Town of Banff

Winter Living Guide

Kids love the toboggan hill behind the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel... what's your favourite way of getting the best of winter?

Enjoy Yourself!

The first thing to remember is: winter can be a lot of fun! And you live in a winter wonderland: ski downhill or cross-country, skate in the rink or on a lake, snowshoe, build snowmen, take pictures, toboggan, go for a sleigh ride, sit by the fire, participate in the Winter Festival, buy a new toque.
 
Winter only comes once a year!

• What's your favourite winter activity? E-mail your tips, with photo if possible!

And then there are the challenges of the snow season.  Here are some tips for better and safer day-to-day living in winter.

Getting Around

Roads in Banff can’t be cleared all at once.  During and after storms and other big weather events, be aware that conditions will vary significantly around town. Visit our Snow Removal page to learn about the priority system and to see the snow management map.

When the temperature dips below -27^oC, salt and chemical de-icers won’t melt the ice or help sand to stick.  Use extreme caution, especially at intersections and on hills.

Property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice on the sidewalks adjacent to their property.  If you are concerned about a sidewalk that hasn’t been cleared, call submit an Action Request or call Bylaw Services at 403.762.1218.

Winter-Proofing your Home

Poor insulation and badly fitting doors and windows make your house cold and cost you money.  Take advantage of the Town’s energy audit rebate program and book your home audit today.

If you live in an older home, your water pipes may freeze during very cold weather. This can be serious as frozen pipes may burst and cause a great deal of damage in your home. If you know there is a cold snap coming, and you suspect or know that you have a problem with frozen pipes:

• Leave the faucet dripping slightly.
• Leave kitchen and bathroom base cabinets open.
• Insulate pipes running through cold areas such as exterior walls and unheated spaces.

If your pipes do freeze, you need to thaw them as soon as possible.

• Open the faucet supplied by the frozen pipe.
• Follow the pipe back from the faucet to where it runs through cold areas such as an exterior wall or unheated crawl space, or where the pipe enters the foundation of the house.
• Heat the cold pipe, starting from the side closest to the faucet. The Town of Banff recommends wrapping the pipe with towels soaked in hot water. Avoid using electrical appliances, as there is a risk of shock if the pipe bursts.  Never use an open flame.
• If you are unable to thaw the pipe for any reason, call a plumber right away.
  

Parking your vehicles

Tired of parking outside?  You can rent a heated parking stall in the Bear Street parkade.

Store your boat or RV in the Town of Banff vehicle lot.

Pay attention to temporary No Parking zones. We can only clear and remove snow when there are no parked cars blocking access.  As a last resort, we will tow cars left in the No Parking zones.

Caring for Your Pets

These tips are courtesy of the Bow Valley SPCA:

• Make sure your pet is warm; jackets are a good idea for small and short-haired dogs.
• Pets should be groomed regularly through the winter to remove dead hair, dirt and fluff up the coat to keep your pet warm.
• When your pet comes inside you should remove any mud, snow, ice and salt from their feet and coat.
• If your dog spends a lengthy amount of time outside you may need to increase their calorie intake – please check with your vet.
• At all times your pet should have access to fresh water – if your dog is outside remove ice as required.
• If your dog or cat is outside for extended periods please watch for frost bite – if skin is reddish, white or greyish and somewhat scaly this could indicate frost bite – seek veterinary attention.
• If any pet is left outside they must be provided with a shelter, should be off the ground and out of direct wind – if conditions are severe bring the pet inside.
• When your pet is inside ensure that they have a warm dry draft free place.
• Be considerate of old or arthritic dogs when they are outside, they can easily slip and will feel the cold quicker than when in their youth.
• Do not leave pets for an extended period in vehicles as they can act like refrigerators.
• Cats and kittens will seek warmth in car engines, please check prior to starting your vehicle in the winter.
• Antifreeze is deadly to cats and dogs in the smallest amount – ensure that it is stored properly and clean any drips.
• Please ensure that indoor pets are safely away from indoor heat sources such as fireplaces or electric heaters.
• Watch for poisonous plants such as mistletoe, poinsettias and holly.
• Anytime the temperature goes below 0 pet owners need to monitor their walks-even if the dog has a thick coat ~ noses, toes, tails and ears are still exposed and can get frostbite.  A good rule of thumb is to keep walks to a 15 minute maximum in cold weather.