Regular Council Meeting Agenda Thursday, May 13th, 2021 | 1:00pm Remote Attendance
1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Adoption of Agenda / Call For Additions
3. Adoption of Council Minutes a. Regular Council Meeting – April 15th, 2021
4. Financial Reports a. March 2021 Financial Reports
5. Delegations a. Standing Council Update – RCMP (no attachments) b. Standing Council Update – Parks Canada Lake Louise Field Unit (no attachments) i. Fire Hall Location Update Discussion c. Standing Council Update – Lake Louise Fire Department (no attachments)
6. Business & Discussion Items a. 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw b. Draft Banff National Park Management Plan for Review and Comment c. Recreation Project Update (no attachments)
7. CAO & Committee Reports/Roundtable (no attachments) a. CAO Report b. Council Roundtable
8. Correspondence & Reports a. April 12th Town of Banff Minutes b. April 20th Town of Banff Minutes c. April 26th Town of Banff Special Meeting Minutes d. April 26th Town of Banff Minutes e. April 26th Town of Banff Public Hearing Minutes f. May 3rd Town of Banff Minutes g. Parks Canada Stakeholder Update – Lake Louise: Kicking Horse Canyon Trans-Canada Highway Twinning Project h. Parks Canada Stakeholder Update – Lake Louise & Banff: Prescribed Fire Season Is Here! i. Parks Canada Stakeholder Update – Banff: Spring 2021: West Sulphur Wildfire Risk Reduction Project j. Parks Canada Stakeholder Update – Lake Louise: Improvements in the Lake Louise area in 2021 k. Parks Canada Stakeholder Update – Banff: FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS GOLF ROAD TRAVEL RESTRICTION LIFTED – as of May 1, 2021 l. Parks Canada Stakeholder Update – Lake Louise: Water Shutdowns for Hydrant Replacement (May 3-5, 2021) m. Parks Canada Stakeholder Update – Lake Louise: Peyto Lake and Bow Summit closure May 7, 2021 n. Parks Canada Stakeholder Update – Lake Louise: UPDATE - Water Shutdowns for Hydrant Replacement (May 4 & 5) o. BLLT Member Bulletin – April 9 p. BLLT Member Bulletin – April 13 q. BLLT Member Bulletin – April 20 r. BLLT Member Bulletin – April 20 s. BLLT Member Bulletin – April 27 t. BLLT Member Bulletin – May 5 u. BLLHA HR News April 2021 v. BLLHA Mental Health Support Packages w. MA COVID-19 Update Summary April 9 x. MA COVID-19 Update Summary April 23 y. GoA CMOH Summary March 31 and April 7 z. GoA CMOH Summary April 14 aa. GoA Land and Property Rights Tribunal Update bb. MA Letter from Minister McIver Supporting Alberta Businesses cc. MA ABTraceTogether Version 2.0 Release dd. Kicking Horse Canyon Project Notification Update for April 12, 2021 Extended Closure ee. Kicking Horse Canyon Project - Construction and Traffic Update ff. Kicking Horse Canyon Project - Construction and Traffic Update April 23 gg. BVRH February 2021 Meeting Minutes & March 2021 Occupancy & Waitlist Report hh. BVRH 2021 Requisition Update ii. Government of Alberta - Police Funding Model PFM Chargeback jj. 2021 Tax Year Designated Industrial Property Requisition Tax Rate kk. Letter from MP Richards Budget 2021 and Municipalities ll. AUMA Announcing the Return Of Our Mental Fitness Webinars mm. ID9 Population Numbers nn. Fenlands Arena Board oo. Lake Louise RCMP March Crime Stats pp. Town of High River Eastern Slopes Coal Exploration & Public Consultation on the 1976 Coal Development Policy Letter qq. Letter to Minister Madu re: for RCMP x3 – Morinville, Town of Magrath & Town of Didsbury rr. LLSRC Community Event & Program Posters
9. Upcoming Meetings, as currently scheduled a. Rise Indigenous Consultation 11:00am – 11:50am, June 10th, 2021 – Zoom b. MLA Rosin Meeting noon – 1:50pm, June 10th, 2021 - Zoom c. ID9 Regular Council Meeting 1:00pm, June 10th, 2021 – Zoom
10. Adjournment
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL of the Improvement District No. 9 (BANFF) in the Province of Alberta Thursday, April 15th, 2021 at 1:00pm Zoom Platform
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT Dave Schebek Chair Davina Bernard Vice Chair Alison Brewster Councillor Jean-Marc Stelter Councillor
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT Danielle Morine Chief Administrative Officer Kurtis Pratt Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
VISITING OFFICIALS Alex Kolesch Senior Advisor LLYK Field Unit, Parks Canada Gerald Walker Sergeant Lake Louise RCMP Mike Buxton-Carr Detachment Commander Banff RCMP Lisa Rajewski Senior Accountant, Improvement Districts Alberta Municipal Affairs Ed Dvornikov Director, Financial Planning and Reporting Alberta Municipal Affairs Nick Hall Captain Lake Louise Fire Department
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Schebek called the April 15th, 2021 Regular Council Meeting to order at 1:00pm.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
01-15-04-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED to accept the April 15th, 2021 Regular Council Meeting Agenda with the following amendments: • 6c. Assessor Appointment • 6d. Vaccine priority for Lake Louise • 10. In Camera – Closed Session o a. Local Committee Finance Matter - covered under section 23 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
02-15-04-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED to approve and adopt the March 11th, 2021 Regular Council Meeting Minutes as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Improvement District No. 9, Banff National Park – Council Meeting Minutes, April 15th, 2021 1 | P a g e
03-15-04-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED to approve and adopt the March 22nd, 2021 Special Council Meeting Minutes as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. FINANCIAL REPORT
04-15-04-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED to accept the February 2021 financial statements as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. DELEGATIONS
a. Government of Alberta, Municipal Affairs Lisa Rajewski & Ed Dvornikov presented the 2020 Audited Financial Statements.
05-15-04-2021 Councillor Brewster MOVED to approve the 2020 Audited Financial Statements as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
b. RCMP Standing Update Sergeant Walker and Detachment Commander Buxton-Carr updated Council on their most recent quarterly reports & monthly statistics.
c. Parks Canada Standing Update Chair Schebek & Alex Kolesch updated Council on the fire hall location considerations.
06-15-04-2021 Councillor Bernard MOVED that administration to set up a Fire Hall Planning Committee Meeting that consists of members from ID9, LLBMSS, Administration and LLFD Management before the May Council Meeting to further discuss needs and next steps. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
d. Lake Louise Fire Department Standing Update Captain Hall updated Council on the upcoming First Aid Instructor Training taking place.
6. BUSINESS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw Approval: Issue Brief & Request For Decision
Council reviewed Bylaw #2021-02 as amended.
07-15-04-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED to pass first reading of Bylaw #2021-02, 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
b. Recreation Project Update: Issue Brief (no attachments)
Improvement District No. 9, Banff National Park – Council Meeting Minutes, April 15th, 2021 2 | P a g e
Administration updated Council on the construction/renovation progress of the new Lake Louise Recreation Centre.
c. Assessor Appointment: Request For Decision
Administration updated Council on a request from Municipal Affairs to appoint the Assessor for the current term.
08-15-04-2021 Councillor Brewster MOVED that Frank Watson with Bow Valley Property Valuators be appointed as the assessor for Improvement District No. 9 for the current term. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
d. Vaccine Priority: Issue Brief (no attachments)
Councillor Bernard updated Council on advocacy work being done in Banff & Lake Louise regarding the vaccine rollout and the need for ID9 to fall under the same category as prioritized work camps due to the unique housing circumstances in the area.
09-15-04-2021 Councillor Bernard MOVED that Administration send a letter to the appropriate Provincial Ministries and AHS indicating that ID9 should be considered for priority vaccination location status as has been done for private corporation workcamps. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
7. CAO & COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
a. CAO Report
Administration updated the board on the CAO report and answered any questions they may have had.
b. Council Roundtable
Councillor Bernard provided a verbal report to Council on the AUMA Presidents Summit, Bow Valley Truth & Reconciliation Committee, Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission, the Lake Louise Sport & Recreation Society (1369058 Alberta Society) and the Lake Louise Banff Municipal Services Society.
Councillor Brewster had no update for Council.
Councillor Stelter provided a verbal report to Council on both the Banff Library Board and the Bow Valley Good Food Box.
Chair Schebek had no update for Council.
Improvement District No. 9, Banff National Park – Council Meeting Minutes, April 15th, 2021 3 | P a g e
8. CORRESPONDENCE & REPORTS
10-15-04-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED accept the correspondence and reports as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
9. UPCOMING MEETINGS
ID9 Regular Council Meeting 1:00pm, May 13th , 2021 (Zoom Remote Meeting)
10. IN CAMERA – CLOSED SESSION
10-15-04-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED that due to section 23 of the Freedom of Information & Personal Privacy Act that the meeting be taken IN CAMERA to discuss some confidential matters of Council business in a Closed Session at 2:04pm. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
11-15-04-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED to come OUT of IN CAMERA and end the Closed Session at 2:21pm. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
11. ADJOURNMENT
12-15-05-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED to adjourn the March 2021 Regular ID9 Council Meeting at 2:21pm. MOTION CARRIED UNANAMOUSLY
Minutes Approved on the 13th of May 2021.
______
Chair – Dave Schebek
______
Chief Administrative Officer – Danielle Morine
Improvement District No. 9, Banff National Park – Council Meeting Minutes, April 15th, 2021 4 | P a g e
Improvement Districts' Summary of Accounts 2021-03-31 Improvement District #9 Under (Over) Over (Under) Account Description Budget 2021 2020 Budget Prior Year Assets 100160 Cash 9,064,487.27 $ 9,688,074.94 (623,587.67) 103010 Cash In Transit - - - 120070 GST Receivable 143.85 99.25 44.60 120450 Bank Interest Receivable 1,222.77 14,662.09 (13,439.32) 120560 General Accounts Receivable 1,231,039.80 1,285,071.00 (54,031.20) 120620 Property Taxes/GIPLOT Receivable 3,587.19 387,290.42 (383,703.23) 125010 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - - - 127010 Prepaid Expenses 33,198.27 1,517.75 31,680.52 166010 Buildings and Staff Housing 4,653,124.20 4,653,124.20 - 169010 Other Capital Assets 400,188.67 400,188.67 - 169020 Work in progress - Capital Assets 1,350,789.80 509,222.54 841,567.26 170010 Land Improvements - - - 176010 Accumulated Amortization - Buildings (1,689,618.39) (1,573,290.27) (116,328.12) 179010 Accumulated Amortization - Other Capital Assets (165,604.27) (150,071.64) (15,532.63) 180010 Accumulated Amortization - Land Improvements - - - 14,882,559.16 15,215,888.95 - (333,329.79)
Liabilities 213270 Accrued Liabilities 60,960.65 380,576.82 (319,616.17) 203040 Accrued Interest Payable - - - 215020 GST Payable 2,194.88 728.78 1,466.10 215030 Holdback Payable - - - 215130 Due to Municipal Affairs - - - 275070 Debentures Payable - - - 229010 Unearned Revenue 3,741,223.92 5,045,960.78 (1,304,736.86) 3,804,379.45 5,427,266.38 - (1,622,886.93)
Equity 310010 Operating Reserves - - - 310020 FUND BALANCE 11,188,559.07 10,491,153.57 697,405.50 370020 Capital Reserves - - - 370040 Capital Assets - - - 11,188,559.07 10,491,153.57 - 697,405.50
Revenues 419020 Taxes - Residential and Non Residential - - - - - 425020 Taxes - Power and Pipeline - - - - - 425030 Taxes - Machinery and Equipment - - - - - 425010 Federal Grants in Place of Taxes - - - - - 425040 Penalties and Costs - 1,584.57 2,203.93 (1,584.57) (619.36) 445010 Tax Certificates - (105.00) 175.00 105.00 (280.00) 446455 Permits - - - 453010 Bank Interest - 5,247.06 46,018.34 (5,247.06) (40,771.28) 473225 Provincial Grants - 22,197.00 37,709.00 (22,197.00) (15,512.00) 473325 Other Miscellaneous Revenue - - 60.15 - (60.15) 473455 Medical Clinic and Staff Housing Rentals - 22,266.96 22,268.02 (22,266.96) (1.06) 476010 Gain on Sale of Capital Assets - - - - - 474010 Refund of Expenditures - - - - - 51,190.59 108,434.44 (51,190.59) (57,243.85)
Expenditures 521050 Memberships - 2,786.17 5,518.17 (2,786.17) (2,732.00) 525020 Travel - Mileage - - 707.30 - (707.30) 525050 Travel - Meals - - 573.49 - (573.49) 525060 Travel - Lodging - - 148.18 - (148.18) 572090 Interest Expense - - - - - 529070 Advertising - - 2,027.80 - (2,027.80) 531010 Insurance - - 21,768.18 - (21,768.18) 533010 Courier Services - - 30.81 - (30.81) 537070 Building Costs and Federal Land Leases - 3,949.66 768.00 (3,949.66) 3,181.66 543120 Legal Fees - - - - - 543020 Honoraria - 6,342.50 9,970.00 (6,342.50) (3,627.50) 543470 Assessment Fees - 7,500.00 7,500.00 (7,500.00) - 544480 Other Professional and Labor Services - - - - - 551090 Water, Sewage and Garbage - 2,679.31 2,686.04 (2,679.31) (6.73) 551240 Other Purchased Services - 1,528.00 - (1,528.00) 1,528.00 553040 Administration and Office Supplies - 20,770.00 20,052.31 (20,770.00) 717.69 553070 Printing Services - - - - - 558010 Protective Services - 55,676.59 - (55,676.59) 55,676.59 560030 AB School Foundation Fund and Senior Lodge Requisitions - - 738,215.16 - (738,215.16) 562030 Grants to Municipalities - - - - - 564010 Other Grants - 60,337.72 1,000.00 (60,337.72) 59,337.72 578020 Bad Debt Expense - - - - - 585020 Amortization - Buildings - - - - - 585030 Amortization - Vehicles - - - - - 585050 Amortization - Other Capital Assets - - - - - 587010 Amortization - Land Improvements ------161,569.95 810,965.44 (161,569.95) (649,395.49)
Excess (Deficiency) of Revenue over Expenditure $ - $ (110,379.36) $ (702,531.00) $ 110,379.36 $ 592,151.64
M:\CSS_FIN_FPRS\Repts_Stats_Fin_00740\001 Managers General\Improvement Districts\2021\151_VAR,Sheet1,4/12/2021,4:01 PM
#Classification: Protected A IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 9 INTEREST EARNED ON GRANTS As at December 31, 2021
FGTF MOST MSP MSI - Capital Prepaid Total Grant Grant Grant Grant Rent Deferred Revenue
Amount Carried forward from 2020 $ 58,803.00 $ 102,526.09 $ 122,197.00 $3,465,089.50 $ 1,532.93 $ 3,750,148.52
Interest Deposits / Ending Interest Deposits / Ending Interest Deposits / Ending Interest Deposits /( Ending Deposits / Ending Interest Deposits / Interest earned Expenditures Balance earned Expenditures Balance earned Expenditures Balance earned Expenditures) Balance Expenditures Balance earned Expenditures Ending Balance (Receivable) (58,803.00) - - 102,526.09 (100,000.00) 22,197.00 (1,072,394.00) 2,392,695.50 - 1,532.93 (1,231,197.00) 2,518,951.52 Payable - - 102,526.09 - 22,197.00 516,322.74 2,909,018.24 - 1,532.93 516,322.74 3,035,274.26 Jan-21 0.25% - - - 102,526.09 - 22,197.00 622.61 - 2,909,640.85 16,637.04 18,169.97 622.61 16,637.04 3,052,533.91 Feb-21 0.21% - - - - 102,526.09 - - 22,197.00 457.57 - 2,910,098.42 (1,682.32) 16,487.65 457.57 (1,682.32) 3,051,309.16 Mar-21 0.15% - - - - 102,526.09 - (22,197.00) - 373.21 (516,322.74) 2,394,148.89 (1,682.32) 14,805.33 373.21 (540,202.06) 2,511,480.31 Apr-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - - - - 2,394,148.89 - 14,805.33 - - 2,511,480.31 May-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - - - - 2,394,148.89 - 14,805.33 - - 2,511,480.31 Jun-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - - - - 2,394,148.89 - 14,805.33 - - 2,511,480.31 Jul-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - - - - 2,394,148.89 - 14,805.33 - - 2,511,480.31 Aug-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - - - - 2,394,148.89 - 14,805.33 - - 2,511,480.31 Sep-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - - - - 2,394,148.89 - 14,805.33 - - 2,511,480.31 Oct-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - - - - 2,394,148.89 - 14,805.33 - - 2,511,480.31 Nov-20 0.00% - - - - - 102,526.09 - - - - - 2,394,148.89 - 14,805.33 - - 2,511,480.31 Dec-20 0.00% - - - - - 102,526.09 - - - - - 2,394,148.89 - 14,805.33 - - 2,511,480.31 - 102,526.09 - - 2,394,148.89 - 14,805.33 - 2,511,480.31 Receivable - 58,803.00 58,803.00 - - 102,526.09 100,000.00 100,000.00 1,072,394.00 3,466,542.89 - 14,805.33 - 1,231,197.00 3,742,677.31 (Payable) 58,803.00 - 102,526.09 - 100,000.00 - 3,466,542.89 14,805.33 - - 3,742,677.31 - 58,803.00 - - - 77,803.00 1,453.39 556,071.26 13,272.40 1,453.39 705,949.66
3,741,223.92 Check TB . Deposits: - - - - -
- - - - -
Expenditures: MSP Rec Grounds Shop (22,197.00) - (22,197.00) ------(22,197.00) - (22,197.00)
Net Deposits/Expenditure - - (22,197.00) - (22,197.00)
ID Interest earned on deferred grants - 2021
#Classification: Protected A ID 9 Page 1 of 1
Issue Brief 2021-05-13
Agenda Item 6a. | 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw
Background
On April 15th 2021, Council passed first reading of the 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw. Recommendation
That council review and pass second and third (final) reading of Tax Rate Bylaw #2021-02 as presented.
BYLAW NO. 2021-02
A BYLAW TO AUTHORIZE THE RATES OF TAXATION TO BE LEVIED AGAINST ASSESSABLE PROPERTY WITHIN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 9 IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA FOR THE 2020 TAXATION YEAR.
WHEREAS, the Improvement District No. 9 has prepared and adopted detailed estimates of the municipal revenue and expenditures as required for 2021; and
WHEREAS, the estimated municipal expenditures and transfers set out in the 2021 Operating & Capital Budget for Improvement District No. 9 total $4,013,130; and
WHEREAS, the estimated municipal revenues and transfers from all sources other than taxation is estimated at $1,779,892 and the balance of $2,233,238 to be raised by general municipal taxation;
AND WHEREAS the requisitions are:
Alberta School Foundation Fund (ASFF) Residential/Farmland $ 330,532 Non-residential $3,073,720 Total ASFF $3,404,252
Designated Industrial $ 2,514 Senior Foundation $ 184,467
AND WHEREAS the Council of Improvement District No. 9 is required each year to levy on the assessed value of all property, tax rates sufficient to meet the estimated expenditures and the requisitions;
AND WHEREAS, the Council is authorized to classify assessed property, and to establish different rates of taxation in respect to each class of property, subject to the Municipal Government Act, Chapter M26, Revised Statutes of Alberta, 2000;
AND WHEREAS, the assessed value of all property in Improvement District No. 9 as shown on the assessment roll is: Assessment Residential/Farmland $ 116,541,567 ASFF Exempt residential $ 572,940 Non-residential $ 641,236.822 ASFF Exempt Non-residential $ 200,328,300 Linear $ 28,688,418 ASFF Exempt Linear $ 3,922,970 Designated Industrial Property $ 213,540 Total $ 991,504,557
BYLAW 2021-02 – TAX RATES NOW THEREFORE, under the authority of the Municipal Government Act, the Council of Improvement District No. 9, in the Province of Alberta, enacts as follows:
1. That the Chief Administrative Officer is hereby authorized to levy the following Rates of taxation on the assessed value of all property as shown on the assessment roll of Improvement District No. 9:
2020 Tax Levy Assessment Tax Rate
General Municipal
Residential/Farmland $ 93,692 $ 117,114,507 0.80000
Non-residential $ 2,139,546 $ 874,390,050 2.44690
Total $ 2,233,238 $ 991,504,557
Alberta School Foundation Fund
Residential/Farmland $ 330,532 $ 116,541,567 2.83617
Non-residential $ 3,073,720 $ 670,138,780 4.58669
Total Education Requisition $ 3,404,252 $ 786,680,347
Designated Industrial $ 2,514 $ 32,824,928 0.07660
Senior Foundation $ 184,467 $ 991,504,557 0.18605
2. Taxes not paid by July 31st in the year in which they are levied shall have a penalty of 12 per cent imposed on them on August 1st.
3. Taxes not paid by December 31st in the year in which they are levied shall have an additional penalty of 12 per cent imposed on them on January 1st of the succeeding year and each year thereafter so long as these taxes remain unpaid.
4. The minimum amount payable per parcel as property tax for general municipal purposes shall be $20.00.
4. This bylaw shall take effect upon approval of the Minister of Alberta Municipal Affairs.
READ A FIRST TIME this 15th day of April 2021.
READ A SECOND TIME this 13th day of May 2021.
READ A THIRD TIME AND PASSED this 13th day of May, 2021.
Chairperson Chief Administrative Officer
BYLAW 2021-02 – TAX RATES 5/5/2021 Gmail - Stakeholder Update: Draft Banff National Park Management Plan for Review and Comment
Danielle Morine
Stakeholder Update: Draft Banff National Park Management Plan for Review and Comment 1 message
BanffSuperintendent-DirecteurBanff (PC)
Stakeholder Update: Draft Banff National Park Management Plan for Review and Comment
What is happening? Parks Canada is seeking your comments on the draft management plan for Banff National Park from April 14 until July 7, 2021.
With Parks Canada’s mandate and ecological integrity as its touchstone, the draft management plan was shaped by the efforts and accomplishments of previous plans, the monitoring results and trends described in the State of the Park Assessment, and changes in the environment, technology and protected area management practices. The draft was also written with strong consideration for the earlier feedback received from you and others about your vision for the park, and the values and principles that should guide its future management and priorities. We need to hear if we’ve captured your ideas.
Banff’s draft management plan was completed concurrently with the draft plans for Jasper, Waterton Lakes, Yoho, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. You can provide your feedback on it or any of the mountain park management plans for the next 12 weeks.
How can you find out more or get involved?
- Find out more online at www.letstalkmountainparks.ca
- Share feedback or ask questions by:
o Leaving a comment on the www.letstalkmountainparks.ca site
o Sending an email to: [email protected]
o Joining us at a virtual meeting in June (Date and time to be announced. To request more information about these sessions, please contact [email protected].)
o Sending a letter to: Office of the Superintendent, Box 900 Banff AB T1L 1K2
- Help to spread the word - ask your friends and family to provide their comments. This process is open to all interested residents, businesses and visitors.
Any input we receive will help us finalize the management plan, which will be approved and tabled in Parliament.
We’re listening. Ensuring the values and views of Canadians are reflected in every park management plan is a priority for us.
Visit www.letstalkmountainparks.ca to have your say. Help us to ensure that these special places will further Canadians’ appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of Canada into the future.
Office of the Superintendent, Banff Field Unit
Parks Canada / Government of Canada
101 Mountain Avenue, P.O. Box 900, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1K2
[email protected] / Tel: 403-762-1510
Bureau du Directeur, Unité de gestion Banff
Parcs Canada / Gouvernement du Canada
101, avenue Mountain, C.P. 900, Banff AB T1L 1K2
[email protected] / Tél: 403-762-1510
Parks Canada - 450 000 km2 of memories / Parcs Canada - 450 000 km2 de souvenirs
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697049343182780691%7Cmsg-f%3A16970493431827… 1/2 5/5/2021 Gmail - Stakeholder Update: Draft Banff National Park Management Plan for Review and Comment
3 attachments Frequently Asked Questions - Draft 2021 Banff Park Management Plan.pdf 106K Fact Sheet - Guiding Principles for the draft Banff Park Management Plan.pdf 96K Fact Sheet - Highlights of the Draft Banff Park Management Plan.pdf 91K
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697049343182780691%7Cmsg-f%3A16970493431827… 2/2
Frequently Asked Questions on the Banff National Park Draft Management Plan
Q1: What is a management plan and what does it do? A1: A park management plan is required by law under the Canada National Parks Act. It provides policy guidance for decision making for the next 10 years, and describes specific objectives and targets for the next ten years in key areas including: natural and cultural resource protection, visitor education and experience, Indigenous relations and land use management. The plan helps ensure that management and protection of the park is undertaken in an open and transparent manner, with input from Canadians.
Q2: Why should I get involved? A2: National Parks are dedicated to the people of Canada for their benefit, education and enjoyment, so it is important for Parks Canada to hear about what is important to you. Your ideas are considered and reflected to the degree possible in developing the final management plan, which guides out decisions and approaches for the next 10 years.
Q3: How can I get involved or submit a comment? A3: You can get involved by: 1) leaving a comment and/or responding to a survey on the www.letstalkmountainparks.ca website , 2) emailing your comments, ideas, or questions to [email protected]. 3) joining a virtual meeting (date and time to be announced on the Banff letstalkmountainparks.ca website) 4) sending your input via regular mail to: Office of the Superintendent, Parks Canada - Banff Field Unit P.O. Box 900, Banff, AB, Canada, T1L 1K2
Q4: How will my comments be used? A4: National Parks are held in trust for Canadians, so it is important that Parks Canada’s approach to managing Banff National Park reflects your values and views. On this basis, all comments are reviewed carefully by the planning team, and used to shape the final plan.
Q5: I commented earlier, during phase 1. Do I need to comment again? A5: In the first phase of engagement, Parks Canada asked for views on the park vision, key issues and opportunities for the next decade. This input was used to develop the draft– and we want to hear what you think of the results or if we have left any significant gaps. Your comments will help us shape the final plan.
Q6: What’s really new in this plan? A6: This plan builds on direction and accomplishments of past management plans, but is shorter and more strategic. While it still includes priorities relating to maintaining and restoring ecological integrity and quality visitor experiences, it also pays attention to some additional important areas such as:
Indigenous relations landscape level thinking management of cultural resources climate change visitor planning and management sustainable mobility accessibility and inclusivity
Q7: How are environmental concerns addressed in the plan and the planning process? A7: Throughout the planning process, and in drafting the management plan, ecological integrity is the first priority for Parks Canada. The draft plan addresses environmental concerns through inclusion of strategies, objectives, and targets that support ecological integrity.
Additionally, the plan underwent a detailed Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to determine whether the potential impacts of the various strategies and objectives in it would likely be positive, neutral or negative. Where warranted, the SEA outlines if further impact assessment would be required at the implementation stage, and any particular factors that should be examined at that time.
Guiding Principles for Banff National Park Management Planning
On behalf of the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.
- Canada National Parks Act
Since its inception, Canadians have shared their ideas about what national parks should represent and how they should be managed. These values and principles have helped shape Parks Canada as an organization, and provide a foundation for all of its programs and initiatives.
During early discussions about a new management plan for Banff National Park, stakeholders flagged the importance of using these principles as a framework for the plan’s development and for weaving them into the new plan itself. In this way, the values and views of the people that national parks are held in trust for, are reflected in the park’s management priorities and approaches.
Guiding Principles
1. Ecological integrity Parks Canada’s commitment to maintaining and restoring ecological integrity is the first and foremost consideration in managing the park, and should be at the heart of the new management plan.
2. Moving forward, not starting anew While the new plan will build on existing policy and plan direction, it will be rewritten and updated to better address emerging issues, new knowledge and the input from others. The new plan will: provide more clarity; respond to government priorities and Parks Canada’s strategic direction; and reaffirm ecological integrity as the first priority.
3. Respect and relationship building Parks Canada will use the process of developing the plan to connect and build relationships with all Canadians, and to advance shared goals for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Seeking the views of others early and incorporating them in the plan to the degree possible is key to demonstrating respect for the park’s future as a shared endeavour.
4. Decision-making guided by science and Indigenous knowledge To safeguard the park for generations to come, management decision must be of the highest caliber and based on the best available knowledge. As the protocols and interest of Indigenous knowledge holders allows, the new park management plan should set a future course whereby Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge systems are both valued and applied with integrity to park management decisions and approaches.
5. Inclusion and accessibility Canada’s national parks belong to all Canadians. Park programs and decisions should: consider and reflect the full diversity of the park’s visitors and their cultural histories and perspectives. The new plan should point the direction to removing barriers to access and to improving accessibility and inclusivity in park programs and places.
6. Openness and transparency The management plan review process provides an opportunity for increased Indigenous and public involvement, and lay the foundation for Parks Canada to demonstrate transparency in its decision making.
7. A living document A new management plan should not be an end in and of itself. Parks Canada will maintain an open public dialogue on the implementation of the management plan, to ensure that it remains relevant and meaningful. The plan will serve as the focus for continuing conversations on the management of Banff National Park in the years to come.
Highlights of the Draft Park Management Plan for Banff National Park
The Vision The vision for Banff National Park’s future is characterized by respect – for Indigenous peoples who were the original inhabitants and stewards of the land before the park was established; for experiences based in the unique human and natural history of the place; for the significance of the place; and for the inherent value of the area as part of the broader landscape and environment. It is a place where all people feel welcomed and inspired.
The Route Forward The draft management plan was built on the groundwork laid by previous plans, with careful consideration for ecosystem monitoring results, relevant research and trends, Parks Canada’s legal and policy obligations, corporate priorities, and the views of Indigenous groups, the public, and stakeholders. After additional comments are received on the draft, it will be revised as required and recommended to the Minister of the environment for approval and tabling in Parliament.
The Focus The draft management plan provides high-level direction for the park’s management for the next decade. It identifies maintaining ecological integrity and providing quality visitor experiences as key priorities to be addressed in the context of challenges such as rising visitation, infrastructure limits, and evolving climate change impacts. It also identifies the importance of building relationships with Indigenous peoples, and providing a respectful, inclusive environment where all people may participate in the life and work of the national park. The plan includes nine, interconnected key strategies for delivering on park priorities, each with one or more outcome-based objectives.
The Highlights The draft plan:
takes a landscape-level, collaborative perspective;
pays particular attention to creating a safe space for building respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples, and for fostering their involvement in the park.
strengthens attention to: the identification, care and management of cultural resources, to better understanding and respect for their significance, and to their presentation in a way that is culturally appropriate, accessible and gives them meaning and respect in the contemporary world;
earmarks inclusiveness and accessibility as key principles for managing park facilities and approving new developments; Continued ...
emphasizes the importance of authentic experiences rooted in Banff’s distinctive landscapes, stories, cultures, and natural and cultural resources, and of continuing efforts to help visitors understand environmental issues and the importance of protected areas;
commits to visitor use planning and decision-making with sustainability, site and infrastructure limitations, and public safety as top-of-mind considerations, and to using a variety of tools to manage the type, amount, timing, location or nature of human activity in areas that are ecologically sensitive or contain important habitat;
describes strategies and objectives for demonstrating environmental stewardship and encouraging others to do the same including development of a Climate Change Action Plan for the park, and integration of climate change thinking into management decisions, park operations, services and programs; and
incorporates thinking around the sustainable movement of visitors as key to achieving Parks Canada’s objectives for visitor experience and ecological integrity.
The draft management plan can be viewed at www.letstalkmountainparks/banff-national-park- management-plan. Your comments are very welcome. Please leave your ideas on the site or send them to [email protected].
2021
Banff National Park of Canada
Management Plan
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© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the President & Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada, 2021.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK OF CANADA MANAGEMENT PLAN, 2021.
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Cette publication est aussi disponible en français.
Note to readers
The health and safety of visitors, employees and all Canadians are of the utmost importance. Parks Canada is following the advice and guidance of public health experts to limit the spread of COVID-19 while allowing Canadians to experience Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.
Parks Canada acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic may have unforeseeable impacts on the Banff National Park of Canada Management Plan. Parks Canada will inform Indigenous partners, stakeholders and the public of any such impacts through its annual implementation update on the implementation of this plan.
For more information about the management plan or about Banff National Park:
BANFF NATIONAL PARK OF CANADA 101 MOUNTAIN AVENUE, P.O. BOX 900, BANFF, ALBERTA, T1L 1K2
Tel: 403.762.1510, Fax: 403.762.1583 Email: [email protected] https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff
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Banff National Park iii Management Plan
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ...... 1 2.0 Significance of Banff National Park ...... 4 3.0 Planning Context ...... 5 4.0 Development of the Management Plan ...... 7 5.0 Vision ...... 7 6.0 Key Strategies ...... 8 7.0 Management Areas ...... 25 8.0 Zoning and Declared Wilderness Area ...... 33 9.0 Summary of Strategic Environmental Assessment ...... 39
Maps Map 1: Regional Setting ...... 2 Map 2: Banff National Park ...... 3 Map 3. Town of Banff ...... 25 Map 4. Lake Louise Area ...... 28 Map 5. Lake Minnewanka Reservoir Area ...... 31 Map 6: Zoning in Banff National Park ...... 34 Map 7. Zoning in the Lake Minnewanka Reservoir Area ...... 35 Map 8. Zoning in the Lake Louise Area ...... 35 Map 9. Zoning in the Town of Banff Area ...... 36 Map 10. Banff National Park Declared Wilderness ...... 38
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Banff National Park 1 Management Plan
1.0 Introduction
Parks Canada manages one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and historic places in the world. The Agency’s mandate is to protect and present these places for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. Future-oriented, strategic management of each national park, national marine conservation area, heritage canal and those national historic sites administered by Parks Canada supports the Agency’s vision:
Canada’s treasured natural and historic places will be a living legacy, connecting hearts and minds to a stronger, deeper understanding of the very essence of Canada.
The Canada National Parks Act and the Parks Canada Agency Act require Parks Canada to prepare a management plan for each national park. The Banff National Park of Canada Management Plan, once approved by the Minister responsible for Parks Canada and tabled in Parliament, ensures Parks Canada’s accountability to Canadians, outlining how park management will achieve measurable results in support of the Agency’s mandate.
Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, partners and the Canadian public were involved in the preparation of the management plan, helping to shape the future direction of the national park. The plan sets clear, strategic direction for the management and operation of Banff National Park by articulating a vision, key strategies and objectives. Parks Canada will report annually on progress toward achieving the plan’s objectives and will review the plan every ten years or sooner if required.
This plan is not an end in and of itself. Parks Canada will maintain an open dialogue on the implementation of the management plan, to ensure that it remains relevant and meaningful. The plan will serve as the focus for ongoing engagement on the management of Banff National Park in the years to come.
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Map 1: Regional Setting
Banff National Park 3 Management Plan
Map 2: Banff National Park
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2.0 Significance of Banff National Park
Long before Banff was established as a national park, the lands and waters of the area were of high significance to Indigenous communities living on both sides of the Continental Divide for ceremony, travel, trade and sustenance. In particular, the Bow and North Saskatchewan River valleys were important east-west travel corridors and places of residence for Indigenous peoples for millennia.
Like many of Canada’s earliest national parks, Banff was established in a time when Indigenous peoples were separated from their traditional lands and waters through government policy and law. In Banff National Park, hunting by Indigenous peoples was prohibited starting in 1890. Enforcement of this prohibition, combined with other Government of Canada policies such as those restricting the ability of First Nations to leave reserves, precluded Indigenous peoples from travelling through, harvesting and exercising cultural practices in the area of the park.
Modern-day Banff lies in the territories of Treaty 6, 7 and 8 Nations, and is within the asserted traditional territories of numerous Indigenous groups from both sides of the Continental Divide. The lands within the park remain highly significant to these groups. They have been and still are the subject of various land and title claims by multiple nations, including the Siksika and Stoney Nakoda First Nations. For example, the Siksika First Nation’s claim concerning a historical 26.5 square mile timber limit in the Castle Mountain area (known to the Siksika as the Miistukskoowa Area) was settled between the Siksika Nation and Canada in 2016. As a result, this area remains as part of the park with special considerations for the Siksika Nation for ceremonial, educational and other purposes.
Banff National Park was established around the Sulphur Mountain hot springs in 1885, as part of a young nation’s efforts to connect Canada by rail. Thus the country’s national park system was born and the stage was set for the then-emerging global idea of land conservation and protecting heritage places for the long- term benefit, education and enjoyment of all.
The park contains the headwaters of the Bow River (the water source for millions of people living downstream) and provides important habitat for 56 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, and more than 800 species of plants. Rare and sensitive wildlife, including important predators such as wolves, wolverines and grizzly bears, are more common and widespread today than in the 1970s, and they range freely throughout more of the landscape than in the past.
Known for its beauty, wildlife diversity, and dramatic wilderness, the park has long been an inspiration to explorers, artists and writers who continue to add to a rich body of work that embodies the spirit of the mountains and people’s sense of connection with mountain landscapes. It remains a centre of mountain culture and outdoor adventure where Canadians build relationships with nature, adventure and one another.
Banff is also renowned for its long history of wildlife research and conservation, its innovations in the applied science of ecological restoration, and its role in the tourism industry as Canada’s most visited national park. It is one of seven parks comprising the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site as designated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and a global symbol of Canada. Canadians and others from around the world look to Banff for leadership and innovation in the theory and practice of protected area management, and to represent the best of Canada’s national park system. It contributes significantly to the local regional and national economy, and to the social well-being of its many visitors.
The park provides unparalleled opportunities to see, experience and learn about natural and cultural heritage in Canada, including the history that helped shape the nation. Its lands and waters are of special cultural and spiritual significance to Indigenous peoples from both sides of the Continental Divide. Other specific features that make Banff unique include: Western Canada’s southernmost roadless wilderness areas large enough for multi-day travel; landscape features (Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake and Vermilion Lakes, thermal hot springs, mounts Rundle and Temple) that are symbols of Canada; Banff National Park 5 Management Plan
the northern limit in Canada for alpine larch, limber pine, westslope cutthroat trout and other important species; eight national historic sites and one designated Canadian Heritage River -- the North Saskatchewan; with Yoho and Glacier national parks, Banff was the birthplace of Canada’s mountaineering and alpine skiing heritage; wild populations of bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, wolves, mountain goats, elk, mule deer, golden eagles, the American dipper and other Rocky Mountain wildlife; the hydrological apex of North America (the Columbia Icefield), where water drains into three oceans; Castleguard Cave, one of Canada’s longest caves at 20 kilometres in length and extending under the Columbia Icefield; Parks Canada’s most popular national park, attracting more than 4.1 million visitors in 2019-20; the spectacular Bow Valley and Icefields parkways; and the community of Banff, with its unique-in-the-world governance regime and remarkable array of visitor services, museums, galleries, heritage buildings, and the world-renowned Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
3.0 Planning Context
The tradition of welcoming visitors from around the world has been a part of Banff National Park’s identity and operation since its inception. Shortly after the creation of the original 26 km2 Hot Springs Reserve in 1885, the Canadian government and the Canadian Pacific Railway began working to develop the hot springs as a tourist destination to increase traffic on the railway. In support of the burgeoning tourist industry, the community of Banff was established in 1886 as a transportation and service centre for visitors.
Over the next 135 years, Banff National Park continued to develop infrastructure, programs and services for visitors. Today, of all national parks in Canada, it has the greatest amount of roofed accommodation accessible by motor vehicle and situated in the backcountry. It also has 1,500 kilometres of official trails, 320 kilometres of roads, 13 frontcountry campgrounds offering over 2,400 sites, 51 backcountry campgrounds, dozens of picnic areas and viewpoints, three ski areas, a golf course, and two well-known communities providing a wide range of services for Banff’s residents and visitors.
To ensure that infrastructure development and use do not compromise the park’s ecological integrity or the other qualities that draw people to it, the amount of allowable commercial development and the boundaries of the communities and ski areas has been limited through various means. Commercial development space in the communities of Lake Louise and Banff has been fully allocated. Once this allocation has been fully constructed commercial activity in the communities will be restricted to redevelopment of existing facilities and structures. Although their growth and development limits have been prescribed in approved site guidelines for each resort, none of the ski areas have reached their maximum development.
The State of the Park Assessment (2018) provided a ‘report card’ on the condition of certain natural and cultural resources, and other aspects of Parks Canada’s work, and how this condition has changed since the last park management plan. It identified the need to improve important habitat quality and the effectiveness of movement corridors for both land-based and aquatic species. These systems have been negatively affected by the loss of connectivity through decades of historic road and rail construction practices, and in the case of aquatic communities, through hydro development that resulted in barriers to fish passage on many streams, and through stocking of non-native fish species. It is anticipated that addressing this will take a considerable period of time, particularly with respect to aquatic ecosystems, however progress has been made in recent years through initiatives such as removal of the 40 Mile Creek
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Dam, restoration of Cascade Creek and connectivity in several others during twinning of the Trans- Canada Highway, and removal of non-native fish from a number of locations in the park.
Another important conservation challenge identified in the State of the Park Assessment is the need to improve the ecological integrity of forest ecosystems. Fire suppression throughout most of the 2oth century has created a forest that is less diverse than expected in both age and species composition. This older, more uniform forest is vulnerable to catastrophic wildfire, insects and disease. Climate change may also affect forest ecosystems in various ways, including: alteration of the fire regime, changes in species composition and distribution, and a shift toward more open forest types over time. Returning fire to the landscape is important for forest ecosystem restoration and resilience to climate change.
Other key areas for attention from the State of the Park Assessment are the need for improved management of the park’s cultural resources (including archaeological sites, heritage buildings, and objects), and for increased maintenance of other Parks Canada built assets. While the Federal Infrastructure program afforded the opportunity to make significant progress on the latter over the last 5 years, there is still much work to be done.
Park visitation has grown 30% over the last decade and Banff now welcomes more than four million people annually, primarily during the summer and ski seasons. Trends indicate that during peak periods, visitors are arriving earlier in the day, and visiting more in fall and spring than was noted when the previous park management plan was written. When surveyed, visitors consistently rate their satisfaction as high and would recommend the park as a destination to others. Recognized as one of National Geographic Traveler magazine’s ‘Best of the World’ destinations, Banff’s visitation now accounts for 26% of all visits to Canada’s national parks.
