The new pavilion building has opened at the Banff Recreation Grounds, providing accessible and universal washrooms and a gathering space for local non-profits and Banff residents who use amenities in the area such as the skatepark, off-leash dog park and sports fields.
The pavilion is open from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily, with washrooms accessible from outside entrances and separate washrooms indoors. An indoor bottle-filling station will be accessible year-round. The landscaping around the pavilion will remain fenced to prevent elk access until the grass root system is better established.
A grand opening event is planned for winter to coincide with a skating party to celebrate the opening of Banff’s newest outdoor rink, beside the pavilion. The interior has skate-friendly flooring.
“The pavilion sets a new standard for sustainable and accessible facilities in the town of Banff," says Mayor Corrie DiManno. "Further, this is the most energy-efficient building in town now and I hope recreation ground users will enjoy the use of this new community space.”
As the first building constructed under the Town’s Municipal Sustainable Building Policy, the pavilion was designed and built with sustainability and accessibility as the foremost goals. Its innovative design includes super-insulated walls, triple and quadruple-paned windows and a 100% electric heat pump heating and cooling system. The building is constructed to achieve Passive House Low Energy Building Certification and Rick Hansen Accessibility Certification, ensuring all residents and visitors can use its facilities. Solar panels being installed next year move the building towards net-zero efficiency.
The pavilion will be available for local sports teams and non-profits to rent, allowing them an indoor facility to fully utilize the recreation ground. Rental features include showers, a kitchenet and barbeque space.
The pavilion is not available to rent for private functions, such as weddings or birthday parties. To inquire about bookings, please visit banff.ca/249/Rent-a-Facility-or-Outdoor-Space.