Town of Banff

Banff Refreshing to Begin

January 10, 2007

Banff, AB – Today, Banff Town Council unanimously voted to proceed with Banff refreshing on the 100 and 200 Blocks of Banff Avenue under the scenario described as Option one.

This scenario calls for construction on both the 100 and 200 blocks of Banff Avenue consecutively beginning in April of this year and working until the project is substantially complete in the late fall, with the installation of street furniture and landscaping scheduled for the spring of 2008. Council also approved an additional $1 million in funding for resources for traffic control, parking personnel, street entertainment, street ambassadors, wayfinding/directional signage (including a business liaison) and in-destination marketing.

On Monday, Jan. 8 Council hosted a public hearing to hear community views on six options ranging from $21.8 to nearly $26 million and a range of construction time lines.  During the four-hour hearing, Council heard the most support for Option one.

Mayor John Stutz started Wednesday’s special meeting (to make a decision on Banff refreshing) by saying this is the toughest decision his Council would make in their term.

“This is going to be both an exciting and challenging time for our community,” said Town Manager Robert Earl following Council’s decision. “The installation of new infrastructure to replace a 100-year old system is critical and improving the streetscape on the 100 and 200 blocks will be great for Banff over the long-term.”

Banff refreshing, with contractor Standard General, will proceed at a cost of $22.8 million and will replace century-old infrastructure and redesign the streetscape to better profile Banff’s natural surroundings and make the downtown more enjoyable for residents and visitors.

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For Information:
Michelle Gurney      
Communications Manager, Town of Banff  
403.762.1207