While it is a source of pride for Parks Canada and Canadians, Banff’s high visitation is also one of the park’s greatest challenges and the subject of rising public concern. While the park as a whole is becoming busier in all seasons, the most significant visitation increases are in spring and fall, with daytime visitors taking in key attractions accessible by vehicle. For many years, Parks Canada’s services (e.g. reservation and transit systems, communication programs, online information) and on-the-ground active management of visitors and wildlife have mitigated the effects of rising visitation on the park’s resources and the visitor experience; however, as noted in the State of the Park Assessment some park infrastructure and facilities in key locations are now at or near capacity, more frequently and for longer periods. Finding safe, effective, sustainable approaches to shaping visitor expectations, managing further visitation increases, and minimizing congestion-related delays, while sustaining the heritage qualities and values intrinsic to Banff and the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, is a fundamental challenge of the next decade.
In addition to increasing in number, Banff’s visitors are becoming increasingly diverse. To ensure the park is welcoming, fully inclusive and relevant to changing visitor expectations and social profiles, future park services and programs will need to be based on a thorough understanding of the significance of the place, the patterns of visitor use, the carrying capacity of specific locations, the desired visitor experience, and the impact on ecological values. They must also take into consideration people’s diverse abilities, motivations and interests in visiting the park.
The Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway bisect the park. Wildlife mortality from vehicle strikes on the highway has been largely mitigated through a world-renowned system of crossing structures and fencing, and work continues on mitigating wildlife mortality from vehicle and train strikes. There have been proposals for twinning the rail line for passenger rail between Calgary and the community of Banff, and for expansion of the rail sidings in the park to allow for movement of longer trains. These proposals may be tabled again during the span of this management plan.
Climate change figures prominently among the park’s challenges. Anticipating, understanding, and adapting to the impacts of climate change on all aspects of park management is essential if Banff is to fulfill its role in the national park system and the expectations of Canadians.
Banff National Park 7 Management Plan
Another key goal for Parks Canada is to advance the Government of Canada’s commitment toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, through meaningful, on-the-ground action and activities. At the time the park was established, the historical conservation ethic resulted in severing of the connections of Indigenous communities from their ancestral homelands; this in turn has meant that colonial thinking and values have shaped park management and conservation. Parks Canada is working to set a different approach for the future, one in which Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge systems are both valued and applied to park management.
Current relationships between Parks Canada and Indigenous communities with cultural connections to the area vary widely, with most in their nascent stage. Cultural practices by some groups have been undertaken for decades, while others are only recently contemplating or undertaking these activities within the park. Some inroads have been made in recent years, but there is still much work to be done to ensure Indigenous peoples feel welcomed, meaningfully included, and able to practice their culture on the land. There is also substantial room to grow for others to see and experience the rich and vibrant contribution that Indigenous peoples can make to the park.
4.0 Development of the Management Plan
Banff National Park is privileged to have a large, diverse group of keenly interested Indigenous communities, park users, business operators, volunteers, residents, academics, and others who wish to contribute to park planning, decision-making, long-term sustainability, and cultural continuity. This plan was informed by the values, views and aspirations of these groups, as summarized in the What We Heard Report, as well as: the lessons, successes and direction of previous management plans; Parks Canada’s legislative obligations including but not limited to the Canada National Parks Act and regulations, Species at Risk Act and the Accessible Canada Act; the State of the Park Assessment (2018) presenting the current condition of key indicators and measures over the last decade; Parks Canada Agency and Government of Canada priorities and direction; relevant research and trends; and changes in the local and regional environment, technology, and best practices.
5.0 Vision
Banff National Park reveals the majesty and timelessness of the Rocky Mountains and true expanses of wilderness. This is a place where nature comes first -- evolving and flourishing without boundaries, where people can experience nature on its own terms. It is also a place where human use, knowledge, and beliefs influence, and in turn are influenced, by the ecological systems of the park: a place where biodiversity of the species, land, and culture all play a role in maintaining the park as it should be, and where ecological integrity is the first priority in park management.
Experiences in Banff are firmly rooted in its distinct wilderness landscape, history and cultures. The park’s natural rhythm, its waters and wildlife, the art and literature it inspires, and the traditions of wilderness adventure, conservation leadership and learning that evolved here, are valued and celebrated by people from around the world. Indigenous peoples, as the original inhabitants and stewards of the lands and waters of Banff, have a meaningful role in its presentation management and decisions. Their history, their contemporary experiences and contributions are shared with visitors with integrity and accuracy. The Indigenous presence in the park adds to its richness and sense of place.
People may enjoy the park virtually or in person. However they connect, they are inspired by its unique blend of mountain wilderness, culture, and adventure. As a result, visitors are motivated to become part
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of the shared enterprise of sustaining and preserving all that is valued about Banff, the national parks system and the environment as a whole.
People visiting the park in person will find it welcoming, inclusive and environmentally sustainable. They will enjoy authentic experiences that reflect Banff’s unique history and landscape, in ways that are safe and respectful of the park’s fragilities and character. Infrastructure, facilities, programs, services and equipment are planned, designed and implemented with a broad spectrum of visitor characteristics in mind including age, ability, ethnic and cultural background, gender identity and expression, and economic status.
Visitors of all abilities find a broad complement of services to facilitate their exploration of the park centralized in the village of Lake Louise and the town of Banff. Both communities are thoughtfully planned and sustainably managed.
Visitor experiences are supported with safe facilities and infrastructure that are compatible with the national park setting without dominating it, and by an integrated, efficient system of trails and transportation choices that encourage them to explore the park in a sustainable fashion. They can conveniently plan and book their activities, transportation, accommodation and parking through an integrated online portal before leaving their homes.
The park is managed in an inclusive, open fashion, never losing sight of the fact that it is intended as a legacy for all Canadians. It continues to be known around the world for its innovative, sustainable approach to protected area management. Above all else, Banff National Park is a place of wonder and connection, where the richness and importance of the place are appreciated and respected.
6.0 Key Strategies
The following key strategies outline the broad approaches that will be used to manage Banff National Park, consistent with the mandate of Parks Canada and its inclusion as part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. They describe how the main challenges and opportunities identified for the park will be addressed over the ten-year span of this plan. Objectives describe the desired outcomes after successful implementation of each strategy. Targets identify tangible steps that demonstrate measurable progress toward achieving each objective. Where a time frame is not mentioned in the target, it should be considered an ongoing activity deliverable within the span of this plan. Barring the unexpected, the commitments in the plan are feasible within the scope of the park’s funding and human resources.
It is important to note that the key strategies do not sit in isolation from each other; they must be considered as a whole in order to understand the cumulative effect geared toward achieving the vision of the park and the Parks Canada mandate.
Key Strategy 1: Conserving Natural and Cultural Heritage
The protection of natural and cultural resources, park landscapes is core to the reason for the park’s existence, and maintaining and restoring ecological integrity is the first priority in park management. Parks Canada’s approach to conserving these important aspects will be guided by an understanding of and respect for the significance of the place, and natural and cultural values. Knowing that uncertainties exist, Parks Canada’s ecosystem management, conservation and restoration initiatives will be built on the best available science and Indigenous knowledge in support of a precautionary, adaptive approach that provides for evolution of management policies and practices based on the monitoring of outcomes.
Cultural resources are often the least well-understood of all the park’s resources. They may include tangible heritage such as built places, landscapes, objects, songs, and art, or intangible heritage associated with past and present human use such as stories, customs, beliefs, traditions, knowledge, and language. Banff National Park 9 Management Plan
Their preservation and protection are important as they represent our collective, yet diverse experience and values, and they shape who we are today. Parks Canada’s efforts in this plan will focus on identifying the park’s cultural resources and understanding their significance from non-Indigenous and Indigenous perspectives, caring for them appropriately, and presenting them in a way that is culturally appropriate, accessible and gives them meaning and respect in the contemporary world.
To date, there remains a clear gap with respect to appropriate and respectful recognition and weaving together of Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge systems, for the purpose of better understanding and managing natural and cultural resources. As the protocols and interest of Indigenous knowledge holders allows, Parks Canada will seek input and advice on new restoration and conservation projects and current resource management challenges.
The park’s natural resources are generally more familiar and better understood. These resources include aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, natural vegetation communities and habitats. For the park’s ecological integrity to be maintained, it is important to ensure not only the natural diversity of these resources, but also the on-going presence of their natural processes, composition and abundance.
Recognizing that the functioning of Banff’s aquatic and riparian areas is critical to the park’s overall ecosystem integrity and to the well-being of downstream communities, the protection, restoration and maintenance of these areas will be a priority for the park.
Similarly, vegetation communities have a large role to play in the park’s ecological integrity. Besides their ecological benefits, forests, alpine meadows and riparian areas also have great cultural, aesthetic and spiritual importance. Maintaining natural vegetation to preserve dynamic plant communities, patterns and abundance is a key goal for Parks Canada. This will occur by allowing natural processes to safely occur, as well as taking additional action through prescribed fires, non-native plant management, re- routing trails or other management actions to avoid sensitive or at-risk vegetation species such as whitebark pine and limber pine.
Grizzly bears, mountain goats, wolves, cougar and wolverines are iconic species for Banff National Park. It is important to note that to a significant degree, their long-term sustainability relies on managing impacts related to human use such as habituation, displacement, and food-conditioning. In the interests of seeing stable (non-declining) populations of these sensitive and important species, Parks Canada’s management efforts will concentrate on improving public awareness and minimizing human-wildlife conflict, preserving access to habitat and improving habitat conditions where possible, and minimizing mortality.
A variety of activities will continue to be employed including: working with CP Rail on mitigating the effects of the railway and on efficient sharing of information in emergency management and/or incident response situations; collaborating with land managers in neighbouring areas on shared challenges and initiatives; assessing opportunities to decommission and relocate trails and other facilities out of high-quality habitat to settings that offer improved recreational experiences but lower habitat value; actively managing human disturbance in corridors so that current levels of use by wary species are maintained or improved; educating visitors as to safe enjoyment and responsible behaviours around wildlife, reconfiguration or relocation of facilities; and managing access or group size. Access management will be used only to the degree necessary to effectively protect resources.
The goal of this strategy is to ensure that the park’s natural and cultural resources are protected for future generations. Key efforts and initiatives from the previous management plan, such as restoring the connectivity, function and natural biota of streams and lakes; the use of prescribed fire, forest thinning, and other measures aimed at ensuring a natural vegetation mosaic; and enabling bears, wolves and other carnivores to safely use important habitat areas and movement corridors, will continue.
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This strategy is intimately connected to strategies pertaining to climate change, regional connectivity, and stewardship, outreach and communication activities that help park visitors, residents, and businesses understand the benefits of conservation and how to adapt their actions to support Parks Canada’s efforts. It is also linked with strategies and activities that will improve visitor experience and the inclusion of Indigenous groups and their knowledge systems in the management of park resources.
Objective 1.1: The park’s significance as a cultural landscape is better understood and its cultural resources are identified, preserved and protected in ways that respect their diverse origins, and their past and present significance.
Targets As the protocols and interest of Indigenous knowledge holders allows, an updated inventory of cultural sites and objects in the park that are important to Indigenous peoples, and improved protocols and practices for their management is completed in a way that respects the origins and ownership of the material. By 2028, an updated inventory of cultural resources in Banff National Park is integrated with the park’s other comprehensive resource data bases (GIS systems), and in collaboration with internal and external Parks Canada stakeholders, a plan is developed describing the most appropriate care and long-term treatment for these resources. Parks Canada’s understanding of the variety of cultural resources in Banff National Park, including tangible and intangible resources and cultural practices, is enhanced through collaborative research and projects. By 2028, the condition ratings of Banff’s Federal Heritage Buildings rated as good will increase from 22% to 50%, and building conservation maintenance plans will be completed for all 22 buildings. The approved management plans or statements for each of the national historic sites that Parks Canada manages directly in Banff National Park are implemented to ensure protection and presentation of those important resources. These sites include: the Cave and Basin National Historic site, the Banff Park Museum National Historic site, the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site, Howse Pass National Historic Site, and Abbot Pass Refuge Cabin National Historic Site (managed by Parks Canada but operated under a licence of occupation by the Alpine Club of Canada) and Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site, the latter two resting in both Banff and Yoho national parks. The effect of changing snow and ice conditions on the stability of the Abbot Pass Hut is assessed and potential mitigation strategies are evaluated in order to determine options for the management of the hut. In collaboration with Indigenous groups and others, a Cultural Resource Values Statement that identifies human history themes and cultural resources is completed. Key aspects of Banff’s human history, cultural resources and its national historic sites are linked to the broader landscape, park management challenges, and modern visitor experiences, using a range of innovative and engaging learning opportunities to keep these stories alive and relevant.
Objective 1.2: With consideration for the landscape-level context and the need to adapt our management approach in response to climate change, more of the park’s aquatic ecosystems reflect water quality and levels at benchmark standards, support native species at self-sustaining population levels, and provide for effective species connectivity.
Targets Over the life of this plan, there are stable or improving measures related to freshwater ecosystems. By 2025, the park’s wetlands are mapped, including clear identification of high-priority areas where amphibian occupancy may be affected by park management. Remediation plans are in place for areas where development is occurring. Banff National Park 11 Management Plan
By 2030, at least four high-priority waterbodies (stream segments or lakes) in the park are restored to a condition that will support native fish and other aquatic life. In collaboration with the Province of Alberta, and adjacent mountain national parks the introduction of non-native species into the park’s aquatic ecosystems from recreational boats and gear is prevented. The water quality in all reaches of the Bow River is maintained or improved, and so as to meet or exceed reference conditions at the monitoring locations downstream of Lake Louise and where the river flows out of the park; and the highest water quality is maintained in all other rivers originating in the park. Important values are maintained, such as nesting and rearing habitat for waterfowl in the Bow River and its associated riparian areas, and the likelihood of transmission of non-native invasive species is reduced through careful management of activities. All outlying facility wastewater effluent treatment and management systems consistently meet or exceed applicable provincial standards of practice or higher federal standards. Where wastewater effluent is discharged to surface waters, all communities and outlying facilities consistently meet or exceed Parks Canada mountain parks targets for treatment system end-of-pipe parameters as follows: Parameter Parks Canada Targets Total Phosphorus (mg/L) <0.15 Fecal Coliforms (CFU/100ml) <20 (end-of-pipe) Solids, total suspended (mg/L) <10
5-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) (mg/l) <10 (summer) <20 (winter)
Ammonia (NH3 – N) (mg/L) <1 (summer) <5 (winter) Chlorine (Alberta standard) 0.10mg/L Where the treated effluent is discharged to ground or to receiving waters where there is insufficient dilution, site-specific evaluations are required and applied to address human health or ecological risk factors. Groundwater and wastewater treatment systems are effectively managed through a groundwater monitoring network in nodes of high human use where groundwater resources may be limited such as Lake Louise and Johnson Canyon.
Objective 1.3: The ability of keystone species to thrive in Banff National Park improves.
Targets By 2030, the effectiveness of wildlife corridors in the park will be maintained or improved from ratings in the 2018 State of the Park Report with a focus on the Fenlands, Fairview, Whitehorn, Cascade, Sulphur Mountain and Golf Course corridors. By 2029, the linear density of informal trails around the community of Banff is reduced from 2019 levels by 10 percent. By 2023, human-wildlife conflict within the park is reduced from 2019 (as a percentage of total visitation) through implementation of an updated Human-Wildlife Co-Existence Management Plan that reflects current visitor use patterns, identified issues and key sites. The plan describes: proactive activities to reduce risk, criteria for intervention, and the scope of possible actions; and approach to visitor education. Priority wildlife corridors extending beyond park boundaries are maintained and improved through work with neighbouring jurisdictions. Grizzly bear habitat security is maintained or improved. The long-term feasibility of bison reintroduction in Banff National Park is determined through evaluation of the Bison Reintroduction Five Year Pilot Program as described in the re- introduction plan.
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Objective 1.4: The ecological integrity of the park is improved through targeted restoration actions.
Targets By 2029, invasive vegetation species diversity, extent and distribution is decreased from 2019 values in the backcountry and sensitive habitats where introduction or proliferation of non-native vegetation would have significant impacts on ecological integrity. By 2029, the diversity and extent of priority invasive vegetation species in frontcountry areas does not increase from 2019 values. Landscape reclamation/restoration plans are prepared and implemented for all major construction projects in the park. By 2029, improved ecological integrity is supported through prescribed fire and wildfire, with 50% of the annual expected burned area (1,400 ha based on long-term fire cycles) achieved, and Indigenous groups having the opportunity to be engaged in and contribute to fire management actions.
Objective 1.5: The status of local species-at-risk populations is improved through park management, conservation and education measures.
Targets Recovery measures described in the Multi-species Action Plan for Banff National Park of Canada (Parks Canada Agency, 2017) are implemented. Stakeholders and visitors have the tools and information needed to ensure their actions support conservation of species at risk.
Key Strategy 2: True-To-Place Experiences
National Parks provide exceptional opportunities for Canadians to develop a sense of connection to their natural and cultural heritage. The opportunity to be immersed in nature, history and diverse cultures while surrounded by true wilderness and mountain landscapes is truly distinctive. Maintaining the authenticity and quality of this experience while ensuring that visitors understand its uniqueness is central to Parks Canada’s mandate. Visitor opportunities will be characterized by sustainability and responsiveness to diverse visitor needs and expectations. Activities and communications will be designed to advance understanding and stewardship of natural and cultural resources, encouraging all to share the responsibility of conserving these special places for future generations.
National park experiences are intended to capture the real places, activities and stories that define Canada; in short, they stem from and are genuinely rooted in authenticity and place. Authentic experiences have more meaning for most visitors and can foster their sense of attachment to and appreciation for the value of national parks. This is critical for respectful park use and for long-term support of Parks Canada’s efforts where relatively undisturbed natural environments form the primary attraction or setting.
An authentic experience in Banff is one that clearly arises out of the park’s distinctive landscape and views, its special cultural and natural features, and the specific human history of the area. It is designed to share something unique to Banff and invites active engagement with the park’s core ideas and themes. It cannot be transferred elsewhere without losing meaning. Similarly, visitor experiences found in other locations and settings, may not be authentic in Banff National Park.
An authentic experience where visitors can hear about Indigenous culture from Indigenous voices also acknowledges the histories, cultures and spiritual beliefs of Indigenous groups by presenting them openly, with integrity and truth.
For many, undeveloped, natural landscapes where native vegetation and wildlife are present, is integral to Banff’s authenticity. It is important not only because of its ecological benefits, but because of its social, Banff National Park 13 Management Plan recreational and spiritual value. By virtue of the Canada National Parks Act and regulations, 97% of the park is designated as wilderness. This encompasses those areas of the park that are largely or entirely in a natural state, with limited infrastructure, where motorized access is not permitted and human presence is moderate or light. Offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy these areas is essential to achieving Parks Canada’s mandate, and to fulfilling the intended legacy of national parks to Canadians.
Welcoming visitors and offering them opportunities to enjoy the park environment and to develop the personal connections with the park is central to Parks Canada’s mandate. Quality visitor opportunities should actively accommodate and include people of different social identities and abilities. They should also be authentic, safe and not imperil the visual, natural and cultural aspects of the park that draw people to it. Visitor experience objectives and allowable uses will be founded in the site-specific resource conditions necessary to preserve the integrity of the park’s resources in the patterns and levels of visitor use, and in the potential risks to people in an emergency. This requires a detailed understanding of the demographics of Banff’s current and future visitors, their patterns of park use and expectations, and the physical capacity, condition and use characteristics of the associated facilities and infrastructure, and any known or potential safety issues.
The goal of this strategy is to ensure diverse high-quality visitor experiences that reflect and respect both the place and the environment. It is strongly linked to strategies for: outreach and communication activities that help park visitors and residents plan their trip and understand the special context of a national park visit, as well as strategies for managing development and protecting natural and cultural resources.
Objective 2.1: Banff’s visitor experiences are rooted in its distinctive culture and nature, and supported by re-vitalized and well-maintained core components that include camping sites, trails and scenic drives.
Targets Indigenous histories and presence in the park are represented with truth and integrity and shared through Indigenous voices. Authenticity is a priority criterion for Parks Canada when reviewing and determining whether or not to support applications/proposals for businesses, visitor activities, and attractions. The capacity of others to accurately and effectively present Banff-specific stories and information is increased. In collaboration with other mountain parks, the commercial guiding licensing process is reviewed and refined to maintain or improve the quality of guiding services, confirm consistent standards for all guides, ensure fair and equitable opportunities to obtain business licenses, and provide a fair return to Canadians. Special events that provide opportunities for people to respectfully enjoy and learn about the natural and cultural features of the park, and which can be implemented safely, meet high sustainability standards, and are compatible with other ongoing visitor uses and park operations, are permitted. A 20-year Visitor Asset Sustainability Plan is completed detailing the strategies, resources and actions necessary to optimize asset performance, climate change resiliency and sustainability, for the park’s key facilities and supporting infrastructure, prioritising those for action where there are safety, ecological or cultural resource concerns.
Objective 2.2: Banff’s visitor experiences are sustainable, within site-specific physical capacity, and do not harm the park’s ecological integrity.
Targets Sound planning and decision-making with respect to visitor use is supported by a database that describes: the characteristics of Banff’s visitors, their patterns of park use, and the physical capacity, condition and use characteristics of key visitor facilities and infrastructure and any known or potential safety or sustainability issues.
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High-priority areas are identified where mitigations for safety and/or ecological reasons are needed, and plans are in place to address these issues. A variety of methods are used to manage the type, amount, timing, location and nature of human activity in areas that are ecologically sensitive, contain important habitat for sensitive species or species-at-risk, both in wilderness, and locations where potential issues exist. Emergency preparedness plans are in place for each community, for all outlying commercial accommodations, and for areas with high daytime use such as Moraine Lake and Lake Minnewanka. The Business Continuity Plan for Banff National Park is up to date, and the necessary emergency mutual aid agreements are in place.
Objective 2.3: Visitor experiences in Banff’s wilderness areas are sustainable, within site-specific physical limits, and do not harm the park’s ecological integrity.
Targets Outdoor recreation activities within the capacity of the park’s ecosystem that require few, if any, rudimentary services and facilities are supported. Development of commercial roofed accommodation in these areas is not permitted with the possible exception of new huts at or above treeline in cases where there are demonstrable and persistent public safety issues. They must be of the smallest size needed to address those safety issues, and subject to environmental review. The size of groups using the wilderness areas overnight will be limited to a maximum of 10 people, with existing larger guided groups permitted by exception only. No increases in size or number of group camps are permitted. Motorized conveyances such as e-bikes (whether pedal assist or throttle controlled) used for recreational purposes are not permitted. Commercial and private horse use occurs only in designated areas, and is managed in such a way as to allow impacted natural resources to recover and/or to reduce impacts. The intensity and patterns of wilderness use is monitored to evaluate effects on habitat security and wilderness character. Trails and facilities in wilderness areas are reviewed against Parks Canada standards, and priority areas requiring management attention have been identified. By 2025, the Bryant and Egypt Lake shelters are replaced consistent with Parks Canada standards for such facilities and with zoning.
Key Strategy 3: Strengthening Indigenous Relations
The Government of Canada has committed to deepen and strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples. Accordingly, many places administered by Parks Canada are managed through cooperative management bodies or advisory relationships with local Indigenous communities. These structures recognize the important and ongoing roles and responsibilities of Indigenous peoples as stewards of heritage places. With approaches founded in renewed relationships, respect and cooperation, the mountain national parks will continue to recognize Indigenous connections and work with Indigenous peoples to advance priorities of mutual interest.
Long before Banff National Park was established, Indigenous peoples were the original residents and stewards of the land and waters in the area, which were used for sustenance, ceremony, travel and trade. They have a deep, longstanding connection with the area and have expressed a clear interest in supporting its conservation and protection by weaving Indigenous cultures, histories, stewardship principles and methods grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems into park management.
Established in 2018, the Banff Indigenous Advisory Circle has been an important means for Parks Canada to better understand Indigenous perspectives and priorities for their future relationship with Parks Canada and their desired role in the park. This interest-based group, comprised of the Treaty 7 Nations Banff National Park 15 Management Plan and the Métis Nation, meets four times each year and works together according to a Terms of Reference developed by the group. There is potential for the Circle to expand in future.
The goal of this strategy is to affirm the important and ongoing role of the Indigenous Advisory Circle, and with their guidance, ensure that there is an open, welcoming environment for Indigenous peoples with connections to the park; an environment that respects the integrity of Indigenous knowledge systems, and engages those systems in collaborative, meaningful ways. This strategy also seeks to: restore the connection of Indigenous peoples to their traditional territory and cultural practices, support them in sharing and preserving their cultures, and facilitate their participation in the economic benefits associated with this special place.
Parks Canada’s work with Indigenous communities in Banff National Park also supports broader Government of Canada initiatives, such as implementation of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the actions in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Objective 3.1: With the guidance of and in collaboration with the Indigenous Advisory Circle, Banff National Park will be a respectful, inclusive and safe place for Indigenous peoples.
Thinking seven generations into the future, the Circle will guide Parks Canada and others in upholding the accuracy and integrity of the Indigenous presence in Banff by: directly advising and making recommendations to the park Superintendents on: cultural values and awareness, resource conservation, Indigenous inclusion in the life and work of the park, authenticity and other matters of mutual interest; acting as a conduit between the member nations and Parks Canada, local government and other organizations; sharing information regarding Indigenous history, practices and values within the park as protocols allow; describing meaningful inclusion of Indigenous peoples in the life and management of the park; facilitating the connection to and use of the land by member nations, particularly youth; and offering expertise and observations.
Targets Parks Canada supports Indigenous Advisory Circle work as described in the Terms of Reference that were developed and ratified by the group itself, in which representatives identify protocols and priorities for their ongoing work together. Parks Canada reports back annually to the Indigenous Advisory Circle on implementation of its recommendations.
Objective 3.2: The lands and waters that comprise modern-day Banff National Park are managed in ways that respect the cultural and spiritual significance of the place to Indigenous peoples.
Targets With the support and guidance of Indigenous groups with connections to the park, Parks Canada better understands, acknowledges and includes their perspectives on the histories and importance of the area, and how the park and its resources should be protected and managed in future. The historical presence and contemporary importance of Indigenous peoples in the area is consistently recognized by delivering the land acknowledgement vetted by the Indigenous Advisory Circle at the start of all formal Parks Canada public programs and events. As the protocols and interest of Indigenous groups allows, the inventory of cultural sites and objects in the park that are important to Indigenous peoples is updated, and the protocols and practices for their management are improved. As part of this collaborative effort, the role for Indigenous groups in the ongoing care and management of these resources is defined, and the
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feasibility of cultural internships that provide opportunities for Indigenous youth to learn about these sites and objects with mentoring from Elders is explored and implemented where possible. Indigenous representation in park advisory groups concerned with resource protection and land use is encouraged and welcomed.
Objective 3.3: A shared future characterized by sustained mutual respect, understanding and commitment is established through: creating opportunities for interaction between Parks Canada staff and Indigenous peoples; ensuring Parks Canada staff understand the context of reconciliation, and the history and perspectives of Indigenous groups with an interest in Banff; facilitating access by Indigenous groups with historical connections to the park and their use of it consistent with the Canada National Parks Act; and identifying ways to engage Indigenous youth in Banff National Park.
Targets Indigenous groups and Parks Canada work together on projects of mutual interest. Parks Canada staff in Banff participate in cultural awareness and other appropriate training to prepare them for engaging positively with Indigenous groups, the public and stakeholders regarding reconciliation and related conversations. Parks Canada’s ‘Indigenous Peoples Open Doors’ Program is fully implemented with Indigenous groups with traditional connections to the park, to ensure their access to and use of, the park’s lands and waters according to their cultural and spiritual practices. Policies are refined to facilitate these practices. As the interest and priorities of Indigenous groups allow, at least one co-developed in-park program to foster the connections of Indigenous youth with the park landscape and their heritage, are implemented. As the interest and priorities of Indigenous groups allow, at least one co-developed program / event / initiative for Indigenous youth in their home communities, aimed at increasing awareness of Banff National Park and Parks Canada, identifying barriers to access, and encouraging park visits, are implemented. As the interest and priorities of Indigenous groups allow, and supported by networks of key contacts in local and regional Indigenous organizations, a co-developed Indigenous hiring program with an emphasis on youth, is implemented. All park managers are aware of and apply contracting and procurement policies and practices aimed at maximizing the participation of Indigenous peoples in economic opportunities with Parks Canada in Banff.
Key Strategy 4: Connecting with Canadians
It is important to Parks Canada that Canadians understand Banff National Park’s special features, its challenges and opportunities, its role in the regional ecosystem and in the history and culture of the many people who were part of the landscape before and since the park came into existence. It is Parks Canada’s hope that as people come to understand these aspects of the park, they will come to value and support national parks into the future, and be inspired to engage in conservation and stewardship activities wherever they may live.
To this end, Parks Canada will demonstrate leadership in conservation and education, operational practices, management effectiveness monitoring, and engaging others in the life and work of the park. This will be supported by inclusive opportunities for Canadians and others to follow and meaningfully participate in the programs, planning, challenges and key decisions of the park, not only when they are visiting but from their home communities as well. Inclusion, clear objectives, respect for participant time, needs and contribution, and timely communications will be key factors in this regard.
Banff National Park 17 Management Plan
The goal of this strategy is to build a constituency of knowledgeable, enthusiastic park supporters, particularly among young adults, youth and newcomers to Canada, and to enable them to learn about, engage in, and contribute to the park’s conservation efforts and decisions. It is connected to and supports strategies concerning protection of natural and cultural resources, addressing climate change and sustainable operations.
Objective 4.1: A constituency of knowledgeable, enthusiastic park supporters is established through the broad, consistent sharing of information, research and monitoring results with Canadians and others around the world.
Targets In collaboration with local or regional organizations, Parks Canada builds public understanding of the key scientific questions, findings and conditions in Banff National Park. In collaboration with the tourism industry, trip planning and visitor behaviour is influenced positively through investments in promotional activities. Parks Canada’s exemplary leadership in the development of protected area policy and science is demonstrated by: hosting at least one international delegation every three years, contributing to the development of national policy or best management practices, leading in implementation as the opportunity arises, and publishing peer-reviewed papers or reports. The stories featured by Parks Canada in personal and non personal media consider and reflect the full diversity of the park’s cultural histories and perspectives. All key large-scale development projects and all key Parks Canada projects such as natural area restoration, historic building conservation, salvage or research archaeology and trail relocation, include a learning component that is concurrently implemented.
Objective 4.2: Canadians have meaningful opportunities to be engaged in key park management activities.
Targets By 2023, two new cultural resource volunteer engagement programs, with one targeted specifically at young adults and another at youth are developed. In collaboration with Indigenous groups, educational institutions, Parks Canada Campus Clubs, etc. one or more of these new programs is accompanied by an outreach strategy so participants and others may stay connected with the park from their own communities. Participation in the park’s volunteer program is increased by 10% from 2018 levels. Indigenous groups and others are consistently notified and engaged and appropriately consulted on the development of park regulations and community plans, the formulation and review of management plans, and proposals for large-scale development. The Advisory Development Board, the Banff Indigenous Advisory Circle, the Lake Louise Advisory Board, and the Banff National Park Round Table, convene regularly as described in their respective Terms of Reference. National park content is shared with audiences in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary through national stories in social and electronic media, in-person activities, and partnered programs with organizations.
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Key Strategy 5: Managing Development
Ecological integrity will be the first priority in park management, including in managing development. Parks Canada’s approach will be transparent and consistent, and will continue to respect limits, zoning and declared wilderness designations. Any development considered must demonstrably support the vision and objectives of each park as described in its Park Management Plan. Development will facilitate greater awareness and connection to natural and cultural spaces, and aim to protect for future generations the qualities that make these places distinctive.
Some development is essential to allow visitors to explore, experience and learn about the national park. If thoughtfully designed and located, development can directly reinforce the natural, cultural and human history of the park, and encourage public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of mountain landscapes. It can also protect the natural environment from degradation that sometimes accompanies high human use.
Development must complement and support the park’s heritage values, and generate a net benefit to Canadians. It must also support accessibility and inclusion, as well as ecological, cultural, visitor safety and experience objectives. However, it must not compromise the scenic splendor for which the park has been inscribed on the World Heritage List, and the distinctive natural, cultural and wilderness qualities that draw people to Banff, or otherwise detract from the ability of future park users to have the same opportunities that today’s visitors enjoy.
Over many decades, stakeholders have consistently affirmed the importance of limiting commercial development in the park. Accordingly, through policy and legislation, Parks Canada has put in place a framework that limits the amount of commercial development that may occur within each community, at ski areas, and at outlying commercial accommodations. Adherence to these legal limits and respect for the policy framework will continue to be a cornerstone for Parks Canada’s approach in managing future development. Redevelopment of existing commercial facilities to the maximum allowed under the lease or licence of occupation and consistent with applicable policy, may be considered subject to environmental considerations.
The goal of this strategy is to ensure that the park’s distinctive scenic viewscapes, wilderness expanse, and ecological integrity are protected and preserved intact for the future, while allowing for development that considers the needs of visitors, and is sustainable, accessible and inclusive. It links to and is supported by other park strategies and actions related to authenticity, and quality experiences that are genuinely true- to-place.
Objective 5.1: Long term protection of the park environment is assured through land use and development that respects Parks Canada’s policy framework and is consistent with applicable legislation.
Targets Development or redevelopment in the park communities is within the legislated community boundaries. Commercial development – which includes but is not limited to development for the primary purpose of providing or supporting, in whole or in part, the purchase, rental or sale of goods, services, overnight accommodation, and other commodities - conforms to the approved Community Plan, does not exceed the maximum permitted floor area and is within the commercial zones described in Schedule 4 of the Canada National Parks Act. All development outside the park communities, conforms with the Canada National Parks Act and regulations, the National Parks of Canada Wilderness Area Declaration Regulations, and site-specific land use agreements, with respect to the objectives and zoning of this park management plan, the Redevelopment Guidelines for Outlying Commercial Accommodations and Hostels in the Rocky Mountain National Parks, Parks Canada’s FireSmart Guidelines, the Ski Area Management Guidelines, approved ski resort site guidelines and long range plans, and other relevant policy or legislation. Outside park communities, no new lands are alienated for commercial development through lease, licence of occupation or agreement, except for essential infrastructure (e.g. infrastructure Banff National Park 19 Management Plan
for water, wastewater) ancillary (i.e. secondary, subordinate to, and in support of) the primary existing use, unless there is a clear ecological or public safety benefit to doing so. The developed footprint at the park level is maintained or reduced from 2021 levels.
Objective 5.2: Barriers to park users and staff with disabilities are identified, prevented and removed.
Targets According to the standards developed by the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization under the Accessible Canada Act, a remediation plan for Parks Canada facilities and services in Banff is in place, with identified priorities and timeframes. Parks Canada works with local individuals, organizations and experts to ensure accessibility is considered early as part of developing or upgrading facilities and services to be used by the public in the park.
Objective 5.3: New development or redevelopment reflects the purpose, importance and character of the park, does not interfere with or dominate park features, has no significant adverse impacts on park resources, and where possible, contributes positively to the local environment.
Target By 2023, the process documentation and application forms for development proposals clearly communicate that in addition to accessibility, the following will be evaluated in reviewing and making a decision on development or redevelopment proposals: o reflects and supports the park’s distinctive character, and ecological and cultural values; o efficient use of energy and water; use of sustainable or recycled materials in construction; o inclusion of pollution and waste reduction measures; o use of design standards that allow for retention and treatment of storm water for on-site absorption; o use of siting standards to create buffers for sensitive areas; and o supports permeability and habitat security for wildlife and landscaping with native, non- flammable vegetation, that is not attractive to wildlife.
Objective 5. 4: The process for reviewing and considering large-scale development proposals is open and transparent, and one in which Indigenous groups and the public may access information and express views before permitting decisions are made.
Target By 2021, projects outside the town of Banff, that are ‘designated projects’ as per the Impact Assessment Act, or require a Detailed Impact Assessment, or where the Superintendent determines there may be strong public concern, will undergo review by the Development Advisory Board for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks. For projects inside the Town of Banff, public notification of developments is consistent with the approved municipal bylaws respecting notices of development permit applications.
Key Strategy 6: Regional Connectivity and Landscapes
The mountain national parks will strive to contribute to landscape-scale conservation in Canada by being ecologically and socially connected across boundaries. Many aspects of park management such as ecological restoration, emergency preparedness, climate change mitigation and adaptation, wildlife corridors, and tourism function over a broad region within and beyond park borders. Parks Canada will aim to maintain and expand regional collaboration to better monitor, understand and address these and other landscape-level issues.
Protected areas, their biodiversity and cultural relevance are intimately connected to their surrounding landscapes. Collaborative planning and action at the landscape scale can maximize the quality of existing habitat and effectiveness of corridors, increase habitat through protected area establishment or other
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management actions, minimize the impacts of specific land use, and help increase resilience to climate change by linking landscapes and allowing ecological processes to take place across previously fragmented areas. It can also foster coordinated or enhanced visitor opportunities and disseminate the benefits of tourism on a broader scale.
The land bordering Banff National Park is designated for multiple uses including agriculture, resource extraction, tourism and recreation. Consideration of this regional context is critical to developing an early, shared understanding of priorities, and to identifying opportunities for coordination and consistent public communications, and the potential impacts and synergies of management actions.
Coordinating regional land management strategies with Indigenous groups and neighbouring jurisdictions is a priority. This includes actively seeking, encouraging and participating in the development of regional resource management, tourism, transportation and tourism/recreational plans.
The goal of this strategy is to improve services to the park’s visitors and management of its natural and cultural resources by sharing best land management practices and tools, and by coordinating, collaborating, monitoring and planning at the landscape level in Alberta and British Columbia. It is strongly linked to and supports other strategies relating to quality visitor experiences, visitor communication and education, and resource conservation will help ensure collaborative protection and presentation of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site.
Objective 6.1: Land management, protection of natural and cultural resources and the provision of visitor experiences is coordinated across jurisdictional boundaries.
Target Parks Canada’s contribution to addressing landscape level challenges and opportunities increases through participation in pan-boundary and interagency groups where Parks Canada’s focus is on issues and regional initiatives concerned with: joint prescribed fire planning and fuel management, coordinated response to human-wildlife conflict, recovery of species-at-risk, watershed management, control of invasive species, tourism and visitor management, wildlife corridors and bison conservation.
Key Strategy 7: Climate Change and Adaptive Management
The mountain national parks were established to protect and represent specific features of Canada’s natural heritage. They include some of Canada’s most significant landscapes and natural and cultural resources, which are already affected by climate change. As such, these parks offer excellent opportunities to contribute to an understanding of climate change and its impacts over time. Parks Canada is committed to protecting park ecosystems for future generations by demonstrating leadership in sustainable operations and adaptive management in response to climate change impacts. The mountain national parks will continue to collaborate with others on climate change research, monitoring and education.
It is clear that the future cumulative impacts of climate change on the park’s natural and cultural resources and its use could be substantial and affect all aspects of park management. In particular water will become an increasingly precious resource, and its careful management is integral to ecological integrity, park communities and visitors, and to downstream communities.
To ensure that Banff National Park continues to provide a full range of ecosystem services to the region and can successfully deliver on its legacy to Canadians, climate change considerations and actions must be reflected in and across all of Parks Canada’s core work, including asset maintenance and operations, land use planning, natural and cultural resource research and management, community and visitor services, visitor safety and communications.
The goal of this strategy is to: integrate climate change thinking and action into existing Parks Canada management approaches and operations (including transportation systems), increase the capacity of park Banff National Park 21 Management Plan specialists and managers to identify, predict and effectively respond to local and regional climate-related impacts and contribute to the Government of Canada and Parks Canada’s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% of 2005-06 levels by 2029-2030.
Objective 7.1: Park decision-making, actions and operations consider and adapt to climate change.
Targets Potential climate change impacts on park resources, assets and visitation are better understood by: o seeking advice, input and best practices from Indigenous groups, scientists and others on climate change effects and strategies; o monitoring changes in temperature, precipitation / snowpack, river flow regimes, and alpine extent; o supporting or otherwise collaborating on research relating to climate change impacts on natural or cultural resources or visitation in alpine environments; and o completing risk assessments on core components of the park’s resources, assets, operations and services that may be affected by climate change and extreme weather events. Climate change and sustainability considerations are integrated into park decision-making, programs and operations through a Climate Change Action Plan for Banff National Park that contains: o guiding principles for park management and operations; o priority areas (based on research and risk assessments), and adaptation options where they exist; o targets and timeframes for mitigating risks to people, key assets, operations and services in the case of extreme events; o targets and timeframes for reducing park contributions to scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning the fleet to include a higher percentage of zero-emission vehicles or hybrids, increasing the energy efficiency of existing facilities, increasing use of clean energy from 2020 levels by 25% through the use of renewable electricity generated on-site or purchased off-site, waste reduction and improvements to waste diversion practices; and o a plan for encouraging businesses operating in the park to take actions to reduce carbon emissions, promoting public and stakeholder understanding of climate change impacts, the role of national parks as benchmarks for how climate is impacting the natural world, and fostering environmentally sensitive choices both while they are visiting the park and in their home communities. As climate change is an evolving and complex challenge, the plan is reviewed and updated at five year intervals or more frequently if required.
Objective 7.2: Parks Canada leads in sustainable operational practices.
Targets Aggregate resources required for facility construction and ongoing road maintenance are obtained from outside the park, or when not feasible, from existing disturbed sources within the park in Zones 4 and 5 in accordance with the Mountain Parks Aggregate Management Strategy (2019) and appropriate environmental review. By 2023, a decommissioning plan is in place to address Parks Canada assets that are no longer required. It includes a remediation, reclamation or restoration strategy for soil and vegetation where appropriate, and cultural resource and species habitat evaluations as required. By 2023, an approved spill management protocol is completed and implemented to protect groundwater, watercourses and terrestrial resources from toxic substances. The park’s freshwater resources are managed so that ongoing operations and proposed new developments are not using water at rates that will affect the ecosystem or diminish the quality of life for users outside the park.
