Editor:
I am writing as a long-term resident of Banff. Someone who has had the privilege to live, work, play and raise a family within a national park. This is all made possible because of tourism.
The Banff Avenue pedestrian zone started as an initiative to keep our town going, welcoming visitors after three months of almost zero business for all during the COVID-19 pandemic. Four years later, businesses have recovered from at least two years of devastating losses with visitors looking for national park experiences and ways to be more sustainable.
We have a responsibility to work together to ensure a sustainable future for our community. The car is no longer king. The pedestrian zone supports the Town of Banff and council’s priority to endorse active modes of transportation. It also supports Parks Canada’s expert panel’s recommendation on moving people sustainably in Banff National Park. In addition, this pedestrian-friendly area aligns with the 10-year vision, Lead Tourism for Good, endorsed and supported by Parks Canada, the Town of Banff and Banff and Lake Louise Tourism with input from 2,000 residents and businesses.
I live on the other side of the bridge and have for more than 25 years now. The past four years, with strategic traffic management with multiple partners and agencies, congestion has improved. Like I did over 20 years ago, I do my chores and shopping downtown early mornings or late evenings, when it makes sense. I use the tools the Town of Banff provides to stay informed and learn about the issues. I trust the data presented by the Town with safety and traffic research. The Town of Banff’s dedicated and hard working people – so many of them who put their lives on hold and worked endlessly during more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic – are working to ensure we are safe and moving into the future.
I vote yes, yes to continue to work together to meet the needs of the community, to be more sustainable, and to find ways to reduce congestion while ensuring a better experience for all. We must keep moving forward.
Nancy DaDalt,
Banff
