Town of Banff

Environmental Assessment

The Model Class Screening Report (MCSR) makes it easier for development projects to comply with the environmental assessment requirements under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.  The MCSR simplifies the assessment process for routine projects in the townsite.

Projects that may be considered “routine” occur relatively frequently, typically result in environmental effects that are predictable and well understood, and can be easily mitigated using accepted mitigation methods. Projects that could have the potential to cause unacceptable environmental impacts cannot be classified as routine and will require an individual environmental assessment.

• Flowchart: Class Screening Process ( PDF - 22 kb)

A screening report form (see links to the forms below) shall be completed by the project proponent and submitted with your development permit application.  It is the responsibility of the proponent to ensure that all information provided in the form is accurate and correct.  If you have questions about completing the form or the assessment process you may contact the Parks Canada Environmental Assessment Office at 403.762.1416.

Routine projects subject to the MCSR process are divided into four sub-classes with a different screening report form and unique mitigation methods for each sub-class.

Sub-class 1: Buildings

The buildings sub-class includes projects involving construction, modification, and repair or decommissioning of a building within allowable development regulations outlined in the Town of Banff Land Use Bylaw. Most projects requiring a development permit are included in this sub-class.

• Sub-class 1 Screening Report Form ( PDF - 448 kb)
  

Sub-class 2: Service Lines

The service lines sub-class includes projects involving construction of new service lines (underground gas, stormwater, water, sewage, electricity and communication [e.g. telephone and cable] and aboveground power lines). Projects involving the modification, repair, and decommissioning of existing lines are included when activities involve the likely release of a polluting substance into the environment; increase the operating capacity of the line; or involve a risk of physical harm to mammals.

• Sub-class 2 Screening Report Form ( PDF - 296 kb)

Sub-class 3: Roads, Sidewalks, Boardwalks and Parking Lots

This sub-class includes projects involving modification and repair of existing roads within existing rights-of-way or easements only when maintenance and repair activities could result in the likely release of a polluting substance into a water body; or involve the application of a dust control product or salt to the road, or of a pest control product to the areas adjacent to the road. It also includes construction, modification, and decommissioning of sidewalks, boardwalks and parking lots up to 75 Stalls. Parking lots with more than 75 stalls require individual environmental assessment.

• Sub-class 3 Screening Report Form ( PDF - 289 kb)

Sub-class 4: Trails, Parks, Parkettes and Recreation Grounds

This sub-class includes projects that involve construction, modification, maintenance or repair, and decommissioning and abandonment of trails and of parks, parkettes and recreation grounds.

• Sub-class 4 Screening Report Form ( PDF - 270 kb)