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Banff Access Program
The Banff Access Program provides qualified low-income applicants with discounts on community services and products. A card is provided free of charge to the following Banff residents:
- Adults (18+ years of age) and their children, living under the Banff Affordability Measure Level (see chart below) who have lived in Banff for 3 months prior to date of application
NEW: The Town of Banff has added another level of discount to the Access Card Program qualifying income earners up to 20% above the current cut off. The new Tier 2 level will give individuals and families access to Town of Banff registered programs at 25% discount and FREE access to all Town of Banff drop in programs. This does not currently include discounted bus passes or other partner programs (all under review).
*New this year: Free Sport and Recreation Sessions are available to all Banff residents. There is a $10 annual fee for all adults, with children and youth fees being generously covered by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.
Contact the Town of Banff at 403.762.1251 to see if you qualify for the Banff Access Card.
| Family Size | Tier 1 eligibility (Banff Affordability Measure cut off) | Tier 2 NEW 20% above current Banff Affordability Measure cut off |
|---|---|---|
| Total Before Tax (Gross Income) | 20% above Tier 1 | |
| 1 person | $32,939 | $39,527 |
| 2 people | $41,007 | $49,208 |
| 3 people | $50,414 | $60,497 |
| 4 people | $61,209 | $73,451 |
| 5 people | $69,423 | $83,308 |
| 6 people+ | $78,296 | $93,955 |
Note: Gross income is shown on line 150 of your 2019 Notice of Assessment.
The Banff Access Card provides the following discounts:
| Tier 1 (current discount offerings) | Tier 2 - NEW November 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| Town of Banff Programs | Discount | Discount |
| Community Class Registration | 50% off | 25% |
| Out-of-School Club Registration | 50% off | 25% |
| Summer Fun Registration | 50% off | 25% |
| Winter - Skate Rentals at The Fenlands | Free | Free |
| Winter - Public Skate/Shinny Drop-in Fees* | Free | Free |
| Summer - Roller Skate Rentals at The Fenlands | Free | Free |
| Summer - Roller Skate Drop-in Fees* | Free | Free |
| Drop-in Recreation Programs | Free | Free |
| Roam Transit | Current discounts applied | |
| 6 Month Local Pass ($10 card fee) | Free | Under Review |
| Regional Transit Single Ride Pass | 50% off | Under Review |
| Regional Transit 10 Ride Pass | 50% off | Under Review |
| Regional Transit Month Pass | 50% off | Under Review |
| Partner Programs | Tier 1 Discount | Tier 2 Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Banff National Perk Coffee House | 20% on food and beverages | N/A |
| Banff Minor Soccer | 50% off soccer registration | N/A |
| Banff Minor Hockey | 25% off hockey registration | N/A |
| Sally Borden Fitness & Recreation | 20% off public swim fee | N/A |
| Banff Dental Care | 10% off Sonicare toothbrushes/heads | 10% off Sonicare toothbrushes/heads |
| Bow Valley Learning Council | 50% off program registration | 25% off program registration. Contact bowvalleylearning.ca or 403.762.8114 for exceptions |
| artsPlace Canmore | 65% off courses, camps and half-day Friday programs 50% off workshops, movies, special screenings and live performances Free Family Sunday artsPlay programs, art drop-ins and live presentations | 15% discount on Banff-based programs |
| Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre | Free Museum Admission | Free Museum Admission |
To apply:
Contact Community Services 403-762-1251 for information on how to apply. You will be asked to provide the following documents and/or additional documents to qualify.
Provide the following:
1. A copy of your 2019 "Notice of Assessment" (after filing your annual tax return, you will receive this in the mail from Revenue Canada - if you need assistance, call Revenue Canada at 1-800-959-8281.)
AND/OR
2. Provide three current pay stubs and proof of employment/residency for 3 months prior to date of application
OR
3. Government issued benefits (i.e. AISH, EI, Disability)
To re-apply: You must provide a Notice of Assessment from your previous year’s tax return. (If you need assistance with tax preparation, you can attend one of our workshops or see if a volunteer can help you. Residents who have low income and simple tax situations are eligible).
Please note: The Banff Access Card cannot be used in combination with other subsidies or discounts.
Banff Access Card Business Partnership Program
Be part of the discounts offered through the Banff Access Card and provide qualified applicants affordable opportunities. The program is available for local businesses who go above and beyond to offer products and services to a segment of the population who may currently be unable to afford them. Learn more about participating in the program (PDF).