Council approved the amended 2012 - 2015 Operating and 2013-2022 Capital budgets, indicating a property tax rate increase of 1.71 per cent for 2013, though Council does not pass the tax rate bylaws until spring.
Highlights of the service improvements include additional streets/snow clearing crew and equipment, increased funding toward public art to the equivalent of $2 per person per year, planters and beautification for Bear Street, as well as funding for an economic prosperity plan. Community group funding includes support to the Canadian Rockies Regional Science Fair and Banff Heritage Tourism. Council also agreed to continue supporting Banff Lake Louise Tourism events through in-kind services (waiving permit fees and labour charges of more than $15,000).
Capital projects moving next year include a vehicle extraction practice area for the Banff Fire Services, a new canoe dock on the Bow River (at Town leasehold property), a new parade float for the Parade of Lights, as well as continued funds to the road overlay program. The Bow River utility crossing/pedestrian bridge and the Legacy Trail connection projects continue, unchanged.