Major Projects

Town Hall

Council Chambers Carpet Completed Q2
Roof Snow Breaks Q3
Parkade Ramp Scaling repair

Fire Hall

Roof Top Unit Completed Q3
Meeting Room Tables & Chairs Q3

Facilities Painting

Council Chambers Completed Q2

Heating Plant Unit Heater Completed Q3

Greenhouses

Window Actuator Arms Completed Q2
Green House painting Completed Q2
Door Repairs Completed Q2

Cave Ave Housing Pre-Design

Project description & goals: 6 lots on Cave Ave have been earmarked for the development of perpetually affordable rental accommodation. TOB negotiated the release of lots 145-155 Cave Ave with Parks Canada based on specific criteria for release, with the intent the BHC will manage and own the property post construction completion.

Current Status: In July 2019, Council directed administration to proceed with a for-purchase housing project on Banff Ave prior to Cave Avenue, so all work on the Cave Ave project was suspended in 2021. A resident survey was completed prior to stopping work, to determine potential interest in types of units and from a neighborhood perspective. This summer, a supplementary geotechnical investigation was commissioned as a further risk mitigation strategy for the project. As part of that assessment, chemical analysis of the soil and groundwater will be conducted, and the groundwater elevation will be monitored over time to observe seasonal changes in the groundwater table. The assessment will help inform design decisions related to underground parking and foundation work and construction methodology planning.

Comprehensive Buildings Condition Assessment

Project description & goals: Conduct a comprehensive Building Condition Assessment (BCA) with the aim of supporting the ongoing management of the Town of Banff’s building infrastructure, facilities, and associated costs.

Current Status: BCA Completed Q3 Originally approved in 2019 for 2020, however due to covid this project was delayed until 2022. Administration will move forward with the critical work related to safe operations highlighted in the assessment for 2023 such as; emergency light replacement at the Banff Childcare facility and replacement of the sort line access ladder in the Waste Transfer building Subsequently, Administration will review the report in depth and return to Council with a Request for Decision regarding the remaining recommendations and propose ways to normalize and average the repair/replacement costs over a 10-year capital budget period to parallel the Town’s budget cycle.

Fenlands Lifecycle Maintenance

Project description & goals: the inspection, testing, service, repair or replacement of The Fenlands mechanical and structural envelope to ensure life expectancy is met.

Projects for 2021/2022:

Compressor Overhaul/ New Compressor Head Cooling Pumps & Drives Completed Q2
Arena Panel Kit (200' X 85') & Textile Line Kit Completed Q3
Cooling Tower Replacement - To be completed Q3
Ice Plant-Compressor Controls - completed Q3

Fenlands Solar Expansion

Project description & goals: To expand the existing 280 kW solar array (installed in 2017) to a total of 500 kW.
Current Status: Project was awarded in September 2022 and is scheduled for construction in April-June 2023.

Fleet Transit Building – Fire Alarm

Project description & goals: To provide an alarm system to ensure occupants of the Fleet Transit Building are made aware, through an audible panic alarm, in the event of an emergency event.
Current Status: Completed Q2

Library Entryway Landscaping

Project description & goals: Refreshing of the landscaping in front of the library – new access stairs, replaced signage, plantings etc.
Current Status: On hold pending reconstruction and signalization of the Buffalo/Bear intersection (scheduled for 2026). Work would also be contingent and coordinated with the Whyte Foundation site master planning exercise.

Multi-Facility LED Upgrade

Project description & goals: To reduce energy and maintenance costs as well as corporate GHG emissions, through LED lighting upgrades across multiple municipal buildings.
Current Status: Fenlands Rec Centre lighting upgrades complete. Waste Transfer Station and Maintenance Shop upgrades complete. Fleet Shop lighting upgrade has been awarded and contractor is waiting on equipment. Lighting upgrades at Catherine Robb building have been approved for $121,267 of funding from Infrastructure Canada – waiting on Whyte Museum long term plan for decision on whether to proceed. Supply chain issues related to COVID-19 have delayed the overall LED lighting project, but work continues as planned.

Municipal Energy Coordinator - Office Renovation

Project description & goals: Renovations to the Planning area at Town Hall to construct additional office space for new, permanent full-time Municipal Energy Coordinator.
Current Status: Not started. Quotes received from contractors exceed budget. Scope has increased due to transition of Waste Coordinator role to the Environment team (from Operations – Resource Recovery). Administration plans to request increased budget at the October 11 Regular Meeting of Council.

FIRE

Fire Vehicle Replacement

Project description & goals: Cyclical command vehicle replacement
Current Status: Project Complete. The replacement of command vehicles happens every 10 years or 100,000 Km. These vehicles are categorized as an “extreme use vehicle” that respond to every emergency call at all hours of the day or night regardless of weather conditions. The reliability of these vehicles is paramount to ensure chief officer safety and timely emergency response.

FLEET

Fleet Management – Vehicle Replacement

Project description & goals: Fleet Equipment replacement to align with Maximizing Life Cycle effectiveness, Amended Green Fleet Policy C6000 & Equipment Task Right Sizing.
Current Status: 4 Units will be replaced and 5 ordered.

These include the following:

Two garbage trucks with December 2022 ETA
One garbage truck scheduled for delivery in Q1 2023
12-passenger bus ordered with mid October delivery date
Replacement woodchipper received
Three pick up trucks ordered for 2023 Q1 delivery
Two walk-behind snow sweeper brooms ordered for December 2022 delivery

New purchases scheduled for 2023 include two garbage trucks, three work trucks, one van and approx. 10 pieces of small equipment.

Municipal Parks Electric Vehicles

Project description & goals: To acquire two electric utility vehicles to aid Municipal Parks staff with spring, summer and fall operations and servicing.

