'It's always a concern': Bow Valley's labour shortages persist as ski season approaches

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal News 'It's always a concern': Bow Valley's labour shortages persist as ski season approaches Labour shortages have been an issue in the area since 2024, when Canada reduced the number of new international students and temporary workers entering the country. Author of the article: By Payton Delisle-Miller Published Sep 18, 2026 4 minute read Join the conversation The Town of Banff, as seen on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Darren Makowichuk/Postmedia Article content Bow Valley employers are heading into the winter hiring season with plenty of jobs to fill, but a smaller pool of international workers to draw from as a result of federal and provincial changes continue to pose challenges. Article content The Job Resource Centre (JRC) hosted its annual winter hiring fair in Banff on Tuesday, drawing about 200 job seekers, and will hold a second fair in Canmore on Tuesday as employers across the area look to fill positions before the ski season gets underway. Article content Article content Article content It is the first time the centre has held separate winter hiring fairs in both communities, a change Michel Dufresne, director of the JRC, said reflects growing demand. More than 30 employers are participating across the two events. Article content Noon News Roundup Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “It’s been a hard summer,” Dufresne said. “Everyone’s been short staffed this summer and they don’t want to be short staffed in the winter.” Article content As of Sept. 18, JRC has 201 job postings. Sixty-one of those postings are for food and beverage, with 24 for hotels and housekeeping. That means roughly 42 per cent of the job board comprises hospitality jobs. Article content “I don’t think it’s a surprise that the Bow Valley is currently facing a labour shortage,” said Rachel Ludwig, CEO of Tourism Canmore Kananaskis (TCK). “That labour shortage is really year round, so we’re expecting that the winter hiring season will be just as challenging as the summer has been.” Article content Ludwig said the shortages have been an issue since 2024, when Canada reduced the number of new international students and temporary…