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Key Strategy 8: Moving People Sustainably
For a sustainable future, Banff National Park needs to go beyond accommodating increasing visitor demand with more traffic-related infrastructure. Instead, the strategy is aimed at a system that goes beyond buses and parking lots, to capture the whole experience of being in and enjoying a national park. That is, a system where the ways of getting to places and moving about are as much a part of the national park experience and legacy, as its landscapes, and natural and cultural resources. Rather than relying solely on large-scale mass transit and built infrastructure, it would be comprised of multiple medium and small-scale components that can be assembled, added to, increased or decreased, as visitor preference, circumstances and technology change. It would recognize the unique context of national park exploration and that one approach does not fit all. Such a people-moving system would be an example of how big-picture thinking, comprehensive planning and ‘green’ transport can help secure an environmentally and economically sustainable future for the park, and solidify Parks Canada’s reputation as a leader in environmental protection and a provider of heritage experiences.
As is the case throughout much of North America, roads in the park are becoming busier. In total, vehicle traffic in the park has increased by 30% over the last 10 years, with some specific locations such as Lake Louise Drive showing increases of up to 70%. About 8.3 million vehicles travel into the park each year, with approximately half of these carrying park visitors and the other half travelling through to other destinations.
This means that at certain times, transportation-related infrastructure such as parking and pull-offs can be stretched to capacity. Research has shown however, that building more parking and pull-offs is, at best, a temporary solution. Additional parking capacity, especially if it is free encourages, more personal car use (Christiansen, Engebretsen, Fearnley, and Hansen; 2017). In turn, this adds to both traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions as light-duty vehicles such as cars produce more than four times the greenhouse gas emissions of all domestic aviation (Greenhouse Gases Sources and Sinks in Canada; 2019). Additionally, building new infrastructure such as parking lots generally requires use of undeveloped park lands, which means long-term loss of the ecosystem services and wildlife habitat that would otherwise be provided by those lands, and potentially the permanent loss of cultural resources such as archaeological sites on those lands.
The goal of this strategy is to ensure that park visitors and residents are able to move about the park comfortably, efficiently, and sustainably, while optimizing visitor access and quality visitor experiences. This will involve consideration for infrastructure capacity, visitor experience and ecological objectives, and for reducing potential visitor conflicts and safety issues. This may occur through use of a variety of tools, including maximizing use of current transport-related infrastructure, integrated reservation systems or trip scheduling, preferred access for high occupancy or zero-emission modes of transport, parking space management, and timed limits to length of stay in peak periods. This goal is strongly connected to and supported by other strategies and actions related to reducing impacts of climate change on park resources, and visitor experience.
Objective 8.1: Travel to and within the park will be enhanced, sustainable and integrated into the visitor experience.
Targets A comprehensive people movement plan for the park is developed that: sets 10-year goals, objectives and measurable targets, and considers local, regional, municipal and private transportation offers, existing pathways and trails, key attractions, and current and projected levels and patterns of visitor use. As reliability, frequency and affordability are known factors in promoting public uptake of mass transit, the plan clearly addresses these factors in its approach. Based on the plan above, in collaboration with other organizations and stakeholders, a communications strategy focused on encouraging a shift to sustainable modes of exploring the park is implemented. Banff National Park 23 Management Plan
A park-wide program aimed at making more efficient and effective use of existing parking infrastructure during peak periods is implemented. Potential avenues to allow visitors to book green transportation to and within the park are available online through a single portal. The potential for linking this to other in-park experiences and accommodation is also identified Safe bike parking is available at key park attractions outside the communities and all components of the transit system will support taking bikes on board. Electric vehicle charging stations are available at key locations in the park where access to the electrical grid exists. Expressions of interest by businesses for small- and medium- scale sustainable or self-propelled transportation solutions to be piloted in the park are solicited. The work of municipalities, the Improvement District, regional businesses, the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission, and others is supported by Parks Canada to the degree possible, as they develop transportation systems for the Bow Valley to reduce traffic congestion within and outside of park communities, and enhance access to trailheads, campgrounds, parkways and day-use areas.
Key Strategy 9: Park Communities
As centres for visitor services, communities in the mountain national parks play an essential role in delivering Parks Canada’s mandate. There will be continued respect for the spatial and development limits, and national park communities will provide services and facilities that directly support broader park objectives and are characterised by environmentally sustainable practices.
National park communities exist primarily as service centres for park visitors. They are also tasked with offering comfortable living communities for eligible residents of the park. They must fulfill these roles while maintaining a community character that is consistent with and reflects the national park. In order to preserve this character and to ensure protection of surrounding lands, each community’s boundaries and its maximum commercial floor space are specified in Schedule 4 of the Canada National Parks Act.
During their time in Banff, an estimated 80% of the park’s 4 million visitors stop in the community of Banff or Lake Louise or both. For many, a visit to one of the communities and the lands adjacent to them might be their entire experience, while for others it is a jumping off point to greater park adventures. The communities offer a venue for showcasing all aspects of the park’s natural and cultural heritage through enhanced educational opportunities, and well-informed staff and residents. They also provide the opportunity to introduce new visitors to respectful and appreciative national park use, and safe enjoyment of the outdoors.
While residents of the community of Banff elect a mayor and council who are responsible for the management and operation of the community within certain bounds, the Lake Louise community is administered directly by Parks Canada with assistance and feedback from a community advisory board.
Housing for eligible residents is a challenge in both communities. While it is not anticipated that all of the housing requirements will be addressed within the two communities, providing affordable and appropriate housing for eligible residents, supported by sustainable land use and transportation planning, will continue to be a priority.
Further, Parks Canada will ensure that persons occupying residences within the communities meet the eligible resident requirements as described in the lease and National Park Lease and Licence of Occupation Regulations by requiring an affidavit or solemn declaration and, if needed, other documentation from lessees before consenting to lease transactions and by investigating all complaints.
Each park community is guided by a community plan, which must be consistent with the park management plan and applicable legislation. The community plans for the village of Lake Louise and the
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town of Banff were approved by the Minister responsible for Parks Canada and tabled in Parliament in 2003 and 2008 respectively. Both plans require updating.
The goal of this strategy is that visitors feel welcomed to the park, and their experiences are enhanced by thoughtfully planned communities that offer a range of services, facilities and opportunities while maintaining a community character that respects the national park context and this management plan, and is consistent with the limits to growth described in the Canada National Parks Act. It is strongly linked to and supports other strategies relating to quality visitor experiences, visitor communication and education, and environmental protection.
Objective 9.1: The village of Lake Louise and the town of Banff remain as sustainable visitor centres and places for welcoming, orienting, and staging visitors’ exploration of the park while providing comfortable living environments for eligible residents.
Targets An interpretive plan for the Lake Louise community is implemented, aimed at fostering knowledge of the ecology and human history of the park, and appreciation and respect for the national park environment. The wayfinding and trail network connecting the broader park environment with the communities of Banff and Lake Louise is improved to ensure it supports easy exploration of the national park. As part of this effort and where feasible, associated programs and services such as communications, interpretation and trail amenities are considered. New wildfire risk reduction work around the communities of Banff and Lake Louise is implemented and existing projects are maintained so as to reduce the risk to the communities. In addition, wildfire risk within the Bow Valley will be reduced by conducting new research and continuing to implement landscape-scale fuel thinning projects and prescribed fires. According to the interests and priorities of Indigenous groups, Parks Canada encourages and supports discussions between Indigenous representatives and community businesses to ensure authentic representation of Indigenous cultures and histories, and to facilitate participation of Indigenous peoples in the social, cultural and economic life of the park communities. Within five years of approval of this plan, an updated community plan for the communities of Banff and Lake Louise is tabled in Parliament. The community plans are: consistent with this management plan and the principles of no net negative environmental impact, environmental stewardship and heritage conservation, and accord with any guidelines established by the Minister for appropriate activities within the park community. They must describe: o the purposes and objectives of the community; o the lands comprising the community and its commercial zones, and the maximum permitted commercial floor area in those commercial zones as described in Schedule 4 of the Canada National Parks Act; o the strategy for commercial growth management; o the highest and best use of community lands while preserving the intent and character of residential, public service, environmental protection and public park lands in the community; o the strategy for preservation, protection, and commemoration of heritage resources; o the approach to becoming a model community in respect of environmental management, sustainable development and tourism with a goal of no net negative environmental impact; and o a description of the regular monitoring and reporting on no net negative environmental framework of the community.
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7.0 Management Areas
Area management focuses on certain areas of the national park that have complex management challenges such as those with important natural and/or cultural values combined with high visitation, substantial public interest, and significant physical (built) infrastructure. These areas often require careful consideration and actions to protect natural ecosystems and maintain ecological integrity while fostering high-quality experiences. In the case of Banff National Park, the areas that have been identified as requiring this level of attention are the town of Banff, the Lake Louise area, and the Lake Minnewanka Reservoir area.
7.1 Town of Banff The community of Banff was formally incorporated as an Alberta municipality in 1990; it strives to be a global environmental leader and model of sustainable tourism. As a national park community, its policies, programs and practices should continue to demonstrate commitment to exemplary environmental stewardship, and to encouraging visitors to appreciate the natural and cultural heritage, beauty and grandeur of one of the world’s most significant protected areas.
Map 3. Town of Banff
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The town has a unique governance framework which is legally linked to Parks Canada’s legislative and policy framework – in particular the Banff National Park of Canada Management Plan, the Canada National Parks Act (S.C. 2000, c. 32), and environmental laws and policies.
The Town of Banff Incorporation Agreement consolidated (with amendments up to and including May 21, 1998) between the Province of Alberta and Canada describes the purposes and objectives of the town as follows: to maintain the townsite as part of a World Heritage Site; to serve, as its primary function, as a centre for visitors to the park and to provide such visitors with accommodation and other goods and services; to provide the widest possible range of interpretive and orientation services to park visitors; to maintain a community character which is consistent with and reflects the surrounding environment; and to provide a comfortable living community for those persons who need to reside in the townsite in order to achieve its primary function.
The Incorporation Agreement also describes the rights, obligations, powers, duties and functions of the municipal government, while reserving ownership of the land, authority for environmental matters (including mitigations required for development) and approval of land use bylaws for the Minister responsible for Parks Canada. It requires that the town’s bylaws and the decisions of Banff Town Council and Administration be consistent with the park management plan and any other applicable legislation, including those which establish the town’s boundaries and limit the amount of allowable commercial development (Canada National Parks Act, 2000).
The maximum commercial floor area permitted in the community under Schedule 4 of the Canada National Parks Act is 361,390 m2. This was based on development that already existed in the commercial districts of the town as of June 1998, or that Parks Canada had approved prior to that date, plus an additional 32,516 square metres (350,000 sq. ft.) of commercial floor space.
This amount of commercial space has now been fully allocated. Once it has all been constructed, any future development will necessarily be in the form of re-development. While development and re- development are at the discretion of the municipal government, Parks Canada maintains an interest in ensuring that any development or other activities that take place meet environmental standards, are consistent with this management plan, and with the limits described in law.
It is intended that commercial development in the town be limited to the commercial zones as described in Schedule 4 of the Canada National Parks Act; however, it is important to note that there has been commercial use in other areas of the town that pre-dates this zoning. In most cases, these commercial uses are ancillary to the principle use of the site and occur on residentially zoned lands (e.g. bed and breakfast homes or inns, and home-based businesses) and occasionally in lands zoned as public service (e.g. information centers and museums may have gift shops as an accessory use). It is anticipated that these uses will continue but will require careful management over time.
Areas of attention for the Town over the next decade include implementing efforts to address the impacts of climate change, the ongoing promotion and development of more active and sustainable transportation choices including public transit service between Calgary and the Bow Valley (including Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise), reducing traffic congestion, promoting active transportation, emergency preparedness, achieving housing for eligible residents whose needs are not currently being met through the market, and ensuring Banff remains a vibrant, culturally rich place to live, visit, and work for generations to come. The Town will work with partners to develop strategies to accommodate increased visitation.
Objective 7.1.1: The town achieves its objectives as described in the Town of Banff Incorporation Agreement, in a manner that is sustainable, and conforms with applicable national park policy and legislation.
Banff National Park 27 Management Plan
Targets Development in the townsite: o does not interfere with viewscapes for pedestrians in the downtown core from Banff Avenue, Bear Street, Buffalo Street, Beaver Street, Bow Avenue and the Bow River pathway. These viewscapes include: the view along Banff Avenue and Muskrat Street to Cascade Mountain, the view of Mount Rundle from Buffalo Street and Central Park; and the view of Mount Bourgeau from the Bow River pathway and the Banff Avenue Bridge; o adheres to FireSmart principles; and o respects natural processes to the highest degree possible. This includes but is not limited to remaining highly permeable to wildlife, and minimizing light pollution and the impacts of non-native vegetation. The available space and character of residential land-use districts is maximized for use as housing by eligible residents through: o clear limits on the number of home occupation businesses that will be permitted, including bed and breakfast homes, as established by the Town of Banff by the end of 2023; o not permitting new bed and breakfast inns, and not re-licensing those that have had a gap of 6 months or more in their operation and/or licensing. Further, the gross floor area forming part of a separate dwelling/area for a resident staff may be increased provided it complies with all other stipulations in the Town of Banff Land Use Bylaw. However, increases in the gross floor area used in whole or in part to accommodate or serve guests is not permitted. Changes in the location of a bed and breakfast inn to lots or parcels not already used for that purpose are not permitted. In cases where the existing commercial development is the principal use of a site in a residential land use district (e.g. a Bed and Breakfast Inn, eating and drinking establishment or service station), neither these uses nor the amount of commercial floor area shall increase. The community reflects its national park setting and blends with the surrounding landscape by not decreasing the amount of land designated as Public Parkland (PP) and Environmental Protection (PE) from that existing as of December 31, 2020, and by not allowing further commercial development in these areas. Land uses within the Public Service (PS) District are limited to non-commercial uses of an institutional, government, educational or community service nature required to meet the needs of eligible residents. Commercial uses may not occur in this area except as they may be ancillary (i.e. subordinate or incidental to, and in support of) to the primary or principal institutional, government, educational or community service use of the building or site. Non-conforming commercial uses in this district that existed as of June 1998 are grandfathered. The municipal government ensures that the impacts of known, ongoing project and operational activities within the town are understood and any required environmental management and mitigation strategies are identified by submitting the following documents to Parks Canada for approval: o a Pre-Approved Routine Impact Assessment for applicable routine activities inside the community and those areas proximal to it where the municipal government has responsibilities, due in 2023; o an Impact Assessment for the Town of Banff Water Permit for the community’s potable water supply and wastewater disposal due in 2023; and o an analysis and assessment of storm water systems to guide future storm water management policies to inform the storm water management plan due in 2025. Parks Canada completes the assembly of lands on the east side of the 200 block of Banff Avenue in the town for national park purposes, specifically for the development of facilities that enhance the connection of visitors in downtown Banff to the rest of the national park, and that foster knowledge and understanding of the ecology and human history of the area, and the larger regional ecosystem. Future redevelopment of these lands respects the location in the civic heart of the town, incorporates high standards for urban design, landscape architecture, and
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environmental sustainability, and reflects the town’s strong mountain aesthetic and architectural guidelines. This also extends to the public spaces associated with the development. In the near term Parks Canada and the Town of Banff work together to foster a more dynamic and integrated open space within the downtown core.
7.2 The Lake Louise Area The Lake Louise Area encompasses 22,500 hectares in the core of Banff National Park. It is bounded by the Banff-Yoho boundary in the west, and Boulder Pass in the east, and encompasses Upper Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, the village of Lake Louise, and the Lake Louise Ski Area. The area is bisected by the Upper Bow River, the Canadian Pacific Railway, the 4-lane Trans-Canada Highway, and several secondary roads. The turquoise alpine lakes situated beneath peaks of the Continental Divide provide majestic and iconic views that attract millions of global visitors every year. It is one of the most popular destinations in the mountain parks, with visitation of approximately 3.25 million in 20181.
Map 4. Lake Louise Area
There are approximately 72 kilometres of trails on the west side of the Bow River, and 18 kilometres of trails on the east side. During the summer most visitors do not venture far from the lakeside viewing areas and lakeshore trails, or the sight-seeing areas at the Lake Louise Ski Area gondola. A smaller percentage of visitors explore one of the day-use trails to Lake Agnes, Plain of Six Glaciers, or Consolation Lakes. Some seek a deeper immersion in nature by exploring longer wilderness trails or pursuing alpine climbing. Winter recreational opportunities include ice skating, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, backcountry ski touring, ice climbing, and downhill skiing at the Lake Louise Ski Area.
1 Based on traffic counter data and an estimated 2.4 persons per vehicle. Banff National Park 29 Management Plan
Lake Louise is also an important area for wildlife. Two wildlife corridors traverse the valley parallel to the river. The Fairview corridor on the southwest side lies between the village of Lake Louise and Upper Lake Louise, and the Whitehorn Corridor on the northeast side is bounded by the Trans-Canada Highway fence and the forested mid-slope of Whitehorn Mountain. These corridors provide important movement pathways for wary wildlife in an area otherwise constrained by infrastructure and steep mountain terrain. They also provide core habitat for resident animals that may not travel far beyond the area. The Lake Louise area is also part of a core reproductive range for grizzly bears. Maintaining secure habitat for bears, and reducing potential for human-wildlife conflict are key objectives.
High visitor volumes during the snow-free seasons have created a number of management challenges in the Lake Louise area. Vehicle traffic frequently exceeds the capacity of parking and roadway infrastructure. Parking lots at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are often full by sunrise while roadways are congested with vehicles that create backups which can extend to the Trans-Canada Highway. Infrastructure to accommodate visitors’ needs, such as washrooms, picnic sites and rest areas, is insufficient to meet this high demand. As a result, visitor experience may suffer due to delays, frustration and overcrowding, and environmental impacts that include wildlife disturbance, reduced wildlife corridor function, and vegetation damage may expand and intensify.
Parks Canada has taken many actions to improve ecological integrity and visitor experience in Lake Louise. Measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict have been implemented, including ‘group of four’ hiking restrictions, improved sightlines on hiking trails, and temporary area closures when needed. Visitor facilities including washrooms, visitor reception centres, and interpretive signage have been upgraded. A transit system has been implemented to improve visitor experience and reduce traffic congestion. Integration with the regional public transit system is being improved.
Continuing work to maintain and restore ecological integrity will focus on improving habitat connectivity, reducing human-wildlife conflict and enhancing habitat diversity to benefit wildlife and reduce wildfire risk. Efforts to improve visitor experience will focus on developing an integrated public transportation system, enhancing communications, and improving accessibility and inclusivity of visitor facilities and services. The Lake Louise area will continue to be busy but transportation systems, visitor facilities and management strategies will work to accommodate a sustainable volume of people while ensuring that wildlife can continue to use and move through the area. Visitors will be well-informed before they arrive so they can plan accordingly and be prepared.
Parks Canada will develop a Lake Louise Area Strategy based on the following objectives and take an adaptive approach as knowledge improves or conditions change. A sustainable transit system with one or more centrally located staging areas and an intercept parking lot will be key to delivering this strategy. The system will be designed to maximize use of local infrastructure, support high quality visitor experiences, and allow safe access to and egress from the main visitor-use areas.
Objective 7.2.1: Maintain and restore ecological integrity and ensure wildlife can safely use and move through the Whitehorn and Fairview wildlife corridors.
Targets Low traffic volumes are maintained during sensitive periods on Lake Louise Drive and Whitehorn Road to allow wildlife movement. Trails between Lake Louise Village and Upper Lake Louise are evaluated and reconfigured where prospects exist to improve corridor effectiveness while maintaining appropriate visitor opportunities. An evaluation of the Fairview picnic site is completed that considers alternate uses for this location that support visitor experience and ecological objectives for the area. Wildlife crossing structures are developed where necessary to maintain connectivity. Forest thinning designed to reduce wildfire risk and enhance wildlife habitat is implemented on 375 hectares in the Fairview and Whitehorn corridors.
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Measures to reduce the potential for human-wildlife conflict are implemented, including the removal of wildlife attractants and enhancement of wildlife habitat away from areas of high human use. Off-track vegetation management adjacent to the Canadian Pacific Railway is conducted to reduce wildlife attractants, improve sightlines and open escape pathways for wildlife.
Objective 7.2.2: Visitor experience throughout the Lake Louise area is improved through development of an integrated public transportation system, and the provision of accessible, inclusive facilities and services.
Targets A strategic plan for a fully functioning, sustainable public transportation system in Lake Louise is developed as a component of the park’s broader sustainable people-moving system. The feasibility of relocating the Lake Louise Park and Ride transit stop to the Lake Louise Ski Area is investigated. Visitor facilities in the village, and at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, including washrooms, day- use areas, walkways and viewing areas are enhanced to improve accessibility for visitors with a broad spectrum of social identities and abilities, and to accommodate peak demand. Pre-trip communication enables visitors to plan their experiences and arrive with appropriate expectations for their Lake Louise destinations.
7.3 Lake Minnewanka Reservoir Area The Lake Minnewanka Reservoir area is one of the park’s best known day-use areas. It encompasses the Minnewanka Loop Road, Johnson Lake Reservoir, Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka Reservoir to the western shore of the lake. The area contains a number of day-use areas including Cascade Ponds and Upper Bankhead, Two Jack Main and Lakeside campgrounds, backcountry campgrounds along the Lake Minnewanka Reservoir shoreline, and day-hiking trails. It also contains a number of cultural and industrial resources including Sheep Point, Lower Bankhead, Anthracite and the 1912 dam and Minnewanka Landing underwater sites.
Motorized access, alpine scenery, cultural features and a large variety of recreational opportunities have made the Minnewanka Area one of the most sought-after accessible, edge-of-wilderness experiences in Banff National Park. Residents and park visitors can engage in hiking, on/off road biking, camping, swimming, picnicking, scuba diving, cross-country skiing, paddling, motorized and non-motorized boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, ice skating, snow-shoeing, fishing, sightseeing and commercial scenic tours. Day-use areas and picnic shelters at Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake Reservoir, Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka Reservoir are the busiest in the park, and the Two Jack Lakeside and Two Jack Main campgrounds are fully occupied throughout the summer season. The area also provides access to the northern front ranges of the Rocky Mountains, which in turn offers extensive and unparalleled multi-day wilderness hiking, camping and horseback riding.
It is estimated that roughly one-quarter of the park’s annual visitation - about 1 million people – visit the Lake Minnewanka area. While there are some interpretative products at various locations in the area, there are missed opportunities to convey additional information about its value and importance. Similarly, while wayfinding and orientation signage has improved considerably, there is still room for improvement particularly around Lake Minnewanka itself.
Banff National Park 31 Management Plan
Map 5. Lake Minnewanka Reservoir Area
Notwithstanding the high number of visitor facilities in a relatively small area, they are not well linked by trails; as a result, notwithstanding the introduction of public transit to the area in recent years, most users tend to arrive at and move around the area by personal vehicle. Traffic volumes have increased about 50% over the last 10 years, with 75% occurring between May and the end of September.
The area has experienced intensive human influence over the last century as a result of coal mining, hydro-electric development, gravel extraction, road building and the creation of recreational facilities.
The area contains a portion of the park’s montane ecoregion, which provides significant wildlife habitat and it also contains the Norquay-Cascade and the Two Jack wildlife Corridors. A number of environmentally important features occur in the area as well as several significant cultural sites including abandoned mines at Bankhead and Anthracite and submerged archaeological resources at Lake Minnewanka. The biggest ecological concern in the area is the potential for the introduction of invasive aquatic species into one of the lakes or streams through recreational use.
High levels of congestion on the Minnewanka Loop Road and in the main parking areas at Minnewanka, Johnson and Two Jack lakes have been noted, as have user conflicts between motorized vehicles and cyclists, and between hikers and mountain bikers. During the winter months the western portion of the Minnewanka road is closed to allow wildlife to move undisturbed around the Norquay-Cascade corridor. The impacts of increasing and evolving winter activities in the area such as winter mountain biking and kite skiing are not well understood.
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Parks Canada’s goal is that the Lake Minnewanka area will continue to welcome visitors and residents seeking high quality authentic national park recreational experiences accessible by vehicle or self- propelled transport within a stunning, natural landscape. The area will be a key attraction for people to: enjoy water-based recreation, learn about the park’s human and cultural history, and engage in a range of other activities that reflect and are sympathetic to the area’s proximity to wilderness and which support its site-specific ecological goals and limitations. Linked to visitor services in the town of Banff via convenient mass transit and a trail system, the Lake Minnewanka area will continue to provide recreational opportunities. It will fill the role of a day-use area, and consequently, no overnight visitor accommodation may be developed. Redevelopment of existing facilities may occur within the parameters described in this plan, applicable policy and law.
Objective 7.3.1: In collaboration with stakeholders and Indigenous groups, Lake Minnewanka area is managed according to an area plan that is consistent with the goal above and which considers the ecological integrity of the area, as well as safe access and egress for park users. The plan considers: as part of the sustainable people-moving strategy, linking of recreational opportunities including the feasibility of a connector multi-use trail between the Two Jack Lakeside and Two Jack Main campgrounds with Johnson Lake, Cascade Ponds and the community of Banff and Lake Minnewanka, visitor use levels and visitor expectations, points of congestion and user conflicts, expanding, linking and improving opportunities for interpretation / information on ecological and cultural heritage features, use of innovative approaches and green technology, sustainability of evolving activities, the appropriate type, timing, distribution and amounts of recreational use/visitor use, management of people in the event of an emergency, the ecological values and impacts of use, potential development or redevelopment proposals, and managing water-based activities and access in the context of the potential for the introduction of invasive species. Subject to environmental review of the plan, some reconfiguration of facilities and services within the area may be considered if it serves to address environmental and public safety issues, while improving the visitor experience.
Targets Alone or with partners a description of the patterns, types and demographics of visitor use, as well as infrastructure capacities in the area, is developed. A Lake Minnewanka Area Plan and Strategic Environmental Assessment is completed for public and Indigenous review and comment. Parks Canada works with Trans-Alta to ensure the latest regulated river science is applied to their operations and to ensure modern mitigations are applied to their operations to mitigate the impacts of the reservoir. This is reviewed every five years.
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8.0 Zoning and Declared Wilderness Area
8.1 Zoning Parks Canada’s national park zoning system is an integrated approach to the classification of land and water areas in a national park and designates where particular activities can occur on land or water based on the ability to support those uses. The zoning system has five categories: Zone I Special Preservation Zone II Wilderness Zone III Natural Environment Zone IV Outdoor Recreation Zone V Park Services
Zone I or Special Preservation areas includes features that merit special care and attention because they contain or support unique, threatened or endangered natural or cultural features or are among the best examples of the features that represent a natural region. Preservation is the key consideration. Motorized access is not permitted. The Zone I areas in Banff National Park include: the Clearwater-Siffleur area, the Castleguard Cave system and Meadows, the Cave and Basin Marsh area, and the Christensen Archaeological Site. These comprise approximately 10% of the park. There are no changes for Zone I areas proposed in this plan.
Zone II or Wilderness areas contain features that are good representations of a natural region to be conserved in a wilderness state. The perpetuation of ecosystems with minimal human interference is the key consideration for these areas, which offer visitors the opportunity to experience, first-hand, the park’s natural and cultural heritage values through outdoor recreation activities which depend upon the park’s intact ecosystems, and require few if any rudimentary services and facilities. For this reason, motorized access and circulation is not permitted. About 87% of the park is Zone II.
There are some additions to Zone II in this management plan resulting from: the formalization of the boundaries for the Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise ski areas stemming from the leasehold reductions associated with approval of each resort’s site guidelines (This is consistent with Parks Canada’s longstanding policy for Ski Area Management and each was subject to impact assessment and public review); and small mapping corrections to more clearly show consistent buffers for leaseholds and developed areas outside the main Trans-Canada Highway corridor. This results in a total increase of 594 hectares to Zone II Wilderness (with a commensurate decrease in size to Zone IV).
Zone III or Natural Environment areas provide opportunities for visitors to experience the park’s natural and cultural heritage through outdoor recreation activities requiring minimal services and facilities of a rustic nature. While motorized access may be allowed, it will be controlled. Access routes and land associated with backcountry commercial lodges are in Zone III, which comprises slightly less than 1% of the park.
At the Lake Louise Ski Area, the feature known as ‘West Bowl’, and several small areas required for avalanche control operations on the periphery of the ski area, have been designated as Zone III areas under this management plan.
Zone IV or outdoor recreation areas are limited areas capable of accommodating broad range of opportunities for understanding appreciation and enjoyment of the park’s heritage values and related essential services and facilities, in ways that impact the ecological integrity of the park to the smallest extent possible, and whose defining feature is direct access by motor vehicle. Park management plans may define provisions for limiting private motorized access and circulation. In Banff, this zone includes the Trans-Canada Highway corridor and railway, day use areas, ski areas, and Lake Minnewanka.
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Map 6: Zoning in Banff National Park
Banff National Park 35 Management Plan
Map 7. Zoning in the Lake Minnewanka Reservoir Area
As a result of approval of the Lake Louise Ski Area’s Long Range Plan and its Detailed Impact Assessment, a feature known as ‘Hidden Bowl’ has been removed from Zone II and added to Zone IV to permit future commercial ski operations, while a larger area in Purple and Wolverine Bowls has been converted from Zone IV to Zone II. There are some additional reductions to Zone IV areas in this management plan associated with reducing the boundaries of the ski areas and converting those areas into Zone II, and addressing relatively small buffering inconsistencies from the previous plans as noted earlier in this section. Zone 4 comprises about 2% of the park.
Map 8. Zoning in the Lake Louise Area
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Zone V or Park Services areas are those where visitor services and support facilities are concentrated. In the case of Banff National Park, these areas include the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise. This plan does not contain any changes to Zone V which comprises about .07% of the park.
Map 9. Zoning in the Town of Banff Area
Environmentally Sensitive Sites (ESS)
This designation applies to areas with significant and sensitive features that require special protection measures.
Vermilion Lakes Wetlands ESS The Vermilion Lakes Wetlands support a diversity of vegetation and many rare and significant plant species. These montane communities are important habitat for a variety of birds and mammals. The area contains many special features: lakes, ponds, springs, rare birds, moose winter range, elk calving areas and ungulate mineral licks. The alluvial landforms on the north and east shores of the lakes and adjacent wetlands are rich in significant archaeological resources from at least 10,700 years ago.
Middle Springs ESS The upper and lower Middle Springs remain the only relatively undisturbed hot springs on Sulphur Mountain. The warm mineral waters create a unique habitat for rare plants and invertebrates. This area’s importance is increased by its location in an important wildlife movement corridor along the lower slopes of Sulphur Mountain.
Fairholme-Carrot Creek Benchlands ESS The Fairholme Range area from the East Gate to Johnson Lake is the largest remaining intact block of secure montane wildlife habitat in the park. Human use of this area, particularly during the summer, can displace wildlife and diminish habitat security. Off-road bicycling is not permitted and trails are not Banff National Park 37 Management Plan maintained in this area. Human use is restricted by means of educational measures and a voluntary access closure.
8.2 Wilderness Area Declaration Under the Canada National Parks Act (Article 14) and the National Parks of Canada Wilderness Area Declaration Regulations, any area of a park that exists in a natural state or that is capable of returning to a natural state may be declared as wilderness, and no activities that are likely to impair the wilderness character may be carried out in these areas. The intent of legally designating a portion of the national park as wilderness is to maintain its wilderness character in perpetuity. Only activities that are unlikely to impair the wilderness character of the area may be authorized within the declared wilderness area of Banff National Park.
In Banff, legally declared wilderness areas largely mirror the Zones I and II areas, with the result that approximately 97% of the park is declared wilderness. With this plan, there is an additional 594 hectares to be added in association with the confirmation of the boundaries for all three ski areas and the concomitant re-zoning of those areas from Zone IV to Zone II.
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Map 10. Banff National Park Declared Wilderness
Banff National Park 39 Management Plan
9.0 Summary of Strategic Environmental Assessment
Parks Canada is responsible for assessing and mitigating the impacts of management actions on ecosystems and on cultural resources. The Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals prepared by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, requires a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) be completed for of all plans and policies deemed to have important positive or negative environmental effects and which are submitted to the federal Cabinet or to a Minister for approval.
A strategic environmental assessment was undertaken on this management plan, and the management direction contained therein has been adjusted to respond to findings. The assessment considered all of the Parks Canada-managed Rocky Mountain Parks in the context of the potential cumulative impacts on the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site.
All national park management plans are assessed through a strategic environmental assessment to understand the potential for cumulative effects. This understanding contributes to evidence-based decision-making that supports ecological integrity being maintained or restored over the life of the plan. The strategic environmental assessment of the Management Plan for Banff National Park considered the potential impacts of climate change, local and regional activities around the park, expected increase in visitation and proposals within the management plan. Also assessed were the potential impacts on different aspects of the ecosystem, including hydrological function, aquatic communities, forest vegetation, alpine habitat, whitebark pine, carnivores, and mountain goats.
The management plan will result in many positive impacts on the environment including collaborative initiatives to preserve habitat security and connectivity across the regional landscape, and strategies to lessen the impacts of visitors on park ecosystems. Ongoing monitoring, active management and restoration programs within the park will be used to mitigate potential cumulative effects on aquatic communities, whitebark pine, hydrological function, and others. For example, the presence of a major transportation corridor through the park has had negative impacts on hydrological function and increases the risk of aquatic invasive species establishment. Future restoration activities planned to increase connectivity concurrent to highway upgrades and communication strategies to reduce the likelihood of aquatic invasive species establishment will be effective in restoring this connectivity, while reducing the impacts of future cumulative effects.
Forest vegetation, carnivores and mountain goats are particularly vulnerable to cumulative effects. Years of fire suppression have had detrimental impact on forest communities, the effects which may be further exacerbated by climate change. Through wildfire management and implementation of prescribed burns, Banff will restore fire as a key process for maintaining the ecological integrity of forests. Monitoring has shown large-mammal presence on the landscape is at desired levels, and grizzly bear habitat is generally secure in Banff. Cumulative effects of a major transportation corridor, two townsites, three ski hills, and increased visitation may impact carnivores over the next 10 years. The management plan identifies several targets under Key Strategies 1 (Conserving Natural and Cultural Heritage), 2 (True-to-Place Experiences), 5 (Managing Development), 6 (Regional Connectivity and Landscapes) and 9 (Park Communities) to maintain and improve habitat security and connectivity. This includes working with partners to reduce mortalities, committing to maintaining or reducing the developed footprint in the park, and improving winter wildlife connectivity in key corridors and managing the intensity of human use in priority areas. There is uncertainty on the status of mountain goats in Banff, and both visitation and climate change have the potential to impact this species. Continued monitoring of both goats and of visitor-use patterns within the park and establishment of regional partnerships to support landscape-level conservation will increase our knowledge and the resiliency of goats to climate change stressors.
Banff National Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. The world heritage values for which it was designated were evaluated to ensure the management plan adequately protects them.
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Indigenous partners, stakeholders and the public will be consulted on the draft management plan and summary of the draft strategic environmental assessment. Feedback will be considered and incorporated as appropriate.
The SEA was conducted in accordance with The Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (2010) and facilitated an evaluation of how the management plan contributed to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. Individual projects undertaken to implement management plan objectives at the site will be evaluated to determine if an impact assessment is required under the Impact Assessment Act, or successor legislation. The management plan supports a number of Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals: Greening Government; Sustainably Managed Lands and Forests; Healthy Wildlife Populations; Connecting Canadians with Nature; and Safe and Healthy Communities.
Many positive environmental effects are expected and there are no important negative environmental effects anticipated from implementation of the Banff National Park Management Plan.
Lake Louise Area Strategy – DRAFT – March, 2021
The Lake Louise area in Banff National Park is one of Parks Canada’s most popular visitor destinations. Situated along the Continental Divide in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, it is famous for its classic glacier-fed turquoise lakes and iconic mountain views (Figure 1). The area offers a variety of four season visitor activities including sightseeing at Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Lake Louise Ski Area, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, cycling, Nordic skiing, skating, ice climbing, ski touring, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing. The Hamlet of Lake Louise, located at the confluence of the Bow and Pipestone rivers, provides support services and accommodations for tourists and residents.
Figure 1. Visitors enjoying Lake Louise Lakeshore.
A number of complex management challenges exist in the Lake Louise area related to it’s high popularity and unique features. In addressing these challenges Parks Canada must consider the area’s important natural and cultural values, species at risk, high levels of visitation, multiple high-profile visitor experience opportunities, significant built infrastructure, increasing regional population, commercial leasehold operations, core highway and rail transportation routes, and notable public interest. Solutions may require significant time and resources, and success will require collaboration and partnerships between Parks Canada, stakeholders and the community.
This strategy focusses on addressing identified management challenges in a 220 km2 area around Lake Louise (Figure 2). The area is constrained by the Banff-Yoho boundary in the west, and Boulder Pass in the east, and encompasses the popular destinations of Upper Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Lake Louise Ski Area, and the Hamlet of Lake Louise. The area is bisected by the upper Bow River, the Canadian Pacific Railway, the four-lane Trans-Canada Highway, and several secondary roads. Significant ecological features include two wildlife corridors that traverse the valley bottom and side-slopes parallel Lake Louise Area Strategy, DRAFT for Consultation – March 2021 to the Bow River – the Fairview Corridor on the west and the Whitethorn Corridor on the east. The Lake Louise area is also known to be part of a core reproductive range for Grizzly Bear, and contains important habitat supporting many species of native plants and animals including species at risk such as Whitebark Pine and Westslope Cutthroat Trout.
The majority of visitors to the area are day users arriving from elsewhere via the Trans-Canada Highway. There are also several accommodation options within the area including the Chateau Lake Louise, Moraine Lake Lodge, Deer Lodge, Paradise Lodge and Bungalows, Lake Louise Inn, Mountaineer Lodge, the Lake Louise Hostel, and Parks Canada’s Lake Louise Campground.
The Lake Louise Area Strategy has been prepared to elaborate the management direction for the area as described in the Draft Banff National Park Management Plan (2021). The intent is to describe in greater detail Parks Canada’s approach to maintaining ecological integrity and enhancing visitor experience in the area. This is a strategic, guiding document that summarises area challenges and identifies objectives and actions that will be implemented to address those challenges. More detailed tactical plans will be developed where needed. The strategy will be reviewed and updated as required, using an adaptive management approach. Objectives and actions may change with evolving conditions, developments in technology or additional study.
Figure 2. Map of the Lake Louise Area.
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Lake Louise Area Strategy, DRAFT for Consultation – March 2021
Background:
Parks Canada has successfully carried out many of the recommended actions in the Lake Louise Area Strategy contained in the 2010 Banff National Park Management Plan, designed to improve ecological integrity and visitor experience. Twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway was completed to the British Columbia border and beyond, including wildlife exclusion fencing and wildlife crossing structures that have reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions by more than 80%. Adjustments were made to backcountry areas including relocation of the Paradise Valley campground to an area less intrusive to grizzly bear habitat. Measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict were implemented, including “group of four” hiking requirements in the Moraine Lake area, improved sightlines on hiking trails, and temporary area closures when needed. The Lake Louise Ski Area Site Guidelines for Development and Use were approved in 2015 providing a road map to ensure decisions regarding use and development are consistent with Parks Canada’s mandate and the Parks Canada Ski Area Management Guidelines. The first Long Range Plan to guide the implementation of the Site Guidelines for the next 10-15 years was completed by the ski area and approved in 2019. Key visitor facilities were upgraded including washrooms, the Lake Louise Lakeshore promenade, Moraine Lake Rockpile trail and viewing area, and the Lake Louise Visitor Centre. Traffic management measures were implemented to alleviate congestion and a regional shuttle system was implemented serving 547,078 riders in 2019.
The most significant change in operational conditions since 2010 has been an unprecedented growth in visitation. In 2019-2020, a total of 4.1 million people visited Banff National Park, an increase of 29.8% from 2010-2011. The annual two-way traffic volume on Lake Louise Drive was 2.1 million vehicles in 2019, up from 1.2 million vehicles in 2010, a 75% increase. Parks Canada staff at the Lake Louise Visitor Centre and new lakeshore booth provided 197,466 service interactions in 2019, versus 58,855 at the Visitor Centre in 2010, a 235% increase. Summer visitor use of four popular hiking trails increased by 156%, and a fall increase in trail use of 400% was observed in Larch Valley (Figure 3). While summer continues to be the busiest period in the Lake Louise Area, the shoulder seasons of late spring, early fall and winter holidays have all seen a surge in visitation requiring Parks Canada to manage traffic in the area on a year-round basis.
2010 Trail Users 2019 Trail Users % Change June to September Lake Louise Lakeshore (Back of the Lake) 130,817 223,132 70.6 Mirror Lake 104,956 269,274 156.6 Lake Agnes Trailhead 98,669 358,328 263.2 Larch Valley 25,987 74,213 185.6 Total 360,429 924,947 156.6 September to October Larch Valley 8,611 43,043 399.9 Figure 3. Trail counter data and percent increases for select trails in the Lake Louise Area 2010 to 2019.
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Lake Louise Area Strategy, DRAFT for Consultation – March 2021
Figure 4. Visitors waiting for a return shuttle at Upper Lake Louise, 2018.
Current Challenges:
In the Lake Louise area, the most challenging aspect of increased visitation is managing the high volume of private vehicles. Throughout the summer months, roads and lakeshore parking infrastructure have insufficient capacity to accommodate current traffic volumes. Traffic congestion on Lake Louise Drive often extends past the Moraine Lake intersection (1.8 km) and occasionally as far as the Hamlet of Lake Louise, a distance of about four kilometres. The Great Divide trailhead and Fairview picnic area are often unavailable for the intended use as the parking is filled opportunistically by those willing to walk from there to the lake. The access roads terminate at the main destinations, meaning all in-bound traffic has to return by the same route. The resulting traffic congestion, together with illegal parking along road shoulders, forms a barrier to wildlife movement across the road. Despite signage indicating parking is at capacity, many visitors still travel up Lake Louise Drive, some repeatedly, in the hopes of finding lakeshore parking. Steadily redirecting these vehicles from the Moraine Lake Road intersection and through the Lake Louise parking lot slows traffic flow, frustrates visitors, and affects staff moral.