Services provided by the Municipal Parks department are required to be conducted remotely, within multiple areas of town. More often than not, more staff are sent to do various jobs at a specific location (carpool) as there are not enough vehicles to move teams to multiple sites simultaneously. This causes inefficiencies in service delivery as not all tasks require equal amounts of time to complete.

With the increase in pageantry, landscaping improvements, special event requirements, recreation grounds use increases, and increases in service delivery from litter picking to watering needs these electric utility vehicles would assist with the increased demands to be at different service areas at concurrent times. The Municipal Parks department is challenged to move all of their staff around in the summer months and continue to have vehicle shortages.

These utility vehicles will be used in the summer months to perform light duty tasks such as carry teams to multiple litter picking locations, change waste/recycling receptacles, shelter and picnic area servicing, firewood restocking, trail system inspections and servicing, Urban Forest inspections, and transporting staff site to site. The vehicles would only be used during the spring, summer and fall then stored in the winter months.

2020 update: During COVID budgeting, this project was postponed from 2020 to 2021.
2021 update: moved forward from 2021 to 2022.
Current Status: Due to increasing costs the amount approved to fund these units is no longer adequate. Council will be presented with a new service level request for increased funding to obtain the units.

Small Equipment

Project description & goals: To purchase miscellaneous small equipment.
Current Status:

Water tank for crane truck will be ordered in 2023
Aluminum Scaffolding to be purchased in 2023

PARKS & RECREATION

Banff Recreation Grounds

Project description & goals: Design and construction of projects identified in the Recreation Grounds Master Plan.

Current Status:

Completed Projects:

North Trail (fall 2022), shown here under construction

Dog Park (2021)
North picnic area (2021)
Sports field (2021)
Ball diamond irrigation (2021)
North picnic area (2021)
Ball diamond removal (2021)
North playground (2019)
North parking lot repairs (2019)
Norquay, Little Bow and Protection Shelter repairs (2019)
Ball diamond fencing (2018)
Trail to greenhouse (2018)
South parking lot (2018)
Picnic table upgrades (2017)
Removal of mountain bike features (2017)
Skatepark (2017)
Topographical site survey complete (2017)

Projects in Progress:

2022 Update: Seasonal maintenance and warranty deficiencies were completed on the multisport field, dog park, baseball diamonds and picnic area.

The Pavilion is under construction and completion is expected spring 2023, with landscaping completed in the summer. The Pavilion is the first building to be built under the Town’s updated Municipal Sustainable Building Policy. It will be the most energy efficient building in the community, and is targeting certification under the Passive House Low Energy Building standard.

The design of the summer outdoor gathering area and winter rink is ongoing. Construction is expected in summer 2023. The rink will be first implemented in the fall of 2023 / winter 2024.

The Adventure Playground has been procured and is currently being designed. The construction will occur in 2023.

The Bike Park regulatory approvals, scope, design and procurement are ongoing. Administration hopes to be able to build the Bike Park in 2023 or 2024.

The Maintenance Garage and Yard pre-design is ongoing. Detail design and some construction work will occur in 2023 with construction completion in 2024. Here’s the concept:

Cabin Relocation / Restoration Project

Project description & goals: Moving and renovation of the Rundle Campground Building #2 to service the “Into the Wild” and other nature-based programs. The Rundle campground building #2 is a single-story shelter built in 1924. Service building #2 likely functioned as the administrative building for the campground as the large window under the east facing gable is removable and when opened, functioned as a “drive in” service desk. Despite the relocation of the campground in 1928, the buildings remained on site and were utilized as storage until the Town of Banff relocated the structures in 1998.

The Rundle campground service building along with the Middle Springs cabin form a pair and together remain the only two cabins in Banff which formed part the original Rundle Campground. While it sat in the Recreation Grounds for years underutilized, Council directed administration to see it put to better use for outdoor and environmental programming.

In 2020 the cabin was moved, put on a new concrete foundation, and renovated, allowing it to be used as a program space for Into the Wild program - an outdoor, nature-based program for children in grades 1 to 6. Tracking, learning to cook, crafting and developing outdoor skills are all elements in fostering and building the child’s relationship to the outdoors and are key components of the program. Other groups that will benefit from this space include: Scouts, Girl Guides, Bow Valley Naturalists, Parks Canada and Banff Elementary Nature Explorers. The Rundle Cabin is powered by a 2kW solar photovoltaic array, making it the Town of Banff’s first powered off-grid building. Six photovoltaic panels are connected to a battery system which delivers power to DC circuits for lighting.

Central Park Pedestrian Bridge

Project description & goals: Construction of a pedestrian bridge connecting Central Park with the Rec grounds in order to provide year-round safe access for residents and visitors. 5,000 crossings per day are anticipated.

Funding was secured through a combination of:

The Pauw Foundation ($2,500,000)
Town of Banff ($800,000)
Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program ($2,200,000)

Current Status: The Nancy Pauw pedestrian bridge was completed on-time and on-budget and officially opened on September 6, 2022.

Legacy Trail Extension – Banff Avenue Connection

Project description & goals: Provide a safe, protected cycling experience from the West end of the Banff Avenue Legacy Trail into Banff. The selected alignment implemented industry best practices to ensure the safety of cyclists, pedestrians, Roam users and drivers. Design and construction of the Legacy Trail Extension was coordinated with the offsite improvements for Inns of Banff and Swiss Village re-development, which resulted in improved trail alignment, cost sharing with developers and reduced impact to road and trail users.
Current Status: Paving was completed on July 3, 2020 and substantial project completion was achieved on July 31, 2020. Landscaping and Banff Ave bike sharrows symbols were completed in spring and summer 2021. Contractor deficiencies were remedied in Fall 2021. Trail termination signage and landscaping, recognition plaque deficiencies to be remedied in Fall 2022.

