’s vision for the future and why he’s running for Banff Town Council again

If you care about the future of Banff and want to hear directly from a candidate shaping the local conversation, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to the Overheard Podcast for weekly conversations with the people, leaders, and changemakers of Banff and the Bow Valley.