Wildlife use and movement through the Lake Louise area is constrained by the concentration of built infrastructure, and disturbance caused by high traffic volumes and human use. The Fairview wildlife corridor runs along the west side of the Bow River. It is bisected by Lake Louise Drive and encompasses the Lake Louise town site. The Whitehorn wildlife corridor runs along the east side of the Bow River. It is bisected by Whitehorn Road and encompasses a portion of the Lake Louise Ski Area. High traffic volumes on Lake Louise Drive and Whitehorn Road may cause wary species to avoid using the area or crossing the roadway during busy periods. Visitors arriving earlier in the morning, or later in the day to avoid crowds, means the duration of these busy times is increasing. In the Fairview corridor there are also multiple trails that weave through the area creating a wide footprint of human activity. In the valley bottom wildlife mortality has been reduced significantly on the Trans Canada Highway but is still a concern on the Canadian Pacific Railway. The high level of human use and infrastructure development may decrease corridor effectiveness for wildlife and increase the potential for human wildlife conflict and habituation. Illegal parking along roadways blocks sight lines and also increases the potential for human-wildlife conflict when visitors encounter bears feeding on road-side vegetation.
In 2019 the public shuttle transportation provided by Parks Canada eliminated an estimated 195,000 vehicles from Lake Louise Drive and Moraine Lake Road. However, there are still several challenges to
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Lake Louise Area Strategy, DRAFT for Consultation – March 2021 overcome to improve the transportation system. The capacity of the current Park & Ride is 450 to 500 vehicles which is insufficient to meet the current and predicted future demand. Visitors arriving between 11am and 2pm have difficulty finding parking and must wait in long line ups before boarding a shuttle. The current Park & Ride location, with minimal facilities, does not provide the level of service desired to support quality visitor experiences. There are only four pit toilets. There is no shelter from weather, no seating, and no drinking water. There are no utility lines to support the provision of services such as flush toilets or potable water. Visitors and shuttle bus access to the current Park & Ride requires speed reductions on the Trans-Canada Highway to facilitate safe turning. High traffic volumes on the Trans-Canada Highway can make it difficult for shuttles to consistently complete their routes on time.
Figure 5. Visitors park outside of designated stalls at the Fairview day use area, 2018.
Area Strategy Overview:
The Lake Louise Area Strategy will focus on two key objectives: improving ecological integrity, and enhancing the quality of visitor experiences.
The maintenance and restoration of ecological integrity in the Lake Louise area will focus on maintaining habitat connectivity, reducing human wildlife conflict, and improving habitat diversity to benefit wildlife. Traffic management efforts will aim to reduce vehicle volumes on Lake Louise Drive and ensure there are seasonal and daily periods of low traffic volume in both the Fairview and Whitehorn corridors. This will provide intervals of low disturbance to maintain or enhance wildlife movement through these corridors. Investments in road mitigations will serve to protect wildlife and prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions. Parks Canada will continue to co-operate with Canadian Pacific on finding ways to reduce wildlife mortality associated with the railway. Opportunities to adjust trail alignments to better support corridor effectiveness will be evaluated. Education and interpretation will promote responsible visitor behaviours and park stewardship. Wildfire risk reduction programs and targeted habitat enhancement will be designed to augment travel routes for wildlife and create quality habitat away from the core Lake Louise visitor use area, while protecting the community from wildfire. Wildlife attractants such as
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Lake Louise Area Strategy, DRAFT for Consultation – March 2021 dandelions will be removed from key locations to reduce the potential for human-wildlife encounters. Ongoing monitoring and research will enhance Parks Canada’s ability to make informed decisions and improve tactics as implementation of the strategy progresses.
Visitor experience in the Lake Louise area will be enhanced by developing an integrated public transportation system, and by enhancing accessible and inclusive visitor facilities and services. Public transportation will be promoted as the preferred method of getting around the Lake Louise area. Essential facilities will be provided at key visitor hubs, and may include public washrooms, potable water, internet connectivity, park orientation information, and park staff presence. The Park & Ride location will provide sufficient parking to serve the expected volume of transit users. Traffic flow and roadways will be managed to keep shuttles on time and to prevent impediments to emergency access and egress. To prevent barriers and ensure that all visitors have the opportunity to enjoy Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, accessibility will be a key consideration when enhancing facilities and services. Communications and outreach will help to set appropriate visitor expectations and support advance planning and reservations prior to visiting. Wayfinding will be improved to help visitors better navigate roads and trails.
Figure 6. Overflow parking lot, 2018.
1. Maintaining Ecological Integrity
Park Management Plan Objective: To maintain and protect ecological integrity in the Lake Louise area and ensure wildlife can safely use and move through the Whitehorn and Fairview wildlife corridors.
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Lake Louise Area Strategy, DRAFT for Consultation – March 2021
Management challenges affecting the ecological integrity of the Lake Louise area include high levels of visitor use within important wildlife habitat, a concentration of built infrastructure especially in the valley bottom, busy transportation corridors, and a historically suppressed fire cycle. To address these challenges, park management efforts will work to prevent further habitat fragmentation and barriers to movement through the key Fairview and Whitehorn wildlife corridors. Human use within key habitat areas will be managed to reduce the potential for displacement of wary species, or the likelihood of animals becoming habituated to human presence. Special attention will be given to Grizzly Bears, a species of special concern, that utilize the area as part of their core reproductive range.
The high level of visitation between the Hamlet of Lake Louise and the popular day use areas at Upper Lake Louise and Moraine Lake result in significant disturbance within the Fairview Wildlife Corridor. The main factors affecting wildlife use and movement through the corridor are Lake Louise Drive, Moraine Lake Road, the Great Divide Trail (Old 1-A Highway), the trails linking the hamlet and the lakes, the busy lakeside day-use areas, and the substantial built infrastructure in the area. At the height of summer, vehicle numbers exceed the capacity of lakeshore and hamlet parking and can reach capacity at the Park & Ride location. This results in traffic congestion on access roads and in parking lots. This heavy traffic reduces the quality of visitor experiences and may create a barrier to wildlife movement in the Fairview Corridor. Vehicle use on Moraine Lake Road is only restricted once the parking lots are at capacity, while there are no restrictions on vehicle use of Lake Louise Drive. Mountain biking is permitted on the Great Divide Trail (paved) and on the Tramline, Bow River, Ross Lake and Moraine Lake Highline trails.
On the opposite side of the valley, the Whitehorn Wildlife Corridor extends from the Trans-Canada Highway to the mid-elevations of Mount Whitehorn. The main factors affecting wildlife use and movement through this area are Whitehorn Road, the Bow Valley Parkway, the Lake Louise Ski Area, Fish Creek Road, Temple Road, and the Pipestone trail network. Electric fencing is erected around the base of the ski area in the summer to exclude Grizzly Bears and minimise potential human-wildlife conflict. Motor vehicle use of Temple Road is restricted to operational traffic by the ski area, it’s contractors, and Parks Canada. The Pipestone trail network is popular for Nordic skiing in winter but receives relatively low use during the summer months. Mountain bikes and horses are permitted on the main Pipestone Trail and on Temple Road.
The Canadian Pacific Railway is a source of human-caused mortality for wildlife in Banff National Park. In 2017, 23 large mammal mortalities were recorded along the CP railway in the park. Between 2010 and 2017 Parks Canada and Canadian Pacific co-operated on a joint research initiative that examined the factors that contribute to railway mortality of Grizzly Bears and identified possible solutions. Recommendations from this work and ongoing research will be implemented as part of the Lake Louise Area Strategy.
To address these concerns, Parks Canada will develop traffic management and public transportation systems that improve ecological conditions by reducing traffic congestion during key periods, conduct targeted habitat enhancement to improve wildlife habitat and connectivity outside of high human use areas (while reducing wildfire risk to the park and community), and ensure visitor services remain within the established growth limits for Lake Louise. Implementation will focus on achieving the following objectives:
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Lake Louise Area Strategy, DRAFT for Consultation – March 2021
Objective 1.1: Maintain or improve the effectiveness of the Fairview wildlife corridor.
Actions: Reduce private vehicles on Lake Louise Drive by guiding visitors directly to the Park & Ride when the Upper Lake Louise lot is at capacity, and by enforcing roadside parking prohibitions. Use shuttle scheduling and traffic restrictions to maintain low-disturbance periods on Moraine Lake Road during dawn and dusk to allow wildlife to use and move through the corridor. Implement additional temporal and/or seasonal vehicle access restrictions on Lake Louise Drive and Moraine Lake Road as required to reduce disturbance for wildlife during sensitive periods. Review use of the Fairview picnic site and consider alternate uses for this area. Evaluate trails within the Fairview corridor, and reconfigure the trail network where prospects exist to improve corridor effectiveness while maintaining appropriate visitor opportunities.
Objective 1.2: Maintain or improve the effectiveness of the Whitethorn wildlife corridor.
Actions: Use variable speed limit signs to reduce speed during evening hours or other periods of poor visibility. Work with the Lake Louise Ski Area to design and build a wildlife underpass on Whitehorn Road, as per the conditions in the Lake Louise Ski Area Site Guidelines for Development and Use and the ski area Long Range Plan. Siting of the underpass will be aided by data collected as part of ongoing wildlife monitoring in the corridor. Use shuttle scheduling and traffic restrictions to maintain low-disturbance periods on Whitehorn Drive during dawn and dusk, and spring and fall, to allow wildlife to move through the corridor. Install selective wildlife fencing to enhance effectiveness of crossing structures where warranted.
Objective 1.3: Continue work to reduce wildlife mortality along the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Actions: Develop and improve wildlife travel routes and trails adjacent to key areas that have a high risk for Grizzly Bear-train collisions, and monitor their use and effectiveness at reducing collisions. Undertake vegetation management to decrease attractants and open escape paths adjacent to the railway in confined areas. Continue to implement prescribed fire and selective forest thinning to improve Grizzly Bear habitat away from the rail corridor, which will also benefit other wildlife species. Investigate the application of new knowledge and technology as developed through research to reduce the potential for rail-related wildlife mortality.
Objective 1.4: Maintain or improve grizzly bear habitat security and reduce human wildlife conflict.
Actions: Restore previously disturbed sites near high human-use areas to remove non-native vegetation that is an unnatural food source for wildlife. Where non-native species such as dandelion persist, conduct an annual program of vegetation control to reduce bear-attractants at key locations in the Lake Louise area. Consider the selective removal of other bear foods, such as buffalo berry, in high human-use areas.
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Lake Louise Area Strategy, DRAFT for Consultation – March 2021
In conjunction with work to reduce wildfire risk to the area, conduct vegetation management that enhances productive wildlife habitat and movement pathways away from busy human use areas.
Objective 1.5: Reduce wildfire risk to the community of Lake Louise and surrounding infrastructure.
Actions: Carry out wildfire risk reduction work using FireSmart techniques to reduce forest fuel buildup and provide increased community protection in the event of a wildfire. Use a combination of vegetation management techniques and/or prescribed fire to establish a community-level fuel break north and northwest of Lake Louise that reduces wildfire risk and creates productive Grizzly Bear habitat away from the town site. Assess additional strategic fuel breaks to protect infrastructure in the Lake Louise area and Bow Valley. Establish a wildfire evacuation plan for Moraine Lake and Upper Lake Louise.
Objective 1.6: Protect water quality and aquatic native species, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Actions: Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species through education and mandatory cleaning requirements for personal water craft and equipment. Carefully manage water based activities and access to waterways to reduce the risk of introducing aquatic invasive species. Maintain seasonal closure of in-stream commercial recreational activity on the Bow River from Lake Louise to Castle Junction to protect breeding harlequin ducks.
Objective 1.7: Reduce carbon emissions produced in the Lake Louise area.
Actions: Reduce carbon emissions from private vehicles by promoting transit use and providing anti-idling messaging at public parking areas. Incorporate energy efficient design and technologies in new or upgraded park infrastructure, including housing, operational spaces and visitor facilities. Provide public EV charging stations1 at Upper Lake Louise and other destinations in the area. Evaluate the potential of electric transit and fleet vehicles and supporting EV charging stations.
2. Improving Visitor Experience
Park Management Plan Objective: Visitor experience throughout the Lake Louise area is enhanced through the development of an integrated public transportation system, and the provision of accessible, inclusive facilities and services.
1 According to the Canadian Energy Regulator (2020), 91% of Alberta electricity is generated from fossil fuels, so EV stations will not have a significant effect on reducing C emissions in the short term. However, if Alberta begins to develop more renewable energy, then the use of EV charging stations in Lake Louise could contribute to future reductions in C emissions.
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Lake Louise Area Strategy, DRAFT for Consultation – March 2021
Increased visitation in the Lake Louise area has made it difficult to deliver the quality of experience Parks Canada strives to offer. Access to popular destinations is not guaranteed as full parking lots, traffic congestion and shuttle queues create delays and frustration for visitors. Periods of congestion continue to grow as visitors arrive earlier and come later in the day to access popular locations. Parks Canada offers a series of shuttle and traffic management services in Lake Louise. These services continue to evolve in an effort to alleviate traffic problems and provide visitors with predictable access to safe and enjoyable experiences. This program has improved the situation but does not address all the challenges. There continues to be traffic congestion on Lake Louise Drive and Moraine Lake Road. The current Park- and-Ride does not meet Parks Canada’s expected level of service, nor does it have sufficient capacity. Visitors interested in learning more about Lake Louise experiences may have difficulty accessing the main visitor centre. Visitor facilities such as washrooms, picnic sites and rest areas have insufficient capacity to meet the high demand. While these challenges occur mainly during the summer, congestion and parking shortages have also been reported at Upper Lake Louise during off-season holidays and weekend events.
On the opposite side of the valley, the winter season is the busiest with the focus on downhill skiing at the Lake Louise Ski Area, and Nordic skiing on the Pipestone trail network. The summer sightseeing program at the Lake Louise Gondola attracts less than 1,000 visitors per day, with peak days reaching more than 2,000 visitors only five times. The operators envision an increase on peak summer days to approximately 3,000 visitors with the development of projects in the Long Range Plan. Planned parking lot improvements will eventually accommodate up to 3,000 private vehicles and 50 tour buses. Less than 500 spaces are required to support the ski area’s summer program (LLSA, LRP, 2019). The potential for these lots to play a role in alleviating some of the traffic challenges in Lake Louise will be investigated.
To improve visitor experiences Parks Canada will invest in public transportation systems, enhance communications, improve accessibility, and provide more opportunities to learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Implementation will focus on achieving the following objectives:
Objective 2.1: Ensure that pre-trip communication enables visitors to plan their experiences, be prepared and arrive with appropriate expectations.
Actions: Work with regional destination marketing organizations to provide comprehensive pre-trip planning resources, including reservations, information on traffic management, and realistic descriptions of the Lake Louise experience. Use recent and accurate images to depict the busy character of Lake Louise in Parks Canada promotional material. Use online, mobile and/or virtual experiences to provide planning information and reservation services that connect with Canadians beyond park boundaries.
Objective 2.2: Provide a safe and reliable integrated parking, shuttle and traffic management system that encourages use of public transportation and reduces private vehicle traffic congestion.
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Lake Louise Area Strategy, DRAFT for Consultation – March 2021
Actions: Evaluate the feasibility of relocating the Lake Louise Park & Ride to the Lake Louise Ski Area to provide sufficient parking capacity and better meet visitor service requirements, including availability of washrooms, potable water, food, and shelter. Establish a visitor monitoring program to understand patterns of visitor use, including installations of Bluetooth traffic counters to capture data on vehicle use, and length-of-stay at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and pedestrian counts along Lake Louise day use area trails. Gather data to understand commercial vehicle use in the Lake Louise area, and investigate opportunities to reduce impacts on physical infrastructure and visitor experience. Implement a reservation system for public transportation to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake during busy seasons. Consider the use of parking reservations to provide visitors the ability to plan ahead and to provide Parks Canada the ability to clearly communicate on parking availability at busy parking areas. Incorporate the Paradise Valley trailhead into the shuttle system or future transit plans. Consider the use of paid parking at Moraine Lake as an incentive for visitors to use the Parks Canada shuttle system or other alternative forms of transportation. Integrate Lake Louise area transit more seamlessly with regional transit systems by continuing to build partnerships with the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission and other local carriers. Consider using the Lake Louise Park & Ride as a base for a potential transit offer to Yoho National Park or other national park destinations.
Objective 2.3: Develop traffic management infrastructure to alleviate congestion, and improve safety and visitor experience.
Actions: Install variable speed-limit signs on the Trans-Canada Highway to slow traffic approach at times of high congestion. Make improvements to the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake parking lots to improve the sense of arrival and provide transit infrastructure, accessible parking, bicycle parking and way-finding signs. Establish evacuation plans to facilitate egress of visitors in the event of an emergency. Use roundabouts and/or barrier gates to improve traffic flow at various locations including: the start of Lake Louise Drive, Moraine Lake Road intersection, and at the Upper Lake Louise parking lot.
Objective 2.4: Invest in infrastructure to eliminate accessibility barriers and maintain high quality facilities that support ecological and visitor experience objectives.
Actions: Identify barriers to access for visitors and work to eliminate them by providing integrated, accessible and inclusive facilities and services. Support active transportation for visitors and residents by improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in the Lake Louise community. Improve wayfinding signage to enhance the ability of visitors to locate trails and connect with nature. Rehabilitate and upgrade popular short strolling trails and viewing areas to accommodate concentrated visitation and minimise impacts on vegetation and terrain.
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Lake Louise Area Strategy, DRAFT for Consultation – March 2021
Objective 2.5: Deliver education and interpretive programs to promote a better understanding of ecological issues, local natural and cultural history, and park stewardship.
Actions: Provide clear and consistent educational information at every location where visitors are waiting, travelling and arriving at their destinations, that focuses on connecting with nature and sharing the responsibilities of preservation and stewardship. Encourage safe and ethical wildlife viewing experiences. Educate hikers about the importance of using designated trails to reduce impacts on wildlife and vegetation. Develop digital and non-personal interpretive media to support interpretive engagement.
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 12
MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL of the Town of Banff in the Province of Alberta Virtual Council Meeting Monday, 2021 April 12, at 2:00 pm
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT Karen Sorensen Mayor (Remote Participation) Corrie DiManno Councillor and Deputy Mayor (Remote Participation) Ted Christensen Councillor and Acting Mayor (Remote Participation) Grant Canning Councillor (Remote Participation) Chip Olver Councillor (Remote Participation) Peter Poole Councillor (Remote Participation) Brian Standish Councillor (Remote Participation)
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT None
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT Kelly Gibson Town Manager (Remote Participation) Silvio Adamo Director, Emergency Management, (Remote Participation) Director, Protective Services, and Fire Chief Jason Darrah Director, Communications (Remote Participation) & Marketing Darren Enns Director, Planning & Development (Remote Participation) Adrian Field Director, Engineering (Remote Participation) Chris Hughes Director, Corporate Services (Remote Participation) Alison Gerrits Director, Community Services, and (Remote Participation) Deputy Director Emergency Management Paul Godfrey Director, Operations (Remote Participation) Barbara King Director, Human Resources (Remote Participation) Randall McKay Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Remote Participation) & Special Projects) Michael Hay Manager, Environment & (Remote Participation) Sustainability Andrea Stuart Manager of Finance (Remote Participation) Renée Lavergne Information Governance Coordinator (Remote Participation) Lisa Lee Executive Assistant, Mayor’s Office (Remote Participation) Tara Johnston Legislative Advisor (Remote Participation) Libbey McDougall Municipal Clerk (Remote Participation)
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 12
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
Mayor Sorensen called the virtual Regular Meeting of Council to order at 2:01 p.m.
2.0 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2.1 Agenda for the 2021 April 12 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council
Moved by Councillor Christensen
That the Agenda for the 2021 April 12 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council be approved.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
2.2 2021 Council Workplan
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That the 2021 Council Workplan be received for the Corporate Record.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 12
3.0 ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MINUTES
3.1 Minutes of the 2021 March 22 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council
Moved by Councillor Christensen
That Minutes of the 2021 March 22 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council be adopted.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
4.0 INVITED PRESENTATIONS
There were no Invited Presentation scheduled as part of this meeting.
5.0 DELEGATIONS
5.1 Rapid Test and Trace Canada – Banff Pilot Project: Proposal for a Population Wide Rapid Testing Program in Banff National Park
Moved by Councillor Poole
That with respect to the Delegation, Item 5.1, Rapid Test and Trace Canada – Banff Pilot Project Proposal for a Population Wide Rapid Testing Program in Banff National Park, the following be adopted, after amendment:
That Council direct Administration to explore the Banff Pilot Project Proposal for a Population Wide Rapid Testing Program in Banff National Park and to return to Council, through the Governance and Finance Committee, with a report outlining options/ recommendations/ costs.
For: (3): Councillor Christensen, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish Against: (4) Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor DiManno, and Councillor Olver
MOTION DEFEATED
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 3 of 13
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 12
Council, by unanimous consent, recessed at 3:39 p.m. to reconvene at 3:54 p.m.
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
Council reconvened at 3:55 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
6.0 PUBLIC INPUT ON AGENDA ITEMS
6.1 Written Submissions
No Written Submissions were received for this meeting.
6.2 Verbal Submissions
No Verbal Submissions were provided at this meeting.
7.0 UNFINISHED BUSINESS
No Unfinished Business was scheduled as part of this meeting.
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 12
8.0 BYLAWS AND STAFF REPORTS
8.1 Verbal Briefing: COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 April 12
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 8.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 April 12, the following be adopted, after amendment:
That Council schedule a Virtual Special Meeting for Tuesday, 2021 April 20, commencing at 1:00 p.m., to discus the 2021 Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 8.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 April 12, the following be adopted, after amendment:
That Council request that the Mayor send a letter to Banff’s Provincial representative, Miranda Rosin, MLA Banff - Kananaskis, and include the Premier of Alberta, the Minister of Health, and Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer, outlining Banff’s current situation, beliefs, and concerns as they relate to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 5 of 13
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 12
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 8.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 April 12, the following be adopted:
That Council receive the COVID-19 Pandemic Updates Verbal Briefing for the Corporate Record.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Council, by unanimous consent, recessed at 5:21 p.m. to reconvene at 5:31 p.m.
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Standish
Council reconvened at 5:32 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council postpone the following Items to the 2021 April 26 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council:
• Item 8.2, 2020 Financial Results; and • Confidential Item 12.1, Resignation and Appointment to the Banff Heritage Corporation.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 6 of 13
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 12
8.2 Request for Decision: 2020 Financial Results
Note: This Item was postponed to the 2021 April 26 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council by way of Motion COU21-114.
Councillor DiManno declared a pecuniary interest with respect to Item 8.3, Capital Project T-31-20 & Proposed Borrowing Bylaw 322 – Electric Bus for Banff Local Service, and Item 8.4, Naming Transit Storage Facility, and abstained from discussion and voting on both Items, as she is an employee of the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission which may benefit financially from Council’s decisions. Councillor DiManno left the Virtual Council Meeting at 5:38 p.m. and returned at 5:47 p.m. after the vote was declared on the second Item, 8.4, Naming Transit Storage Facility.
8.3 Request for Decision: Capital Project T-31-20 & Proposed Borrowing Bylaw 322 – Electric Bus for Banff Local Service
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Recommendation 1 contained in Item 8.3, Capital Project T-31-20 & Proposed Borrowing Bylaw 322 – Electric Bus for Banff Local Service the following be adopted, after amendment:
1. That Council:
a). Pursuant to Section 3.6 of Procedures Bylaw 44-7, suspend Section 13.12 (a) in order to reconsider its decision in the 2021-2030 Capital Budget to fund the 2021 Capital Project T-31-20, Electric Bus for Banff Local Service, through debt financing of $500,000, as contained in Motion COU21-47, without requiring a Notice of Motion. b). Fund the 2021 Capital Project T-31-20, Electric Bus for Banff Local project, through capital reserves as outlined in the Attachment.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 7 of 13
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 12
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Recommendation 2 contained in Item 8.3, Capital Project T-31-20 & Proposed Borrowing Bylaw 322 – Electric Bus for Banff Local Service the following be adopted:
2. That Council refuse and abandon proposed Borrowing Bylaw 322, Electric Bus for Banff Local Service.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
8.4 Request for Decision: Naming Transit Storage Facility
Moved by Councillor Standish
That with respect to Item 8.4, Naming Transit Storage Facility, the following be adopted:
That Council approve the name “Roam Transit Operations & Training Centre” for the new Transit Storage Facility being constructed in the Industrial District.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
8.5 Request for Decision: Increase to Solar PV Rebate Cap
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect Item 8.5, Increase to Solar PV Rebate Cap, the following be adopted:
That Council approve the proposed up-front solar PV rebate cap increase from $5,625 to $15,000 ($750/kW up to 20 kW) to be funded through the Environmental Reserve.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 8 of 13
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 12
9.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS
9.1 Receive for the Corporate Record: Approved Minutes of the 2020 September 17 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Bow Valley Waste Management Commission
Council, by unanimous consent, received the Approved Minutes of the 2020 September 17 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Bow Valley Waste Management Commission for the Corporate Record.
9.2 Receive for the Corporate Record: Approved Minutes of the 2020 December 17 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Bow Valley Regional Waste Management Commission
Council, by unanimous consent, received the Approved Minutes of the 2020 December 17 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Bow Valley Waste Management Commission for the Corporate Record.
9.3 Receive for the Corporate Record: Approved Minutes of the 2021 January 14 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Municipal Planning Commission
Council, by unanimous consent, received the Approved Minutes of the 2021 January 14 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Municipal Planning Commission for the Corporate Record.
9.4 Receive for the Corporate Record: Approved Minutes of the 2021 March 10 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Municipal Planning Commission
Council, by unanimous consent, received the Approved Minutes of the 2021 March 10 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Municipal Planning Commission for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 9 of 13
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 12
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council postpone the following Items to the following Meetings:
1. 2021 April 20 Virtual Special Meeting of Council:
• Item 10.5, Timothy Eckmier: Email Re: Request for an Early Start – Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone, Received 2021 April 07; • Item 10.6, Darren Reeder, Executive Director, Banff and Lake Louise Hospitality Association, and Leslie Bruce, President & CEO, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism: Letter Re: 2021 Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone Plan – Early Rollout Request, Received 2021 April 07; • Item 10.7, Ken Campbell: Email Re: Support for Immediate Pedestrianization of Banff Avenue, Received 2021 April 07; • Item 10.8, Yannis Karlos: Email Re: Provincial Restrictions, Received 2021 April 06; • Item 10.9, Tony Gray, Area Manager, Boston Pizza and A&W, TRG Banff: Email Re: Banff Avenue, Received 2021 April 07; • Item 10.10, Catherine Sinclair Smythe and Steve Smythe, Owner/ Operators, Tooloulou’s: Email and Letter Re: Dine In Force Closure, Received 2021 April 07; • Item 10.11, Kathy Johnson, Owner, Coyotes: Letter, Received 2021 April 07; • Item 10.12, Kees Vanderlee, A Bit of Banff & Whiskey Jacks: Email: Re: Help for Our Restaurants and Town Business, Received 2021 April 08; • Item 10.13, Cam Baty, Co-Owner, Rocky Mountain Soap: Email Re: Open Banff Avenue to Pedestrian Traffic, Received 2021 April 09; • Item 10.14, Stephane Prevost, Chef/ Managing Partner, Block Kitchen + Bar, Shoku Izakaya: Letter, Received 2021 April 09; • Item 10.15, Tori Ames: Email Re: Patio Opening in Banff for the Summer, Received 2021 April 09; • Item 10.16, James Clemens – Seely: Email Re: Pandemic Patios Pretty – Please, Received 2021 April 10; • Item 10.17, Gord Lozeman: Email Re: Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone 2021, Received 2021 April 11; • Item 10.18, Stephane Prevost, Chef/ Managing Partner, Block Kitchen + Bar, Shoku Izakaya: Letter Re: Expedited Street Pedestrianization for Council Consideration, Received 2021 April 10; • Item 10.19, The Radiant Partnership Group: Letter, Dated 2021 April 10; and • Item 10.20, Brett Ireland, CEO, Bear Hill Brewing Co: Email Re: Patio Extensions and Banff Avenue Closure, Received 2021 April 07.
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 10 of 13
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 12
2. 2021 April 26 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council:
• Item 10.1, Lesley Young: Email Re: Bear Street Reconstruction Review Report, Received 2021 March 23; • Item 10.2, Joe Owchar: Letter, Received 2021 April 06; • Item 10.3, Lisa Robinson: Letter, Dated 2021 March 26; and • Item 10.4, Bear Street Stakeholders: Letter, Received 2021 April 07.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
10.0 CORRESPONDENCE
Note: Items 10.1 through 10.4 were postponed to the 2021 April 26 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council by way of Motion COU21-119.
10.1 Lesley Young: Email Re: Bear Street Reconstruction Review Report, Received 2021 March 23
10.2 Joe Owchar: Letter, Received 2021 April 06
10.3 Lisa Robinson: Letter, Dated 2021 March 26
10.4 Bear Street Stakeholders: Letter, Received 2021 April 07
Note: Items 10.5 through 10.20 were postponed to the 2021 April 20 Virtual Special Meeting of Council by way of Motion COU21-119.
10.5 Timothy Eckmier: Email Re: Request for an Early Start – Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone, Received 2021 April 07
10.6 Darren Reeder, Executive Director, Banff and Lake Louise Hospitality Association, and Leslie Bruce, President & CEO, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism: Letter Re: 2021 Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone Plan – Early Rollout Request, Received 2021 April 07
10.7 Ken Campbell: Email Re: Support for Immediate Pedestrianization of Banff Avenue, Received 2021 April 07
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 11 of 13
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 12
10.8 Yannis Karlos: Email Re: Provincial Restrictions, Received 2021 April 06
10.9 Tony Gray, Area Manager, Boston Pizza and A&W, TRG Banff: Email Re: Banff Avenue, Received 2021 April 07
10.10 Catherine Sinclair Smythe and Steve Smythe, Owner/ Operators, Tooloulou’s: Email and Letter Re: Dine In Force Closure, Received 2021 April 07
10.11 Kathy Johnson, Owner, Coyotes: Letter, Received 2021 April 07
10.12 Kees Vanderlee, A Bit of Banff & Whiskey Jacks: Email: Re: Help for Our Restaurants and Town Business, Received 2021 April 08
10.13 Cam Baty, Co-Owner, Rocky Mountain Soap: Email Re: Open Banff Avenue to Pedestrian Traffic, Received 2021 April 09
10.14 Stephane Prevost, Chef/ Managing Partner, Block Kitchen + Bar, Shoku Izakaya: Letter, Received 2021 April 09
10.15 Tori Ames: Email Re: Patio Opening in Banff for the Summer, Received 2021 April 09
10.16 James Clemens – Seely: Email Re: Pandemic Patios Pretty – Please, Received 2021 April 10
10.17 Gord Lozeman: Email Re: Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone 2021, Received 2021 April 11
10.18 Stephane Prevost, Chef/ Managing Partner, Block Kitchen + Bar, Shoku Izakaya: Letter Re: Expedited Street Pedestrianization for Council Consideration, Received 2021 April 10
10.19 The Radiant Partnership Group: Letter, Dated 2021 April 10
10.20 Brett Ireland, CEO, Bear Hill Brewing Co: Email Re: Patio Extensions and Banff Avenue Closure, Received 2021 April 07
11.0 NEW/URGENT BUSINESS
No items of New/ Urgent Business were scheduled as part of this meeting.
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 12 of 13
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 12
12.0 CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS
12.1 Confidential Request for Decision: Resignation and Appointment to the Banff Heritage Corporation
Note: This Item was postponed to the 2021 April 26 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council by way of Motion COU21-114.
13.0 ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Standish
That this Council adjourn at 5:56 p.m.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
___On Original______On Original______Karen Sorensen Libbey McDougall Mayor Municipal Clerk
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 13 of 13
Land and Property Rights Tribunal - Fact Sheet Legislative Amalgamation of the Land Compensation Board (LCB), Municipal Government Board (MGB), New Home Buyer Protection Board (NHBPB) & Surface Rights Board (SRB)
Background Why are these boards being
The LCB, MGB, NHBPB, and SRB are independent, amalgamated? quasi-judicial tribunals that make decisions about The LPRT is being created as part of the next phase land planning, property assessment and of the administrative amalgamation to further compensation disputes involving land streamline services, improve efficiency and reduce expropriations and surface leases. costs. These boards were administratively amalgamated in 2017 as part of a government-wide review of all Key Highlights Agencies, Boards and Commissions. This involved having a common Chair to oversee all four boards, Board members of the LCB, MGB, NHBPB and SRB sharing administrative staff and a common will become members of the LPRT. location. These changes generated annual cost savings of approximately $500,000. The LPRT will have common rules of procedure and Mandate and Roles to simplify and streamline What is changing? processes for parties. Having a larger pool of board members to assign to The LCB, MGB, NHBPB and SRB will be proceedings improves the flexibility to respond to Land and Property Rights amalgamated into the shifting workloads and the tribunal’s ability to Tribunal (LPRT) pursuant to the Land and Property retain the best and most experienced members. Rights Tribunal Act. This legislation was introduced under Bill 48, the Red Tape Reduction This change will not affect rights of parties or Implementation Act, 2020. Bill 48 received royal existing applications or appeals so anyone who has assent on December 09, 2020. already submitted materials won’t have to take any additional steps. This will consolidate the jurisdiction and administration of these boards into one entity, the Contact information for the LPRT has not changed. LPRT. The LPRT will retain email addresses and phone numbers of the LCB, MGB, NHPBP, and SRB until When will the amalgamation further notice. take effect? Questions?
The LPRT will come into existence on June 02, Please contact Mike Hartfield, Director at (780) 427 2021, replacing the LCB, MGB, NHBPB, and SRB. 2444. Toll free: 310-0000.
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 20
MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL RE: 2021 BANFF AVENUE PEDESTRIAN ZONE
of the Town of Banff in the Province of Alberta Virtual Council Meeting Wednesday, 2021 April 20, at 1:00 pm
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT Karen Sorensen Mayor (Remote Participation) Corrie DiManno Councillor and Deputy Mayor (Remote Participation) Ted Christensen Councillor and Acting Mayor (Remote Participation) Grant Canning Councillor (Remote Participation) Chip Olver Councillor (Remote Participation) Peter Poole Councillor (Remote Participation) Brian Standish Councillor (Remote Participation)
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT None
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT Kelly Gibson Town Manager (Remote Participation) Silvio Adamo Director, Emergency Management, (Remote Participation) Director, Protective Services, and Fire Chief Jason Darrah Director, Communications (Remote Participation) & Marketing Darren Enns Director, Planning & Development (Remote Participation) Adrian Field Director, Engineering (Remote Participation) Chris Hughes Director, Corporate Services (Remote Participation) Paul Godfrey Director, Operations (Remote Participation) Barbara King Director, Human Resources (Remote Participation) Randall McKay Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Remote Participation) & Special Projects) Lisa Lee Executive Assistant, Mayor’s Office (Remote Participation) Tara Johnston Legislative Advisor (Remote Participation) Libbey McDougall Municipal Clerk (Remote Participation)
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 1 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 20
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (5): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, and Councillor Olver
Mayor Sorensen called the virtual Special Meeting of Council, Re: 2021 Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone, to order at 1:01 p.m.
2.0 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2.1 Agenda for the 2021 April 20 Virtual Special Meeting of Council Re: 2021 Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That the Agenda for today’s meeting be amended by adding Item to Section 3.2.2, Written Submissions, Item 3.2.4, entitled “Stephanie Ferracuti: Email Re: Please do Not Open Banff Avenue to Outdoor Dining at This Time, Received 2021 April 19 (Item 4.1, Request for Decision: Summer 2021 Downtown Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone)”.
For: (5): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, and Councillor Olver
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 2 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 20
Moved by Councillor DiManno
That the Agenda for the 2021 April 20 Virtual Special Meeting of Council, Re: 2021 Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone, be approved, as amended.
For: (5): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, and Councillor Olver
MOTION CARRIED
3.0 PUBLIC INPUT ON AGENDA ITEMS
3.1 Correspondence Postponed from the 2021 April 12 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council
3.1.1 Timothy Eckmier: Email Re: Request for an Early Start – Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone, Received 2021 April 07
Council, by unanimous consent, received Timothy Eckmier’s Email. Re: Request for an Early Start – Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.2 Darren Reeder, Executive Director, Banff and Lake Louise Hospitality Association, and Leslie Bruce, President & CEO, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism: Letter Re: 2021 Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone Plan – Early Rollout Request, Received 2021 April 07
Council, by unanimous consent, received Darren Reeder and Leslie Bruce’s Letter, Re: 2021 Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone Plan – Early Rollout Request, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.3 Ken Campbell: Email Re: Support for Immediate Pedestrianization of Banff Avenue, Received 2021 April 07
Council, by unanimous consent, received Ken Campbell’s Email, Re: Support for Immediate Pedestrianization of Banff Avenue, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.4 Yannis Karlos: Email Re: Provincial Restrictions, Received 2021 April 06
Council, by unanimous consent, received Yannis Karlos’ Email, Re: Provincial Restrictions, for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 3 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 20
3.1.5 Tony Gray, Area Manager, Boston Pizza and A&W, TRG Banff: Email Re: Banff Avenue, Received 2021 April 07
Council, by unanimous consent, received Tony Gray’s Email, Re: Banff Avenue, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.6 Catherine Sinclair Smythe and Steve Smythe, Owner/ Operators, Tooloulou’s: Email and Letter Re: Dine In Force Closure, Received 2021 April 07
Council, by unanimous consent, received Catherine Sinclair Smythe and Steve Smythe’s Email and Letter, Re: Dine In Force Closure, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.7 Kathy Johnson, Owner, Coyotes: Letter, Received 2021 April 07
Council, by unanimous consent, received Kathy Johnson’s Letter for the Corporate Record.
3.1.8 Kees Vanderlee, A Bit of Banff & Whiskey Jacks: Email: Re: Help for Our Restaurants and Town Business, Received 2021 April 08
Council, by unanimous consent, received Kees Vanderlee’s Email, Re: Help for Our Restaurants and Town Business, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.9 Cam Baty, Co-Owner, Rocky Mountain Soap: Email Re: Open Banff Avenue to Pedestrian Traffic, Received 2021 April 09
Council, by unanimous consent, received Cam Baty’s Email, Re: Open Banff Avenue to Pedestrian Traffic, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.10 Stephane Prevost, Chef/ Managing Partner, Block Kitchen + Bar, Shoku Izakaya: Letter, Received 2021 April 09
Council, by unanimous consent, received Stephane Prevost’s Letter for the Corporate Record.
3.1.11 Tori Ames: Email Re: Patio Opening in Banff for the Summer, Received 2021 April 09
Council, by unanimous consent, received Tori Ames’ Email, Re: Patio Opening in Banff for the Summer, for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 4 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 20
3.1.12 James Clemens – Seely: Email Re: Pandemic Patios Pretty – Please, Received 2021 April 10
Council, by unanimous consent, received James Clemens – Seely’s Email, Re Pandemic Patios Pretty – Please, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.13 Gord Lozeman: Email Re: Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone 2021, Received 2021 April 11
Council, by unanimous consent, received Gord Lozeman’s Email, Re: Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone 2021, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.14 Stephane Prevost, Chef/ Managing Partner, Block Kitchen + Bar, Shoku Izakaya: Letter Re: Expedited Street Pedestrianization for Council Consideration, Received 2021 April 10
Council, by unanimous consent, received Stephane Prevost’s Letter, Re: Expedited Street Pedestrianization for Council Consideration, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.15 The Radiant Partnership Group: Letter, Dated 2021 April 10
Council, by unanimous consent, received The Radiant Partnership Group’s Letter for the Corporate Record.
3.2 Written Submissions
3.2.1 Darren VanMackelbergh, General Manager, Banff Park Lodge| Bow View Lodge| Peaks Hotel & Suites: Email Re: Early Banff Avenue Pedestrianization, Received 2021 April 15, 2021 (Item 4.1, Request for Decision: Summer 2021 Downtown Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Darren VanMackelbergh’s Email, Re: Early Banff Avenue Predestination, for the Corporate Record.
3.2.2 Melodie-Joy Miller and Heather Merrett: Email Re: Written Submission for Seed N Salt for Toady’s Council Meeting, Received 2021 April 19 (Item 4.1, Request for Decision: Summer 2021 Downtown Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Melodie-Joy Miller and Heather Merrett’s Email, Re: Written Submission for Seed N Salt for Today’s Council Meeting, for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 5 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 20
3.2.3 Pete Woods, President, SKIBig3: Email Re: Council Letter, Received 2021 April 19 (Item 4.1, Request for Decision: Summer 2021 Downtown Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Pete Woods’ Email, Re: Council Letter, for the Corporate Record.
3.2.4 Stephanie Ferracuti: Email Re: Please do Not Open Banff Avenue to Outdoor Dining at This Time, Received 2021 April 19 (Item 4.1, Request for Decision: Summer 2021 Downtown Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Stephanie Ferracuti’s Email, Re: Please do Not Open Banff Avenue to Outdoor Dining at This Time, for the Corporate Record.
3.3 Verbal Submissions
3.3.1 Mike Mendelman, Banff Hospitality Collective (Item 4.1, Request for Decision: Summer 2021 Banff Downtown Pedestrian Zone)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Mike Mendelman’s Verbal Submissions, with respect to Item 4.1, Summer 2021 Banff Downtown Pedestrian Zone, for the Corporate Record.
4.0 SPECIAL MEETING BUSINESS
4.1 Request for Decision: Summer 2021 Downtown Pedestrian Zone
Council, by unanimous consent, recessed at 2:40 p.m. to reconvene at 2:55 p.m.
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
Council reconvened at 2:57 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 6 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 20
Moved by Councillor DiManno
That Mayor Sorensen’s Motion, COU21-124, be amended by deleting the date “2021 April 30” and substituting with the date “2021 May 07)
For: (2): Councillor DiManno and Councillor Poole Against: (5): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Standish
MOTION DEFEATED
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 4.1, Summer 2021 Downtown Pedestrian Zone, the following be adopted, after amendment:
That Council direct Administration to:
1. Open the Summer Downtown Pedestrian Zone as of Friday, 2021 April 30, for the duration of the summer season, and 2. Return to Council with potential end dates for the 2021 Summer Downtown Pedestrian Zone.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 7 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Approved 2021 April 26 2021 April 20
5.0 ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Christensen
That this Council adjourn at 3:28 p.m.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
_____On Original______On Original______Karen Sorensen Libbey McDougall Mayor Municipal Clerk
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 8 of 8
5/6/2021 Gmail - Supporting Alberta Businesses
Danielle Morine
Supporting Alberta Businesses 1 message
[email protected]
Dear Mayors and Reeves and CAOs:
As you all know, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a challenge to Albertans and our communities. The impacts have been significant on individuals, community organizations, local and provincial governments, and our private sector job creators. With your continued help, we are getting closer to coming through this unprecedented situation, and I want to thank you for the tremendous work you have been doing at the local level to support your residents and the business community.
