Jasper, Banff, Canmore mayors believe tourist designation on horizon after years of lobbying
CBC
Three Alberta mountain towns have lobbied the province for more than a decade to be recognized as tourism-based communities, hoping to get provincial support for hosting visitors from around the world.
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland was there when these talks first started, back when Ray Danyluk was at the table as minister of Municipal Affairs (2006-10).
This time, Ireland says, the discussions with the current government seem different.
"We feel that our case is being heard and relatively well received," Ireland said. "We are optimistic that the conversation will end differently this time, and I think we have reason for that."
Ireland says he's encouraged by how the UCP government is engaging with Banff, Canmore and Jasper on granting resort municipality status.
"The biggest change, from my perspective, is how the needs of tourism-based communities now seem to be in more complete alignment with provincial goals," Ireland said.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs told CBC News it is aware of the mountain towns' request and is consulting with municipalities and other groups.
The province has been looking to tourism as one of the many ways to diversify the economy, with lofty goals to double provincial tourism revenue by 2030.
With pandemic restrictions on travel and gathering, tourism was hit hard the past few years.
Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno says the province recognized her town's unique situation, and role in tourism, with funding from the Municipal Operating Support Transfer.
"If they invest in us, it's really about investing in the province as a whole," DiManno said.
That same recognition and funding, she says, was extended to Jasper and Canmore. She sees that as a signal the tourism towns could help the province rebound from pandemic economic lows.
Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert says the timing is right.
"I think it's the right time because … the amount of financial load that our residents are carrying, it's not going to get any less," he said.
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