Mountainview Cemetery Roadway Improvement

Project description & goals: The Mountain View Cemetery is operational year-round and winter maintenance is necessary to maintain access. As a result, the existing gravel roadways have low spots where gravel has been displaced during plowing. Additionally, the freeze/thaw cycle creates heaving on the driving surface.

This project would address the above issues by regrading and re-packing the existing gravel roadways within the Mountain View cemetery. This will also include removing any existing organic matter that has grown up within the roadway and would repair any damaged curbs.

COVID Budget Update: Carry forward from 2020 to 2021
2021 Budget Update: Carry forward from 2021 to 2022
Current Status: Waiting for an updated quote and work timeline confirmation from the contractor for fall 2022.

Neighborhoods Parks – Upgrades

Project description & goals: Upgrade the Middle Springs Cabin windows in efforts to reduce vandalism. Included the install of plexiglass panes over windows to maintain the look and character of the building.
Current Status: Middle springs cabin is complete - Flooring and windows were repaired in 2020. Remaining funds in project to be used for upgrades to the neighbourhood park on Jasper Way. Community consultation planned from spring 2023.

Trails Improvements

Project description & goals: Implement the recommendations identified in the Trails Master Plan. Following the Transportation Master Plan - Active Modes section, Council approved the Trails Master Plan early in 2015, and made the plan’s recommended actions part of the 4-year Strategic Plan. Trails include a variety of active transportation mode routes from paths through the forest to on-street bike lanes to sidewalks; this budget is based on implementing the Plan's recommendations. A series of staged implementation projects over 4 years (2016-2019) will look to address the key challenges that led to the need for this plan:

Trails and active transportation routes are anticipated to help alleviate traffic and parking congestion;
The current trails network has gaps that prevent easy connections to key destinations for both visitors and residents;
The trails network will need to sustainable accommodate more use by both residents and visitors;
Improved strategies for managing multiple trail uses, especially as the variety of uses expands.

In Progress:

Bow Falls Trail (design):

In June of 2021 Council approved the concept design for a multi-use pathway from Bow Falls to Glen Ave on the northside of the roadway (for pedestrians and cyclists traveling uphill). A sidewalk is also being designed from Glen Ave to Spray Ave. The concept design, along with cost implications, was presented to council during budget and service review in late 2021, council allocated capital funding for design work in 2026 and construction 2027. Work on this project will start up again in 2026.

Jasper Way to Cave Avenue Trail:

Construction of the new 275m of trail will be substantially complete fall 2022.

Bike Racks & Park & Ride Nodes:

Bike racks continue to be installed or relocated throughout the townsite to meet community and visitor needs. Usage is monitored to ensure there is an adequate number of spaces at various sites (i.e. 32 new racks installed on Bear St. in 2021). Action 26 (individual performance tracking) is being met by private entities (i.e. Strava). $55K is budgeted (Trails Improvements) for park and walk and bike and walk programs (racks and lockers). Locations could include the Liricon intercept lot, downtown core and The Fenlands. (2022). Bike racks were installed at the rec grounds and The Fenlands greenhouses in the spring of 2022. Further bike rack installations will occur in the spring of 2023 in underserviced areas. Work to identify underserviced areas is being undertaken in partnership with Community Cruisers.

Moose St / St. Julien Trail Improvement:

Make an accessible grade that continues down the powerline and add a powered crosswalk at the intersection of the protected shoulder on Otter St. (design 2022/23). Design work will commence following the completion of St Julien Rd and trail works.

Communication program and materials for businesses / visitors (Actions 30 & 59) that includes:

Safety information (i.e. helmets required for e-bikes and those aged 18 and under)
On-road & trail routes and distances to key destinations
Bike repair station locations
Trail and roadway etiquettes and rules (i.e. right-of-way, speed limits, etc.)
Links to Parks Canada trail and cycling information
Bike rack and storage locations
Winter maintained routes (2023/24)

Engagement with local active mode businesses and non-profit groups will begin in early 2023 to develop communication materials and programs that promote safe active mode us in community.

Other: Research potential policy and infrastructure changes for skateboards, commercial use, winter cycling. (2021-2024). Council reviewed and approved Bylaw 16-9 Road, Sidewalk and Trail in January 2022. The policy removed exclusionary areas for skateboards and other active modes and reduce the Town speed limit to 30 km/hr in efforts to increase safe active transportation in the community.

Trail Lighting Projects

Project description & goals: Provide lighting, in line with the Trials Lighting Policy, to the sections of trail located to the North and South of the Muskrat Street Pedestrian Bridge, as well as to the Legion.
Current Status: Construction completed for the portion leading to the Muskrat Street Pedestrian Bridge, from Buffalo Street and from Glen Avenue. In August the Governance and Finance Committee reviewed proposed amendments to the Trail Lighting Policy. The policy will be brought back to a future meeting of council for review and includes guidelines and process to evaluate future areas for lighting. Proposed areas for evaluation include:

Central Park Washroom to Recreation Grounds Pavilion Trail (fall 2022);
Parks Canada Administration Grounds to Jasper Way Trail;
Antelope Lane to Tunnel Mountain Road Trail; and
Section C of the Legion to Muskrat Bridge Trail as outlined in Council Policy C7002, Trail Lighting Policy.
Connection from Bow River Pedestrian Bridge to Spray Avenue

Parking, Traffic & Transit

Bus Shelter Installation & Bus Stop Improvements

Project description & goals: Design and construction of transit shelters or other user improvements at key bus stops.
Current Status: Signage improvements at both Transit Hubs and downtown stops will be completed by 2023.

Mountain Ave Transit Lane

Project description & goals: Develop a concept design for a northbound transit lane on Mountain Avenue plus a multi-use trail (between Middle Springs Drive to Spray Avenue intersection). The project intends to implement a transit lane as a type of transit priority measure aimed at reducing transit travel time, to improve service efficiency, service reliability and as a result, increase transit ridership. The project also supports active modes of travel (year-round) by creating a safe off-road space for residents to bike and walk along Mountain Avenue.
Current Status: The concept design will be presented to Council at budget deliberations this year; at which point Administration will request funding to develop a detailed design and cost estimate for construction.