While our vaccination efforts offer a light at the end of the tunnel, we still have some work to do. It continues to be critical for all levels of government to work together to support our citizens, communities, and business sectors. As we work to reverse the economic impacts of the pandemic, we are counting on all municipalities to continue to be part of the solution, and to do everything reasonable within their respective authorities to facilitate and encourage renewed economic activity.
I want to encourage every municipal council to continue to work diligently to remove barriers to economic activity, economic renewal and the jobs that will be created as a result. Wherever you can reasonably and appropriately streamline approval processes and requirements, please do so. For example, I know that our hospitality industry is extremely interested in pursuing opportunities to open and operate patios, as a safe and approved means of serving customers even while public health restrictions remain in effect. I know that there are municipalities who have already streamlined their permitting process – for example, the City of Calgary has significantly streamlined the patio approval process, and has installed 77 patios on public land already, with more to come, while the City of Red Deer is allowing businesses to install and operate patios while the permitting process is still underway. These initiatives are examples of the key support that municipal governments can provide to local businesses – especially given our all-too-short patio season.
Whether it be patio use or any of the numerous other initiatives that are brought to your attention, I encourage you to act decisively, quickly, creatively, and with regard for the critical importance of rejuvenating our economy and creating employment opportunities for Albertans.
Sincerely,
Ric McIver Minister
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697124036418307414%7Cmsg-f%3A16971240364183… 1/1
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL of the Town of Banff in the Province of Alberta Re: Proposed Bylaw 455, Land Use Amending Bylaw; 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw; Proposed Bylaw 456, Traffic Amending Bylaw; Proposed Policy C7006, Municipal Sustainable Building Policy; and Policy C7003, Public Use of Municipal Facilities Policy Monday, 2021 April 26, at 9:00 a.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT Karen Sorensen Mayor (Remote Participation) Corrie DiManno Councillor and Deputy Mayor (Remote Participation) Ted Christensen Councillor and Acting Mayor (Remote Participation) Grant Canning Councillor (Remote Participation) Chip Olver Councillor (Remote Participation) Brian Standish Councillor (Remote Participation)
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT Peter Poole Councillor
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT Kelly Gibson Town Manager (Remote Participation) Silvio Adamo Director, Protective Services, and (Remote Participation) Fire Chief Jason Darrah Director, Communications (Remote Participation) & Marketing Darren Enns Director, Planning & Development (Remote Participation) Adrian Field Director, Engineering (Remote Participation) Chris Hughes Director, Corporate Services (Remote Participation) Alison Gerrits Director, Community Services (Remote Participation) Paul Godfrey Director, Operations (Remote Participation) Barbara King Director, Human Resources (Remote Participation) Randall McKay Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Remote Participation) & Special Projects) Amanda Arbuckle Manager, Recreation Services (Remote Participation) Tony Clark Manager of Municipal Enforcement (Remote Participation) Michael Hay Manager, Environment & (Remote Participation) Sustainability Dave Michaels Manager, Development Services (Remote Participation) Sally Biddlecombe Municipal Energy Coordinator (Remote Participation) Eric Bjorge Development & Heritage Planner (Remote Participation) Lisa Lee Executive Assistant, Mayor’s Office (Remote Participation) Tara Johnston Legislative Advisor (Remote Participation) Libbey McDougall Municipal Clerk (Remote Participation)
Minutes approved by:
Page 1 of 6
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (5): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, and Councillor Standish
Mayor Sorensen called the virtual Special Meeting of Council to order at 9:01 a.m.
2.0 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2.1 Agenda for the 2021 April 26 Virtual Special Meeting of Council Re: Proposed Bylaw 455, Land Use Amending Bylaw; 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw; Proposed Bylaw 456, Traffic Amending Bylaw; Proposed Policy C7006, Municipal Sustainable Building Policy; and Policy C7003, Public Use of Municipal Facilities Policy
Moved by Councillor Christensen
That the Agenda for the 2021 April 26 Virtual Special Meeting of Council, Re: Proposed Bylaw 455, Land Use Amending Bylaw; 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw; Proposed Bylaw 456, Traffic Amending Bylaw; Proposed Policy C7006, Municipal Sustainable Building Policy; and Policy C7003, Public Use of Municipal Facilities Policy, be approved.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
3.0 PUBLIC INPUT ON AGENDA ITEMS
3.1 Written Submissions
3.1.1 Darren Reeder, Executive Director, Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association: Letter Re: 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw, Dated 2021 April 23 (Item 4.2, 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Darren Reeder’s Letter Re: 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw, dated 2021 April 23, for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by:
Page 2 of 6
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26 3.1.2 Hugh Pettigrew: Email Re: 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw Information Request, Dated 2021 April 25 (Item 4.2, 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Hugh Pettigrew’s Email Re: 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw, dated 2021 April 25, for the Corporate Record.
3.2 Verbal Submissions
No Verbal Submissions were provided at this meeting.
4.0 SPECIAL MEETING BUSINESS
4.1 Request for Decision: Proposed Bylaw 455 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment – A Bylaw to Encourage Housing Development
Moved by
That with respect to Item 4.1, Proposed Bylaw 455 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment – A Bylaw to Encourage Housing Development, the following be adopted:
That:
1. Bylaw 455 be introduced and read a first time; and 2. Council direct Administration advertise proposed Bylaw 455, Land Use Amending Bylaw, in accordance with the Municipal Government Act and schedule a Public Hearing for 2021.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
4.2 Request for Decision: 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw
Moved by Councillor Christensen
That with respect to Item4.2. 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw, the following be adopted:
That Council direct Administration to prepare a 2021 Tax Rate Bylaw based on the 6.31:1 tax split and return to Council no later than 2021 May.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
4.3 Request for Decision: Proposed Bylaw 456 – Amendments to the Traffic Bylaw 16-8 relating to the creation of User Pay Parking and Residential Parking Permits programs in the Town of Banff
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 4.3, Proposed Bylaw 456 – Amendments to the Traffic Bylaw 16-8 relating to the creation of User Pay Parking and Residential Parking Permits programs in the Town of Banff, be adopted:
That Bylaw 456 be introduced and read a first time.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 4.3, Proposed Bylaw 456 – Amendments to the Traffic Bylaw 16-8 relating to the creation of User Pay Parking and Residential Parking Permits programs in the Town of Banff, be adopted:
That Bylaw 456 be read a second time.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 4.3, Proposed Bylaw 456 – Amendments to the Traffic Bylaw 16-8 relating to the creation of User Pay Parking and Residential Parking Permits programs in the Town of Banff, be adopted:
That authorization now be given to read Bylaw 456 a third time.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Minutes approved by:
Page 4 of 6
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
Moved by Councillor Standish
That with respect to Item 4.3, Proposed Bylaw 456 – Amendments to the Traffic Bylaw 16-8 relating to the creation of User Pay Parking and Residential Parking Permits programs in the Town of Banff, be adopted:
That Bylaw 456 be read a third time.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Council, by unanimous consent, recessed at 10:23 a.m. to reconvene at 10:40 a.m.
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Standish
Council reconvened at 10:40 a.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
4.4 Request for Decision: Proposed New Municipal Sustainable Building Policy C7006
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 4.4, Proposed New Municipal Sustainable Building Policy C7006, the following be adopted:
That Council adopt the Municipal Sustainable Building Policy C7006 which is to replace Policy C106, Municipal Sustainable Building Policy.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
4.5 Request for Decision: Public Use of Municipal Facilities Policy, C7003, Proposed Revisions
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 4.5, Public Use of Municipal Facilities Policy C7003, Proposed Revisions, the following be adopted:
That Council approve the Public Use of Municipal Facilities Policy C7003 with the revisions as set out in the Attachment.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
5.0 ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Standish
That this Council adjourn at 10:58 a.m.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
______Karen Sorensen Libbey McDougall Mayor Municipal Clerk
Minutes approved by:
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5/6/2021 Gmail - ABTraceTogether Version 2.0 Release
Danielle Morine
ABTraceTogether Version 2.0 Release 1 message
Navroop Tehara
Hello,
We are pleased to announce that the ABTraceTogether app version 2.0 has been released. Major changes include:
- Users can now upload their contact tracing data for contact tracers with Alberta Health Services, using a self-service feature on MyHealth Records.
- Improvements in locked device to locked device contact tracing;
- App support for support Android 8 and iPhone 11 devices; and
- Alberta COVID-19 statistics accessible through the app.
- Results of ABTraceTogether testing are available for review on GitHub:
o iPhone: https://github.com/abopengov/contact-tracing-iOS/tree/master/herald
o Android: https://github.com/abopengov/contact-tracing-Android/tree/master/herald
- ABTraceTogether source code is publicly available for review on GitHub
o https://github.com/abopengov
Please visit the ABTraceTogether website (below) and the FAQ section (below) for more information.
Further, here is an updated package of information regarding the app:
- ABTT website (includes a short video explainer, our privacy statement, and download links): https://www.alberta.ca/ab-trace-together.aspx
- FAQ: https://www.alberta.ca/ab-trace-together-faq.aspx (note these FAQ have been updated to reflect the new version)
- Download on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.albertahealthservices.contacttracing
- Download on the Apple App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.albertahealthservices.contacttracing
- ABTT poster for display (also attached for you convenience): https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-information-posters.aspx
- ABTT Promotional Key Messages: Please feel free to use the following messaging when discussing the ABTraceTogether app (attached for your convenience).
- ABTT 2.0 Release Updates: A quick summary of major changes in the version 2.0 release (attached for your convenience)
If you have any further questions regarding the app please reach out directly and we will be happy to respond.
Regards,
Navroop Tehara | Engagement Specialist | Health Emergency Operation Centre
Alberta Health | 780-644-4291 | [email protected]
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697580191649897418%7Cmsg-f%3A16975801916498… 1/2 5/6/2021 Gmail - ABTraceTogether Version 2.0 Release Classifica on: Protected A
3 attachments health-covid-19-poster-abtrace-together.pdf 114K ABTT promotional KMs.pdf 456K ABTT 2.0 Release Updates.pdf 601K
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697580191649897418%7Cmsg-f%3A16975801916498… 2/2 COVID-19 INFORMATION WE USE ABTRACE- TOGETHER HERE
The quicker we’re able to identify and isolate cases of COVID-19, the sooner we can all get back to business—and continue to do the things we love. ABTraceTogether is a mobile app specifically developed to let you know if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, or if you’ve exposed others.
It’s anonymous, privacy-protected, and easy to use.
Download the app now at alberta.ca/ABTraceTogether COVID-19 INFORMATION WE USE ABTRACE- TOGETHER HERE
The quicker we’re able to identify and isolate cases of COVID-19, the sooner we can all get back to business—and continue to do the things we love. ABTraceTogether is a mobile app specifically developed to let you know if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, or if you’ve exposed others.
It’s anonymous, privacy-protected, and easy to use.
Download the app now at alberta.ca/ABTraceTogether What is ABTraceTogether?
ABTraceTogether is a mobile app that enables community-driven contact tracing to support existing efforts to fight COVID-19. ABTraceTogether is a tool to complement traditional manual contact tracing completed by public health officials.
The Government of Alberta is using this technology to protect Albertans. This app helps government support AHS to complement current contact tracing approaches to increase the speed, accuracy and effectiveness of contact tracing procedures.
ABTraceTogether gives health experts access to data: - If an infected person has the app, they will be asked to voluntarily upload the encrypted data from their phone to Alberta Health Services. Once the data is voluntarily uploaded, the app gives AHS access to information that is critical to help increase the speed and effectiveness of Alberta’s COVID-19 response. Providing the information to contact tracers helps them assess the risk of exposures to close contacts. This is particularly important to limit the impact of “super-spreading events” where one person can infect many others (eg. In a high touch environment or space with poor ventilation). - The more information that public health has about COVID19 cases and their contacts, the better they can determine where the spread is coming from to contain outbreaks.
The Government of Alberta ensures users maintain control over their data: - Geolocation data is not collected by the app (i.e., the information retrieved will not be able to identify where you have been, such as your city or address). - The Bluetooth exchange ID log data collected is stored locally in your phone in an encrypted form. This data will not be accessed by Alberta Health Services unless and until you choose to upload it as a result of being diagnosed with COVID-19. - Mobile numbers or any other personal information are not revealed to other apps. Only temporary IDs are exchanged between phones, and these IDs change regularly.
- Alberta Health submitted a Privacy Impact Assessment on ABTraceTogether which was accepted by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
Recently, changes have been made to the ABTraceTogether app including: - Improvements in locked device to locked device contact tracing; - App support for support Android 8 and iPhone 11 devices; and - Alberta COVID-19 statistics accessible through the app.
- Results of ABTraceTogether testing are available for review on GitHub: o iPhone: https://github.com/abopengov/contact-tracing-iOS/tree/master/herald o Android: https://github.com/abopengov/contact-tracing-Android/tree/master/herald - ABTraceTogether source code is publicly available for review on GitHub o https://github.com/abopengov
Please visit the ABTraceTogether website (https://www.alberta.ca/ab-trace-together-faq.aspx) and the FAQ section (https://www.alberta.ca/ab-trace-together-faq.aspx#jumplinks-3) for more information.
Classification: Protected A ABTT Version 2.0 Updates
In the latest release of the ABTraceTogether app, version 2.0, the ABTraceTogether team worked hard to ensure the app can detect other devices reliably and accurately, and made some improvements over previous versions.
Locked device to locked device contact tracing
In previous versions of ABTraceTogether, iPhone devices logged encounters inconsistently when devices were locked.
ABTraceTogether is integrating a new technology called Herald to improve encounter logging. In version 2.0, with Herald integrated, iPhone and Android devices can successfully detect and log encounters when devices are locked and unlocked. For more information about Herald, please see (https://vmware.github.io/herald/)
Battery consumption Depending on the make and model of your device, the app consumes between 1.5% to 2.5% battery per hour on Android and iPhone devices.
What versions of iPhone and Android are supported? In release 2.0, we support Android 8 and iPhone 11 devices. Starting in release 2.2, we will expand supported Android devices to include older models on Android 6 and 7.
Your mobile device must have a working Bluetooth connection in order for the app to communicate with other devices that have the app installed.
Bluetooth and location permissions The app asks for location and Bluetooth permissions. Enabling Bluetooth and Location Services improves the app’s functionality by allowing the app to operate whether or not the device is locked or unlocked, or if it is running in the foreground or background. Personal information, and location information or GPS coordinates are not used, captured, or stored.
To learn more about how ABTraceTogether protects your privacy, please see our FAQ section (https://www.alberta.ca/ab-trace-together-faq.aspx).
Open source codes The ABTraceTogether App source code is available publicly on GitHub.
iPhone: https://github.com/abopengov/contact-tracing-iPhone Android: https://github.com/abopengov/contact-tracing-Android
Classification: Protected A
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL of the Town of Banff in the Province of Alberta Virtual Council Meeting Monday, 2021 April 26, at 2:00 pm
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT Karen Sorensen Mayor (Remote Participation) Corrie DiManno Councillor and Deputy Mayor (Remote Participation) Ted Christensen Councillor and Acting Mayor (Remote Participation) Grant Canning Councillor (Remote Participation) Chip Olver Councillor (Remote Participation) Peter Poole Councillor (Remote Participation) Brian Standish Councillor (Remote Participation)
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT None
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT Kelly Gibson Town Manager (Remote Participation) Silvio Adamo Director, Emergency Management, (Remote Participation) Director, Protective Services, and Fire Chief Jason Darrah Director, Communications (Remote Participation) & Marketing Darren Enns Director, Planning & Development (Remote Participation) Adrian Field Director, Engineering (Remote Participation) Chris Hughes Director, Corporate Services (Remote Participation) Alison Gerrits Director, Community Services, and (Remote Participation) Deputy Director Emergency Management Paul Godfrey Director, Operations (Remote Participation) Barbara King Director, Human Resources (Remote Participation) Randall McKay Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Remote Participation) & Special Projects) Dave Michaels Manager, Development Services (Remote Participation) Andrea Stuart Manager of Finance (Remote Participation) Lisa Lee Executive Assistant, Mayor’s Office (Remote Participation) Tara Johnston Legislative Advisor (Remote Participation) Libbey McDougall Municipal Clerk (Remote Participation)
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
Mayor Sorensen called the virtual Regular Meeting of Council to order at 2:01 p.m.
2.0 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2.1 Agenda for the 2021 April 26 Virtual Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of Council
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That the Agenda for today’s meeting be amended as follows:
• By bringing forward Item 8.1, 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, to be heard immediately following Item 7.1, 2020 Financial Results; and • By bringing forward Item 7.3, Lesley Young: Email Re: Bear Street Reconstruction Review Report, Received 2021 March 23, to be heard immediately following Item 7.6, Bear Street Stakeholders: Letter, Received 2021 April 07.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
Moved by Councillor Poole
That the Agenda for today’s meeting be further amended by bringing forward the following Items to be postponed to the 2021 May 10 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council
• Item 10.1, Nowana Payne: Letter, Dated 2021 March 30; and • Item 10.2, Alison Douglas: Letter Re: Train Whistle Blowing, Dated 2021 April 01.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Christensen
That the Agenda for the 2021 April 26 Virtual Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of Council be approved, as amended.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
PUBLIC HEARING:
Bylaw 431 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment Administration of Development Permits
The Public Hearing was called, and the following individuals addressed Council with respect to Bylaw 431:
1. April Wood suggested that the proposed Bylaw would preclude potential applicants from being able to apply for Bed & Breakfast development permit applications unless they are the current owner of the property. She requested Council consider rewording section 4.3.0 to ensure the wording is very clear so as not to preclude potential applicants; and 2. Lee O’Donnell requested Council consider amending the proposed Bylaw to include a clause indicating that all refused development permit applications, no mater the use, should include rational for that decision.
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
Council, by unanimous consent, closed the Public Haring with respect to Bylaw 431.
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Report: Bylaw 431 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment Administration of Development Permits, the following be adopted, after amendment:
That Council:
1. Defer Item 3.0, Bylaw 431 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment Administration of Development Permits, to Administration to prepare proposed amendments relating to:
• A new clause regarding the refusal of a development permit for an application of a discretionary use; and • A Definition of “Municipal Project”;
2. Direct Administration to return as part of the 2021 May 10 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council with the requested amendments.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL:
2.2 2021 Council Workplan
Council, by unanimous consent, received the 2021 Council Workplan for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
3.0 ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MINUTES
3.1 Minutes of the 2021 April 12 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council
3.2 Minutes of the 2021 April 26 Virtual Special Meeting of Council Re: 2021 Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That the following Minutes be adopted by way of omnibus motion:
• Item 3.1, Minutes of the 2021 April 12 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council; and • Item 3.2, Minutes of the 2021 April 20 Virtual Special Meeting of Council Re: 2021 Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
4.0 INVITED PRESENTATIONS
4.1 Introduction of the Ebony Rempel, new CEO fir the YWCA, and Update on YWCA Housing Project
Council, by unanimous consent, received Ebony Rempel’s verbal presentation for the Corporate Record.
5.0 DELEGATIONS
There were no Delegations scheduled as part of this meeting.
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
Council, by unanimous consent, recessed at 3:39 p.m. to reconvene at 3:54 p.m.
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
Council reconvened at 3:55 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
6.0 PUBLIC INPUT ON AGENDA ITEMS
6.1 Written Submissions
No Written Submissions were received for this meeting.
6.2 Verbal Submissions
No Verbal Submissions were provided at this meeting.
7.0 UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7.1 Request for Decision: 2020 Financial Results
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council direct Administration to transfer the 2020 unrestricted surplus in the amount of $127.10 to the Budget Stabilization Reserve.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
7.2 Confidential Request for Decision: Resignation and Appointment to the Banff Heritage Corporation
COU21-145 Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council recess at 5:11 p.m. to the call of the chair, to reconvene in a closed meeting, to be conducted in a confidential Zoom Meeting environment, pursuant to Sections 17 (Disclosure to personal privacy) and 19 (Confidential evaluations) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to consider confidential matters with respect to the Item 7.2, Resignation and Appointment to the Banff Heritage Corporation.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Council reconvened in closed meeting at 5:12 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
Council recessed in closed meeting at 5:23 p.m.
Council reconvened in public meeting at 5:24 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the chair.
COU21-146 Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council rise and report.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Individuals in attendance during the closed meeting discussions with respect to Item 7.2, Resignation and Appointment to the Banff Heritage Corporation:
Clerk: L. McDougall
Minutes approved by:
Page 7 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
COU21-147 Moved by Councillor Poole
That with respect to Item 7.2, Resignation and Appointment to the Banff Heritage Corporation, the following be adopted, after amendment:
That Council:
1. Accept Rosanna Maunder’s resignation and thank her for her service on the Banff Heritage Corporation; 2. Appoint Deborah Cameron to the Banff Heritage Corporation to complete the remainder of a three year term ending on the 2022 Annual Organizational Meeting of Council; 3. Thank all individuals who applied to serve on the Banff Heritage Corporation as part of this recruitment campaign; 4. Direct that this Report be released as a public document; and 5. Direct that the confidential attachments and closed meeting discussions remain confidential pursuant to Sections 17 (Disclosure to personal privacy) and 19 (Confidential evaluations) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Councillor Poole declared a pecuniary interest with respect to Items 7.3 Lesly Young: Email Re: Bear Street Reconstruction Review Report, Received 2021 March 23, and 7.6, Bear Street Stakeholders: Letter, Received 2021 April 07, and abstained from discussion, as he is a commercial partner in a business located on Caribou Street and a business and building owner on Bear Street. Councillor Poole left the virtual Council Meeting at 5:27 p.m. and returned at 5:36 p.m. after discussion concluded.
7.3 Lesley Young: Email Re: Bear Street Reconstruction Review Report, Received 2021 March 23
Note: This Item was dealt with following Item 7.6, Bear Street Stakeholders: Letter, Received 2021 April 07.
Council, by unanimous consent, received Lesley Young’s Correspondence Re: Bear Street Reconstruction Review Report, received 2021 March 23, for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
7.4 Joe Owchar: Letter, Received 2021 April 06
Council, by unanimous consent, received Joe Owchar’s Correspondence, received 2021 April 06, for the Corporate Record.
7.5 Lisa Robinson: Letter, Dated 2021 March 26
Council, by unanimous consent, received Lisa Robinson’s Correspondence, received 2021 April 06, for the Corporate Record.
7.6 Bear Street Stakeholders: Letter, Received 2021 April 07
Council, by unanimous consent, received the Bear Street Stakeholders’ Correspondence, received 2021 April 07, for the Corporate Record.
COU21-148 Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That pursuant to Section 3.6 of Procedures Bylaw 44-7, as amended, Section 4.9 be suspended in order that Council may complete the remainder of today’s Agenda.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
8.0 BYLAWS AND STAFF REPORTS
8.1 Request for Decision: 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
Note: This Item was dealt with following Item 7.1, 2020 Financial Results.
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council recess at 4:33 p.m. to the call of the chair, to reconvene in a closed meeting, to be conducted in a confidential Zoom Meeting environment, pursuant to Section 24 (Advice from officials) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, to consider confidential matters with respect to the Item 8.1, 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, and that the following individuals be invited into Committee’s closed meeting discussions:
• Laura Rivero, KPMG Enterprise; and • Taylor Thompson, KPMG Enterprise.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Council reconvened in closed meeting at 4:35 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
Council recessed in closed meeting at 5:06 p.m.
Council reconvened in public meeting at 5:09 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the chair.
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council rise and report.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Individuals in attendance during the closed meeting discussions with respect to Item 8.1, 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements:
External Presenters: L. Rivero and T Thompson
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 8.1, 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, the following be adopted:
That Council:
1. Approve the 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements (Attachment 1); and 2. Direct that the closed meeting discussions and Confidential Attachment 2 remain confidential pursuant to Section 24 (Advice from officials) of the Freedom of Information and protection of Privacy Act.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
8.2 Verbal Briefing: COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 April 26
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council recess at 6:20 p.m. to the call of the chair, to reconvene in a closed meeting, to be conducted in a confidential Zoom Meeting environment, pursuant to Section 24 (Advice from officials) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, to consider confidential matters with respect to the Item 8.2, 20COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 April 26.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Council reconvened in closed meeting at 6:22 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
Council recessed in closed meeting at 6:54 p.m.
Council reconvened in public meeting at 6:55 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the chair.
Minutes approved by:
Page 11 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council rise and without reporting.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Individuals in attendance during the closed meeting discussions with respect to Item 8.1, 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements:
Clerk: L. McDougall Advice: K. Gibson, S. Adamo, J. Darrah, A. Gerrits
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 8.2, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 April 26, the following be adopted, after amendment:
That Council direct that the close meeting discussions remain confidential pursuant to Section 24 (Advice from officials) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Poole
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by:
Page 12 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 8.2, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 April 26, the following be adopted:
That Council receive the COVID-19 Pandemic Updates Verbal Briefing for the Corporate Record.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Poole
MOTION CARRIED
9.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS
9.1 Receive for the Corporate Record: Approved Minutes of the 2021 February 25 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Bow Valley Regional Housing Board and the 2021 March Occupancy & Waitlist Report
Council, by unanimous consent, received the Approved Minutes of the 2020 February 25 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Bow Valley Regional Housing Board and the 2021 March Occupancy & Waitlist Report for the Corporate Record.
10.0 CORRESPONDENCE
10.1 Nowana Payne: Letter, Dated 2021 March 30
Note: Item 10.1 was postponed to the 2021 May 10 Virtual Meeting of Council.
10.2 Alison Douglas: Letter Re: Train Whistle Blowing, Dated 2021 April 01
Note: Item 10.2 was postponed to the 2021 May 10 Virtual Meeting of Council.
11.0 NEW/URGENT BUSINESS
No items of New/ Urgent Business were scheduled as part of this meeting.
Minutes approved by:
Page 13 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
12.0 CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS
No Confidential Items were scheduled as part of this meeting.
13.0 ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor DiManno
That this Council adjourn at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Poole
MOTION CARRIED
______Karen Sorensen Libbey McDougall Mayor Municipal Clerk
Minutes approved by:
Page 14 of 14
*UPDATE* One-month Closure of Highway 1 near Golden – April/May 2021 April 9, 2021
PLEASE NOTE: Kicking Horse Canyon Constructors has issued an update to the April 12, 2021 extended closure start time. The extended closure will start at 9 a.m. MDT and not at 12 noon MDT. Please check DriveBC for the most reliable and up-to-date information. Kicking Horse Canyon Project Phase 4 construction will require an extended multi-day closure of the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) east of Golden from April 12 to May 14, during the spring 2021 shoulder season. Activities will include geotechnical investigations, clearing, heavy excavation, piling and hauling that cannot be performed safely in the presence of traffic or during shorter interruptions. Trans-Canada Highway traffic will be routed via Highways 93 and 95, which will add up to 1.5 hours to travel time. The construction zone will be opened to local/commuter traffic, escorted by a pilot vehicle, during one half-hour period in the morning and one half-hour period in the afternoon. Similar escorts will be provided for school buses. Please see initial details below. Further updates will be provided in advance of the closure. The closure is part of a traffic-management strategy developed in consultation with the community and key stakeholders. This strategy is designed to minimize travel disruptions during the peak summer and winter travel periods by having as much work as possible done at night and other off-peak periods.
What to Expect
Timing Hours of Work 9 a.m. Monday, April 12, 2021 to 24/7 12:00 noon Friday, May 14, 2021 MDT
Contact the Project
24/7 Construction Project Information Work on the Project Information Line kickinghorsecanyon.ca bcib.ca 1-844-815-6111 [email protected] [email protected]
Traffic Impacts & Accommodation • All TCH traffic will be routed via Highways 93S and 95, with the following exceptions: o School bus on Golden-Field route will be escorted by a pilot car through the project site daily: Morning school bus from Golden at 6:45 am, return from Field to Golden at 8:15 am and afternoon school bus from Golden at 3:15 pm, return from Field to Golden at 5:00 pm MDT o Local/commuter traffic will be escorted by a pilot car through the project site daily, between 7:00 am and 7:30 am and 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm MDT o Emergency vehicles in response mode will be escorted by a pilot car anytime on 15 minutes notice • Roadside signage will provide provide advance notification of the closure and alternate route • Day-to-day information will be available on DriveBC
Contact the Project
24/7 Construction Project Information Work on the Project Information Line kickinghorsecanyon.ca bcib.ca 1-844-815-6111 [email protected] [email protected]
About Kicking Horse Canyon Project Phase 4 The Kicking Horse Canyon Project, just east of Golden, BC, was launched in 2003. Three phases of work have transformed 21 kilometres of narrow, winding two-lane highway into a modern four-lane, 100 km/h standard. In November 2020, Kicking Horse Canyon Constructors was awarded a design-build contract to complete the remaining – and most difficult – 4.8 kilometre section. Completion is expected in winter 2023-24.
Contact the Project
24/7 Construction Project Information Work on the Project Information Line kickinghorsecanyon.ca bcib.ca 1-844-815-6111 [email protected] [email protected]
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL of the Town of Banff in the Province of Alberta Virtual Council Meeting Monday, 2021 April 26, at 2:00 pm
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT Karen Sorensen Mayor (Remote Participation) Corrie DiManno Councillor and Deputy Mayor (Remote Participation) Ted Christensen Councillor and Acting Mayor (Remote Participation) Grant Canning Councillor (Remote Participation) Chip Olver Councillor (Remote Participation) Peter Poole Councillor (Remote Participation) Brian Standish Councillor (Remote Participation)
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT None
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT Kelly Gibson Town Manager (Remote Participation) Silvio Adamo Director, Emergency Management, (Remote Participation) Director, Protective Services, and Fire Chief Jason Darrah Director, Communications (Remote Participation) & Marketing Darren Enns Director, Planning & Development (Remote Participation) Adrian Field Director, Engineering (Remote Participation) Chris Hughes Director, Corporate Services (Remote Participation) Alison Gerrits Director, Community Services, and (Remote Participation) Deputy Director Emergency Management Paul Godfrey Director, Operations (Remote Participation) Barbara King Director, Human Resources (Remote Participation) Randall McKay Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Remote Participation) & Special Projects) Dave Michaels Manager, Development Services (Remote Participation) Andrea Stuart Manager of Finance (Remote Participation) Lisa Lee Executive Assistant, Mayor’s Office (Remote Participation) Tara Johnston Legislative Advisor (Remote Participation) Libbey McDougall Municipal Clerk (Remote Participation)
Minutes approved by:
Page 1 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
Mayor Sorensen called the virtual Regular Meeting of Council to order at 2:01 p.m.
2.0 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2.1 Agenda for the 2021 April 26 Virtual Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of Council
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That the Agenda for today’s meeting be amended as follows:
• By bringing forward Item 8.1, 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, to be heard immediately following Item 7.1, 2020 Financial Results; and • By bringing forward Item 7.3, Lesley Young: Email Re: Bear Street Reconstruction Review Report, Received 2021 March 23, to be heard immediately following Item 7.6, Bear Street Stakeholders: Letter, Received 2021 April 07.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by:
Page 2 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
Moved by Councillor Poole
That the Agenda for today’s meeting be further amended by bringing forward the following Items to be postponed to the 2021 May 10 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council
• Item 10.1, Nowana Payne: Letter, Dated 2021 March 30; and • Item 10.2, Alison Douglas: Letter Re: Train Whistle Blowing, Dated 2021 April 01.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Christensen
That the Agenda for the 2021 April 26 Virtual Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of Council be approved, as amended.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
PUBLIC HEARING:
Bylaw 431 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment Administration of Development Permits
The Public Hearing was called, and the following individuals addressed Council with respect to Bylaw 431:
1. April Wood suggested that the proposed Bylaw would preclude potential applicants from being able to apply for Bed & Breakfast development permit applications unless they are the current owner of the property. She requested Council consider rewording section 4.3.0 to ensure the wording is very clear so as not to preclude potential applicants; and 2. Lee O’Donnell requested Council consider amending the proposed Bylaw to include a clause indicating that all refused development permit applications, no mater the use, should include rational for that decision.
Minutes approved by:
Page 3 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
Council, by unanimous consent, closed the Public Haring with respect to Bylaw 431.
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Report: Bylaw 431 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment Administration of Development Permits, the following be adopted, after amendment:
That Council:
1. Defer Item 3.0, Bylaw 431 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment Administration of Development Permits, to Administration to prepare proposed amendments relating to:
• A new clause regarding the refusal of a development permit for an application of a discretionary use; and • A Definition of “Municipal Project”;
2. Direct Administration to return as part of the 2021 May 10 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council with the requested amendments.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL:
2.2 2021 Council Workplan
Council, by unanimous consent, received the 2021 Council Workplan for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by:
Page 4 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
3.0 ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MINUTES
3.1 Minutes of the 2021 April 12 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council
3.2 Minutes of the 2021 April 26 Virtual Special Meeting of Council Re: 2021 Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That the following Minutes be adopted by way of omnibus motion:
• Item 3.1, Minutes of the 2021 April 12 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council; and • Item 3.2, Minutes of the 2021 April 20 Virtual Special Meeting of Council Re: 2021 Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
4.0 INVITED PRESENTATIONS
4.1 Introduction of the Ebony Rempel, new CEO fir the YWCA, and Update on YWCA Housing Project
Council, by unanimous consent, received Ebony Rempel’s verbal presentation for the Corporate Record.
5.0 DELEGATIONS
There were no Delegations scheduled as part of this meeting.
Minutes approved by:
Page 5 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
Council, by unanimous consent, recessed at 3:39 p.m. to reconvene at 3:54 p.m.
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
Council reconvened at 3:55 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
6.0 PUBLIC INPUT ON AGENDA ITEMS
6.1 Written Submissions
No Written Submissions were received for this meeting.
6.2 Verbal Submissions
No Verbal Submissions were provided at this meeting.
7.0 UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7.1 Request for Decision: 2020 Financial Results
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council direct Administration to transfer the 2020 unrestricted surplus in the amount of $127.10 to the Budget Stabilization Reserve.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by:
Page 6 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
7.2 Confidential Request for Decision: Resignation and Appointment to the Banff Heritage Corporation
COU21-145 Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council recess at 5:11 p.m. to the call of the chair, to reconvene in a closed meeting, to be conducted in a confidential Zoom Meeting environment, pursuant to Sections 17 (Disclosure to personal privacy) and 19 (Confidential evaluations) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to consider confidential matters with respect to the Item 7.2, Resignation and Appointment to the Banff Heritage Corporation.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Council reconvened in closed meeting at 5:12 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
Council recessed in closed meeting at 5:23 p.m.
Council reconvened in public meeting at 5:24 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the chair.
COU21-146 Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council rise and report.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Individuals in attendance during the closed meeting discussions with respect to Item 7.2, Resignation and Appointment to the Banff Heritage Corporation:
Clerk: L. McDougall
Minutes approved by:
Page 7 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
COU21-147 Moved by Councillor Poole
That with respect to Item 7.2, Resignation and Appointment to the Banff Heritage Corporation, the following be adopted, after amendment:
That Council:
1. Accept Rosanna Maunder’s resignation and thank her for her service on the Banff Heritage Corporation; 2. Appoint Deborah Cameron to the Banff Heritage Corporation to complete the remainder of a three year term ending on the 2022 Annual Organizational Meeting of Council; 3. Thank all individuals who applied to serve on the Banff Heritage Corporation as part of this recruitment campaign; 4. Direct that this Report be released as a public document; and 5. Direct that the confidential attachments and closed meeting discussions remain confidential pursuant to Sections 17 (Disclosure to personal privacy) and 19 (Confidential evaluations) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Councillor Poole declared a pecuniary interest with respect to Items 7.3 Lesly Young: Email Re: Bear Street Reconstruction Review Report, Received 2021 March 23, and 7.6, Bear Street Stakeholders: Letter, Received 2021 April 07, and abstained from discussion, as he is a commercial partner in a business located on Caribou Street and a business and building owner on Bear Street. Councillor Poole left the virtual Council Meeting at 5:27 p.m. and returned at 5:36 p.m. after discussion concluded.
7.3 Lesley Young: Email Re: Bear Street Reconstruction Review Report, Received 2021 March 23
Note: This Item was dealt with following Item 7.6, Bear Street Stakeholders: Letter, Received 2021 April 07.
Council, by unanimous consent, received Lesley Young’s Correspondence Re: Bear Street Reconstruction Review Report, received 2021 March 23, for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by:
Page 8 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
7.4 Joe Owchar: Letter, Received 2021 April 06
Council, by unanimous consent, received Joe Owchar’s Correspondence, received 2021 April 06, for the Corporate Record.
7.5 Lisa Robinson: Letter, Dated 2021 March 26
Council, by unanimous consent, received Lisa Robinson’s Correspondence, received 2021 April 06, for the Corporate Record.
7.6 Bear Street Stakeholders: Letter, Received 2021 April 07
Council, by unanimous consent, received the Bear Street Stakeholders’ Correspondence, received 2021 April 07, for the Corporate Record.
COU21-148 Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That pursuant to Section 3.6 of Procedures Bylaw 44-7, as amended, Section 4.9 be suspended in order that Council may complete the remainder of today’s Agenda.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by:
Page 9 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
8.0 BYLAWS AND STAFF REPORTS
8.1 Request for Decision: 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
Note: This Item was dealt with following Item 7.1, 2020 Financial Results.
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council recess at 4:33 p.m. to the call of the chair, to reconvene in a closed meeting, to be conducted in a confidential Zoom Meeting environment, pursuant to Section 24 (Advice from officials) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, to consider confidential matters with respect to the Item 8.1, 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, and that the following individuals be invited into Committee’s closed meeting discussions:
• Laura Rivero, KPMG Enterprise; and • Taylor Thompson, KPMG Enterprise.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Council reconvened in closed meeting at 4:35 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
Council recessed in closed meeting at 5:06 p.m.
Council reconvened in public meeting at 5:09 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the chair.
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council rise and report.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Individuals in attendance during the closed meeting discussions with respect to Item 8.1, 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements:
External Presenters: L. Rivero and T Thompson
Minutes approved by:
Page 10 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 8.1, 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, the following be adopted:
That Council:
1. Approve the 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements (Attachment 1); and 2. Direct that the closed meeting discussions and Confidential Attachment 2 remain confidential pursuant to Section 24 (Advice from officials) of the Freedom of Information and protection of Privacy Act.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
8.2 Verbal Briefing: COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 April 26
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council recess at 6:20 p.m. to the call of the chair, to reconvene in a closed meeting, to be conducted in a confidential Zoom Meeting environment, pursuant to Section 24 (Advice from officials) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, to consider confidential matters with respect to the Item 8.2, 20COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 April 26.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Council reconvened in closed meeting at 6:22 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
Council recessed in closed meeting at 6:54 p.m.
Council reconvened in public meeting at 6:55 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the chair.
Minutes approved by:
Page 11 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council rise and without reporting.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Individuals in attendance during the closed meeting discussions with respect to Item 8.1, 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements:
Clerk: L. McDougall Advice: K. Gibson, S. Adamo, J. Darrah, A. Gerrits
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 8.2, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 April 26, the following be adopted, after amendment:
That Council direct that the close meeting discussions remain confidential pursuant to Section 24 (Advice from officials) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Poole
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by:
Page 12 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 8.2, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 April 26, the following be adopted:
That Council receive the COVID-19 Pandemic Updates Verbal Briefing for the Corporate Record.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Poole
MOTION CARRIED
9.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS
9.1 Receive for the Corporate Record: Approved Minutes of the 2021 February 25 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Bow Valley Regional Housing Board and the 2021 March Occupancy & Waitlist Report
Council, by unanimous consent, received the Approved Minutes of the 2020 February 25 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Bow Valley Regional Housing Board and the 2021 March Occupancy & Waitlist Report for the Corporate Record.
10.0 CORRESPONDENCE
10.1 Nowana Payne: Letter, Dated 2021 March 30
Note: Item 10.1 was postponed to the 2021 May 10 Virtual Meeting of Council.
10.2 Alison Douglas: Letter Re: Train Whistle Blowing, Dated 2021 April 01
Note: Item 10.2 was postponed to the 2021 May 10 Virtual Meeting of Council.
11.0 NEW/URGENT BUSINESS
No items of New/ Urgent Business were scheduled as part of this meeting.
Minutes approved by:
Page 13 of 14
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 April 26
12.0 CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS
No Confidential Items were scheduled as part of this meeting.
13.0 ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor DiManno
That this Council adjourn at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Poole
MOTION CARRIED
______Karen Sorensen Libbey McDougall Mayor Municipal Clerk
Minutes approved by:
Page 14 of 14
5/6/2021 Gmail - Kicking Horse Canyon Project - Construction and traffic update
Danielle Morine
Kicking Horse Canyon Project - Construction and traffic update 1 message
Kicking Horse Canyon Project
View this email online
Construction and traffic update
April 9, 2021
Milestone announcement
In an online event on April 8, MP Ken Hardie (on behalf of Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities), BC Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming and Mayor Ron Oszust of Golden saluted the launch of major construction on the Kicking Horse Canyon Project. See the recorded event here. While visiting YouTube, you might also like to check out some aerial video of the highway through the canyon shot this spring.
First extended closure in the Canyon starts April 12
The initial month-long 24/7 closure of the Trans-Canada Highway in the Kicking Horse Canyon will run from April 12 to May 14. The contractor, Kicking Horse Canyon Constructors, has announced that the start of the closure will be 9 am, not 12:00 noon on April 12 as initially contemplated in their notice issued in January. The updated notice can be found here.
On May 17, extended 24-hour/multi-day closures will resume, but on non-holiday weekdays only, ending at 7 am on June 1 (see notice here). Remember to always check DriveBC before your trip to verify traffic and closure information.
Please note that road closures due to project work apply only to the 4.8-kilometre construction zone in the canyon itself. The Trans-Canada Highway from Castle Junction to Lake Louise, Field and Beaverfoot will be OPEN even during extended closures. Highway 1 through traffic destined for points beyond Golden will be diverted via Highways 93S and Highway 95. Remember to watch your speed, and watch for school buses and children, as well as bighorn sheep and other wildlife. For a summary of measures implemented to prepare the alternate route, see the Alternate Route page.
