News Releases

Animal Service Bylaw changes
Administration brought to Council proposed changes to the Animal Services Bylaw to update information and provide more clarity about Banff’s bylaw officers’ ability to intervene when domestic animals are at risk of harm. The proposed changes also removed some specifications about domestic animals that are allowed in Banff, because the short list could be misinterpreted as exclusions for many other types of pets. Council supported the purpose of the clarifications and asked Administration to further bring back options for consideration about limiting domestic rabbits as pets, to avoid problems of released pets in other jurisdictions. Council also asked for options for limiting the number of dogs per household, since there are currently no limits specified in the bylaw.

Banff looks to improve notification on development applications
Council directed administration to seek stakeholder input on a proposal to require developers of major projects to provide information to neighbouring properties and seek feedback on development applications. Council also asked administration to explore enhanced sign notifications about development proposals and online tools that could better describe applications in the community. The tool would also help residents learn about projects ahead of of opportunities to provide feedback to the Town’s development officer or the Municipal Planning Commission.

Banff Town Council begins Budget Process
The Town of Banff has completed its annual service review, where Council reviewed the Town’s 73 service areas and more than 100 programs, utilities and services. Council evaluated base budgets, employee numbers, issues and priorities. This process allows Council to confirm or modify the level of service in each area, to meet the expectations of the community. This was also an opportunity for Council to review some of the achievements in the past year, including Roam Transit successes, the opening of facilities like the skatepark and the Ti’nu Apartments, to services like Wildlife coexistence initiatives, Firesmart activities, and environmental programs.

Council then started the budget process by reviewing the finances of the municipality, potential infrastructure projects and all operating costs. Council will hold final discussions on the budget on January 28, 2019.