Town of Banff

Growth Management

Banff has one of the most aggressive and vigorous commercial growth management strategies in Canada. The rate and amount of commercial growth is managed by limiting how much floor area can be constructed through an allotment process. A random selection draw is conducted when commercial development rights are available and the amount of proposed development exceeds the maximum available for allocation.

As an incorporated municipality inside Banff National Park, the Town of Banff faces unique constraints and responsibilities with respect to managing growth and development. Specifically: 

• the entire town is in a national park on land leased from the federal government;
• the boundaries of the town are fixed by federal legislation and unlike other municipalities, the local government does not have the right to expropriate additional land;
• there is a limit on the number of permanent residents (8,000) who may live in the town and all residents must meet the federal need-to-reside qualifications;
• there is a limit or 'cap' on the amount of floor-space available for commercial development in the town; and
• special attention must be paid to the quality of design and the environmental impact of development projects.

The Banff Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw are the key tools for managing growth and development within these constraints.  The quantity and quality of new development in the town is strictly regulated and reviewed in terms of its environmental and community impact.

With the availability of commercial floor space nearing its limit, the Town of Banff commissioned a study in March 2007 to provide a detailed analysis of the implications of commercial build-out.  This document was integral to finalizing the draft of the updated Banff Community Plan, and will be a valuable reference during the upcoming review of the Land Use Bylaw.

• Banff Commercial Capacity Study - The Effects of Commercial Build-Out on the Town of Banff  ( PDF - 1.2 MB)