Commuter pass system at or near capacity
The pass system established to accommodate commuters who must drive regularly between Golden and Field for work is at or near capacity. Applications received after April 7 may undergo some delay in processing while the operation of the commuter windows with
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1696618822363209035%7Cmsg-f%3A16966188223632… 1/2 5/6/2021 Gmail - Kicking Horse Canyon Project - Construction and traffic update the passes issued to date is assessed. For further information about season passes, day passes and Field resident passes, please visit the Commuter Passes page.
Contact the Project
24/7 Construction information line/email: 1-844-815-6111 | [email protected]
Project information: kickinghorsecanyon.ca | [email protected]
Work on the project: bcib.ca | [email protected]
Kicking Horse 504 9th Avenue North Golden BC V0A 1H0 CA Unsubscribe | Manage preferences
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Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 May 03 and May 04
MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL of the Town of Banff in the Province of Alberta Re: COVID-19 Pandemic Updates Monday, 2021 May 03, at 1:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT Karen Sorensen Mayor (Remote Participation) Corrie DiManno Councillor and Deputy Mayor (Remote Participation) Ted Christensen Councillor and Acting Mayor (Remote Participation) Grant Canning Councillor (Remote Participation) Chip Olver Councillor (Remote Participation) Peter Poole Councillor (Remote Participation) Brian Standish Councillor (Remote Participation)
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT None
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT Kelly Gibson Town Manager (Remote Participation) Silvio Adamo Director, Emergency Management, (Remote Participation) Director, Protective Services, and Fire Chief Jason Darrah Director, Communications (Remote Participation) & Marketing Darren Enns Director, Planning & Development (Remote Participation) Adrian Field Director, Engineering (Remote Participation) Chris Hughes Director, Corporate Services (Remote Participation) Alison Gerrits Director, Community Services, and (Remote Participation) Deputy Director Emergency Management Paul Godfrey Director, Operations (Remote Participation) Barbara King Director, Human Resources (Remote Participation) Randall McKay Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Remote Participation) & Special Projects) Renée Lavergne Information Governance Coordinator (Remote Participation) Lisa Lee Executive Assistant, Mayor’s Office (Remote Participation) Tara Johnston Legislative Advisor (Remote Participation) Libbey McDougall Municipal Clerk (Remote Participation)
Minutes approved by:
Page 1 of 10
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 May 03 and May 04
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
Mayor Sorensen called the virtual Special Meeting of Council to order at 1:01 p.m.
2.0 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2.1 Agenda for the 2021 May 08 Virtual Special Meeting of Council Re: COVID-19 Pandemic Updates
Moved by Councillor DiManno
That the Agenda for the 2021 May 03 Virtual Special Meeting of Council, Re: COVID-19 Pandemic Updates, be approved.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
3.0 PUBLIC INPUT ON AGENDA ITEMS
3.1 Written Submissions
3.1.1 Ravi Pal: Email Re: Purpose: Suggestion/Concern Regarding COVID 19 Restrictions, Received 2021 May 01 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Ravi Pal’s Email, Re: Suggestion/Concern Regarding COVID 19 Restrictions, received 2021 May 01, for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by:
Page 2 of 10
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 May 03 and May 04
3.1.2 Christina Daoust: Email Re: C19 Meeting 05/03/21, Received 2021 May 01 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Christina Daoust’s Email, Re: C19 Meeting 05/03/21, received 2021 May 01, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.3 Kaitlin Kealy: Email Re: Letter for Agenda: Covid 19 Vaccines for those 18/20+ in the Bow Valley, Received 2021 May 02 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Kaitlin Kealy’s Email, Re: Letter for Agenda: Covid 19 Vaccines for those 18/20+ in the Bow Valley, received 2021 May 02, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.4 Steve Lighten: Email Re: Banff COVID Response, Received 2021 May 02 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Steve Lighten’s Email, Re: Banff COVID Response, received 2021 May 02, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.5 Phillip & Dalyce Carmody: Email Re: Banff Covid – Special Meeting, Received 2021 May 02 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Phillip & Dalyce Carmody’s Email Re: Banff Covid – Special Meeting, received 2021 May 02, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.6 Laurie Hardingham: Email Re: Covid-19 in Banff, Received 2021 May 02 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Laurie Hardingham’s Email Re: Covid-19 in Banff, received 2021 May 02, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.7 Wade Holmes: Email Re: Agenda for Meeting on May 3rd, Received 2021 May 02 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Wade Holmes’ Email, Re: Agenda for Meeting on May 3rd, received 2021 May 02, for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by:
Page 3 of 10
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 May 03 and May 04
3.1.8 Yannis Karlos: Email Re: Covid-19 Pandemic Special Meeting – Downtown Banff Asymptomatic Screening Program. Received 2021 May 02 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Yannis Karlos’ Email, Re: Covid-19 Pandemic Special Meeting – Downtown Banff Asymptomatic Screening Program, received 2021 May 02, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.9 Valerie Hendricks: Email Re: Submission for Town of Banff Meeting, Received 2021 May 02 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Valerie Hendricks’ Email, Re: Submission for Town of Banff Meeting, received 2021 May 02, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.10 Mary Buckingham: Email Re: Covid-19 Restrictions, Received 2021 May 02 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Mary Buckingham’s Email, Re: Covid-19 Restrictions, received 2021 May 02, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.11 Nancy Blaney: Email Re: Submission for Council Meeting May 3, Received 2021 May 02 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Nancy Blaney’s Email, Re: Submission for Council Meeting May 3, received 2021 May 02, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.12 Dave Honeyman: Email Re: Banff Monday Meeting May/ 2021, Received 2021 May 02 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Dave Honeyman’s Email, Re: Banff Monday Meeting May/ 2021, received 2021 May 02, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.13 Dr. Vamini Selvananandan, MD CCFP MPH: Email Re: Written Submission for May 3 Special meeting of Council, Received 2021 May 02 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Dr. Vamini Selvananandan’s Email, Re: Written Submission for May 3 Special meeting of Council, received 2021 May 02, for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by:
Page 4 of 10
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 May 03 and May 04
3.1.14 Adam Gardner and Irene Mentzelopoulos: Email: Re: Letter for Town Council Meeting on Monday May 3rd, Received 2021 May 02 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Adam Gardner and Irene Mentzelopoulos’ Email, Re: Letter for Town Council Meeting on Monday May 3rd, received 2021 May 02, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.15 Alison Harker: Letter, Received 2021 May 02 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Alison Harker’s Letter, received 2021 May 02, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.16 Lyndsay Quinn, Moderator, Overheard in Banff: Email Re: Covid-19 May 3rd Meeting, Received 2021 May 03 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Lyndsay Quinn’s Email, Re: Covid-19 May 3rd Meeting, received 2021 May 03, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.17 Stephanie Ferracuti: Email Re: Banff Covid-19 Update, Received 2021 May 03 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Stephanie Ferracuti’s Email, Re: Banff Covid-19 Update, received 2021 May 03, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.18 Daryn McCutcheon, Owner, Banff Adventures Group: Email Re: Covid Crisis Meeting, Received 2021 May 03 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Daryn McCutcheon’s Email, Re: Covid Crisis Meeting, received 2021 May 03, for the Corporate Record.
3.1.19 Hugh Pettigrew: Email Re: Special Meeting Council Covid, Received 2021 May 03 (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Hugh Pettigrew’s Email, Re: Special Meeting Council Covid, received 2021 May 03, for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by:
Page 5 of 10
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 May 03 and May 04
3.2 Verbal Submissions
3.2.1 Steve Michel (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Steve Michel’s Verbal Submissions for the Corporate Record.
3.2.2 Yannis Karlos (Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03) Council, by unanimous consent, received Yannis Karlos’ Verbal Submissions for the Corporate Record.
4.0 SPECIAL MEETING BUSINESS
4.1 Verbal Briefing: COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03
Staff Sargent Mike Buxton-Carr addressed Council with respect to Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council recess at 3:01 p.m. to reconvene 3:11 p.m. in a closed meeting, to be conducted in a confidential Zoom Meeting environment, pursuant to Sections 24 (Advice from officials) and 27 (Privileged information) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, to consider confidential matters with respect to the Item 4.1, 20COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Council reconvened in closed meeting at 3:13 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
Mayor Sorensen left the chair at 4:11 p.m. and Deputy Mayor DiManno assumed the chair.
Mayor Sorensen resumed the chair at 4:13 p.m. and Councillor DiManno returned to her sear in Council.
Minutes approved by:
Page 6 of 10
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 May 03 and May 04
Council recessed in closed meeting at 4:19 p.m.
Council reconvened in public meeting at 4:20 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the chair.
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council rise and report.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Poole
MOTION CARRIED
Individuals in attendance during the closed meeting discussions with respect to Item .1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03:
Clerk: L. McDougall Advice: K. Gibson, S. Adamo, J. Darrah, A. Gerrits
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council recess at 4:21 p.m. on Monday, 2021 May 03, to reconvene at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 2021 May 04.
For: (6): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Poole
MOTION CARRIED
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
Minutes approved by:
Page 7 of 10
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 May 03 and May 04
Council reconvened at 1:31 p.m. on Tuesday, 2021 May 04, with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council recess at 1:32 p.m. on Tuesday, 2021 Mayo 04, to reconvene at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 2021 May 04.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
Council reconvened at 7:02 p.m. on Tuesday, 2021 May 04, with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council recess at 7:02 p.m., to the call of the chair, to reconvene in a closed meeting, to be conducted in a confidential Zoom Meeting environment, pursuant to Sections 24 (Advice from officials) and 27 (Privileged information) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, to consider confidential matters with respect to the Item 4.1, 20COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by:
Page 8 of 10
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 May 03 and May 04
Council reconvened in closed meeting at 7:03 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the Chair.
Council recessed in closed meeting at 8:51 p.m.
Council reconvened in public meeting at 8:52 p.m. with Mayor Sorensen in the chair.
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That Council rise without reporting.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Individuals in attendance during the closed meeting discussions with respect to Item .1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03:
Clerk: L. McDougall Advice: K. Gibson, S. Adamo, J. Darrah, A. Gerrits
Moved by Councillor Poole
That with respect to Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03, the following be adopted, after amendment:
That Council direct Administration to reinforce the Provincial Government’s request by actively discouraging visitors from coming to Banff, while also asking residents to stay home, except for essential travel, until after the 2021 May long weekend by:
a) Cooperating with Parks Canada and Banff Lake Louise Tourism in any potential joint communication efforts; b) Increasing communications to residents, including those living in congregate living settings, of the Provincial health measures, penalties for violations, including information relating to vaccines and their effectiveness, so as to further encourage individuals to restrain from gatherings; and c) Returning to the 2021 May 25 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council with an update on these activities.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by:
Page 9 of 10
Town of Banff Virtual Special Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 May 03 and May 04
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 4.1, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 May 03, the following be adopted, after amendment:
That Council direct that the closed meeting discussions remain confidential pursuant to Section 24 (Advice from officials) and 27 (Privileged information) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
5.0 ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Standish
That this Council adjourn at 9:38 p.m. on Tuesday, 2021 May 04.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
______Karen Sorensen Libbey McDougall Mayor Municipal Clerk
Minutes approved by:
Page 10 of 10
5/6/2021 Gmail - Kicking Horse Canyon Project - Construction and traffic update
Danielle Morine
Kicking Horse Canyon Project - Construction and traffic update 1 message
Kicking Horse Canyon Project
View this email online
Construction and traffic update
April 23, 2021
Construction site activity
The contractor (Kicking Horse Canyon Constructors) has been busy with clearing, drilling and excavation in the canyon. Specialized “spider” equipment has been used to set up drilling platforms on the steep slopes below the highway, where bridge and viaduct underpinnings will be located, and drill rigs have been placed by helicopter in hard-to-reach places.
Excavated materials being hauled away.
Please note that all travel information below is subject to the most recent province-wide COVID- 19 restrictions.
Traffic, access and the alternate route https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697877570172704407%7Cmsg-f%3A16978775701727… 1/2 5/6/2021 Gmail - Kicking Horse Canyon Project - Construction and traffic update With the closure of the Trans-Canada Highway occurring only in the 4.8 kilometre canyon section, access is being maintained to Golden businesses and other destinations on Golden Hill that are reached via the Golden Donald Upper Road exit. From the east, Lake Louise, Field and Beaverfoot remain open and accessible.
During extended (24-hour/multi-day) closures, the alternate route will add up to 90 minutes to your regular travel time between Castle Junction and Golden. Please plan in advance and don’t try to make up time on Highways 93 and 95S. Respect speed limits in all rural and urban areas.
In Golden, traffic patterns and controls are subject to change and adjustment, so please be alert to changes (no driving on autopilot!) Please show patience and appreciation to traffic control personnel whose job it is to keep you and construction crews safe.
We're on Facebook!
The Kicking Horse Canyon Project now has a dedicated Facebook channel. Check us out for additional updates between newsletters!
Missed past newsletters?
Past issues of the newsletter are archived on the project website here.
Contact the Project
24/7 Construction information line/email: 1-844-815-6111 | [email protected]
Project information: kickinghorsecanyon.ca | [email protected]
Work on the project: bcib.ca | [email protected]
Kicking Horse 504 9th Avenue North Golden BC V0A 1H0 CA Unsubscribe | Manage preferences
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697877570172704407%7Cmsg-f%3A16978775701727… 2/2
Information Update Kicking Horse Canyon Trans-Canada Highway Twinning Project
April 7, 2021
The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (BC MOTI) is twinning the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) through the Kicking Horse Canyon east of Golden, B.C. from 2021 until 2024. Yoho National Park and the community of Field will remain open and highway closures of varying lengths will be required west of the national park. Through traffic will be diverted via B.C. Highway 95 and Highway 93 South through Kootenay National Park.
The first extended closure will take place from April 12 to June 1, 2021.
Where do I go for information and to stay informed?
The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (BC MOTI) is leading the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway through the Kicking Horse Canyon and is responsible for this project including all communications. For information, questions or concerns:
Bookmark www.kickinghorsecanyon.ca Sign up for the project newsletter at www.kickinghorsecanyon.ca/newsletter/ Call the 24/7 Construction Information Phone Line: 1-844-815-6111 Check www.DriveBC.ca and 511.alberta.ca for the most up to date road information. Parks Canada is working closely with BC MOTI and remains committed to ensuring both ecological integrity and positive visitor experiences in the national parks.
When can I expect traffic diversions to take place?
The first extended closure of the Trans-Canada Highway east of Golden, B.C. will take place from April 12 to June 1, 2021. Further closures may occur and will require a two-week notice. Parks Canada will not provide updates and dates are posted at www.kickinghorsecanyon.ca
BC MOTI will permit up to 30 weeks of full road closures between 2021 and 2024. It is anticipated that they will be more frequent during the first half of the project. Full closures are restricted to the spring and fall seasons.
Can I still visit Yoho National Park and Field, B.C?
Yes! Yoho National Park, including beautiful Emerald Lake and the charming community of Field, B.C., remain open via the Trans-Canada Highway from the east. Yoho Valley Road and
the Takakkaw Falls day-use area will reopen in late June, as they do every year, when seasonal avalanche hazard subsides.
What is Parks Canada doing to help ensure visitor safety on Highway 93 South?
Parks Canada has provided an emergency telephone at the Kootenay Crossing Operations Centre for over 25 years. In 2021, this phone will be replaced with new satellite technology and three additional satellite phones will be installed as weather conditions permit. When complete, emergency phones will be available at:
Marble Canyon Day Use Area https://goo.gl/maps/gijSi28eKXVjv1Gw9 Simpson River Trailhead https://goo.gl/maps/fktW6MApy8qT5vN3A Kootenay Crossing Operations Centre https://goo.gl/maps/pU2ZdY4VENfnhg7HA Kootenay River Day Use Area https://goo.gl/maps/WVPbUFTuHK6MBa8ZA
The satellite phones connect directly to Banff Dispatch for 24/7 emergency services. New highway signs will be installed and existing signs modified to include an SOS symbol. Mileage markers will also be installed along the highway to help the travelling public determine their precise location when reporting an emergency. This is a joint project made possible by Parks Canada and BC MOTI.
Since 2015, the Government of Canada has also invested approximately $85 million dollars to support road improvements on Highway 93 South as part of the largest federal infrastructure plan in the history of Parks Canada. There is limited cell coverage and no WiFi in Kootenay National Park. Safety is our priority, please make it yours as well by taking time to plan ahead.
What about safety for wildlife on Highway 93 South?
Parks Canada is reducing wildlife vehicle collisions in Kootenay National Park by removing non- native dandelion populations from targeted roadside locations annually, discouraging wildlife from using high traffic areas, and will be implementing the annual no-stopping zone in the Olive Lake area as in previous years.
Since 2015, nine new wildlife underpasses and 15 kilometres of fencing on Highway 93 South have also reduced wildlife mortalities by up to 80% for all species and up to 96% for deer and elk on this stretch of highway.
Parks Canada reminds everyone that speed and human food kill wildlife. Keep wildlife alive by obeying speed limits, never feeding wildlife, and never littering, including coffee cups and organic waste, which attract wildlife to roadsides.
For more information about the Kicking Horse Canyon Project
British Columbia Ministry of Transportation (BC MOTI) Kicking Horse Canyon Phase IV Project 1-844-815-6111 (24/7 Construction Information) www.kickinghorsecanyon.ca
For other inquiries
Amy Krause, Public relations and communications officer Parks Canada – Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks 403-760-4500 / [email protected]
Stakeholder Update Prescribed Fire Season Is Here! Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks
What’s happening: Parks Canada currently has seven prescribed fires planned for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks this season. Due to the precise conditions (weather, vegetation moisture, firefighting equipment and personnel) required for each prescribed fire, only some of these proposed fires may take place. Parks Canada fire specialists make every effort to limit smoke during prescribed fire operations. Prescribed fires will only be carried out if weather, wind, and venting conditions allow smoke to disperse into the atmosphere. However, while our goal is to ensure the best possible smoke dispersal, unpredicted weather changes can increase and redirect smoke from these fires.
Banff National Park
Dormer Valley Date: Spring/Fall Size: 6,800 hectares Location: In the remote backcountry of Banff National Park, within the eastern slopes. This prescribed fire will be directly adjacent to the west park boundary, approximately 45 km north of the Banff townsite. Flint’s/Stoney Meadows Date: Spring/Fall Size: 1,700 hectares Location: This prescribed fire unit is located in the Cascade Valley of Banff National Park. Alexandra Valley Date: Fall Size: 1,571 hectares Location: In the Alexandra Valley, at the northern end of Banff National Park.
Kootenay National Park
Vermilion Guard Date: Spring/Fall Size: 75 hectares Location: Near Vermilion Pass, in the northeastern corner of Kootenay National Park. Redstreak Mountain Date: Spring/Fall Size: 235 hectares Location: West-facing slopes on Redstreak Mountain, at the southern end of Kootenay National Park.
Yoho National Park
Float Creek Date: Spring/Fall Size: 830 hectares Location: South- and west-facing slopes on Mount Owen, in central Yoho National Park. Porcupine Valley Date: Spring/Fall
Size: 3,300 hectares Location: In the Porcupine Valley, along the western boundary of Yoho National Park
Why? Fires are a necessary part of the landscape, as they improve forest health and reduce the long-term risk of wildfire to communities. Historical fire suppression has caused a significant decline in ecosystem health and species diversity within the mountain national parks. Parks Canada is committed to restoring fire to the landscape, benefiting both communities and ecosystems.
Additional Information: The health and safety of Canadians, visitors, and Parks Canada team members is of the utmost importance. Every effort will be made to limit smoke during prescribed fire operations and reduce impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prescribed fires will only take place if specific conditions – weather, vegetation moisture, firefighting equipment and personnel – are met. Closures will be in place during prescribed fire operations. For an up-to-date list of closures, please visit: -Banff National Park: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/bulletins -Yoho National Park: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/yoho/bulletins -Kootenay National Park: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay/bulletins Prescribed fire operations and smoke may be visible to residents, visitors and motorists driving through Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks. Motorists in the area should expect minor delays and potential short-term periods of reduced visibility due to smoke. For up-to-date road conditions, please visit: -511 Alberta: https://511.alberta.ca/ -Drive BC: https://www.drivebc.ca/ If you are sensitive to smoke and would like to be notified before prescribed fires occur, or if you would like more information, please contact us.
For more information: Visit: parkscanada.gc.ca/prescribed-fires
Or contact: Alexandria Jones Fire Communications Officer, Banff Field Unit 403-497-5283 [email protected]
Kelsey Robson Fire Information Officer, Lake Louise, Yoho & Kootenay Field Unit 250-270-0054 [email protected]
5/5/2021 Gmail - Stakeholder Update - Spring 2021: West Sulphur Wildfire Risk Reduction Project
Danielle Morine
Stakeholder Update - Spring 2021: West Sulphur Wildfire Risk Reduction Project 1 message
BanffSuperintendent-DirecteurBanff (PC)
What’s happening:
Over the past few winters, Parks Canada has been creating a fire guard on the west facing slopes of Sulphur Mountain. This work has involved extensive thinning and clearing, and is now entering the final reclamation phase. While the main objective of this project is reducing the risk of wildfire to the Town of Banff, we are already observing many ecological benefits, such as: increased bear foods, increased use by deer, and an increase in plant diversity within the newly opened canopy.
This spring and summer we will see the temporary logging roads, which were essential for log removal, be reclaimed using local materials and seeds.
For the safety of the public and to ensure successful reclamation efforts, revised area closures went into effect April 15, 2021 and are in place until March 31, 2022 (see attached map).
What you need to know:
The Sulphur mountain fire guard will help protect the Town of Banff in the event of a wildfire.
Logging is now complete.
The final phase of this project is reclamation. The logging road and surrounding area will be reclaimed using local materials and seeds. Parks Canada staff will be in the area during this phase to complete the work.
For the safety of the public and to ensure successful reclamation efforts, revised area closures are in place until March 31, 2022 (see attached map): Area closures include: the west side of Sulphur Mountain, and West Sulphur Trail (the old fire road).
Sundance Canyon trail is now fully open.
The Spray Valley annual area closure remains in place.
Violators entering an officially closed area will be charged, required to appear in court, and could pay fines up to $25,000.
For up to date trail information, please visit: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/banfftrails.
For a complete list of up-to-date closures in Banff National Park please visit: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-bulletins.
If you would like more information about this project, please contact:
Alexandria Jones
Fire Communications Officer
403-497-5283
______
Office of the Superintendent, Banff Field Unit
Parks Canada / Government of Canada
101 Mountain Avenue, P.O. Box 900, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1K2
[email protected] / Tel: 403-762-1510 https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697753916338677334%7Cmsg-f%3A16977539163386… 1/2 5/5/2021 Gmail - Stakeholder Update - Spring 2021: West Sulphur Wildfire Risk Reduction Project
Bureau du Directeur, Unité de gestion Banff
Parcs Canada / Gouvernement du Canada
101, avenue Mountain, C.P. 900, Banff AB T1L 1K2
[email protected] / Tél: 403-762-1510
Parks Canada - 450 000 km2 of memories / Parcs Canada - 450 000 km2 de souvenirs
updated_West Sulphur Reclamation closure_AnnualClosure.jpg 663K
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INVOICE
Invoice No. 1800012611 Please remit to:
Government of Alberta c/o Alberta Justice and Solicitor General Corporate Services Division 5th Floor, 9833 - 109 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2E8 Attention: Accounts Receivable [email protected]
Invoiced to: Improvement District No. 9 (Banff) Date 31-Mar-2021 Address PO Box 58
City Lake Louise Prov/Terr AB P.C. T0L 1E0 Attn: Danielle Morine
Qty Description Unit Price TOTAL
Police Funding Model (PFM) Fiscal 2020-21
Improvement District No. 9 (Banff) $50,564.00
Please remit payment within 30-days
For Finance Use Only:1GxBusinessPartnerID#: 70002714 Cr. 100032/4090801100/601117/42
GST #R124072513 SubTotal $50,564.00
Payment due upon receipt. Cheques are to be made payable to: GST GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
Past due accounts are subject to a late payment charge. TOTAL $50,564.00
#Classification: Protected A
Staff and Stakeholder Update Improvements in the Lake Louise area in 2021
April 29 2021
Improvements are not expected to create significant disruptions in the Lake Louise area this year. However, work will continue and we want to ensure you know what to expect. As always, this information is also available on our website under Plan your visit / Construction projects.
Lake Louise Village Area
Map of construction projects in the Lake Louise village area in 2021.
1. Slate and Sheol Road Utility Upgrades – Estimated completion end of June 2021
Excavation to replace aging water and sewer pipes will take place on Slate Road and Sheol Road this spring and summer. This work is necessary to ensure continued high- quality services for visitors and improve fire safety for the village of Lake Louise.
2. Pipestone Bridge Water Line Installation – Estimated completion end of June 2021
A new water line is being installed at the Pipestone River bridge on Village Road to improve utility service and fire protection in the village of Lake Louise. Pedestrian traffic will be prohibited on the footpath connecting Village Road to the back of the Parks Canada Visitor Centre. The side-door to the Visitor Centre will remain open. Expect single lane alternating traffic and lane reductions on the Pipestone vehicle bridge beginning mid-April 2021.
3. Pipestone Road Paving – Estimated completion end of June 2021
Paving and landscaping will take place on Pipestone Road between the Lake Louise Inn and the Post Hotel this spring following the replacement of water and sewer lines.
4. Lake Louise Visitor Centre – Estimated completion 2022-23
Design work is underway to develop new orientation exhibits for the interior of the Lake Louise Visitor Centre. The objectives of the exhibits are to welcome visitors, provide information, inspire stewardship and encourage safe exploration. Design work is expected to be complete in 2022 with production and installation to follow.
5. Lake Louise Campground Paving – Estimated completion June 2020
Paving will take place in the campground this spring. Portions of the campground may be closed while paving is completed. Expect increased construction traffic in the campground. Other work in the campground is already complete including electrical upgrades, bridge maintenance, RV sani-dump refurbishment, shower improvements, and a new operations centre.
6. Lake Louise Wastewater Treatment Plant – Estimated completion summer 2022
Rehabilitation work at the Lake Louise Wastewater Treatment Plant will begin in 2021 and is expected to continue until 2022. No significant disruptions to visitors or residents are expected. This work will ensure continued safe and high-quality wastewater treatment services in the Lake Louise area.
Lake Louise Lakeshore Area
7. Lakeshore Transit Shelter – Estimated completion June 2021
Construction and landscaping work continue on a new transit shelter in the lower parking lot near the existing washroom building. Construction vehicles, equipment and fencing remain on site. Minor disruptions to traffic, tour buses and pedestrians are expected.
8. Parking Meter Installation – Estimated completion May 2021
Parking meters will be installed to facilitate the introduction of paid parking at the Lake Louise Lakeshore this year.
Moraine Lake Area
9. Moraine Lake Gate – COMPLETE
A permanent traffic gate has been installed at Moraine Lake Road and will be used for the planned seasonal road closure. From May to October, access to Moraine Lake parking area will be managed by traffic control personnel.
In 2020, new and additional restrooms were constructed at the lake and three aging culverts were replaced on Moraine Lake Road while it was closed to traffic to improve safety and minimise disruptions.
Icefields Parkway
10. Peyto Lake Day-use Area Refurbishment – Estimated completion August 2021
Improvements at the Peyto Lake Day-use Area continue this spring and include: o Improvements to the parking lot. The lower lot is now complete. o Trail improvements to provide an accessible route to the viewpoint from the upper parking lot and a safer, shallower grade, route from the lower parking lot. o Installation of directional and visitor safety signage. Some work is already complete or nearing completion including: o Replacement and expansion of the viewing platform to prevent erosion. o Installation of new, year-round restrooms at the lower parking lot. o Lower parking lot redesign for improved traffic flow and capacity. As of Friday, May 7, 2021 the entire Peyto Lake Day-use Area including the lower parking lot and access road will close for construction. A no-stopping zone will again be in effect on the Icefields Parkway. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Peyto Lake in August 2021. In the meantime, there is no access to the viewpoint. Please encourage visitors to explore new places on the Icefields Parkway until this important work is complete. Visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/icefieldsparkway-banff for more information.
Questions?
For current conditions, consult BanffNow at: www.pc.gc.ca/banffnow
Julie Champagne A/Public Relations and Communications Officer Parks Canada - Lake Louise Yoho Kootenay Field Unit 403-497-5793 / [email protected]
Municipal Assessment & Grants Division Assessment Services Branch Municipal Affairs 15th floor, Commerce Place 10155 - 102 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L4 Canada Telephone: 780-422-1377 Fax: 780-422-3110 0164_Improvement District No. 09 (Banff)_2021TY DI Property Tax Requisition Notice www.alberta.ca
March 31, 2021
Ms. Danielle Morine Chief Administrative Officer Improvement District No. 09 (Banff) PO Box 58 103 Village Road Lake Louise, Alberta, T0L 1E0
Dear Chief Administrative Officer:
Subject: 2021 Tax Year - Designated Industrial (DI) Property Tax Requisition
Legislated changes within the Municipal Government Act (MGA) require the cost of centralization of DI Property assessments recovered through a requisition paid by the DI property assessed persons.
The 2021 provincial uniform requisition tax rate for all DI property assessment was set at $0.0766 per $1,000 of DI property assessment as per Ministerial Order No. MAG:010/21.
If the total requisition amount is less than $1,000 for a municipality, there will be no requirement to remit payment, but it still must be applied to the DI property owners’ tax bill.
The details of the requisition amount and any balance forward from the 2020 requisition for your municipality is included in the attached notice.
A reconciled notice will be sent to municipalities in early 2022 and will reflect DI property assessment changes that occurred in the year as a result of an amendment, Municipal Government Board decisions, or a supplementary assessment. Credit balances or balances owing will be reflected on the 2022 requisition payable by the municipality.
If you have any questions about the requisition, please contact Ken Anderson, Manager, Finance and Administration at (780) 427-8962 or email at [email protected].
We look forward to maintaining a strong working relationship as we move forward with centralization.
Sincerely,
Janice Romanyshyn Provincial Assessor Assessment Services Branch Attachment
Classification: Protected A
Alberta Municipal Affairs
Municipal Code: 0164 Notice Date: 3/31/2021 Municipality: Improvement District No. 09 (Banff) Tax Year: 2021 PO Box 58 Due Date: 30 days from Municipal 103 Village Road tax due date Lake Louise, Alberta, T0L 1E0
2021 Designated Industrial (DI) Property Tax Requisition Notice
PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA THIS DOCUMENT IS ISSUED BY: AND MAIL TO: Alberta Municipal Affairs Alberta Municipal Affairs Provincial Assessor’s Office Provincial Assessor’s Office Assessment Services Branch Assessment Services Branch 15TH Floor Commerce Place TH 15 Floor Commerce Place 10155 - 102 Street NW 10155 - 102 Street NW Edmonton AB T5J 4L4 Edmonton AB T5J 4L4 Canada Canada Ph: 780-422-1377
Ministerial Remittance 2020 AY* DI Tax Rate 2020 Remittance Order Number Balance from Property 2021 DI Property Per Refund Government Balance on Requisition Tax Requisition Policy Credit Credits Previous Years Assessment $1,000
MAG:010/21 $ 2,765.52 $ 37,887,670 $ 2,902.20 0.0766 $ 5,667.72
Notes: 1. 2020 AY* = 2020 Assessment Year 2. All taxable designated industrial property is subject to the requisition. 3. The tax rate set by the Minister must be the rate applied. Do not adjust the rate. 4. Machinery and equipment exempted from taxation by municipal bylaw under Section 364(1.1) of the Municipal Government Act is not subject to the DI Requisition. 5. Properties, where GIPOT is paid, are not subject to the DI Requisition. 6. Government Policy Credit reflects: 2021 requisitions under $1,000 cancelled, and/or Designated Industrial Requisition Credit (DIRC). a. If the 2021 DI Property Tax Requisition amount is less than $1,000 for a municipality, there will be no requirement to remit payment, but it still must be applied to the DI property owners’ property tax notice. 7. A minus ( - ) symbol in the “Balance on Requisition” box indicates a credit balance.
Classification: Protected A 2021 Designated Industrial Property Requisition Tax Rate Quick Facts
Highlights - 2021 designated How is machinery & equipment industrial property tax requisition exempt from taxation handled? In 2021, the province is requisitioning $13.1 million in Only taxable DI property is subject to the DI requisition. Designated Industrial (DI) property taxes from DI If machinery and equipment has been exempted from property owners, through a separate tax rate applied to taxation by a municipality under Section 364(1.1) of the every DI property owner’s municipal tax notice. Municipal Government Act it is not subject to the DI Property Requisition Tax Rate. How is the designated industrial property tax rate/requisition Does the DI requisition apply to determined? Grant in Place of Taxes (GIPOT) properties? The DI property uniform tax rate is determined by the total cost incurred by the Provincial Assessor’s office to GIPOT properties are not subject to the DI requisition prepare the assessment divided by the total provincial tax rate. DI property assessment (including Linear Property). How are uncollectable requisitions The 2021 DI property uniform tax rate is $0.0766 per $1,000 of DI property assessment. being handled such as
This uniform tax rate is applied as a separate line item bankruptcies or receiverships? to each DI Property owner’s tax notice by each The Provincial Education Requisition Credit (PERC) / municipality. Designated Industrial Requisition Credit (DIRC) Guidelines outline the procedures related to Example: ((25,000,000 x 0.0766)/1,000) = $1,915.00 uncollectables and can be found at the link below: Payment of DI property requisition https://open.alberta.ca/publications/property-tax-credit- guidelines-perc-dirc by municipalities Municipalities collect DI property taxes from DI property Small balance requisitions owners (including Linear Property) to pay the If the 2021 total requisition payable by a municipality is requisitions. Municipalities are required to remit less than $1,000.00, the DI tax rate must still be applied payment of the requisition to the provincial assessor, to the DI property owner’s tax notice, but there will be thirty (30) days after the due date for municipal taxes. no requirement to remit it to the province. This includes amounts resulting from amendments/ revisions or supplementary assessments. Where to send payments? How are over/underpayments Payment should be made payable to: handled? The Government of Alberta If DI property assessments change as a result of Mailed to: amendments or revisions to DI property assessments, The Provincial Assessor’s Office and this results in an over or underpayment scenario, a Attention: Ken Anderson year-end reconciliation notice will be sent. If this is not Manager, Finance & Administration paid, an adjustment will be made to the following year’s Assessment Services Branch requisition payable by the municipality. The uniform 15th Floor Commerce Place rate set by the Minister must be the rate applied to 10155 - 102 Street each property owner’s tax notice. Edmonton, AB T5J 4L4
alberta.ca/municipal-affairs ©2020 Gov ernment of Alberta - Published: March 2021 Classification: Public
5/5/2021 Gmail - Stakeholder Update: FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS GOLF COURSE ROAD TRAVEL RESTRICTION LIFTED – as of May 1, 2021
Danielle Morine
Stakeholder Update: FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS GOLF COURSE ROAD TRAVEL RESTRICTION LIFTED – as of May 1, 2021 1 message
BanffSuperintendent-DirecteurBanff (PC)
STAKEHOLDER UPDATE: FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS GOLF COURSE ROAD TRAVEL RESTRICTION LIFTED – as of May 1, 2021 What’s happening? The 2020-21 travel restriction on the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course road will be lifted as of May 1, 2021. This restriction is intended to reduce habitat disturbance for wildlife on the Golf Course Road from November 1 to April 30 each year. Why? - Protecting wildlife is the foundation of a great visitor experience and sustainable future for Banff National Park. This includes enabling wildlife to safely use important habitat and movement corridors without displacement or risk of habituation - This travel restriction is particularly important for allowing sensitive species to access essential habitat, move around the town, and to obtain food during the winter months when resources are less available.
For more information: Emma Coates (403) 497-4875 [email protected]
______
Office of the Superintendent, Banff Field Unit
Parks Canada / Government of Canada
101 Mountain Avenue, P.O. Box 900, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1K2
[email protected] / Tel: 403-762-1510
Bureau du Directeur, Unité de gestion Banff
Parcs Canada / Gouvernement du Canada
101, avenue Mountain, C.P. 900, Banff AB T1L 1K2
[email protected] / Tél: 403-762-1510
Parks Canada - 450 000 km2 of memories / Parcs Canada - 450 000 km2 de souvenirs
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Danielle Morine
Budget 2021 and Municipalities 1 message
Blake Richards, M.P.
Dear Chair Schebek,
On April 19th, the federal government released their first budget in two years. It will add over $100 billion in new spending and will increase Canada’s debt to $1.2 trillion. However, Budget 2021 includes the following programs that may be beneficial to municipalities; that I wanted to ensure you were aware of: Affordable Housing Investment of $2.5 billion in new funds, and reallocation of $1.3 Billion existing funding to speed up the construction, repair, or support of 35,000 affordable housing units. Revitalizing Tourism The government proposes to make available a further package of supports, totaling $1 billion over three years, starting in 2021-22. The government has also committed $200 million through Canadian Heritage to support local festivals, community cultural events, outdoor theatre performances, heritage celebrations, local museums, amateur sport events, and more.
Supporting Canada’s Active Recovery Budget 2021 proposes to provide $80 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to Canadian Heritage to remove barriers to participation in sports programming and to help community organizations kick-start local organized sports. Supporting Community Service Organizations Budget 2021 proposes to provide $400 million in 2021-22 to Employment and Social Development Canada to create a temporary Community Services Recovery Fund to help charities and non-profits adapt and modernize. Canada Community Revitalization Fund Budget 2021 proposes to provide $500 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to the regional development agencies for community infrastructure. Making Our Communities and Workplaces More Accessible Budget 2021 proposes to provide additional funding of $100 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to Employment and Social Development Canada to triple funding for the Enabling Accessibility Fund and support small and mid-sized projects with not-for-profit organizations, women’s shelters, child care centres, small municipalities, Indigenous organizations, territorial governments, small businesses, and businesses of all sizes. This would help offset the costs of renovations, retrofits, and accessible technologies in workplaces. Strengthening Climate Resiliency Budget 2021 proposes to provide $1.4 billion over 12 years, starting in 2021-22, to Infrastructure Canada to top up the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, to support projects such as wildfire mitigation activities, rehabilitation of storm water systems, and restoration of wetlands and shorelines.
As I always have, I will maintain an open dialogue between myself and municipal and provincial leaders. Please let me know if you have any questions or feedback that will help our communities prosper.
Sincerely,
Blake Richards, MP
Banff-Airdrie
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Staff/Stakeholder Update Water Shutdowns for Hydrant Replacement (May 3-5, 2021)
April 30, 2021
Short-term water shut-offs will be required over a three-day period in order to replace three hydrants.
What you need to know
Water shut-offs will occur daily between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm on May 3, 4 & 5. On May 3rd, shut-offs will affect Saddleback Park staff accommodations. On May 4th, shut-offs will affect Harry’s Hill (lots 1-6). On May 5th, shut-offs will affect Harry’s Hill (lots 7-10).
Questions?
Kurt Devlin, FII Program Manager Parks Canada - Lake Louise Yoho Kootenay Field Unit Email: [email protected]
5/6/2021 Gmail - Announcing the return of our Mental Fitness webinars
Danielle Morine
Announcing the return of our Mental Fitness webinars 1 message
Exec. Assistant on behalf of Dan Rude
Hello Mayors, Councillors and CAOs:
According to the Mental Health Index, March 2021 marked the twelfth consecutive month of diminished mental health among Canadians. The effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic are continuing to create uncertainty and anxiety for many Canadians, taking a toll on our health and well- being, both at home and in the workplace.
AUMA, Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association (AMHSA), and Dr. Bill Howatt are leading an online Maintaining Mental Fitness initiative, providing free weekly webinars which have had over 5,000 live views and over 12,000 on-demand views.
These statistics demonstrate the need for these sessions and many people have asked if we will be running them again.
I am pleased to announce that Season 2 of our free Maintaining Mental Fitness webinars will begin at 10:00 a.m. (MST), Tuesday, May 11. The sessions will run every two weeks. Please visit maintainingmentalfitness.com to register.
Each 30-minute webinar includes a 15-minute mental fitness concept or skill, followed by an interactive Q&A session for questions about mental fitness.
I encourage you to promote these sessions to your staff and council. And anyone since they are free and open to anyone, please do not hesitate to promote to your broader community and forward the registration link maintainingmentalfitness.com onward. You can use the following social media graphics to message these free webinars:
Banner Image 1 Animation
AUMA is proud to be associated with this very important endeavour, supporting the mental health & wellbeing of your colleagues and community. Please e-mail Maureen at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Dan Rude | Chief Executive Officer ALBERTA URBAN MUNICIPALITIES ASSOCIATION D: 780.431.4535 | C: 780.951.3344 | E: [email protected] Alberta Municipal Place | 300‑8616 51 Ave Edmonton, AB T6E 6E6 Toll Free: 310‑AUMA | 877‑421‑6644 | www.auma.ca
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this email.
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Closed for summer use until August 2021
Icefields Parkway Destination Guide 2021
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5/6/2021 Gmail - Population numbers
Danielle Morine
Population numbers 1 message
Jennifer Hansen
Hi Danielle,
I’m glad we could connect and I look forward to working with you on population-related matters. As I mentioned, the GoA has decided to use the population figures from the 2019 Municipal Affairs Population List for 2021 funding calculations. This will include funding issues such as municipal grants and policing. For the 2022 funding year, the GoA will move to using annual population estimates produced by my team in TBF.
Attached is the presentation we gave in March of 2020 on the estimation methodology. We are planning another presentation/meeting possibly in May and we will be sure to include folks from Improvement District 9. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.
Jennifer
Jennifer Hansen
Manager, Demography and Social Statistics
Office of Statistics and Information
Alberta Treasury Board and Finance
8th floor Federal Building
9820 107 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 1E7
(780) 427-8811 | Fax: (780) 426-3951
Classifica on: Protected A
OSI CSD Estimates Presentation (FINAL).pptx 1096K
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Ryan Mazan Chief Statistician/Director Office of Statistics and Information, Treasury Board and Finance
April 17th, 2018 Introduction
2 Introduction
• OSI developing model to estimate census sub divisions (CSDs) or municipalities. • Importance: – Denominator for indicator measurement – Funding/resource allocation – Program planning – Decision making
3 Introduction
• The method used to estimate the Census Subdivisions (CSDs) has been around for a long time. • Most statistical agencies in other jurisdictions produce their own estimates. • Estimates are derived from administrative and Statistics Canada data sources. • The overall method is based on the balancing equation.