Spray Ave Transit Lane

Project description & goals: To implement a seasonal northbound transit lane on Spray Avenue. This project proposes a northbound bus-bike lane (in lieu of parking during the summer) and southbound painted bike lane on Spray Avenue from Bow Falls Ave intersection to Mountain Ave intersection. No change to number of driving lanes. Transit lanes are a type of transit priority measure aimed at reducing transit travel time and increasing transit ridership, resulting in a mode shift and fewer private vehicles on the road.
Current Status: The design drawings and community survey results will be presented to Council at budget deliberations this year; at which point Administration will request direction on whether to implement the Spray Avenue transit lane in 2023.

Traffic Calmed Entrance to Town

Project description & goals: Reduce motorist speed to improve the experience of pedestrians and cyclists along the Legacy Trail West, Norquay Road Trail to the Fenlands, at the intercept parking at the Fenlands Recreation Centre and for visitors at the Banff sign. Council directed administration to implement a trial of a traffic-calmed street, including a crosswalk from the Fenlands to the Banff Sign. This project funds design and trial only, not construction.
Current Status: Planters remained adjacent to the Banff sign, line painting was modified to help provide traffic calming and a crosswalk was established at the Fenlands. Additional traffic calming measures were trialled at the Banff sign in 2021 and proved successful at reducing vehicle speeds.

Transit Bus Storage

Project description & goals: Construction of a bus storage facility to prolong the life of the expanded fleet for Roam Transit.
Current Status: The building was substantially complete on schedule and within budget in February 2021 and is now fully occupied.

The Roam Transit Operations & Training Centre houses administrative offices, a state-of-the-art driver training simulator, indoor and covered storage for 32 buses, an environmentally responsible wash area and charging stations for the electric buses.

The 27,000 square-foot facility net zero carbon emissions, is fully powered by the largest solar array in Banff and Jasper National Parks, and is heated entirely by the new biomass energy district heating system that turns wood waste into heat energy for four buildings. The super-insulated building does not have a natural gas connection.

Roam has been selected as the winner of the CUTA Annual National Award for Environmental Sustainability for the construction of our Zero Emission Training and Operations Facility as well as electric bus purchases with the following criteria:

Environmental Sustainability
This revised award category recognizes businesses and transit systems whose activities or projects achieved a positive impact on current environmental issues and challenges facing the transit industry. The outcomes may include entirely new concepts, processes or the redevelopment of existing equipment that result in protection of scarce resources, cost saving or measurable environmental benefits.

Roads

Banff Ave Pedestrian Zone Bollards

Project description & goals: add bollards to improve the pedestrian permeability, whilst retaining transit access, for the Banff Avenue pedestrian zone
Current Status: Complete, modifications to the gate opening systems and gates were determined to be the best approach. These items have been completed and the project objectives achieved.

Banff Refreshing – Wolf & Caribou

Project description & goals: Pilot project to implement a seasonal design of the Banff Refreshing standard.
Current Status: Complete - the typical seasonal street furniture was modified to meet the goals of the Banff Avenue pedestrian zone.

Bear Street Shared Street

Project description & goals: Re-construction of Bear Street to permanently foster pedestrian priority.
Current Status: The project is substantially complete and minor improvements and deficiency work is ongoing during the warranty period.

The project is proving successful in meeting council direction and the resultant design intent:
- Data shows a shift in the ratio of pedestrian volumes between Banff Ave and Bear Street. The split prior to construction was 5:1 Banff Ave vs Bear Street (i.e. Bear Street received 20% the volume of Banff Ave). A small data sample over two summer days in 2022 shows the split has improved to 3:1 (i.e. Bear Street pedestrian volumes have increased by 65% and now are 33% of Banff Ave pedestrian volumes).
- Soil cell system was installed to help grow healthy trees faster - helping with business sightlines. The permanent planters are integral to meeting the shared street goals.
- Low Impact Development design techniques were built to improve the storm water runoff from Bear Street to the Bow River
- Increased seating areas – formal and informal – are very well used
- Patios – public and private – are very well used.
- Increased bike parking is very well used, but monitoring and adjustments are ongoing
- Re-design of the surface parking lot is working well, monitoring and adjustments are ongoing. Four year-round parking stalls were added in the Bear Street parking lot in September 2022.
- Increased street lighting to encourage night-time visitation
The design of the street is flexible, year-round. Banff Marathon and Snow Days were hosted on Bear
Street.
The project has received a total of four awards for the project:
- International Downtown Association – Award of Excellence, Planning Design and Construction
- Consulting Engineers of Alberta – Award of Merit, Community Development
- Water Canada, Water’s Next – Overall Project of the Year
- Water Canada, Water’s Next – Stormwater Project of the Year
- Transportation Association of Canada Small Municipalities Achievement Award (Finalist)

Bow River Bridge Management Plan

Project description & goals: Engage and work with a bridge-specialist engineering consultant to develop scope of work, design and costs estimates for repair and rehabilitation projects to maintain and preserve the Bow River Bridge. Work will be prioritized based on safety, extending the useful life of the bridge, preserving the heritage value of the bridge, and coordinating scopes of work for efficiency and cost effectiveness. The project will aim to successfully apply for provincial grant funding through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP), which can potentially cover 75% of eligible costs
Current Status: In 2022, a scope of work was completed in May/June. The work included retrofitting a seal into the deck expansion joints to prevent water ingress through the joints that has been causing deterioration of the pier tops, steel girders and girder bearing pads below. Deck cracks were sealed with an epoxy sealant and a silane sealant was applied to the entire deck and sidewalk surface. The sealants will extend the life of the bridge deck. Some hold down bolts on the expansion joints were also replaced. Engineering and environmental impact assessment work for 2023 is now underway. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is currently experiencing a backlog of projects to review, this may delay our project approvals which may result in the instream work to make repairs on piers 2 and 3 having to wait until winter 2023/24, rather than the current plan of winter 2022/2023. The town was unsuccessful in receiving STIP funding for 2022 work, an application has been submitted to Alberta Transportation for consideration in 2023.

