Council postpones toboggan hill development
Banff Town Council approved adjustments in the 2022 budget and plan for the Recreation Grounds Renewal Project, to address escalating costs of materials and transportation. The 2022 Recreation Grounds Capital Budget was increased to $4.5 million, from the previously approved $4.2 million, for an increase of $291,000. But this additional expenditure is fully funded through a new grant of $375,000 from the Smart, Sustainable, Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA). The award is tied to the proposed design of the new multi-purpose pavilion and its exemplary environmental design.
To avoid the extremely high inflationary cost associated with transportation and the cost of earth fill for creation of the proposed toboggan hill, this component of the recreation grounds renewal was removed from the 2022 plan. The Town will explore options for fill from other construction within the townsite and other regional options for creating a toboggan hill on the site in future years.
Banff to make community more livable for seniors
Council passed a resolution to actively support, promote and work towards becoming an age-friendly community. Council asked for the development of a plan, in collaboration with individuals and groups in our community, to determine what are the key elements Banff should pursue to help seniors continue to live comfortably in town. A report to council at the end of the year will help develop budget options for new projects, services, or policies.
The work will involve an assessment of our community to identify the steps needed to qualify for the Government of Alberta’s age-friendly designation, and more importantly, the concrete programs to make Banff more livable for seniors. The goal is to promote active living for seniors by providing community supports that enable continued independence.