4 Data Sources Name Source Variables Year(s) CD Pop., Births, CD Annual 2011/12- STC Deaths & Estimates 2018/19 Migration Base Year CSD CSD Pop. by STC 2011 Population Age and Sex Alberta 2011/12- Health Records CSD Migration Health 2018/19 Service CSD Births and 2011/12- Vital Statistics Alberta Deaths 2018/19 MOVES (Driver Service CSD Migration 2014/15- Abstracts) Alberta 2018/19 T1FF, CCB CRA CSD Migration, 2012/13 – Dependents 2016/17
5 Methods
• July 1, 2011 is the base year population. • 435 CSDs within 19 CDs. • Arbitrary Selection of base year, as any census year can be used. • Population will be rebased to 2016 Census, adjusted for net undercoverage. • As the model becomes more developed, produce historical estimates.
6 Methods
• Balancing equation for Alberta and CDs can be solved with annual component data: Pop. at time t+n Base population 퐀퐁 퐏퐭+퐧 Intraprovincial In Migrants 풋 Interval b/w July 1 & June 30 퐂퐃퐢 퐂퐃퐢 퐂퐃퐢 퐂퐃퐢 퐂퐃퐢 퐂퐃퐢 퐂퐃퐢 = [ 퐏퐭 + 퐁퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐃퐭,퐭+퐧 + 퐈퐌퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐎퐌퐭,퐭+퐧 + 퐈퐍퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐎퐔퐓퐭,퐭+퐧 풊 퐂퐃퐣 퐂퐃퐣 퐂퐃퐣 퐂퐃퐣 퐂퐃퐣 퐂퐃퐣 퐂퐃퐣 + ⋯ 퐏퐭,퐭+퐧 + 퐁퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐃퐭,퐭+퐧 + 퐈퐌퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐎퐌퐭,퐭+퐧 + 퐈퐍퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐎퐔퐓퐭,퐭+퐧 ]
Number of births In Migrants Number of deaths Intraprovincial Out Migrants Out Migrants
7 Methods
• Population of CSDi at time t + n is ‘partially’ solved by vital statistics (i.e., births & deaths) and Health Records (i.e., migration) from GoA. 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐏퐭+퐧 = 퐏퐭 + 퐁퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐃퐭,퐭+퐧 + 퐈퐌퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐎퐌퐭,퐭+퐧 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐂퐒퐃퐢 + 퐈퐍퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐎퐔퐓퐭,퐭+퐧 • If there are no events the equation reduces to: 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐏퐭+퐧 = 퐏퐭 • Population is aged by one year, accounting for natural and ‘artificial’ growth (if applicable).
8 Methods
• Unique Feature – takes into account current boundaries. • CSD boundaries can change each year, so to reflect reality, we have incorporated a method to reflect those changes in the estimates.
9 Methods
• Syntax for processing data and for building the estimation model was developed with SAS 9.4. • The algorithm for the prorate/raking tool was originally created by STC and the corresponding syntax for this model was developed and written at OSI in SAS Macro.
10 Methods
• Processing data – take number of events from admin. files (i.e., births, deaths, migration) by CSD, age and sex. • Really, the proportional distributions of those events at the CSD level are most important. • Proportions are adjusted by the STC numbers to arrive at the CD totals or are the prorating mechanism to adjust the numbers.
11 Methods
• Births and Deaths generally have complete information (~90+%). • Some CDs have lower coverage, as they share a border with another province (e.g., CD10 – in the CSD of Lloydminster, hospital is on Sask. Side). • Working on getting files that include out of province births (no adjustments will be required).
12 Methods
• Migration: requires most work to fix. • In migration numbers (~80%+) are more complete than Out migration (~40 - 50%). • In Migration - number of interprovincial in migrants, immigrants, net non-permanent residents; • Out Migration - number of interprovincial out migrants, number of emigrants, number of returning emigrants, Net temporary emigrants.
13 Methods
14 Methods
• Intraprovincial Migration is another type of movement taken into consideration.
• It is divided into 2 subsets for the model: – People moving from one CSD to another in a different CD – People moving between CSDs within the same CD.
15 Methods
16 Methods
• Goal: make the sum of all CSDs equal the corresponding CD total by age and sex.
• Issue: Data pulled from Admin. records are incomplete, so when the components are summed they would not equal the CD total. – Adjustments are needed to make each component equal sum to the CD total.
17 Methods
• Raking/Prorating – sum of the CSD estimates equal the total of its corresponding CD. • Two Stages: 1) rake each component to its respective CD total; 2) rake the preliminary estimates to the CD population total (final step). • A key step, as it helps remove the differences with the STC estimates.
18 Methods
• Although events are adjusted prior to running the balancing model, numbers will be off to some degree. • Mainly due to: mismatch in ages between events and the base population and; no prior adjustments made to those moving between CSDs within the same CD. • The final rake removes the differences with the STC totals.
19 Methods
• When all processes are complete, the population of CDi at time t+n:
퐂퐃퐢 퐏퐭+퐧 풋 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐂퐒퐃퐢 퐂퐒퐃퐢 = [ 퐏퐭 + 퐁퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐃퐭,퐭+퐧 + 퐈퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐎퐭,퐭+퐧 + 퐈퐍퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐎퐔퐓퐭,퐭+퐧 풊 퐂퐒퐃퐣 퐂퐒퐃퐣 퐂퐒퐃퐣 퐂퐒퐃퐣 퐂퐒퐃퐣 퐂퐒퐃퐣 퐂퐒퐃퐣 + ⋯ 퐏퐭,퐭+퐧 + 퐁퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐃퐭,퐭+퐧 + 퐈퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐎퐭,퐭+퐧 + 퐈퐍퐭,퐭+퐧 − 퐎퐔퐓퐭,퐭+퐧 ]
20 Current Status
• Data has been processed – still some issues to resolve. • Model is near completion – testing. • Starting to generate Results – evaluation.
21 Deliverables
• Automated model • Annual CSD estimates by age and sex • Technical Methods Paper • Publications
22 Thank you
23
Staff/Stakeholder Update UPDATE - Water Shutdowns for Hydrant Replacement (May 4 & 5)
May 3, 2021
Short-term water shut-offs will continue on May 4 & 5 in order to complete hydrant replacement.
What you need to know
Water shut-offs will occur daily between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. On May 4th, shut-offs will affect Harry’s Hill (lots 1-6). On May 5th, shut-offs will affect Harry’s Hill (will affect all lots, due to an issue with a damaged valve).
Questions?
Kurt Devlin, FII Program Manager Parks Canada - Lake Louise Yoho Kootenay Field Unit Email: [email protected]
5/6/2021 Gmail - Fenlands Arena Board
Danielle Morine
Fenlands Arena Board 1 message
Jackson, Marie-Eve
Hello Danielle,
I hope this email finds you well and healthy!
You are receiving this email because you supported the Banff Skating Club and the Banff Minor Hockey Association by purchasing an arena board in 2019-2020. As the pandemic started one year ago, just as we were going to start canvassing for last season, both organisations decided in May 2020 to not pursue the sale of arena boards for the 2020-2021 season. It was agreed, with the Town’s administration’s support, to leave the boards as is and to re-assess the situation in 2021.
We recently met to discuss next ice season, and it was decided to postpone selling arena boards until the end of the August 2021, hoping we will have a better idea of what the 2021-2022 season will look like then.
Your support is appreciated in these unprecedented times, and we hope this is agreeable. Should you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Marie-Eve Jackson Town of Banff Box 1260, Banff, Alberta, Canada T1L 1A1
P 403.985.9014 C 587.222.4377
www.banff.ca/active
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697594568909643814%7Cmsg-f%3A16975945689096… 1/1 5/6/2021 Gmail - Restaurants and Retail - share your updated offerings
Danielle Morine
Restaurants and Retail - share your updated offerings 1 message
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism - Member Bulletin
April 9 Special Announcement
Following the announcement of restrictions on in-person dining and retail capacity by the province on Tuesday, our marketing team is looking to expedite some content to support members. Our marketing approach will continue as planned with a few tactical enhancements to address the current situation.
We are asking for your immediate input to help capture what is available in the destination to build out story ideas and more:
Patio dining Are you or will you be offering patio seating and outdoor dining experiences? Complete the outdoor dining form
Take-out dining options Tell us about your establishment's unique to-go meals, boxed lunches or other offers. Complete the takeaway option form
Online shopping What online shopping or curbside pick-up options are available at your retail outlet? Complete the online shopping form
These forms will remain active as we approach summer. Please submit new offers in these three areas as your business adapts to help keep our team up-to- date.
Next Member Update: Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Please visit our Member Toolkit, updated frequently, for the most trusted information. Please direct any questions you have for us to memberservices@ banfflakelouise.com.
CONNECT WITH US!
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1696597336276078929%7Cmsg-f%3A16965973362760… 1/2 5/6/2021 Gmail - Restaurants and Retail - share your updated offerings
BANFF & LAKE LOUISE TOURISM
SUITE 300, CASCADE PLAZA, 317 BANFF AVE. PO BOX 1298 BANFF ALBERTA, CANADA T1L1B3 PHONE: 403-762-0270
EMAIL: [email protected]
BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
UNSUBSCRIBE | WEB VERSION
COPYRIGHT @ BANFF & LAKE LOUISE TOURISM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1696597336276078929%7Cmsg-f%3A16965973362760… 2/2 2021 vs. 2020 Lake Louise Provincial Crime Gauge January to March
Criminal Code Offences -0.4 -0.66667 0.666666667 40% 67% 67% Fewer Persons Decrease Property Other CC More 4 Crime 18 Crime -2 4 4 67% 67% 2 2 Fewer Decrease More
20 50% Decrease Total Decrease Criminal Code When compared to Offences: 50% January to March, 2020 -0.5 Select Property Crime
Break Theft of Theft and Enter MV Under $5k 3 1 11 Fewer More Fewer Instances Instances Instances
Decrease 100% -1 Change 0% 0 Decre79% -0.785714286 Fewer Inst 3 3 More Insta 1 -1 Fewe 11 11
NOTE: If in both 2020 and 2021 a category had fewer than 20 offences, a percent change is not shown. All numbers without a '%' beside them represent counts. Lake Louise Provincial Detachment Crime Statistics (Actual) January to March: 2017 - 2021 All categories contain "Attempted" and/or "Completed" April 8, 2021
% Change % Change Avg File +/- CATEGORY Trend 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2017 - 2021 2020 - 2021 per Year
Homicides & Offences Related to Death 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Robbery 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Sexual Assaults 0 0 1 2 1 N/A -50% 0.4
Other Sexual Offences 0 0 0 1 0 N/A -100% 0.1
Assault 5 5 3 3 5 0% 67% -0.2
Kidnapping/Hostage/Abduction 0 0 0 3 0 N/A -100% 0.3
Extortion 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Criminal Harassment 0 1 0 1 0 N/A -100% 0.0
Uttering Threats 1 0 0 0 0 -100% N/A -0.2
TOTAL PERSONS 6 6 4 10 6 0% -40% 0.4
Break & Enter 1 0 1 3 0 -100% -100% 0.1
Theft of Motor Vehicle 0 0 1 0 1 N/A N/A 0.2
Theft Over $5,000 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Theft Under $5,000 12 1 9 14 3 -75% -79% -0.5
Possn Stn Goods 0 1 3 1 0 N/A -100% 0.0
Fraud 2 2 4 4 2 0% -50% 0.2
Arson 1 0 0 0 0 -100% N/A -0.2
Mischief - Damage To Property 0 0 0 1 2 N/A 100% 0.5
Mischief - Other 4 5 6 4 1 -75% -75% -0.7
TOTAL PROPERTY 20 9 24 27 9 -55% -67% -0.4
Offensive Weapons 1 0 0 0 0 -100% N/A -0.2
Disturbing the peace 5 6 6 3 1 -80% -67% -1.1
Fail to Comply & Breaches 1 0 2 0 2 100% N/A 0.2
OTHER CRIMINAL CODE 0 3 3 0 2 N/A N/A 0.1
TOTAL OTHER CRIMINAL CODE 7 9 11 3 5 -29% 67% -1.0
TOTAL CRIMINAL CODE 33 24 39 40 20 -39% -50% -1.0 Lake Louise Provincial Detachment Crime Statistics (Actual) January to March: 2017 - 2021 All categories contain "Attempted" and/or "Completed" April 8, 2021
% Change % Change Avg File +/- CATEGORY Trend 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2017 - 2021 2020 - 2021 per Year
Drug Enforcement - Production 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Drug Enforcement - Possession 10 29 6 0 1 -90% N/A -4.7
Drug Enforcement - Trafficking 5 9 0 1 0 -100% -100% -1.8
Drug Enforcement - Other 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Total Drugs 15 38 6 1 1 -93% 0% -6.5
Cannabis Enforcement 0 0 1 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Federal - General 0 2 0 1 2 N/A 100% 0.3
TOTAL FEDERAL 15 40 7 2 3 -80% 50% -6.2
Liquor Act 3 9 16 13 1 -67% -92% 0.0
Cannabis Act 0 0 4 3 2 N/A -33% 0.7
Mental Health Act 3 3 4 4 1 -67% -75% -0.3
Other Provincial Stats 4 8 9 6 10 150% 67% 1.0
Total Provincial Stats 10 20 33 26 14 40% -46% 1.4
Municipal By-laws Traffic 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Municipal By-laws 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Total Municipal 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Fatals 1 0 0 0 0 -100% N/A -0.2
Injury MVC 3 8 4 1 1 -67% 0% -1.1
Property Damage MVC (Reportable) 39 53 34 55 26 -33% -53% -2.4
Property Damage MVC (Non Reportable) 14 13 19 18 12 -14% -33% 0.1
TOTAL MVC 57 74 57 74 39 -32% -47% -3.6
Roadside Suspension - Alcohol (Prov) 0 0 0 0 6 N/A N/A 1.2
Roadside Suspension - Drugs (Prov) 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Total Provincial Traffic 93 308 628 338 521 460% 54% 88.6
Other Traffic 4 2 6 0 0 -100% N/A -1.0
Criminal Code Traffic 7 8 8 4 2 -71% -50% -1.4
Common Police Activities
False Alarms 4 0 2 2 2 -50% 0% -0.2
False/Abandoned 911 Call and 911 Act 21 87 66 26 17 -19% -35% -6.9
Suspicious Person/Vehicle/Property 9 15 4 2 2 -78% 0% -2.7 Persons Reported Missing 2 4 5 3 1 -50% -67% -0.3 Search Warrants 0 0 0 0 1 N/A N/A 0.2 Spousal Abuse - Survey Code (Reported) 0 2 2 4 4 N/A 0% 1.0 Form 10 (MHA) (Reported) 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0 Lake Louise Provincial Detachment Crime Statistics (Actual) March: 2017 - 2021 All categories contain "Attempted" and/or "Completed" April 8, 2021
% Change % Change Avg File +/- CATEGORY Trend 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2017 - 2021 2020 - 2021 per Year
Homicides & Offences Related to Death 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Robbery 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Sexual Assaults 0 0 1 0 1 N/A N/A 0.2
Other Sexual Offences 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Assault 0 1 0 1 2 N/A 100% 0.4
Kidnapping/Hostage/Abduction 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Extortion 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Criminal Harassment 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Uttering Threats 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
TOTAL PERSONS 0 1 1 1 3 N/A 200% 0.6
Break & Enter 0 0 1 2 0 N/A -100% 0.2
Theft of Motor Vehicle 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Theft Over $5,000 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Theft Under $5,000 3 0 5 5 3 0% -40% 0.5
Possn Stn Goods 0 1 3 0 0 N/A N/A -0.1
Fraud 0 1 4 4 1 N/A -75% 0.5
Arson 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Mischief - Damage To Property 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Mischief - Other 2 1 2 1 0 -100% -100% -0.4
TOTAL PROPERTY 5 3 15 12 4 -20% -67% 0.7
Offensive Weapons 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Disturbing the peace 2 1 3 0 1 -50% N/A -0.3
Fail to Comply & Breaches 0 0 1 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
OTHER CRIMINAL CODE 0 1 1 0 0 N/A N/A -0.1
TOTAL OTHER CRIMINAL CODE 2 2 5 0 1 -50% N/A -0.4
TOTAL CRIMINAL CODE 7 6 21 13 8 14% -38% 0.9 Lake Louise Provincial Detachment Crime Statistics (Actual) March: 2017 - 2021 All categories contain "Attempted" and/or "Completed" April 8, 2021
% Change % Change Avg File +/- CATEGORY Trend 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2017 - 2021 2020 - 2021 per Year
Drug Enforcement - Production 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Drug Enforcement - Possession 5 25 2 0 0 -100% N/A -3.5
Drug Enforcement - Trafficking 1 8 0 0 0 -100% N/A -1.0
Drug Enforcement - Other 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Total Drugs 6 33 2 0 0 -100% N/A -4.5
Cannabis Enforcement 0 0 1 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Federal - General 0 0 0 1 0 N/A -100% 0.1
TOTAL FEDERAL 6 33 3 1 0 -100% -100% -4.4
Liquor Act 1 7 7 3 0 -100% -100% -0.6
Cannabis Act 0 0 3 2 1 N/A -50% 0.4
Mental Health Act 1 1 2 4 1 0% -75% 0.3
Other Provincial Stats 1 5 4 3 5 400% 67% 0.6
Total Provincial Stats 3 13 16 12 7 133% -42% 0.7
Municipal By-laws Traffic 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Municipal By-laws 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Total Municipal 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Fatals 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Injury MVC 0 1 0 0 0 N/A N/A -0.1
Property Damage MVC (Reportable) 17 15 7 17 15 -12% -12% -0.2
Property Damage MVC (Non Reportable) 5 1 7 4 2 -60% -50% -0.3
TOTAL MVC 22 17 14 21 17 -23% -19% -0.6
Roadside Suspension - Alcohol (Prov) 0 0 0 0 2 N/A N/A 0.4
Roadside Suspension - Drugs (Prov) 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0
Total Provincial Traffic 43 177 250 101 226 426% 124% 29.0
Other Traffic 3 2 3 0 0 -100% N/A -0.8
Criminal Code Traffic 2 4 4 2 0 -100% -100% -0.6
Common Police Activities
False Alarms 4 0 0 1 1 -75% 0% -0.5
False/Abandoned 911 Call and 911 Act 12 33 21 11 4 -67% -64% -3.8
Suspicious Person/Vehicle/Property 5 11 2 0 1 -80% N/A -1.9 Persons Reported Missing 0 1 4 0 1 N/A N/A 0.1 Search Warrants 0 0 0 0 1 N/A N/A 0.2 Spousal Abuse - Survey Code (Reported) 0 0 1 1 1 N/A 0% 0.3 Form 10 (MHA) (Reported) 0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 0.0 Lake Louise Provincial Detachment Crime Statistics (Actual) January to March: 2017 - 2021 All categories contain "Attempted" and/or "Completed" April 8, 2021
Category Trend 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 FLAG
Theft Motor Vehicle (Total) 0 0 1 0 1 Issue
Auto 0 0 0 0 1 Issue
Truck 0 0 0 0 0 Within Norm
SUV 0 0 0 0 0 Within Norm
Van 0 0 0 0 0 Within Norm
Motorcycle 0 0 0 0 0 Within Norm
Other 0 0 1 0 0 Within Norm
Take Auto without Consent 0 0 0 0 0 Within Norm
Break and Enter (Total)* 1 0 1 3 0 Within Norm
Business 1 0 0 3 0 Within Norm
Residence 0 0 0 0 0 Within Norm
Cottage or Seasonal Residence 0 0 0 0 0 Within Norm
Other 0 0 1 0 0 Within Norm
Theft Over & Under $5,000 (Total) 12 1 9 14 3 Within Norm
Theft from a motor vehicle 4 0 3 2 1 Within Norm
Shoplifting 0 0 0 0 0 Within Norm
Mail Theft (includes all Mail offences) 0 0 0 0 0 Within Norm
Theft of bicycle 0 0 0 0 0 Within Norm
Other Theft 8 1 6 12 2 Within Norm
Mischief To Property 4 5 6 5 3 Within Norm
Suspicious Person/ Vehicle/ Property 9 15 4 2 2 Within Norm
Fail to Comply/Breach 1 0 2 0 2 Issue
Wellbeing Check 1 7 0 2 4 Within Norm
Mental Health Act 3 3 4 4 1 Within Norm
False Alarms 4 0 2 2 2 Within Norm
Traffic Trend 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 FLAG
Roadside Suspensions - alcohol related - No grounds to charge* 0 0 0 0 0 Within Norm Occupant Restraint/Seatbelt Violations* 0 19 7 1 2 Within Norm Speeding Violations* 11 126 440 200 319 Within Norm Intersection Related Violations* 3 6 21 6 34 Issue Other Non-Moving Violation* 24 66 49 53 55 Within Norm Pursuits** 0 0 0 0 0 Within Norm Other CC Traffic** 0 0 0 0 0 Within Norm *"Actual" **"Reported"
Categories flagged with "Issue" only indicate that the current number of offences are higher the statistical norm based on previous years. Lake Louise Provincial Detachment - Break and Enters (includes unlawfully in a dwelling place)
All categories contain "Attempted" and/or "Completed" April 8, 2021 2020 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Actuals 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 Running Total 1 1 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 Quarter 3 1 1 0 2021 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Actuals 0 0 0 Running Total 0 0 0 Quarter 0 TBD TBD TBD
Year over Year -100% -100% -100% % Change
Lake Louise Provincial Detachment - Theft of Motor Vehicles (includes taking without consent) All categories contain "Attempted" and/or "Completed" April 8, 2021 2020 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Actuals 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Running Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 Quarter 0 0 1 0 2021 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Actuals 1 0 0 Running Total 1 1 1 Quarter 1 TBD TBD TBD
Year over Year % Change Lake Louise Provincial Detachment - Theft Under $5,000
All categories contain "Attempted" and/or "Completed" April 8, 2021 2020 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Actuals 4 5 5 0 2 1 2 2 2 0 0 0 Running Total 4 9 14 14 16 17 19 21 23 23 23 23 Quarter 14 3 6 0 2021 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Actuals 0 0 3 Running Total 0 0 3 Quarter 3 TBD TBD TBD
Year over Year -100% -100% -79% % Change
Lake Louise Provincial Detachment - Theft from Motor Vehicles All categories contain "Attempted" and/or "Completed" April 8, 2021 2020 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Actuals 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 Running Total 0 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 Quarter 2 0 2 0 2021 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Actuals 0 0 1 Running Total 0 0 1 Quarter 1 TBD TBD TBD
Year over Year -100% -50% % Change 5/6/2021 Gmail - Additional provincial aid available for small businesses
Danielle Morine
Additional provincial aid available for small businesses 1 message
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism - Member Bulletin
Member Update April 13, 2021
At Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, we are dedicated to bringing you up-to-date information important to your business and our community.
In today’s news:
Additional aid for businesses effected by recent public health orders The Alberta government is offering small businesses affected by the most recent public health orders, including those that began operating between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, another payment of up to $10,000. Eligible applicants for the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant can apply in the second half of April. See if your business is eligible. Learn more
Read the 2020 Annual Report In preparation for the Annual General Meeting on April 27 at 12 p.m., we have released our 2020 Annual Report. 2020 was a unique and incredibly difficult year. Learn how we sought silver linings amongst the many challenges the destination faced. Read the report
Have you registered for the AGM yet? Register now
Visit our Communication Centre
Community Updates
Special Meeting of Council: Opening the pedestrian zone early Tune into Banff Town Council's virtual Special Meeting on April 20 at 1 p.m. as they discuss re-opening the pedestrian zone on Banff Avenue and surrounding streets earlier than the approved date in early June. Learn more
Workshops & Webinars
10-Minute Tourism: Creating Local Destinations Through Placemaking Join Travel Alberta and Happy City, an organization that uses the science of well-being to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive communities on April 15 at 10 a.m. Hear stories of how placemaking has created new and local destinations in cities and towns around the world as a driver for local tourism. Register now
One Year Later: How has COVID-19 Re-defined the Experience Economy in Alberta? https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1696966181040755200%7Cmsg-f%3A16969661810407… 1/3 5/6/2021 Gmail - Additional provincial aid available for small businesses Travel Alberta welcomes Kim Griffin and Mathew Stone of Stone-Olafson, who will share results, facts, and ideas from the most recent wave of Experience Economy research to help inform your decision making over the coming months. Join them on April 22 at 10 a.m. Register now
How Tourism Businesses Use Content and Social Media to Market Travel Alberta’s Tom Babin, Manager, Brand and Content, will host a panel discussion with top marketers from around the province to discuss how others in the tourism industry market their business or destination using content and social media. Join the discussion on social media strategy, content creation and measuring success on April 29 at 10 a.m. Register now
Learn about all upcoming webinars
Additional Information
Check out our new and improved Pinterest account We have overhauled our Pinterest account, populating it with compelling content to raise awareness of Banff and Lake Louise as a world-class destination and help drive traffic to our website. Our account is now armed with SEO-friendly headlines and descriptions, and pins that link directly to blog posts and category landing pages on banfflakelouise.com. Check it out
News Clips
Travel and Leisure: Alberta in the Winter Is Short on Crowds but High on Picture-perfect Views and Snowy Adventures
Next Member Update: Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Please visit our Member Toolkit, updated frequently, for the most trusted information. Please direct any questions you have for us to memberservices@ banfflakelouise.com.
CONNECT WITH US!
BANFF & LAKE LOUISE TOURISM
SUITE 300, CASCADE PLAZA, 317 BANFF AVE. PO BOX 1298 BANFF ALBERTA, CANADA T1L1B3 PHONE: 403-762-0270
EMAIL: [email protected]
BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
UNSUBSCRIBE | WEB VERSION
COPYRIGHT @ BANFF & LAKE LOUISE TOURISM.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1696966181040755200%7Cmsg-f%3A16969661810407… 2/3 5/6/2021 Gmail - Additional provincial aid available for small businesses
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1696966181040755200%7Cmsg-f%3A16969661810407… 3/3
April 19, 2021
VIA E-MAIL OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Improvement District No. 09 (Banff) Mr. Dave Schebek PO Box 58 Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0 Email: [email protected]
Attention: Chairperson Dave Schebek
RE: Eastern Slopes Coal Exploration & Public Consultation on the 1976 Coal Development Policy
Dear Your Worship & Members of Council:
The Province has initiated the public consultation process for all Albertans to provide their voice as it relates to Coal Development on the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies. However, this iconic landscape remains threatened due to continued exploration activities.
The Town of High River is requesting your support to encourage the Province and the Alberta Energy Regulator to cease all exploration on Category 2 lands within the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies. In addition, we want to encourage all municipalities to actively participate in the public consultation process to ensure our opinions and the voices of our residents are heard. Protection of this valuable landscape and the watersheds that will be impacted by any coal development activity is important to every resident of Alberta.
At the April 12, 2021 Regular Meeting of Council, the following resolution was adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct Administration to draft a letter to be signed by the Mayor and sent to Premier Jason Kenney and Minister Sonya Savage requesting that the Alberta Energy Regulator stop all activities associated with Coal Exploration Permits on the Category 2 lands that were approved prior to February 8, 2021;
AND THAT given that public consultation that has begun regarding coal mining on the Eastern Slopes, Council requests that these coal exploration projects be put on hold by the Alberta Government until final decisions have been made regarding the extraction of coal on the Eastern Slopes of Alberta or the elimination of the extraction of coal, especially given the destruction that exploration causes and the effects on our landscapes and our watersheds;
AND THAT Council direct Administration to draft a letter to be signed by the Mayor and sent to all municipalities in Alberta encouraging them to also send letters to Premier Kenney and Minister Savage supporting the stoppage of exploration activities on the Eastern Slopes.
AND FURTHER THAT the Town of High River also encourages all municipalities to participate fully in the ongoing Public Consultation Process, including Phase 1, which is the gathering of information that the committee will use to draft the actual Public Consultation process.
The Town has sent letters to Premier Kenney and Minister Savage requesting that the Alberta Energy Regulator stop all activities associated with Coal Exploration Permits on the Category 2 lands that were approved prior to February 8, 2021. In addition, these letters request that the coal exploration projects be put on hold until final decisions have been made about the extraction or the elimination of extraction of coal from the Eastern Slopes, following a meaningful public consultation process.
The Town of High River is respectfully requesting your continued support and that you consider writing to Premier Kenney and Minister Savage requesting that all exploration activities on the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies be ceased, pending the outcome of a meaningful public consultation process. We are encouraging you and your communities to actively participate in the public consultation process to ensure your views are shared.
It is our responsibility to ensure our communities and our residents have the opportunity to share their views as it relates to resource development along the Eastern Slopes. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment regarding this important initiative for Alberta.
Sincerely,
Craig Snodgrass Mayor
CS/cp/kr
5/6/2021 Gmail - Help support the Transportation Shift campaign
Danielle Morine
Help support the Transportation Shift campaign 1 message
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism - Member Bulletin
Member Update April 20, 2021
At Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, we are dedicated to bringing you up-to-date information important to your business and our community.
In today’s news:
Help support the Transportation Shift campaign In effort to enhance the visitor experience this summer, Parks Canada, the Town of Banff and Banff & Lake Louise Tourism has once again joined forces on the Transportation Shift campaign. Launched in March and running through October, 2021, the campaign will help reduce vehicle congestion and illegal parking, maximize the use of the Parks Canada shuttles to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, and help maintain the health and safety of local workers, residents and visitors. For background information, key messages and more, visit our member toolkit
Register to participate in Alberta on the Plate Alberta on the Plate is a province-wide celebration of the incredible bounty grown and produced here. Anchored by a ten-day dine around festival highlighting local restaurants and products, Alberta on the Plate connects consumers to agriculture through our local restaurant industry and by continuing the conversation started by initiatives like Alberta Open Farm Days. The festival takes place August 6–15, 2021. Learn more and register
Visit our Communication Centre
Community Updates
Special Meeting of Council today: Opening the pedestrian zone early The virtual Special Meeting of Banff Town Council to discuss the pros and cons of opening the pedestrian zone early is taking place today. We will provide an update on the decision shortly. Stream now
Targeted mental health campaign materials available now To support the Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association’s (BLLHA) targeted mental health awareness campaign, free business Support Packs are now available to order. Please help locals better understand what confidential help is available by ordering custom-themed, ready-to-use materials for workplaces in Banff and ID9. Businesses are encouraged to order materials as soon as possible. Order deadlines are 9 a.m. on April 21 and 27. Learn more and order
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697589649482434249%7Cmsg-f%3A16975896494824… 1/3 5/6/2021 Gmail - Help support the Transportation Shift campaign Workshops & Webinars
BLLT AGM – Last call to register The Annual General Meeting of the membership of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27 at 12 p.m. At the meeting, we will provide an overview of our short and long-term marketing plans. If you haven't already registered, register now
Join the Virtual Tourism Town Hall series, hosted by TIAC & DC Join local small and medium business owners to meet with TIAC, Destination Canada (DC) and tourism partners to better understand the efforts being made on national tourism issues. Save the date - the next session for Alberta tourism businesses is Wednesday, May 26. Learn more and register
Simplified SEO webinar recordings now available If you didn’t have a chance to join us on April 7 and 9 for the Simplified SEO workshops, you can still review the content by watching the webinar recordings available on our website. View them now
Learn about all upcoming webinars
News Clips
CBC Radio-Canada: Vous rêvez de Banff? Faites vos recherches!
Next Member Update: Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Please visit our Member Toolkit, updated frequently, for the most trusted information. Please direct any questions you have for us to memberservices@ banfflakelouise.com.
CONNECT WITH US!
BANFF & LAKE LOUISE TOURISM
SUITE 300, CASCADE PLAZA, 317 BANFF AVE. PO BOX 1298 BANFF ALBERTA, CANADA T1L1B3 PHONE: 403-762-0270
EMAIL: [email protected]
BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
UNSUBSCRIBE | WEB VERSION
COPYRIGHT @ BANFF & LAKE LOUISE TOURISM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697589649482434249%7Cmsg-f%3A16975896494824… 2/3 5/6/2021 Gmail - Help support the Transportation Shift campaign
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697589649482434249%7Cmsg-f%3A16975896494824… 3/3 5/6/2021 Gmail - Special Announcement: Pedestrian Zone opens April 30
Danielle Morine
Special Announcement: Pedestrian Zone opens April 30 1 message
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism - Member Bulletin
Special Announcement April 20
Banff Avenue closes to vehicles April 30 Banff Town Council has moved up the date they are mobilizing the Downtown Pedestrian Zone to Friday, April 30 in order to support community health and safety and business operators currently limited by public health measures in place. As of April 30, a portion of Banff Avenue and Caribou Street will be closed to vehicle traffic through the summer and restaurants and retailers that have received permission from the Town of Banff can install their presence in their designated space in accordance with the guidelines they are provided.
Last spring, the Town worked closely with AHS to create the Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone in order to provide room to accommodate physical distancing, and businesses with space needed to operate under enhanced public health measures. Currently restaurants can only provide dine-in service on patios and retailers are limited to 15 per cent capacity indoors.
The opening of the Pedestrian Zone will allow for many downtown businesses to serve more customers safely, while adhering to restrictions in place. Learn more
Vaccinations available in Banff The Town of Banff has secured an opportunity for more residents in Banff National Park to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. AHS is offering the AstraZeneca / Covishield vaccine to eligible residents on Tuesday, April 27, which now includes people born in 1981 or earlier (40 years and older). In order to receive your vaccine, you must book online or call 811. Vaccinations will take place at the Fenlands Arena. Learn more
Next Member Update: Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Please visit our Member Toolkit, updated frequently, for the most trusted information. Please direct any questions you have for us to memberservices@ banfflakelouise.com.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697603129708664710%7Cmsg-f%3A16976031297086… 1/2 5/6/2021 Gmail - Special Announcement: Pedestrian Zone opens April 30
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BANFF & LAKE LOUISE TOURISM
SUITE 300, CASCADE PLAZA, 317 BANFF AVE. PO BOX 1298 BANFF ALBERTA, CANADA T1L1B3 PHONE: 403-762-0270
EMAIL: [email protected]
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Danielle Morine
BLLT Member Update: Mobile visitor services launch May 1 1 message
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism - Member Bulletin
Member Update April 27, 2021
At Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, we are dedicated to bringing you up-to-date information important to your business and our community.
In today’s news:
Mobile visitor services launch May 1 In alignment with the reopening of the pedestrian zone on Banff Avenue, the visitor services team will be stationed on Banff Avenue Thursdays through Mondays, starting May 1. Read more
Rapid-testing health care provider restrictions eased Businesses and service providers that want to access free rapid tests from the Government of Alberta will no longer be required to have a health-care provider oversee their screening program. This means organizations will be able to participate in the rapid testing program completely independently and without the burden of finding and paying for a health-care provider. Read the press release
Vote now! Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Congratulations to the Travel + Leisure 2021 World’s Best Awards nominees in destination, including:
Fairmont Banff Springs Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise The Rimrock Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH)
Banff has also been nominated Best Canadian City. Voting is open until May 10. Vote now
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake summer shuttle reservations open tomorrow A reminder that Parks Canada’s summer shuttle reservation system for Moraine Lake and Lake Louise opens at 8 a.m. tomorrow. Please ensure your frontline staff are aware. Step-by-step instructions on how to book, along with pricing and schedule information can be found here and our member toolkit with further details on the Transportation Shift campaign can be found here.
Visit our Communication Centre
Community Updates https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1698239674011553563%7Cmsg-f%3A16982396740115… 1/3 5/6/2021 Gmail - BLLT Member Update: Mobile visitor services launch May 1
New business food waste by-law takes effect July 1 Banff Town Council has passed a bylaw that will require all buildings to provide infrastructure for diversion of food scraps and food soiled paper. The bylaw will come into effect on July 1, 2021. Building owners and property managers are responsible for setting up a system and informing their tenants. Renting and servicing a food bin in Banff is about 40 per cent cheaper than a same-size garbage bin. Learn more
Workshops & Webinars
Registration now open: TIAC Tourism Town Hall Join local small- and medium-sized business owners to meet with The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), Destination Canada (DC) and tourism partners to better understand the efforts being made on national tourism issues. Save the date - the next session for Alberta tourism businesses is Wednesday, May 26 from 2 p.m. Register now
BLLT AGM recording and slide presentation available now Thank you to those of you who joined us at the 2021 Annual General Meeting of the membership earlier today. Both the meeting recording and the slideshow are available on our member site. Access the meeting materials now
Learn about all upcoming webinars
Marketing Tools
Travel Alberta offering marketing and promotion tools The team at Travel Alberta have developed a very comprehensive selection of learning modules that are now available to industry partners at no cost. These materials, guides, and tips highlight best practices and examples specific to tourism businesses.
Materials available include:
Introduction to Content Marketing Facebook for Tourism Business Instagram for Tourism Business Introduction to Website Content The Importance of Online Review and Reputation Management
Learn more
Additional Information
Tourism sector support announced in federal budget Last week's federal budget highlighted tourism as a priority sector, with a proposed package of supports totaling $1 billion over three years to jumpstart tourism. This included funding to support community festivals and events and funding to Destination Canada for marketing campaigns. Learn more
News Clips
Calgary Herald: Without international visitors, Banff’s ‘devastated’ economy is running out of time Travel + Leisure: Alberta in the Winter Is Short on Crowds but High on Picture-perfect Views and Snowy Adventures
Next Member Update: Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Please visit our Member Toolkit, updated frequently, for the most trusted information. Please direct any questions you have for us to memberservices@ banfflakelouise.com.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1698239674011553563%7Cmsg-f%3A16982396740115… 2/3 5/6/2021 Gmail - BLLT Member Update: Mobile visitor services launch May 1
CONNECT WITH US!
BANFF & LAKE LOUISE TOURISM
SUITE 300, CASCADE PLAZA, 317 BANFF AVE. PO BOX 1298 BANFF ALBERTA, CANADA T1L1B3 PHONE: 403-762-0270
EMAIL: [email protected]
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Danielle Morine
BLLT Member Update: Message from BLLT’s President & CEO 1 message
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism - Member Bulletin
Member Update May 5, 2021
At Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, we are dedicated to bringing you up-to-date information important to your business and our community.
In today’s news:
Message from the President & CEO
Dear Members,
On behalf of the BLLT team and Board, I first want to acknowledge what a difficult time this is - we know this last wave of restrictions is another major setback and there continues to be much at stake. We want you to know that we are doing everything we can to support the destination through this, help our community stay safe, and ensure that summer will be as successful as possible.
As you are aware, the Province announced new restrictions last night. It is our sincere hope that these will help us stop the spike. In response to the new restrictions, we are adapting our marketing and communications. Protecting our reputation remains an important priority to ensure that we remain desirable as a place to visit when restrictions ease. In the short term, we will encourage people to stay local, support local and work with us to save our summer. These efforts are essential to ensuring we can remain competitive. Simultaneously, we will continue to focus on helping people plan their summer vacations in Banff and Lake Louise through all our marketing channels.
As a community, we need to work to ensure we can welcome visitors this summer– this is the main focus of BLLT right now.
Some very positive news is that residents of Banff National Park aged 18+ can now get vaccinated and starting Monday May 10, kids aged 12+ will be eligible too. The team is watching global destinations accelerate their recovery as countries vaccinate a critical mass of citizens. I would like to encourage everyone to book an appointment as soon as possible.
Lastly, in this time of fast changing restrictions and information, please remember to keep your Google My Business profile up to date – this is where visitors go to find out what’s available. Please see our resource for help with this or reach out to the team for support by contacting memberservices@ banfflakelouise.com.
With thanks for your grit and resilience, https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1698957039221301344%7Cmsg-f%3A16989570392213… 1/3 5/6/2021 Gmail - BLLT Member Update: Message from BLLT’s President & CEO Leslie
Visit our Communication Centre
Community Updates
COVID-19 testing availability expanded The Town of Banff's pop-up COVID-19 assessment site is now operating seven days a week. Local residents with symptoms and those who have been in close contact with a suspected or confirmed case are strongly encouraged to book a quick, free appointment. Learn more
BLLHA mental health campaign digital assets available now The Banff Lake Louise Hospitality Association's (BLLHA) targeted mental health campaign aims to support our workforce by helping to connect them to mental health resources available in the Bow Valley. Digital files for posters in a variety of languages are now available on the BLLHA member site or through Basecamp. If you have not already, register to access these resources and more by emailing [email protected].
Workshops & Webinars
Digital Transformation Series with The Social School Building on our previous webinar series for Google My Business and Simplified SEO, Kelly Doody of the Social School is returning to host the next round of digital transformation workshops!
May 10 & May 13: Strategic Digital Storytelling Part 1 & 2 – Learn more May 25 & 27: The Content Formula Part 1 & 2. Watch for more information coming soon June 7 & 10: Website User Experience (UX) Part 1 & 2. Watch for more information coming soon
Join us for these informative and interactive workshops aimed to support all experience levels. All workshops run from 1 – 2:30 p.m. and will be hosted online. Free for BLLT members. Looking to catch up on previous webinars? View them here
Learn about all upcoming webinars
Additional Information
Transportation Shift campaign: additional assets now available Are you a hotel in Banff or Lake Louise? Please help further support our Transportation Shift campaign by downloading and displaying the following assets in your guest-facing areas that encourage visitors to take transit to key attractions this summer. The following have been added to our member toolkit:
Drive Less, See More Poster (vertical, 11x17”) Drive Less, See More Video (10 sec, 1280x720 px) A “Useful links” section with particularly helpful information for Lake Louise members
Download now
Submit a video clip in support of Tourism Week Tourism Week in Alberta runs from May 23-30 and Travel Alberta is seeking video clips to be incorporated in a special video to celebrate resiliency and ingenuity throughout the pandemic. Submission deadline is May 20. Learn more
News Clips
5280 Magazine: Plan Your Perfect Post-Pandemic Vacation With These Nonstop Flights Out of DIA https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1698957039221301344%7Cmsg-f%3A16989570392213… 2/3 5/6/2021 Gmail - BLLT Member Update: Message from BLLT’s President & CEO Retail Insider: Banff Retailers and Tourism-Reliant Businesses Prepare for an Uncertain Pandemic Summer
Next Member Update: Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Please visit our Member Toolkit, updated frequently, for the most trusted information. Please direct any questions you have for us to memberservices@ banfflakelouise.com.
