News Releases

Council gave two readings to Traffic Bylaw 16-8. Updates to the bylaw were part of recommendations from the Trails Master Plan to clarify definitions for highways, sidewalks and trails; address the use of horses on trails, including the addition of a map for horse routes; and descriptions of appropriate uses on trails. Council also made an amendment to reduce the fine for illegal operation of a bike or skateboard from $100 to $55 to be more in line with fines for illegally parked vehicles. The bylaw will return at the next meeting for further review before a vote on third reading.

Council gave three readings to Bylaw 386, which made amendments to the Banff Library Board Bylaw. The library board bylaw is the legal instrument that establishes the municipal library and the board. The board had asked for amendments to allow council to appoint up to 10 members to the board: one to two Town of Banff councillors (as well as an alternate), one ID 9 council member, and seven or eight public members.

Council gave second and third reading to Bylaw 383, the Electric Franchise Agreement Bylaw. The bylaw authorizes an agreement with Fortis Alberta for the distribution and delivery of electricity within the Town of Banff. The Town receives annual franchise fees from utility companies for the right to use lands throughout the town for their infrastructure. The term of the agreement is 10 years and the Town’s current rate under the agreement is 4%. The rate will be reviewed in the fall when Fortis sends out rate projections for 2018.

Council gave second and third reading to Bylaw 384, a borrowing bylaw for predesign on an affordable housing project on Cave Avenue. Council gave first reading of the bylaw on July 17, 2017 and as per requirements of the Municipal Government Act, it was advertised for two consecutive weeks. No feedback was received during that period. The bylaw authorizes a borrow of $200,000 for public consultation, geotechnical investigation, slope stability analysis, site survey, civil engineering predesign and tender designs for the construction of affordable housing on 145-155 Cave Avenue.

Council adopted the Disposal of Fixed Assets Policy C6001. The policy was first approved on November 22, 2010 and the changes are minor in nature. Some of the sections have been rearranged to meet the current policy format and the title of Manager of Corporate Services has been replaced by Director, Corporate Services. The policy number has also been changed from C113 to C6001 to fit the new policy numbering convention.

Council voted to have options for a study on a car and/or ride share program return to council during budget deliberations. The proposed study would examine the state of the practice in car-sharing and ride-sharing in North America with emphasis on Canadian examples. The Town would hire a consultant to carry out the work, and the report would make recommendations as to the suitability of various car and ride share options for use in Banff.

Council reviewed proposed amendments to the Community Art Committee Terms of Reference. The current terms of reference were last amended on September 25, 2006 and have been scheduled for policy review this year. The Community Art Committee is a standing committee of council that advises council on matters pertaining to public art. The terms of reference outline the duties and responsibilities of the committee as well as membership makeup and committee administration.

Council received an update on the cracking issues that have been observed on Cave Avenue. Cave Avenue was reconstructed in 2014 with the top lift asphalt being placed in 2015, and cracking observed in 2016. Some amount of frost heave may be inevitable in low plastic clay soils such as those found on Cave Avenue and the recommendations from consultant’s Tetra Tech are to fill and to continue to monitor the cracks. The project was completed under budget. Costs for filling the cracks and installing monitoring pins can be carried out within the existing budget.

Council voted in favour of providing special ballots for the 2017 municipal election, and that applications for special ballots may be made in writing, by telephone, in person, or by email. Information on mail-in ballots and a request for a special ballot package form is available at http://banff.ca/index.aspx?NID=903. Eligible voters may request a special ballot, if they are unable to vote at an advance poll or at the voting station on election day because they are: physically incapacitated or absent from Banff.