Bridges and Culverts Maintenance

Project description & goals: The inspection of all trail bridges was completed by a consultant in 2018. Inspection of all town trail bridges need to happen every 5 years ($15,000), and the replacement of the Marmot Crescent wooden pedestrian bridge with a culvert is due to happen ($21,453.60).
Current Status: Deferred to 2023 due to limited staff time to get this project done in 2022. $21,453.60 carried to 2023 for a total of $36,453.60, including the 2023 scheduled inspections of $15,000.

Roadway Overlay Program

Project description & goals: Prioritized roadway overlays across the townsite to prolong the life of the road surface.

Current status: 2022 scope was:

Bow Falls Road from Spray to the falls parking lot
The alley parallel with and between bear and lynx streets – included some stormwater catch replacements
The town owned portion of a shared driveway that serves some deer street properties off Tunnel mountain road.

The Town engages a specialist condition assessment consultant every 5 years to help develop a cost-optimized strategy for roadway rehabilitation projects. The last town-wide pavement condition assessment was also carried out in August 2019. The report details recommendations for the next 10 years of overlay budget. The report indicates that the overall condition of Banff’s entire roadway network has slightly improved since the 2013 assessment. The report also finds that current level of funding is slightly less than is required to maintain the overall network at its current average condition and recommends increasing yearly spending to an average of $650,000. Given the condition of the roadway network has improved slightly since 2013 at the current budget of 550,000, administration is not recommending increase budget funding at this time.

The scope for 2023 is not yet finalized however the short list includes

Spray Ave from Bow Falls Road to Mountain Ave
Spray Ave from Mountain Ave to the Van Horne statue roundabout
The roads within the Old Banff Cemetery
The remaining section of Banff Ave between marmot street at the town boundary

Sidewalk Improvement Program

Project description & goals: Complete a series of upgrades and replacements to maintain and improve the quality of sidewalks.
Current Status: In 2021, design of a net-new sidewalk on the north side of Moose Street between Banff Ave and Muskrat Streets was initiated, the drawings are at approximately 60% design complete stage. Design was paused to allow funding to replace damaged pavers on Banff Ave which represent trip hazards and a safety liability. Design work has also commenced on a new sidewalk along the south side of Caribou Street between Otter and Grizzly streets to replace the cracked asphalt pathway and strengthen the pedestrian connection between downtown, the Tunnel Mountain trail head and the Banff centre.

St. Julien Road Shallow Reconstruction & Storm Improvement

Project description & goals: Reconstruction of St Julien Road to enhance pedestrian & cyclist connectivity, lighting and storm water management and replacement of old sewer and water utilities at the end of their useful life.
Current Status: Construction commenced in April 2022. Water and sewer replacements are complete, street light foundation bases and conduit install is complete with the new light poles scheduled for installation and commissioning in October. Concrete work and retaining wall construction is underway and asphalt paving is currently scheduled for late September/early October. Depending on weather conditions over the next 6 weeks, there may be some remaining soft landscaping and remediation work still to complete in 2023

Resource Recovery

Additional Residential Organics Bins

Project description & goals: Add 63 residential bins for the collection of food and food-soiled paper in order to increase opportunities for residents to compost their food waste.
Current Status: An additional 15 food bins have been installed in 2022, which contribute to 29 complete “Zero Waste Stations” around town. Currently in the process of screening upgraded sites and installing updated educational decals at all stations.

Biomass District Heating

Project description & goals: The biomass district heating system will be fueled by clean wood chips derived from shipping pallets, lumber from construction/demolition activities, and tree materials from local firesmarting and pruning operations. This will divert approximately 200 tonnes of waste wood from landfill each year. The goal is to provide renewable heat to the four public buildings within the Operations Yard: the Waste Transfer Station, Fleet Transit/Services, Maintenance Shop, and the new Roam Transit Garage. Overall, the Project is estimated to reduce GHG emissions by 233 tonnes per year and achieve a cumulative reduction of 5,970 (tonnes CO2 eq.) over the project lifetime.
Current Status: Project was completed on time and under budget, with two outstanding capital expenses remaining as of fall 2022: 1) connection to the Town’s building automation system (BAS), and 2) the possible addition of a door over the opening to the main wood chip bunker.

Downtown District Recycling Depots

Project description & goals: Install 4 recycling depots in the downtown core parking lots to create convenient options for the commercial sector to recycle.
Current Status: Modifications were made to all 4 depots to make them more user friendly for the Non-Residential sector by replacing 1- 3 stream recycling bin with a single stream bin for mixed containers with a larger opening for larger items.

Food waste decant and storage

Project description & goals: Construction of a food waste storage area to enable the consolidation of trips to the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). Reducing operating costs per tonne and the number of wildlife disturbance events are the principal project goals.
Current Status: Source separated organics are being stored at the Wastewater Treatment Plant while awaiting transfer to processor. A slip tank was purchased for efficiency purposes to fuel the loader used to transfer the material.

Pedestrian Bin Replacement

Project description & goals: Replacement of selected pedestrian bins at the end of their natural life cycle as well as re-clad aging BigBelly bins on Banff Ave.
Current Status: Replaced selected end of life pedestrian bins with new, greater capacity bins. Project will be completed in 2022

Residential Bin Replacement

Project description & goals: Replace end of life cycle residential garbage bins with new bins with greater capacity.
Current Status: 4 bins have been purchased and put into service to replace old, end of life cycle bins as of Q3 2022.