CONNECT WITH US!
BANFF & LAKE LOUISE TOURISM
SUITE 300, CASCADE PLAZA, 317 BANFF AVE. PO BOX 1298 BANFF ALBERTA, CANADA T1L1B3 PHONE: 403-762-0270
EMAIL: [email protected]
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Danielle Morine
HR News - April 2021 1 message
Melanie Brehon
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HR NEWS April 2021
Photo: Paul Zizka / Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
HR Group - April 20, 2021 Meeting Agenda
ALERT! TIME CHANGE: This month's meeting will take place at 3:00 p.m. instead of the usual 2:00 p.m.
The next HR meeting will take place on April 20, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. The meeting agenda is attached here and the link to join the meeting is included below. We hope to see you there!
Join the meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/99309639372?pwd=aDBwVVBEanMrcmFQWVpWNDZlRGxTdz09
Meeting ID: 993 0963 9372 https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697209079166772030%7Cmsg-f%3A16972090791667… 1/4 5/6/2021 Gmail - HR News - April 2021 Passcode: 224712
April 20, 2021 HR Agenda
Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway
The IRCC has announced a May 6, 2021 launch of a temporary public policy to facilitate the granting of permanent residence for foreign nationals in Canada, outside of Quebec, with recent work experience in essential occupations.
This pathway will allow international graduates who have completed an eligible program of study in Canada, as well as temporary workers in health care and select essential occupations, to apply for permanent residence. The public policies also contribute to the Government of Canada’s commitment to support Francophone immigration outside Quebec for French-speaking or bilingual candidates.
For more information about the new pathway, including the list of eligible occupations and other eligibility requirements, please follow the link below for the news release and public policies.
Temporary residents who qualify for these programs are encouraged to start preparing now, including scheduling language tests, so they can submit their applications when the program opens. Learn more about the three streams of applications in the CBC article linked below.
IRCC News Release
CBC Article
OHS Code Review Engagement
Have your say about changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Code
The government of Alberta announced an undertaking of a three year review plan (linked below) for the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code, focussing this first year on reviewing changes required by the recently passed Ensuring Safety and Cutting Red Tape Act, as well as reviewing parts of the OHS Code that require the most immediate updates.
Workers, job creators and health and safety professionals are being asked to provide input to improve and update the OHS Code. Input is being accepted until May 10, 2021 via online survey (linked below). Note: you may fill out all parts of the survey or only those that interest you.
Email [email protected] with any questions on the survey or the three year plan.
OHS 2020-2023 Code Review Plan
Take the Survey
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697209079166772030%7Cmsg-f%3A16972090791667… 2/4 5/6/2021 Gmail - HR News - April 2021 YWCA: Upcoming Training Opportunity with the Harmony Project
Sexuality & Boundaries: Addressing Sexual Harrassment in the workplace
Date: May 11, 2021 Time: 1 - 4 pm online (Zoom)
This workshop is based on research and best practices in the area of sexual harassment prevention and response in the workplace. This workshop is unique because it approaches this issue by exploring the negative cultural constructions of sexuality. Through interactive discussions and activities, participants learn about not only the personal impacts of workplace harassment, but also understand how this can lead to unhealthy work environments. Participants leave with tools to address conflict, clarify boundaries, and understand the role that bystanders can play. This workshop is ideal for all employees, management, and HR representatives to learn how they can create a safer workplace for all guests and staff and act as active bystanders.
Sexuality & Boundaries
Register Here
THRC: Latest Stats on Tourism Labour Force
April 9, 2021
A monthly synopsis of the most recent labour market data released by Tourism HR Canada (THRC) revealed a slight increase to tourism employment and a small drop in the overall seasonally undadjusted unemployment rate from 8.6% to 8.1%. However, urgent and more targeted advocacy is still needed to help the sector address workforce issues. THRC Notes:
On average, throughout the pandemic, tourism's unemployment rate is nearly double of the overall economy; Many tourism workers are not going to return to jobs once they are restored, causing some of the greatest labour shortages ever seen, and hampering recovery. COVID has heightened and accelerated systemic issues and barriers to employment in this sector; The economic and social implications of an unequal and slow recovery will impact tourism disproportionately (with more persistent underemployment of vulnerable workers).
For more labour market information visit the THRC website (linked below).
THRC website: Labour Market Info
Bow Valley Learning Council: Zoom Conversation Class
Dates: May 4 - June 8, 2021 (6 classes) Time: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Level: Multilevel Fee: $50
Students will practice speaking and listening skills with an instructor and classmates, with different topics each class. See details in poster linked below.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697209079166772030%7Cmsg-f%3A16972090791667… 3/4 5/6/2021 Gmail - HR News - April 2021
To register, email Deb Penninga at [email protected] or call (403) 431-0091.
BVLC Zoom Conversation Class
Banff Lake Louise Hospitality Association P.O. Box 5817 Banff, Alberta T1L 1G7 Canada
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Danielle Morine
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Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association
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TARGETED MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
The Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association (BLLHA)'s targeted mental health awareness campaign is in market and the materials for business Support Packs are ready to order!
Click here to order materials*
* A singular contact person is requested for each organization
Free Workplace Materials Ready
About the campaign While it’s no secret that the pandemic has affected the outlook of people far and wide, in a recent survey of our destination, BLLHA found that 93% of local employers are seeing mental distress in their teams. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1697584059221122062%7Cmsg-f%3A16975840592211… 1/2 5/6/2021 Gmail - Order your business support package now
To help the destination’s workforce, BLLHA has created a hyper-segmented awareness campaign so locals better understand what help is available. With support from Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, these free custom-themed materials are ready to be used in workplaces in Banff and ID9.
The materials include:
Two series of posters One series of 2.5" stickers One series of 10" floor decals
Ordering your materials Businesses are encouraged to order materials as soon as possible, as supplies are limited. There is a strong likelihood of future phases of this campaign, which will include additional orders and possibly some new materials. Here are the first order deadlines:
Order #1 deadline: Wed, April 21 at 9 a.m. Order #2 deadline: Tues, April 27 at 9 a.m.
Business Information Session If you missed it, watch a recap of the April 7 Business Information Session to learn about the workplace items. Click here.
Please send any questions to [email protected].
www.bllha.ca
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Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Pandemic Frequently Asked Questions – April 9, 2021
On April 6, 2021, the Government of Alberta Is the Public Meeting Procedures (COVID-19 announced a return to Step 1 of the Path Forward. Suppression) Regulation still in effect? For the most up-to-date information on the COVID- 19 situation in Alberta, visit: alberta.ca/COVID19. YES. The Public Meeting Procedures (COVID-19 Suppression) Regulation remains in effect until it has While we continue to navigate the ever-evolving been repealed. The regulation enables COVID-19 pandemic together, Municipal Affairs municipalities to follow the Chief Medical Officer of remains committed to issuing regular updates to Health’s orders for physical/social distancing by address frequently asked questions and provide new conducting meetings electronically. While councils information or resources as they become available. are encouraged to consider electronic meetings to ensure compliance with the public health orders If you would like a specific issue addressed in an regarding public gatherings, the decision on how to upcoming update, please email your request to: conduct meetings remains at the discretion of the [email protected]. council, committee or commission, while ensuring the process used complies with current public health orders.
Municipal Affairs Updates Should councillors still be encouraged to wear Previous COVID-19 updates are available at: masks? www.alberta.ca/municipal-government- resources.aspx YES. Masks are required to be worn indoors at all times, unless individuals are at a workstation and separated from others. If each individual seated in chambers is separated by two metres from all others Council Meetings then masks could be removed; however, it is highly recommended masks remain on for all in-person Can councils still hold council meetings in- meetings. At this time, virtual meetings continue to person with members of the public present? be encouraged wherever possible.
YES. Since municipal council meetings are business meetings and not social meetings, they can be held Municipal Advisory Services in person, including with members of the public; If you have further questions, please call: however, because of the elevated risk, it is strongly recommended to move to virtual meeting formats 780-427-2225 (or toll-free by first dialing wherever possible. It is important to note that masks 310-0000) or email [email protected] are mandatory in all indoor public places and indoor workplaces.
Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Outbreak ©2021 Government of Alberta | Published April 9, 2021 | Page 1 Classification: Public
Recreational Facilities Are we able to have a small number of staff remain in the office to accept nomination papers,
utility payments, etc.? Can municipal facilities such as recreation
centres, arenas and aquatic centres remain YES. It is up to each municipality to determine what open? is operationally required and put in place measures
that adhere to the active public health orders to YES. Municipal facilities used for indoor recreation protect the health and safety of the public and may remain open only for individual or household employees that are deemed critical to operational one-on-one fitness training and youth group physical effectiveness. activities. At this time, libraries must close.
For elections, in addition to delivering nomination forms in person, the specific requirement of section General Questions 28 of the Local Authorities Election Act to submit nomination forms to the local jurisdiction office can Can municipalities choose to keep certain be met by having forms mailed or delivered by municipally controlled properties closed even if courier. Nomination forms can also be accepted at they are allowed to be open under Step 1? specific times set by the returning officer, by appointment, or at a secure drop-off box. YES. The decision to open facilities remains a local council decision. Municipalities and the public must Ministerial Order No. MSD: 130/20, remains in effect continue to put safety first while gradually reopening and enables nomination deposits to also be paid by businesses, resuming activities and getting people debit or credit card. The need for certain back to work. modifications will continue to be monitored and reviewed to ensure municipalities will have the ability Are municipalities responsible in any way for to align election operations with public health orders use of their community halls or facilities in or recommendations. contravention of the order or parameters of use under the Public Health Order? Additional Resources YES. Community hall and facility operators are responsible for any contravention to public health RMA’s COVID-19 response hub is available at: orders that occur within their premises. If the https://rmalberta.com/about/covid-19-response-hub. operator is the municipality, then the municipality would be held responsible. AUMA’s updated guide is available at: www.auma.ca/covid19.
Should municipalities be encouraging The Federation of Canadian Municipalities links and employees to work from home? resources for municipalities is available at:
www.fcm.ca/en/resources/covid-19-resources- YES. Working from home is mandatory unless the municipalities. employee's physical presence is required to meet operational needs. While in the office, individuals For the most up-to-date information on the must practice social distancing and wear masks COVID-19 situation in Alberta, visit: when in public areas of the office. Municipal staff alberta.ca/COVID19 should be encouraged and supported to have remote work arrangements where feasible.
Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Outbreak ©2021 Government of Alberta | Published April 9, 2021 | Page 2 Classification: Public
Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Pandemic Frequently Asked Questions – April 23, 2021
On April 6, 2021, the Government of Alberta Municipal Election announced a return to Step 1 of the Path Forward.
For the most up-to-date information, visit Does the Government of Alberta have plans to alberta.ca/COVID19. allow for expanded use of special ballots for the
2021 general election? While we continue to navigate the ever-evolving
COVID-19 pandemic together, Municipal Affairs NO. Municipal Affairs will continue to monitor remains committed to issuing regular updates to developments relating to the pandemic, but based address frequently asked questions and provide new on progress to date in the vaccine rollout, it is information or resources as they become available. anticipated votes will be able to take place safely
according to relatively normal processes. No If you would like a specific issue addressed in an changes to special ballot provisions are planned at upcoming update, please email your request to this time. [email protected].
Recreational Facilities Municipal Affairs Updates Can splash parks, outdoor pools, and other Previous COVID-19 updates are available at outdoor facilities operate as part of the Step 1 www.alberta.ca/municipal-government- restrictions? resources.aspx YES. Outdoor fitness and recreation facilities may be used, as long as they align with public health guidelines. Physical distancing of two metres Council Meetings between households or individuals is required, and group activities can have a maximum of 10 Have there been any changes to council meeting attendees. If activities cannot be made to align with procedures with the return to Step 1? public health guidelines, the activity is not permitted.
NO. There have been no changes to council meeting procedures. The Public Meeting Procedures (COVID-19 Suppression) Regulation remains in Municipal Advisory Services effect for councils to conduct council meetings by If you have further questions, please call entirely electronic means to help control the spread 780-427-2225 (or toll-free by first dialing of COVID-19. All attendees of meetings held in 310-0000) or email [email protected]. person must wear masks and socially distance, as required by public health orders.
Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Outbreak ©2021 Government of Alberta | Published April 23, 2021 | Page 1 Classification: Public
Can municipal golf courses be open? Are adult team sports, such as softball, allowed to proceed? YES. Golf courses and driving ranges are allowed to open. As with other activities, physical distancing is NO. Adult team sports are not permitted under the required, and group activities can have a maximum current guidelines. Adult team sports may be part of of 10 people. Step 3 of the Path Forward.
Can indoor recreational facilities be open? General Questions
YES. Indoor recreational facilities are permitted to Are municipalities responsible in any way for be open; however, indoor recreational spaces may use of their community halls or facilities in only be used for individual or household one-on-one contravention of the order or parameters of use fitness training. Indoor group fitness for adults is not under the Public Health Order? permitted (both low and high intensity). Youth
lessons, practices, and physical conditioning YES. Community hall and facility operators, activities are allowed for indoor and minor including municipalities, are responsible for any sports/activities. Youth school athletics are linked to contravention to public health orders that occur school board decisions so for all places shifting to within their premises. online schooling, indoor youth sports activities will
be paused. Games are not allowed. Should municipalities be encouraging
employees to work from home? Can campgrounds with toilets and showers be
open? YES. Working from home is mandatory unless the
employee's physical presence is required to meet YES. Shared amenities and high-touch surfaces operational needs. While in the office, individuals should undergo regular cleaning and disinfection must practice social distancing and wear masks procedures with increased frequencies. when in public areas of the office. Municipal staff
should be encouraged and supported to have Can community halls be open? remote work arrangements where feasible.
YES. Community halls may be open for any activities permitted under Step 1, such as wedding Additional Resources ceremonies (up to 10 people) and funeral services (up to 20 people). Receptions and trade shows are RMA’s COVID-19 response hub is available at not permitted. Group meetings may be held so long https://rmalberta.com/about/covid-19-response-hub. as masks are worn, individuals or households are spaced at least two metres apart, hand hygiene AUMA’s updated guide is available at facilities are available, and movement through the www.auma.ca/covid19. facility can be properly facilitated. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities links and Can municipalities choose to keep municipal resources for municipalities is available at properties closed even if they can be open under www.fcm.ca/en/resources/covid-19-resources- Step 1? municipalities.
YES. The decision to open facilities remains a local For the most up-to-date information on the council decision. Municipalities and the public must COVID-19 situation in Alberta, visit alberta.ca/COVID19. continue to put safety first.
Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Outbreak ©2021 Government of Alberta | Published April 23, 2021 | Page 2 Classification: Public
COVID-19 Municipality Update March 31 and April 7, 2021
Order 10 – 2021 CMOH Order 10-2021 amends Order 8-2021. It is imperative that all public health guidance continues to be observed. Alberta is now moving back to Step 1 of the Path Forward as cases and hospitalizations rise.
Overview of new changes: The Government of Alberta is moving to Step one on the Path Forward. Step one will increased restrictions on indoor fitness and indoor dining for hospitality. Indoor group fitness for adults is not permitted (both low and high intensity). Changes to youth sport/activities: o Lessons, practices and physical conditioning activities are allowed for indoor and outdoor minor sports/activities and school athletics (for example, school sport activities that are outside of a physical education class or related part of the school curriculum). o Games are not allowed. Households are no longer able to dine indoors. Patio dining is permitted as part of Step 1 of the Path Forward.
Summary of Discussion:
Path Forward: Summer Recreation – outdoors AGMs and meetings for non-profits are still encouraged Splash Parks and Outdoors pools are able to operate as to be held online. Service Alberta recently updated the part of Phase 1 with restrictions in place. Activities that rules allowing thousands of businesses, non-profits, are inherently distanced such as singles tennis and golf societies, cooperatives and condominium corporations can take place as long as they align with public health the option to meet and vote online, as opposed to in guidelines. person. Immunization: Outdoor fitness/recreation must follow these guidelines:
Rural and Urban immunization sites are expected to 1) Physical distancing of 2metres between expand as supply increases. All Albertans born before households or individuals 2005 with an underlying condition can now book an 2) Group activities have a maximum of 10 people. appointment through AHS or participating pharmacies. 3) If activities cannot be modified to align with
public health guidelines than the activity is not As of April 12, phase 2C of the vaccination program is permitted. underway. 2C is targeted towards front-line healthcare workers. Indoor Social Gatherings: Indoor Fitness/Recreation: Indoor social gatherings are not permitted.
Multiple groups of 10 to use a shared play surface Community Centres are permitted to host any activities indoors/outdoor place service as long as distancing and that are currently allowed under phase 1. other health guidelines are followed.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Public
Question and Answers Municipality Questions Response Path Forward Why can't we use large indoor meeting spaces for small meetings following masking We encourage individuals to use digital options such as online meetings as the and distancing protocols? work from order remains in place at this time. However, In-person meetings are highly discouraged (especially for people who are older and therefore vulnerable Are Councils and AGM permitted to rent halls to allow for social distancing so that all to COVID-19). With masking, 2m distancing between households, opportunities members can attend in person? for hand hygiene and appropriate traffic-flow mitigations (directional arrows), this can proceed. Capacity is only restricted by the ability to effectively distance.
Service Alberta recently updated the rules allowing thousands of businesses, non-profits, societies, cooperatives and condominium corporations the option to meet and vote online, as opposed to in person. The updated rules now allow organizations the option of providing meeting notices, conducting meetings and holding votes using digital technology. https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/sa-virtual-meetings-fact-sheet.pdf
Since steps in the path forward have been delayed, we have seen a significant drop in The Path Forward is focused on providing clear guidance of easing of restrictions. compliance, any comments? A targeted approach will help to open more activities and opportunities for Albertans and businesses, while protecting the health-care system. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to future discussions relating to the Path Forward and compliance. In regards to compliance, the Government of Alberta has focused on an education based approach to compliance. We realize that enforcement of public health orders is sometimes necessary to ensure the protection of our communities from the pandemic. This past week you had mentioned that the guidance documents on the website As soon as guidance document are available they will be posted. In addition, we would be removed and/or updated – can these posted soon? are working to remove out of date information. Thank you for your patience. Immunization When are the rural Pharmacies going to be able to give the vaccines for those with a Anyone with eligible health conditions under Phase 2B, born in 1957 or earlier, chronic illness? can book at participating pharmacies in Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer. In the coming weeks, as more vaccine supply is available, additional pharmacies in communities across Alberta will begin to offer bookings to Albertans in Phase 2B. Please see https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/news/covid-19-immunization-program- information.php for information on pharmacies that offer immunizations. In addition, you can visit https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/page17295.aspx for more information.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Public
When will smaller cities know if we will have a Pharmacy identified for vaccinations? As we progress through Phase 2 and begin Phase 3, Albertans will be able to How will we know if they the have vaccine? access the COVID-19 vaccine through multiple access points (i.e., pharmacy, Alberta Health Services and physicians). In addition, COVID-19 information and resources are also translated into several other languages. We encourage you to visit https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/news/covid-19- immunization-program-information.php for more information. Please share detailed information on the recent changes to stage 2B? As of April 7, all Albertans born in 2005 or earlier with eligible high-risk underlying health conditions will be able to book an appointment through pharmacies and AHS. Are there any indications on how long the vaccine will be effective and when it will be Emerging evidence shows first doses of the vaccine are at least 80% effective at required again after initial 2 doses? preventing severe illness. Second doses are necessary to ensure you're protected for as long as possible. Second doses are being administered up to 4 months later so all Albertans over 18 can be protected with the first dose by the end of June. This change is in line with many other jurisdictions and in line with recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). First and second dose appointments are booked separately. Reminders to book second appointments will be issued. Anyone who received their first dose prior to March 10 will still receive their second dose within 42 days. All existing appointments for second doses will be honoured. How can people prove they are vaccinated if they do not have access to a computer? You will receive a printed record when you receive your vaccination and you will be able to access your vaccination record on www.myHealth.alberta.ca within a few weeks of receiving the vaccine. In addition, your doctor’s office or pharmacy may be able to print off your immunization record. When will our local pharmacy have access to vaccine? To see a list of pharmacies in your area that are providing the vaccine please see: https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/news/covid-19-immunization-program- information.php There has been a conversation about adjusting the vaccination strategy to the Decisions for the initial phases of immunization are focused on those that may younger folks or specific workplaces to mitigate against the new variants causing have the greatest impact to hospitalization rates. growing concern? If additional vaccines are licensed for use in Canada and our vaccine supply increases, we may be able to advance our timelines and additional groups of Albertans. We are asking Albertans to please be patient while we all wait for our turn, and to be supportive of those who are in the initial groups that are eligible to be immunized. Some work places such as meat packing plants are part of Phase 2C. What is the plan for vaccinations for vulnerable sector in rural communities that do The first step is to call 2-1-1, though we acknowledge that 2-1-1 is not able to not have transportation or someone that can take them to get vaccinations? Is AHS provide rides in all parts of the province. Individuals who need transportation
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Public
creating a program to help those unique individuals that cannot get out to get the support can also talk to family and friends, or reach out to their local Family and vaccine? IE mobile vaccination options or reimbursement of transportation cost. Community Support Services (FCSS) organization (FCSS contact information by community is available here: http://fcssaa.org/regions/). Can you please provide more information about the vaccine rollout changes that Starting April 7 at 8 a.m., anyone born in 2005 or earlier with eligible underlying were announced on April 6, 2021? health conditions can book appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine at participating pharmacies or with Alberta Health Services (AHS) online or by calling 811. Those currently eligible under Phase 2B are Albertans with underlying health conditions born in or before 1973. This amounts to about 150,000 Albertans. By expanding to those born in 2005 or before, 500,000 more Albertans will be eligible. Is there any new information/data about the infectiousness of people that have There is limited evidence on whether someone who received the vaccine is able received vaccinations? Are they still infectious and transmitting COVID? or not able to spread the virus. This will be monitored as more people in the community receive the vaccine. Everyone must continue to follow public health measures, regardless of their COVID-19 immunization status, to protect themselves, their loved ones, as well as people and communities at risk of more severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19. When are the rural Pharmacies going to be able to give the vaccines for those with a Anyone with eligible health conditions under Phase 2B, born in 1957 or earlier, chronic illness? can book at participating pharmacies in Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer. In the coming weeks, as more vaccine supply is available, additional pharmacies in communities across Alberta will begin to offer bookings to Albertans in Phase 2B. Please see https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/news/covid-19-immunization-program- information.php for information on pharmacies that offer immunizations. In addition, you can visit https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/page17295.aspx for more information When will smaller cities know if we will have a Pharmacy identified for vaccinations? As we progress through Phase 2 and begin Phase 3, Albertans will be able to access the COVID-19 vaccine through multiple access points (i.e., pharmacy, Alberta Health Services and physicians). In addition, COVID-19 information and resources are also translated into several other languages. The recent changes to info on stage 2B caused concern due to adding the age In order to ensure that our booking websites are not overwhelmed, categories. appointments will open to additional groups of birth years within Phase 2B over the coming week. Once a person becomes eligible to book an appointment, they will remain eligible, even as new birth years are added. As of April 7, all Albertans born in 2005 or earlier with eligible high-risk underlying health conditions will be able to book an appointment through pharmacies and AHS.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Public
Are there any indications on how long the vaccine will be effective and when it will be Emerging evidence shows first doses of the vaccine are at least 80% effective at required again after the initial 2 doses? preventing severe illness. Second doses are necessary to ensure you're protected for as long as possible. Second doses are being administered up to 4 months later so all Albertans over 18 can be protected with the first dose by the end of June. This change is in line with many other jurisdictions and in line with recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). You can read NACI’s recommendations here. First and second dose appointments are booked separately. Reminders to book second appointments will be issued. Anyone who received their first dose prior to March 10 will still receive their second dose within 42 days. All existing appointments for second doses will be honoured. How can people prove they are vaccinated if they do not have access to a computer? You will receive a printed record when you receive your vaccination and you will be able to access your vaccination record on myHealth.alberta.ca within a few weeks of receiving the vaccine. In addition, your doctor’s office or pharmacy may be able to print off your immunization record. Will the second vaccine a person receives be the same as the first one? Yes, people will receive the same vaccine for both doses. Research is continuing on whether or not, a second doses of a similar type of vaccine or another vaccine for COVID-19 can be used. Summer Recreation – Outdoors Can you provide some clarity on how step 1 works with Golf and other outdoor Golf is permitted outdoors. Therefore, golf courses and driving ranges are activities? permitted if they can be modified to meet the public health measures, including:
Individual/solo training and fitness can occur in any outdoor location, with 2m physical distancing. Outdoor group fitness can occur with up to 10 participants (including the instructor or trainer if present). Participants must be distanced by 2 metres. In training situations, a trainer/instructor/coach can come within 2 metres distance of a client/participant/student for short periods of time (e.g., to correct form) so long as the trainer/instructor/coach is masked and performs hand hygiene both before and after the interaction. Any outdoor fitness activity that requires participants to come within 2 metres of one another is not permitted. All individuals, including clients, trainers and facility staff must continue to comply with General Relaunch Guidelines and the Guidance for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation (SPAR Guidance).
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Public
o If any provisions in these guidance documents are inconsistent or in conflict with the stronger public health restrictions set out in CMOH Order 10-2021 prevails Can we get clarity on sport/youth sport can split surface areas? Indoor this is permitted as long as groups can maintain appropriate distancing (3 metres) among each other and groups (maximum of 10). This occur outdoors as long as groups (maximum of 10) are 2 metres apart. Are outdoor Spray Parks, Fountain and Outdoor pools able to open in Step 1? Splash parks: Spray/Splash parks and fountains are permitted with 2m distancing between households and no groups larger than 10. These are splash pads/fountains are public park amenities. There are similar rules related to outdoor pools, these can operate if the orders above are followed. Indoor Recreation/Fitness Children’s swimming lessons? Can they continue with less than 10 participants Yes – this is permitted as long as all public health guidance is followed. (including teacher)? When can we open our centre for bookings, i.e. wedding and family gatherings? Banquet halls, community halls and conference centres can open for activities When will the amount for Community Halls be increased? permitted under Step 1, such as: o wedding ceremonies up to 10 people o funeral services up to 20 people o Wedding receptions, funeral receptions and trade shows are not permitted. Hotels, motels, hunting and fishing lodges may remain open, but must follow restrictions – no spas or in-person dining (room services only). Can classes for youth that are co-parented, for example swim lessons for tots Yes these classes can continue. continue with the max 10 group size? Can dance classes still occur with the rollback to Step 1? Dance classes under the following restrictions: o Maximum 10 participants (including instructor) o Masks must be worn, and distance must be adhered too (3 metres) What will the restrictions of day camps look like? Guidance and direction on day Alberta Health is working with key stakeholders in this sector to provide insight camps are needed. and guidance. Can we open campgrounds with toilets and showers? Yes, but shared amenities and high touch surfaces should undergo regular cleaning and disinfection procedures at increased frequencies. When will we find out when outdoor pools can open and occupancy limits? Outdoor pools permitted are operate for general lane swimming and pool use if groups/individuals are 2 metres apart. Distance from all others at all times (pool capacity should be limited accordingly). Any group attending an outdoor pool cannot have more than 10 persons, but multiple groups could use the pool at the same time provided the groups are able to maintain 2 metres distancing amongst themselves between other groups.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Public
We have a summer in the park program that the children look forward to in July, will Outdoor social gatherings can occur under the following conditions: individuals this happen this year. are spaced out appropriately (2 metres) and capped at a maximum of 10 participants. What are some of the restrictions on indoor pools with the roll back to phase 1? As we move back to Step 1 – we pools now limiting indoor pool use to youth groups. o Pools can be used by a maximum 10 (including instructor) o 1 on 1 fitness can occur with a trainer o Exclusive Household rentals can occur for a pool. Additional Regulations for Youth Activities: K-12 schools and post-secondary children’s sport and performance activities, such as physical education classes, can now use off-site facilities to support curriculum-related educational activities. Lessons, practices and conditioning activities, but not games, may occur for indoor team-based minor sports/activities and school athletics. All participants must be 18 years old or younger, excluding coaches or trainers. Maximum of 10 individuals, including all coaches, trainers and participants. Participants must stay physically distanced from each other at all times. Indoor Gatherings Any idea of when this will be lifted? Discussions are on-going at this time. In the Path Forward indoor gatherings limits may be eased as part of Step 3. When can we open our centre for bookings, i.e. wedding and family gatherings? Mandatory restriction – Province wide – Revised April 6 Banquet halls, community halls and conference centres can open for activities permitted under Step 1, such as:
o wedding ceremonies up to 10 people o funeral services up to 20 people o Wedding receptions, funeral receptions and trade shows are not permitted. o Hotels, motels, hunting and fishing lodges may remain open, but must follow restrictions – no spas or in-person dining (room services only) Summer Events Can we have outside agricultural shows, and outdoor softball with visitors in the Discussions related to agricultural shows such as Cattle Shows, are on-going. As stands? soon as a decision is made, it will be communicated publicly. Sports such as softball are not permitted under the current guidelines. As a result both the activity and having spectators are not permitted at this time. Adult team sports may be part of Phase 3 of the Path Forward.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Public
When can we start planning for outdoor community events that would have Planning events can take place however, it should be noted that the spread of attendees and participants that exceed the current restrictions? COVID can escalate very quickly resulting in a potential shift in health guidance; this must be a factor one considers when planning events. Testing There are a variety of testing sites across Alberta in both rural and urban Please see: www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17058.aspx for more communities. information.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Public
COVID-19 Municipality Update April 14, 2021
Order 12– 2021
CMOH Order 12-2021 amends Order 10-2021.
Overview of key changes: The Government of Alberta remains in Step One of the Path Forward. Step one increased restrictions on indoor fitness and indoor dining for hospitality. Outdoor Markets are permitted as long as they operate at 15% of the fire capacity. Restaurants, pubs, bars, lounges, cafes and food courts can open for outdoor patio dining, takeout, curbside pickup and delivery only. o Patios and dining facilities must meet the following requirements in order to be considered outdoor: . If the patio or facility has a roof, it cannot have more than one enclosing wall. . The facility or patio can have more than one enclosing wall if it does not have a roof. . Umbrellas and pergolas are not considered to be roofs. Fences and half-walls are not counted as walls. Effective Monday, April 19, 2021 – Enhanced restrictions have been implemented in the City of Calgary and Fort McMurray for youth indoor recreation. Please see: https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public- health-measures.aspx
Classification: Protected A
Question and Answers
Municipality Questions Response
Path Forward Why have you opted for a modified Step 1? The current Step 1 public health measures allow for certain outdoor activities to occur that were not part of Step 1 in February. Outdoor activities have a lower risk of transmission than indoor activities. Why has the province moved the staged Path Forward from hospitalizations to The Path Forward still focuses on new cases and hospitalizations. The Path to vaccinated people? Recovery uses benchmarks for vaccinated populations. What is the trigger for further restrictions to be put in place with variant cases now There are a variety of factors that influence decisions to place restrictions. The being the dominant? Variants of Concern, daily case numbers, and hospitalizations factor our decision. Are municipalities permitted to rent meeting space to groups for business meetings This can occur as long as the meetings allow for proper distancing and (Local water commission, etc)? masking. The Government of Alberta still encourages individuals to meet virtually. Can you give any indication what future restrictions may be? It could be a helpful Alberta Health is monitoring the situation closely. As soon as a decision is tool to help everyone act responsibly. made it will be communicated publicly.
We have received conflicting information from AHS Contact Tracers. If an individual For more information on isolation guidelines please visit: tests positive with the variant, is their quarantine 10 days from onset of symptoms https://www.alberta.ca/isolation.aspx and or when symptoms resolves, whichever is longer, or does their (the Positive Case's) https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17239.aspx. quarantine increase if they live with others?
Immunization
Classification: Protected A
What are the side effects of the vaccine(s) and what are the protocols for individuals To learn more about the possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, please experiencing these side effects? visit Health Canada’s website, here: https://health-infobase.canada.ca/covid- 19/vaccine-safety/summary.html Albertans who have been vaccinated but become symptomatic down the road (i.e., with a cold or flu or even a mild case of COVID-19) remain required to isolate while symptomatic, to limit the spread of illness. If there is not an uptake in our community in vaccines, can the hospital make them Yes. Vaccine is distributed to communities based on population estimates and available to others? data related to expected uptake and wastage policies (see here) help to address any situation where uptake may be lower than expected. Our volunteer Fire Department members have started going down due to COVID Thank you for your input, we are currently engaging with groups related to infection or being close contacts...will a reconsideration we given to vaccinate this Phase 2C. If anything changes we will communicate it publicly. group so that we can continue to respond to emergencies in our community?
Please share an update on the number of vaccinations and vaccine availability Additional information about vaccine availability across the province, throughout rural Alberta. including in rural areas, will be made available in the future. For information about pharmacy coverage, please visit: https://ab.bluecross.ca/news/covid- 19-immunization-program-information.php How will we ensure vaccines are not wasted? Alberta Health Services and pharmacies have a wastage strategy that allows them to plan to make sure all doses are used. See https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/ppih/if-ppih-covid-19- vaccine-waste-mitigation-strategy.pdf for more information. As of April 5, 2021, Alberta had wasted 2,455 doses of vaccine, which is 0.0022% of the vaccine allotment we have received to date. Some have said that second doses of vaccines must be given within a month. Emerging evidence shows first doses of the vaccine are at least 80% effective at preventing severe illness. Second doses are necessary to ensure you're protected for as long as possible. Second doses are being administered up to 4 months later so all Albertans over 18 can be protected with the first dose by the end of June. This change is in line with many other jurisdictions and in line with recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). First and second dose appointments are booked separately. Reminders to book second appointments will be issued. Anyone who received their first dose prior to March 10 will still receive their second dose within 42 days. All existing appointments for second doses will be honoured.
Classification: Protected A
Two of our staff tested positive with the variant. One was told he had to isolate for for the latest requirements for isolation please see the following: 10 days. The other was told to isolate for 24 days? https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17239.aspx
how many shots have been administered and how many have been delivered? As of April 16, 2021 - 1,043,570 doses have been administered; The federal government has shipped 1,449,695 doses. Are pharmacies able to provide a vaccine dose to an individual not yet in an eligible Alberta Health Services and pharmacies have a wastage strategy that allows category rather than disposing of a dose? Our volunteer fire department would love them to plan ahead to make sure all doses are used. See to be on an on-call waiting list. https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/ppih/if-ppih-covid-19- vaccine-waste-mitigation-strategy.pdf for more information. As of April 5, 2021, Alberta had wasted 2,455 doses of vaccine, which is 0.0022% of the vaccine allotment we have received to date. is it expected that COVID-19 vaccinations will be a spring event each year, or will At this time, we do not know how long your immunity will last after being they align with the flu vaccine program in future years; and how long is the COVID immunized. Research is being conducted in this area and an update to our vaccine/booster good for (ie. 1 or more years?) prior to people needing to be approach and a recommendation on whether or not boosters are required will revaccinated. be made when that information is available
Aquatics Is lane swimming is permitted outdoors, what about indoors? Lane swimming is allowed outdoor – individuals must be distanced. Lane swimming can occur indoors if it is part of 1 on 1 training and there is appropriate space (3 metres) . For more information please see: https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public- health-measures.aspx under indoor fitness for a full list of requirements. Can youth, child and/or adult fitness classes occur in outdoor pools with proper yes, as long as groups (max 10) and participants are all distanced by 2 metres spacing? this can occur. Are youth swim clubs (in an outdoor pool) suppose to social distance and wear Social distancing (2 metres) is required outdoors for groups of 10 (including masks. participants and instructor). What is the guidance for groups on outdoor splash parks? - is it limited to 10 per If a facility can accommodate multiple groups of 10 (2 metres of space facility, or that groups attending can be no more than 10? between individuals and groups) then this is permitted.
Enforcement How will Alberta Health enforce public health measures? The Path Forward is focused on providing clear guidance of easing of restrictions. A targeted approach will help to open more activities and opportunities for Albertans and businesses while protecting the health-care system. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to future discussions relating to the Path Forward. The Government of Alberta is focused on an education-based approach and for Albertans to comply with public health
Classification: Protected A
orders, we realize that enforcement of public health orders is sometimes necessary to ensure the protection of our communities from the pandemic.
Outdoor Gatherings and Events:
What are public gatherings for community events looking like for the summer? As cases fall and vaccinations increase there may be potential for community events to be revisited as part of Steps 3 and 4 of the Path Forward. When will we have direction for outdoor splash parks and numbers permitted for Splash Parks are able to be used as part of Step 1. Larger events such as community events like fireworks at Canada Day? Canada Day fireworks can occur as long as they are consistent with public health guidelines. Larger-scale outdoor festivals are likely to be permitted as part of Step 4. Are outdoor farmer’s markets still allowable? Yes, outdoor farmer’s markets are permitted. They fall under the retail guidelines and are restricted to 15% of Fire Code capacity. Please see https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx
Other than social distancing are there restrictions or recommendations regarding All public health orders must be observed where applicable. the use of boat launches and beaches? Please see: https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx What vaccine rates do we need to achieve greater levels for outdoor gatherings? The main metrics that inform the Path Forward are leading indicators (new cases/active cases) and lagging indicators (hospitalizations). Greater outdoor gatherings may potentially be part of Step 4. Immunization rates are linked to the Path to Recovery. Are RV parks to remain closed currently or just restricted to distancing? RV parks are open; all public health guidelines such as distancing must be followed. Should public washrooms in campgrounds be closed if these facilities cannot be This decision is left to operators discretion. cleaned regularly? Alberta Health can provide the following: o Operators should follow cleaning and disinfecting practices described in the general guidance. In addition, operators should: o Keep washrooms (staff and public) clean and well-stocked with soap and paper towels. o Provide ample waste disposal options in both public and staff-only areas. o Consider closing high traffic facilities that cannot be frequently cleaned. o Clean and disinfect picnic tables after a camper checks out.
Classification: Protected A
o Cleaning and disinfecting rental equipment after each use (e.g., watercraft, tents, lifejackets and sports equipment) and should only be shared among members of the same household. Community Planning - Recreation Centres
Are private rentals of swimming pools permitted? Yes – this is permitted for individuals or households. Household rental 1 on 1 – with a trainer. Can golf courses and golf driving ranges continue to operate in Step 1? Yes – activities that are outdoors and inherently distanced can occur. If these activities cannot be modified to align with public health measures than they are not permitted. Can we continue to allow aquatic staff to do their conditioning swims for work and Conditioning can take place, however it must be 1 to 1 with a trainer, and get ready for pools to reopen? there must be at least 3 metres (indoors) between training groups. If occurring outdoors please ensure 2 metre distancing between individuals/groups. Can we continue to complete aquatic staff recertification necessary for reopening Yes, this can take place as long as public health guidance is followed. pools? All safety controls will continue to be in place.
Can the Zoo's outdoor experiences continue to operate in Step 1 with indoor Outdoor portions of the zoo are able to stay open. facilities remaining closed?
Indoor Gatherings Could you provide clarity re: the use of public meeting rooms in municipal buildings We encourage individuals to use digital options such as online meetings as by community/not-for-profit groups and affiliated organizations? the work from home order remains in place at this time; in-person meetings are highly discouraged. However, with masking, 2m distancing between households, opportunities for hand hygiene and appropriate traffic-flow mitigations (directional arrows), meetings can proceed. Capacity is only restricted by the ability to effectively distance. Service Alberta recently updated the rules allowing thousands of businesses, non-profits, societies, cooperatives and condominium corporations the option to meet and vote online, as opposed to in person. The updated rules now allow organizations the option of providing meeting notices, conducting meetings and holding votes using digital technology https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/sa-virtual-meetings-fact-sheet.pdf What is the capacity of a farmer’s market in a community hall? It is calculated at 15% of the Fire Code capacity.
Classification: Protected A
Variants What is the trigger for further restrictions to be put in place with variant cases now There are a variety of factors that influence decisions to tighten or loosen being dominant? restrictions. The Variants of Concern, daily case numbers, and hospitalizations all factor into this decision. Please share an update on the statistics on the variants of concern. Information on the Variants of Concern is available on https://www.alberta.ca/stats/covid-19-alberta-statistics.htm#variants-of- concern Other Are kitchen staff required to wear masks? Yes , people working in kitchens must mask as per CMOH-12-2021.
When can we expect that there will be more clarity on day camps? Alberta Health is currently expecting to engage with key individuals in this sector. We appreciate your patience.
What would make schools close again? Alberta Health has not set any thresholds for closing schools. This is an operational decision that will be made by Alberta Education.
Can we ensure international travels are quarantined upon return? All non-exempt travellers returning to or entering Alberta from outside Canada are legally required to follow federal travel restrictions and must comply with the following steps outlined here https://www.alberta.ca/covid- 19-travel-advice.aspx
As of January 26, 2021, 99% of the 48,682 interventions by law enforcement have resulted in compliance by travellers. However, in a minority of cases, verbal warnings, written warnings, tickets, and charges have been issued. For more information see: https://www.canada.ca/en/transport- canada/news/2021/01/government-of-canada-introduces-further- restrictions-on-international-travel.html
Can municipalities get updated guidance documents email to them via AEMA so we As soon as guidelines are developed they will be posted online at BizConnect have the most current information available? at https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx
When will dated guidance documents be removed and updated versions provided? As soon as guidelines are developed they will be posted online at BizConnect at https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx
Is the province doing any preliminary planning for elections coming up this summer CMOH-10-2021, allows facilities be used for election purposes. Guidance are in Summer Villages being drafted by the Government of Alberta.
Classification: Protected A
What would lead to a public state of emergency? Why has one not been called? We are closely monitoring the situation. The Path Forward is a clear framework for moving through the pandemic. Moving back to Step 1 was in response to rising case rates and hospitalization combined with a spike in variant cases.
What is your current advice now for travel to resort communities (which are very If you must travel: busy right now)? follow physical distancing and gathering restrictions
take all necessary precautions to protect your health and the health of others
download and use the mobile contact tracing app while out in public
Classification: Protected A