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 ...