The meeting began with two delegations. Marc LeBlanc spoke on behalf of Canadian Cannabis Compassionate Community about the non profit organization’s goals and activities. Arctos Bird principal Peter Poole provided his opinion on the growth management policies of the Town and Parks Canada.
Council requested staff return at service review with options that could be used to study the community’s impact on the ecological integrity of Banff National Park.
Council gave third reading to traffic bylaw 16-8, with an amendment to reduce fine amounts for illegal operation of bicycles and skateboards to $55 to be consistent with fine amounts for motorized vehicles. The bylaw was updated to incorporate relevant Trail Masterplan impacts and clarify non-motorized use of roads and trails. Council directed staff to bring back options for a report on imposing speed limits for bicycles on trails.
Council updated Bylaw 387 and Policy C103 to allow for council representation on the Public Art Committee, among other adjustments. They approved three new locations for public art pieces, at the south side of the pedestrian bridge, the corner of Lynx and Railway avenues and in the plaza at the front of Town Hall. They also approved a capital budget amendment to transfer $44,803 from the public art reserve to acquire “River Ribbon” by Alexander Caldwell. The reserve is funded by transfers of $2 per resident per year from general revenues ($18,772.00/year). The current total of the public art reserve sits at $123,176.24 before the acquisition. The committee hopes installation of the new artwork will occur before year end.
After some discussion regarding changes to the policy concerning ‘make, bake or grow’ for the farmer’s market, council extended the trial period of the Special Events Policy for a second year, requested an amendment to include block/street parties, and requested staff return by end of first quarter of 2018 with options that could allow a capped percentage of personal services in farmer’s markets.
Council directed administration to review sidewalk clearing policy to determine which sidewalks will be cleared by the town and which by residents. They approved an amended schedule B on sidewalk clearing priorities.
Council received a report on summer traffic management data, on Parks Canada transit initiatives and on Roam public transit ridership. Highlights include a 20% increase in Roam ridership overall year to date, more than 280,000 riders on Parks Canada transit and shuttles, an 18% increase in ridership on the complimentary Brewster shuttle, and overall - including On It from Calgary, 900,000 riders on transit to the park and in the park. Vehicle volumes have increased 3.5% year to date, with a 6.8% increase in July and August, and park visitation has increased 4% year to date. The full report can be found in the agenda package on banff.ca.