News Releases

Council gave second and third reading to residential and non-residential waste bylaws. Bylaw 376, the residential waste bylaw, introduces a fee of $240 per tonne for disposal of treated wood. Bylaw 377, the non-residential waste bylaw, includes some fee changes, as well as the provision that non-residential sector must use clear bags to dispose of garbage. The use of clear bags fosters waste diversion and allows the Town to monitor organics diversion and recycling efforts, with the goal of setting future diversion targets. The mandated use of clear bags won’t begin for eight months to allow time for communication and education within the non-residential sector.

Council gave three readings to the 2017 supplementary property assessment Bylaw 55-11. The Municipal Government Act requires council to pass a bylaw every year to authorize the preparation of the supplementary assessment roll. Supplementary assessments are required to tax any new developments or improvements throughout the year. The supplemental levy is pro-rated based on when the development or improvement is complete, occupied, or moved into the municipality or began to operate.

Council voted to commit to the implementation of a 2017 visitor experience communications strategy in partnership with Banff & Lake Louise Tourism and Parks Canada. The three organizations have been working on a joint brand for 2017 that involves communicating with park visitors during all phases of their trip, to provide the necessary information to establish expectations and ensure an enjoyable experience. With the 150th anniversary of Canada being celebrated this year, and with the advent of free national park passes in honour of that milestone, this multi-stakeholder communications and social change plan aims to address the anticipated increase in visitation as it relates to traffic volumes and park/community values, particularly environmental stewardship. Council approved transferring $83,000 from the budget stabilization fund to the 2017 communications and marketing budget. The two other partners are each committing the same amount to this project. Council also asked for a report on the tactics of this plan to be presented in March/April.

Council requested a report from administration on the costs associated with holding a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Banff on December 31, 2017. Council received a briefing on the December 31, 2016 New Year’s Eve celebration, which was a one-off event held to launch Canada 150 in the community. Due to the success of the evening and reports from the RCMP that it created a much more positive atmosphere downtown leading up to the annual fireworks, council asked for a report outlining costs to hold the event again this year.