Banff council and Parks Canada at odds over future of patios on town’s main road
Global News
The seasonal closure of Banff’s most famous street has become a summer experience that town council has voted to make permanent from late May through Thanksgiving.
It was an idea born during the pandemic to promote social distancing and help businesses. Four years later, the seasonal closure of Banff’s most famous street has become a summer experience that town council has voted to make permanent from late May through Thanksgiving.
Parks Canada supports the pedestrian zone and public seating and tables on Banff Avenue, but is not on board with commercial patios.
“As we return to regular business, the proposed permanent and ongoing expansion of commercial activities in public space is no longer supported and is contrary to the laws which ensure this special place is protected,” said Parks Canada officials in a statement.
The town’s mayor said they received a letter from the superintendent in the “11th hour.” While they have been in talks with Parks Canada, Mayor Corrie DiManno is confident they will be going ahead this summer with patios.
“The Town of Banff feels our position is strong and we are not outside of our commercial cap as it relates to commercial use on public lands, but we will continue talks (with Parks Canada) and I am optimistic we can find a resolution,” said Mayor DiManno.
The closure has allowed bars and restaurants to expand their seating outdoors with patios lining Banff Avenue under the watchful view of Cascade Mountain. Pedestrians walk with ease crisscrossing the main artery in the heart of the mountain town.
But the closure has come with no shortage of controversy among people who call Banff home. Some locals raised concerns about the congestion it causes and the traffic being diverted onto neighbouring residential streets. Others are concerned about safety risk in cases of an emergency. The issue even sparked protests.
The mayor said Banff doesn’t have too many people, the issue is too many cars. The town is considering a project that would see the expansion of a parking lot at the edge of town, to help alleviate congestion. Banff resident Harvey Locke said he’s gobsmacked it’s even being considered.
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