Resource Recovery Data Capture Enhancement

Project description & goals: To expand the data collection system (Fleetmind) to include 3 Town of Banff vehicles.
Current Status: The Fleetmind system did not deliver as promised with regards to integration with current ToB truck scales and currently looking for an alternative.

Transfer Station Upgrades

Project description & goals: Repair of building siding and installation of a steel containment wall to increase capacity of the waste transfer site. The project will resolve storage shortages that arise when the West Dried Meat Lake Landfill is closed.
Current Status: The distorted exterior sheet metal has been replaced and concrete “lego blocks” have been installed to protect the new wall sheeting.

Extension Lake Louise Contract

Project description & goals: The purchase of 1 fully equipped residential style, side load garbage truck, 1 tandem axle cable hoist lift truck, 2 roll-off bins for food waste transfer and Kiosk upgrades.
Current Status: Both the residential and cable trucks have been purchased and put into service. Kiosk upgrades include new digital readouts for incoming and outgoing weights that are displayed for users to view on scale deck. 2 New scale systems have been purchased and installed in ToB Residential trucks to ensure accurate weights are reported to Parks Canada as per agreement.

SEWER

100 Sundance Road Sewer Connection

Project description & goals: Sanitary sewer connection from Banff Trail Riders to Cave Avenue.
Current Status: The project was completed early 2022 as a planned contract change to the Sundance Road Watermain loop. Capital funds for this project will be recovered from the Banff Trail Riders through a Local Improvement Tax to be collected over a 30-year period. The Local Improvement Plan was circulated to the Banff Trail Riders, and Council can expect to see a bylaw in late 2022 or early 2023 to add this levy to their annual tax bill.

Sewer Main Repairs

Project description & goals: Using condition assessment data, prioritize and complete sanitary sewer repairs as budget permits.
Scope of work for the 2021 season includes:

Parks Canada Compound 8” connection to Hawk Ave trunk main
Marmot crescent
Cascade Plaza
Point repair on Wolf street

Current Status: Three out of the four scopes have been completed. The contractor is coordinating with Cascade Plaza to complete this excavation when the building envelope and associated scaffolding is completed.

Wastewater Collection System Modelling

Project description & goals: Collection of survey data to be incorporated into the Towns GIS database. AECOM will be completing a model of the existing wastewater collection system using XPSWMM. The purpose of this is to create an understanding of system capacity based on sanitary pipe diameter, gradients and pumping capacities. This will allow the Town to determine when a segment of underground infrastructure requires upgrading to ensure adequate rate of removal. Current Status: Complete. AECOM have issued the Town the combined Utility Master Plan in Q3, 2022. This report contains detailed assessment of the water distribution, sanitary collection and stormwater conveyance systems. The report outlines current capacity as well as future flowrates based on the Towns expected population growth and demand on these systems. Upgrades where required are described and class IV costs estimates are included. Report will be presented to council in Q4 in 2022.

WWTP Capital Upgrades

Project description & goals: The Town of Banff took over operation of the WWTP January 2015 and have identified areas of focus. There are numerous pumps, compressors, valves, and mixers that are reaching end of life and need to be replaced. Years of inadequate maintenance have left pieces of critical equipment in poor condition which increases the probability of failure. There are also pieces of equipment that need to be overhauled to ensure proper operation and extend the life span.

Priorities for 2023

Installation of Dewatering Equipment
Engineering & Replacement of Electrical switchgear
MCC#3 replacement
Isolation gate installation for primary & secondary clarifiers
HVAC repairs & Upgrades
Process piping replacement

Priorities for 2024

Replacement of grit removal equipment
Remediation of screw lift concrete base
Replacement of UV system
Coating of secondary clarifier #3
Building management system replacement
Bioreactor cell 1 & 2 aeration valves replacement

See individual project descriptions and current status below.

Headworks and Dewatering Motor Control Center replacement
Electrical assessment by Associated Engineering in January identified corrosion internally. Several units have reached the end of their service life.
Current Status: Project complete.

Headworks and Dewatering Biofilter Replacement

Biofilters in two locations of the facility are used to reduce Hydrogen Sulphide emanating from the facility by a system of foul air piping. Large air-moving fans force this gas into the biofilter systems that utilize bacteria to breakdown the Hydrogen Sulphide before venting to atmosphere. Ambio Biofiltration are subject matter experts and completed a rejuvenation of filter media to improve the overall system function
Current Status: The operations team are adjusting the flow of water and air into these systems to improve functionality and reduce odours from the facility. This will be an ongoing process as seasons change.

Boiler Replacement

The three boilers that provide heating to the bulk of the facility have exceeded their equipment lifespan. The water services team worked with Planning and Development to confirm the best equipment to replace these boilers. AECOM completed a comprehensive analysis of proposals that were received from numerous vendors. AERCO BMK5000 boilers were selected and purchased direct by the Town. This equipment was free-issued to Black and Macdonald for installation.
Current Status: These boilers have been installed and tied into the system with upgrades to the process programming required to operate efficiently. The energy efficiency of this new system is greatly improved - from ~75% to ~96%

Glycol Replacement

During the commissioning of the AERCO boilers, the heating medium was tested for corrosion inhibitor and pH balance. It was noted at this time that the glycol was in need of replacement as it had exceeded its standard 15-year lifespan. The execution of this replacement was delayed to 2021 to avoid potential issues with the need for heat to be added to the facility in the near term. In August of 2021, Water Services completed a competitive bid process that saw Johnson Controls received approval to proceed.
Current Status: Substantially complete. An issue with hot water return piping was identified at the final stages of filling the system. This piping is to be replaced in the coming months with freeze protection precautions in place in the building that contains the damaged piping.

