Town of Banff

Last summer, Mark Watson of Earth Innovations dropped by Town Hall to show us a road salt alternative called EcoTraction.  EcoTraction is made of a volcanic mineral that improves traction on ice without the environmental and corrosion problems caused by salt.

Chad, our Environmental Coordinator, was eager to try this new product. Mark generously gave us with a free supply, and our Grounds crew has started testing it on sidewalks around Banff.

In an interesting development, EcoTraction was recently featured on the popular reality show “Dragon’s Den.” On this show, contestants present their innovations to a group of investors in hope of winning a financial investment.  Earth Innovations was a winner, and have secured a $250,000 investment.  Read more about it in this Financial Post article posted in November 2008.

You can buy EcoTraction right here in Banff at Nestors and Home Hardware.  It’s also available in Calgary at the Home Depot and Pet Smart. Give it a try and let us know what you think.

Learn more about thriving in our Banff winter by visiting these pages:

• Clearing Ice the Environmental Way
• Winter Living Guide

WOW! We had a great turn out last night at BanffLIFE's Travel Bug Slide Show!  
Corrie presented photos and videos of her two trip with Habitat for Humanity! She shared her journey to Sir Lanka and then Bangladesh!
 
Come out to the HUB next month when we travel into the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia!

-Christine

With fall community classes well underway it’s time I begin organizing courses and programs for the winter calendar. 

The winter classes run from January to mid March and I thought it would be a neat idea to use this blog as a way to reach you, the residents of Banff.  I want to hear what types of courses you would like to see offered or if you have a talent you would like to share with others.  (I even pay instructors!) 

You can get in touch with me directly by email or leave your comments so that I can make your ideas come to life.

- Kim -

Stephanie... skiing?

While working in HR I get asked a lot about why it’s so great to work for the Town of Banff.

This time of year, one of the most popular perks is our Active Living program.  This program is part of our Active Transportation initiative, which promotes eco-friendly commuting, and allows Town staff to purchase sporting gear or passes on payroll deduction.

With 3 ski hills all located within 45 minutes of town, and countless cross country trails, even though the weather may be hot and sunny this week – many of us have the white stuff on our brains!

See you on the slopes!

 - Stephanie

Cyclists enjoy a fall day near Banff. Photo by Cheryl Hyde

Ride around Lake Minnewanka Road

Bless Parks Canada, who just resurfaced the Lake Minnewanka loop road.  It’s heaven for cyclists.  Hard core cyclists can do multiple laps, while those inclined to a more leisurely pace should plan for at least a couple of hours.  Sights include Lake Minnewanka itself, Two Jack Lake, and, with a slight detour (also newly paved) Johnson Lake.  If you want to make a day of it, bring your lunch & have a picnic at Cascade Ponds.

Walk up Sulphur Mountain

For $4 (return), you can catch the Roam bus up to the start of the Sulphur Mountain trail. Walking up takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the views from the top on a beautiful day like today can’t be beat.  I’m not a fan of walking downhill, so luckily the gondola is free for Bow Valley residents.  Just take some ID that shows you live here, and enjoy your complimentary ride.

Run the Vermilion Lakes Road

Don’t quote me, but I think the road is about 6 km one way. The views are always stunning, but right now with all the golden trees & clear blue sky – amazing!  Of course, you don’t have to run.  It’s also a great place to walk and get some photo opportunities.  I’ll bet my dog Carlos wishes he was there right now.

GET OUTSIDE!  I would if I could.

 - Cheryl

Town of Banff Solo Rider Keith Batstone Photo:  Rob Fullen

This past weekend was my second 24 Hours of Adrenalin experience. I'd like to impress all you readers and say I was a competitor, but no, I was there to provide moral and meal-support, for my  fellow Town of Banff employees.

Seeing everyone in action made me realize that the 24 Hours team event epitomizes all that is great about working for the Town.

One of the ways we make this such a great place to work is that it’s also a great place to play. And last weekend was another example of how much fun we have playing together. This isn’t just HR propaganda either (coming from a likely source … the manager of hr).

On July 26 and 27, 16 staff members competed in the 24 Hours of Adrenalin at the Canmore Nordic Centre.  For those who may not be familiar with this gruelling event, it is exactly what the name implies - and more.  Mountain bikers zip around single and double track, encountering rocks, roots and other treacherous obstacles to complete as many laps as possible in a 24 hour relay.  And yes, 24 Hours of Adrenalin means 24 uninterrupted hours of competition, so riders are out on the course when most people are in their beds.

If anyone doesn’t remember, the weather wasn’t exactly summery, with torrential rain turning the course into one big mud puddle. At times, competitors were unrecognizable - completely disguised under a thick coating of mud. I heard some riders couldn’t resist making ‘snow angels’ in the mud, it was that deep!

For the second year in a row, the Town of Banff had a presence in the 24 Hours of Adrenalin. Not surprising, actually, as our workplace does have a higher percentage of weekend warriors than most.  Last year, we had one ten-person team. This year, we had a ten-person, five-person and even a solo rider. And our solo rider, Keith Batstone, impressed everyone with his second place finish!

A true team event, the 24 Hours of Adrenalin creates the kind of camaraderie employers can only hope for when investing training dollars in leadership development and team-building events. Our entrance fees were probably some of the best professional development dollars we’ve ever spent, resulting in genuine collaboration, communication and cross-departmental support that builds trust and relationships in ways that classroom learning can’t.  People gladly donated hours and hours of their own time outside of work to make this a fun experience -  organizing training rides, recruiting team members, planning and preparing food (who knew I’d be up past midnight making enough spanikopita for 20 people?), and of course, setting up the campsite and all of the supporting logistics needed for the weekend at the Nordic Centre.

At the two Town of Banff campsites, job titles became irrelevant. You were as likely to find the town manager changing a less experienced rider’s tire as a summer student sharing cutlery with a Councillor, enjoying the corporate services manager’s home-cooked lasagne. Our fleet services supervisor became the official team photographer, with our municipal clerk and executive assistant transforming to Bush Bandits (volunteer positions on the course) and many other employees, spouses, friends and significant others lending a hand with food, dry clothes and camping gear. Perhaps the most generous contributions were the two RVs offering weary riders temporary homes for the weekend - one courtesy of a fire fighter, the other courtesy of our town manager.

Almost every department, including our elected officials, was represented this year, with community services, corporate services, engineering, fire department, human resources, GIS, operations, planning, bylaw services, administration and summer students having riders participating in the fun.
Athletic ability isn’t mandatory to be considered for a job with the Town, but for those who are avid cyclists, hikers, anglers, runners, skiers, climbers, canoers, hockey or soccer players or golfers, the Town of Banff definitely makes it possible to participate in those activities – on a competitive or recreational level. Check out Our Workplace section that offers more details about why it’s great to be a Townie. http://www.banff.ca/town-hall/banff-town-jobs/workplace.htm

Can’t wait for next year’s event – we’ve already got two teams registered!

Check out the website to see photos, results and more details about this unusual endurance event: http://www.24hoursofadrenalin.com/