200-Block Banff Avenue Redevelopment
In the late 1990s, Parks Canada identified a need to improve reception, orientation and education services for visitors to Banff National Park. It was determined that the best place to deliver these improvements would be in the heart of the town of Banff, where 80% of visitors stop during their trip. To this end and knowing it would take many years, Parks Canada began acquiring the necessary lands on the 200-block of Banff Avenue.
After more than two and a half decades of work, it is anticipated that by September 30, 2024, Parks Canada will have 10 adjacent lots on Banff Avenue. These lots include Banff Avenue Park, the current visitor information centre and its associated parking, and two other buildings.
The intention is for these lots to be redeveloped with facilities, spaces and programs that support visitor reception, enjoyment and connection with the rest of the park, and which foster their understanding of the challenges faced by protected areas like Banff.
A full picture of what this redevelopment will look like, and the details of its programs and services has yet to be developed. This picture will be created through a planning process called scoping which focuses on
1) obtaining a complete picture of the site through detailed studies, and
2) identifying the principles, considerations, constraints, needs and aspirations for redevelopment of the site with the help of Indigenous communities, stakeholders and the public.
The results of these activities will then be used to create a framework to guide decisions and redevelopment options (also known as conceptual designs).
Project Principles and Considerations
Project principles guide the overall planning and redevelopment options for the site. The draft principles are:
- Sustainability – Recognizing that a healthy environment is fundamental to a healthy and resilient population, the redevelopment should contribute to the preservation and protection of the park’s natural and cultural resources during through its design, construction and long-term operation.
- Accessibility – The redevelopment should ensure inclusiveness and non-discrimination through barrier-free design, gender neutral washrooms, and a welcoming, respectful environment.
- Sense of Place – While integrating with the urban space around it, the redevelopment should: strike a balance between built and open spaces; invite people to move beyond the site to the greater park environment; reflect the national park character; and protect the quality of the scenic views.
- Fostering Connection – To encourage exploration and transition to the broader park environment, the redevelopment should be permeable and include open spaces for gathering, contemplation and conversation.
- Purpose-Built – The redevelopment should not endeavour to be all things to all people; rather its design, construction and operation should support the long-term objectives of the park management plan and Parks Canada’s mandate.
- Collaboration– Any redevelopment should reflect the values and aspirations that Canadians have for their national parks. This is supported by timely, accessible information and open and transparent engagement processes. Final decision on the project should be sensitive to the location in the heart of the community, and the potential role that others may play in the site’s future.
- Respect and Authenticity – the process of redevelopment should be sensitive to the diverse histories and cultures that have influenced the area, and where possible and agreed upon, incorporate the related stories, milestones, ceremonies and traditions with authenticity and integrity.
Considerations provide the criteria for deciding between options, and determining what will happen on the site and how. The draft considerations include:
- Ecological and cultural integrity
- Prudent use of taxpayer dollars
- Public Safety
- Federal and Provincial Laws and Standards
- Government of Canada & Parks Canada priorities, commitments and plans.
- Indigenous, stakeholder and public input
- Visitor experience contribution
- National park and community context
- Site specifics
- Long-term operations
The results of the public engagement stage are now being analyzed.
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Is there anything missing or that should be changed in the principles and considerations (above) that will guide planning for the redevelopment?
View All Ideasabout 1 year ago
Include a covered secure bicycle valet parking area.
about 1 year ago
Staff housing
Banff needs more affordable housing for locals. The town cannot function without its workers and housing is extremely scarce and expensive in the Bow Valley
over 1 year ago
Dedicated space for Indigenous use
Indigenous-led design, development and construction to provide a safe and inclusive space on-site for Indigenous ceremony, art, education, programming, flex space to foster community connection and reconciliation
11 months ago
I would love to see mixed use buildings.
Ground layer can be commercial, basement for function space, top two for affordable/staff housing There's some things that Banff needs, some that it wants. It needs staff housing, so this should be incorporated into the design of whatever goes in. It wants more revenue, so use that prime be real estate to allow new business to be set up on Banff AVE. It wants community spaces, so a small outdoor storage for buskers/live music would be nice. A selection of rooms for meetings, things like the drama group, wargaming hobbyists, AA, board game clubs, they can all share a space. This could be basement space as well, not taking up precious real estate. Maximise use and make an efficient well used space available to all.
12 months ago
Interpretive gardens, public transit hub & community space
The redevelopment should include a public transit hub for bus connections throughout the park, which would be closely linked to the Visitor Information Centre. This could replace current temporary solutions to public transit. The creation of gardens reflecting the different ecozones of the park, including entirely native vegetation characteristic of each (alpine rock garden, subalpine forest, montane forest, wetland, etc.) as a means of connecting visitors (who may not otherwise see these places/ecosystems) to the park's natural environment. This could include interpretive signage, and could include a children's play area similar to the wildlife crossing structure interpretive play area near Castle Mountain. Indigenous and Metis history could be showcased in consultation with local communities, perhaps in a similar manner as at Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site, with 'living' interpretive opportunities (opportunities to engage with and touch Indigenous culture, to meet local Indigenous peoples). The visitor centre could be transitioned towards a more accessible and well-known public events and community space, reflecting it's heritage as an auditorium. The building should be made more inviting from the street. An outdoor performance space or amphitheater could also be incorporated. This would make a good home base for existing park interpretive programs.