Supernatant and Effluent Pump Replacement

In 2017 a single effluent pump failed at the facility. The operations utilized the redundant spare pump to ensure effluent water remained available. In the following investigation the Water Services team determined that a full replacement of these pumps was warranted due to lack of replacement parts for the existing equipment. The replacement of the supernatant pumps was included into the scope of this project to capitalize on engineering support and vendor proposals.
Current Status: All pumps have been replaced however a bearing in an effluent pump failed prematurely. This is being addressed by the supplying vendor under warranty.

Bioreactor isolation valve replacement

Original 1988 valve selection for this application was a butterfly style valve. Over the course of operation of the facility these valves have been phased out due to their tendency to foul with items processed at the facility. Knife gate valves have recently been installed in their location. This allows for complete isolation of RAS feed into the bioreactors. This improves reliability and safety within the facility.

WATER

Demolition of Pump Station under Bow River Bridge Deck

Project description & goals: The old pump station building located adjacent to the north abutment and under the deck of the Bow River Bridge experienced foundation settlement which resulted in extensive cracking of the cinder block walls; the structural engineering recommendation was to demolish the room. The goal of this project was to safely demolish the building while maintaining the integrity of the two watermains, the high voltage power lines and irrigation lines. Due to these utilities and the presence of vermiculite (asbestos) in the cinder block walls, project scheduling and planning was complex.
The scope of work includes:

removal and palletization of rundle stone veneer for future use
temporary support of water mains and power lines passing through the space
removal and disposal of the building
removal of the corroded steel beam that supported one of the water mains
removal and replacement of sections of watermains
installation of new pipe hangers and re-insulation of both mains
relocation of the high voltage distribution lines and concrete vault
relocation of low voltage power to a new lockable cabinet for future use
provision of a new permanent irrigation connection for Central Park and river trail irrigation systems
remediation and landscaping

Current Status: Building demolition and removal is complete. The town’s Water Services team installed isolation valves on the two water lines to enable work to proceed. Their team then completed the replacement of watermain sections, inclusive of all planning for drainage, material procurement, subcontractor engagement, as well as chlorination and testing to applicable standards prior to reintroduction of service. Both pipes were then re-insulated and cladded for protection. Fortis continue to work on planning and design to relocate the high voltage cables, while low voltage electrical has been relocated providing a power source for future work. Final landscaping will be completed following the Fortis work, likely spring of 2023.

Residential Water Meter Replacement Program

Project description & goals: The project will be presented to council during service review 2023 for a budget amendment, for an increase as well as completing the project in 2023 (vs. over 4 years as originally approved). The original budget does not meet the current quote supplied by our meter contractor, and they have proposed to complete all installations in one year for efficiency purposes. It is proposed to move budget from 2024 and 2025 combined into the 2023 budget.
Current Status: In 2022 Service Review, Council approved $191K in 2022 and $574K split between 2023/24/25. Administration is now bringing a proposed budget of $709K in 2023 only instead of $574K. The increase of $135,000 is requested for two reasons: 1) inflationary cost increases since the original budget was approved, and 2) a newer, more accurate type of meter is proposed for the replacement program. Ultrasonic water meters have no moving parts, have lower failure rates, longer accuracy, and no maintenance requirements. These are the new industry standard, and the existing positive displacement type are being phased out over time.

Sundance Road – Fire Protection Loop

Project description & goals: Provide increased fire protection to the Recreation Grounds area.
Current Status: Project complete. In under six weeks, a total of 1.25 kilometre of pipes were installed via a trenchless methodology in a high-water table and contaminated soil area – greatly reducing the risks, disruption, remediation time and associated costs of open trenching in this environment

Water System Repair Program

Project description & goals: This capital comprises two main scopes - buried valve replacement in the potable water distribution system, along with fixed asset lifecycle replacements at the booster stations, reservoirs, etc. Equipment such as pumps, valves, instrumentation, PLC's, motor starters, SCADA radios, have reached the end of their useful life and now have reliability issues affecting water service levels. Valves in the distribution system are required for zone isolation during repairs and breaks. Priorities identified through breaks as well as from Water Master Plan.
Current Status:
2022 Priorities Summary:

Well 3 Soft Starter Replacement,
Kootenay & Buffalo Pump Station PLC Replacement,
Tunnel Reservoir Chlorinator Upgrades
Well #5 conditioning, inspection, and soft start replacement

2023 Priorities Summary:

Valve abandonment Mount Royal alley
Marmot Cr. valve replacement
Middle Springs Pump Drives
Buffalo electrical & mechanical upgrades
Mountain Ave electrical & instrumentation upgrades
Buffalo Mountain Lodge new valve

2024 Priorities Summary:

-TBD

Water Master Plan

Project description & goals: Similar to the wastewater collection system modeling, TOB has engaged AECOM to review past water models, update with recent data on water usage, flow rates, and pressure from select points within the distribution system to analyze where delivery rates may be a concern. The contractor will also combine population density forecasts provided by the Planning and Development department to recommend upgrades.
Current Status: Complete. AECOM have issued the Town the combined Utility Master Plan in Q3, 2022. This report contains detailed assessment of the water distribution, sanitary collection and stormwater conveyance systems. The report outlines current capacity as well as future flowrates based on the Towns expected population growth and demand on these systems. Upgrades where required are described and class IV costs estimates are included. Report will be presented to council in Q4 2022.

OTHER

Bear Street Public Art

Project Description and Goals: Public art was envisioned as part of the Bear Street redevelopment, and two possible locations on Bear Street that were approved by Council for public art – central Bear Street, and the Wolf/Bear intersection (images below). Council discussed the project budget and new selection process at the March 28, 2022 meeting of Council.
Current Status: The Art Committee has contracted Tiffany Shaw to complete the Bear Street public art piece. The artist completed a residency in September 2022, and is moving on to concept development. The Art Committee, a public art curator, and administration will support the artist through the project. Updates will be released as the project progresses, and installation is expected in Fall 2023.

