Banff’s main street pedestrian zone, popular with tourists, didn’t get the same love from Banff residents!
In a recent vote, the residents of Banff narrowly decided to end the town’s seasonal pedestrian zone on Banff Avenue, a fixture that had become both a tourist attraction, a boon to local business, and a source of local controversy.
The vote concluded with 1,328 residents opposing the pedestrian zone and 1,194 in favour.
The decision means that the pedestrian-only area, which had been a summer feature from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving, will be dismantled, and vehicles will once again be allowed to drive through the heart of Banff.
The Origins of the Pedestrian Zone
The pedestrian zone was first introduced in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With social distancing measures in place, the car-free area allowed restaurants and shops to expand their outdoor spaces, providing a safer environment for both locals and visitors.
The initiative was initially seen as a positive way to keep businesses afloat during challenging times. It also became a popular attraction, particularly among tourists, at times attracting up to 40,000 per day.
However, as the pandemic receded, the pedestrian zone remained a point of contention.
Supporters argued that it contributed to the town’s economic viability by drawing more visitors, while opponents saw it as a cause of increased traffic congestion and disruption to residential areas.
A Divided Community
The debate over the pedestrian zone revealed deep divisions within the Banff community.
Longtime resident Shelley Mardiros, who has lived in Banff for 31 years, voiced concerns about the pedestrian zone’s impact on traffic.
“The traffic congestion is really appalling,” she said, noting that the overflow of vehicles into residential areas for parking made it difficult for locals to enjoy their own neighbourhoods.
Mardiros acknowledged that the zone made sense during the pandemic but argued that it was no longer necessary.
Conversely, supporters like Terri Hunter, a bus driver working in the tourism sector, believed the pedestrian zone was a valuable addition to the town.
“I love it; it’s a bonus to Banff,” Hunter said, emphasizing that tourists appreciated the car-free space and that it promoted more shopping and engagement with local businesses.
The Vote and Its Aftermath
The decision to hold a vote on the pedestrian zone was prompted by a petition signed by 11.5% of Banff residents, who were frustrated with the council’s decision to make the zone a permanent summer feature.
The vote, held on August 12, 2024, became a binding plebiscite under provincial law, meaning that the council is now required to pass a bylaw rescinding their original decision.
Mayor Corrie DiManno acknowledged the emotional toll the debate had taken on the community. “There’s been a lot of passion on both sides of this vote. Residents are emotionally exhausted from this topic,” she said.
DiManno also recognized that traffic concerns played a significant role in the outcome. “A shared challenge is that we just have too many vehicles on our road network,” she said, adding that the detour of traffic into side streets was a tipping point for many voters.
Business Concerns
While many residents celebrated the vote as a victory for local living conditions, some business owners are concerned about the impact on tourism.
Stephane Prevost, chef and managing partner at Block Kitchen + Bar, expressed disappointment, calling it “a huge step backward for us as a tourism destination.”
Prevost noted that the pedestrian zone had allowed his restaurant to add valuable outdoor seating during the peak tourist season, which will now be lost.
The pedestrian zone also contributed $140,000 in non-tax revenue to the Town of Banff, which was used to support services that tax dollars would not have otherwise funded.
Moving Forward
With the vote concluded, Banff Town Council will formally rescind the pedestrian zone at their meeting on August 26.
The process of dismantling the zone will begin immediately afterward, with public amenities like extra seating, bike parking, and flower planters being removed.
While the decision marks the end of the pedestrian zone, Mayor DiManno has called for continued discussions on how to address the ongoing challenges of traffic and tourism in Banff.
“We’re going to go back to the drawing board, continue conversations, and move forward together on addressing these challenges,” she said.
As the town prepares to reopen Banff Avenue to vehicles, the debate over how best to balance the needs of residents and visitors is likely to continue.
In the end, whether you were on the yes or no side of the debate, one thing is clear: the plebiscite was a successful expression of democracy in the mountain town.
The people have spoken.
