Editor:
Our top priority is the safety and security of our community, and all other activities become secondary in times of emergency to safeguard our residents and visitors. The Town of Banff has the highest level of emergency preparedness, joint training with Parks Canada, Banff firefighters and regional fire service partners, and we have comprehensive wildfire response plans in place.
We are disappointed that some people have used the devastating wildfire in Jasper to politicize a question about the future of Banff’s pedestrian zone and call into question Banff’s emergency planning. There will be much to learn from Jasper’s experience, but we are profoundly thankful that all residents were able to evacuate safely through the limited transportation options. We acknowledge the challenges and increased risks created by living in a forested mountain national park with a limited road network.
As previously identified, the Town would easily and quickly reopen the two blocks of the pedestrian zone completely to vehicle traffic heading out of town, if required. Within the Town’s Wildfire Emergency Plan, the Town has a process to determine when to pre-emptively clear all roadways of any encumbrances well in advance of an evacuation order, including the pedestrian zone. For example, on Canada Day, all obstacles in the pedestrian zone were removed within 20 minutes to prepare for the parade to use a traffic lane, in addition to the existing bus lane.
We have high confidence in our ongoing wildfire prevention measures with regional partners and community members. We are ready to respond in the event of emergency.
Kelly Gibson,
Town of Banff manager,
Banff