CPR Pedestrian Crossing Update

Project description & goals: Partner with CP to design a safe pedestrian crossing and return to Council with a construction budget estimate to construct the crossing between Marmot Crescent and the industrial compound.
Current Status: Administration and CP have investigated options and developed preliminary design concepts for different alignments and “over” and “under” options. A comprehensive report was presented to council in November 2021, unfortunately the timing coincided with the devastating floods in British Columbia, which meant that the CP rail representatives were committed to emergency response and recovery there and not able to attend the council meeting. Without CP rails perspective Council found it difficult to reach a consensus on next steps and directed admin to return with the same report once CP rail were able to attend council. A letter from the Mayor’s Office has been sent to CP rail formally inviting them to a council meeting before the end of the year to revisit the options. Roam transit has been extended into the compound which provides an alternative to the unsafe crossing

Financial Software Update

Project description & goals: Update of financial software to current version including training for staff on the software.
Current Status: Administration is exploring options for the replacement of our job costing software (AMS) with the remaining budget in order to better support ongoing service benchmarking and operational databased decision. An RFP was released in 2022 and proposals were evaluated. During the evaluation, it was determined that none of the submitted proposals operate in agreement with the town’s current financial processes. Additionally, it became evident that the budget approved for this project is insufficient – New Service Level request to follow at budget.

Heritage Master Plan

Project description & goals: As identified in Council’s Strategic Plan (He1) a Heritage Master Plan will be developed. The Heritage Master Plan will recommend tools and tactics for the Town of Banff to use that will achieve built heritage conservation goals and can be pursued over the next five to ten years.
Current Status: A Request for Proposals was issued to hire a consultant to support the Heritage Master Plan. Administration is negotiating with the preferred proponent and expects to have a contract signed the week of 2022 October 3 and for the project to be well underway shortly after.

Storm Water Master Plan

Project description & goals: Similar to the water & wastewater collection system modeling, TOB has engaged AECOM to review past stormwater models, update with recent data on water usage, flow rates, and to analyze where storm collection may be a concern. The contractor will also combine population density forecasts provided by the Planning and Development department to recommend upgrades.
Current Status: Complete. AECOM have issued the Town the combined Utility Master Plan in Q3, 2022. This report contains detailed assessment of the water distribution, sanitary collection and stormwater conveyance systems. The report outlines current capacity as well as future flowrates based on the Towns expected population growth and demand on these systems. Upgrades where required are described and class IV costs estimates are included. Report will be presented to Council in Q4 2022.

Town Entrance Sign Enhancement

Project description & goals: construction of a crossing and traffic calming by the Banff sign at the Fenlands
Current Status: Enhancements were coordinated within the ‘Traffic-calmed entrances to Town’ capital project and amendments to layouts were undertaken in 2021/2022.

Town Pageantry Replacement

Project Description and Goals: Replace aging Christmas Tree street pole toppers and string lights on Banff Avenue. Originally purchased in conjunction with the Banff Refreshing in 2007-08, the infrastructure reached the end of its life span, which was extended through extensive repairs. After the extreme weather and wind of winter 2020-21 the structure of the street pole toppers was failing, as was the electronics of the lighting systems. The objective of this project is to replace ‘like with like’ but upgrade lighting to energy-efficient standards for holiday pageantry that also limits upward light pollution in the downtown area. The festive illumination is installed each year from mid-November to the end January. The project also involves enhancing storage capacity in the Operations Compound to ensure full lifecycle of the new festive lighting.
Current Status: The new Christmas Tree toppers for Street Poles on Banff Ave and Bear Street were received and used for the first time for Christmas season in 2021 and into 2022. Cost savings have allowed adding festive lighting for the intersections of Bear Street and Christmas Tree toppers on the redeveloped commercial hub, although Bear Street was not in the original project scope. With cost savings, $7,000 of the original capital budget was carried forward into 2022 to replace lighting on the high school fence on Banff Avenue, as existing lighting was deteriorating and is a lower level of energy efficiency. This replacement will be possible in 2022 through partnership with Banff & Lake Louise Tourism to match the funding.

Virtual City Hall

Project description & goals: Implementation of the remainder of the Virtual City Hall module in Diamond/GreatPlains to allow residents/non-residents of Banff further online access which will reduce the need to physically come into Town Hall. Virtual City Hall will enhance the online access for property tax invoices, utility invoices, BL invoices, and animal licences invoices.
Current Status: Implementation was originally scheduled for the spring of 2022, however has been delayed due to internal resources being reallocated to deal with the CyberSecurity issue experienced in March 2022. Administration is looking at scheduling this either late 2022 or early 2023 as internal resources allow.

Banff Affordable Housing

Banff Avenue Affordable Housing

Project description & goals: Construction of 33 price-restricted, affordable for-purchase units – designed to meet or exceed priorities of liveability, affordability, environmental performance, Banff Design Guidelines, ease of maintenance, construction, and operating costs. Project to be self-funding through the sale of units - without the need for a tax subsidy.
Current Status: Following Council Approval in October 2020, the contract for the design-build was awarded to Studio North, with their lead consultant Lola Architecture. Demolition of the existing structures and tree removal commenced in early 2021 in advance of the migratory bird windows. Construction continues with framing now 75% complete and insulation and drywall commencing in the rear dwellings. The pandemic related supply chain delays and inflation has caused the project to be delayed, materials are taking longer to procure, and the unavailability of some materials has also caused the need for nimble redesign to accommodate alternate materials that can be procured in time. Building occupancy is now forecast to be in in Q2 2023. Administration launched the sales process in October 2021 and all 33 unit have been presold. The project will be LEED Silver certified, house a 39KW solar array and have energy performance approximately 20% better than the National Building Code.