Town of Banff

Background: Refreshing Begins

Banff refreshing begins - March 19, 2007

Construction schedule

Stage 1: March 19 – late April 

• Banff Avenue will move to two-lane, two-way traffic (work will begin on the east side of the Avenue and will move to the west)
• Wolf and Buffalo intersections will be under construction
• full sidewalks will remain in place
• all parking on Banff Avenue will be removed

Stage 2: End of April through October

• all of Banff Avenue, east side and west side, will be closed to vehicles
• underground work will begin on the 100 block
• work will begin on the Caribou intersection (to reopen in mid-June)
• water and sewer services will be completed (businesses will have a minimum of 24 hours notice)
• toward the end of July roadways will be re-built
• concrete work (sidewalks, curbs, prepatory work around landscape beds, stamped crosswalks, bus and car laybys) is estimated for completion in mid to late October
• sidewalks will be a minimum of 2.4 metres wide

Stage 3 – May 2008

• final lift of asphalt on Banff Avenue
• completion of landscaping

During Banff refreshing:

The Town of Banff is investing $1 million to enhance your downtown experience:

• Welcome Stands will be placed in the Banff refreshing zone, so you can easily find staff to answer any question you may have about this project
• Squirrel Guides – Herman, Gillroy, Penelope, Abigail, Rochelle and Peter -- will greet you and guide you through the construction area
• pick up Your Guide to Banff refreshing (available at Welcome Stands throughout the Banff refreshing zone) to learn more about this project, our Squirrel Guides, find out all about the 172 shops and services in this area (and their refreshing specials) and learn more about our exciting photo opportunities and contest
• enter to win a Refreshed Spa Weekend courtesy of The Fairmont Banff Springs and Willow Stream Spa (valued at $2,500)
• a street performers program will entertain you from mid-May though the September long weekend
• unique photo opportunities can be found around the Banff refreshing zone, so seek them out to pose raising a flag atop a mountain, putting a golf ball or carving the slopes between sips of your cappuccino
• gather a set of your own Banff refreshing collectible buttons featuring our Squirrel Guides (a gift with purchase available at over 60 businesses in downtown Banff)
• meet our 30 additional staff who will be on the streets of Banff to answer questions about Banff refreshing and help you find your way
• take advantage of over 90 new way finding signs to help you find your way around town and locate parking
• follow the squirrel tracks from your parking spot to the Banff refreshing zone
• enjoy the 130 additional parking stalls we've added this year

A refreshed Banff Avenue

By this time next year, our downtown will be completely refreshed.  The new, downtown Banff will showcase:

• wider sidewalks to enhance your sense of personal space
• more rest spots to recharge and take in the views
• more trees and landscaped areas
• new lighting, so you can find what you're looking for faster and enjoy a better view of the night sky
• designated roadside loading zones that will make drop-offs and pick-ups more convenient
• additional crosswalks to make crossing the street easier