Council approved procedures for the 2017 municipal election. Approval included appointment of the municipal clerk as returning officer, the director of corporate services as the alternate returning officer, and the authorization to hold advanced votes. Nomination Day is Monday, September 18 and Election Day is Monday, October 16. The Town has traditionally held two advance polls prior to Election Day. Additional information for candidates and voters will be available in the coming months at
banff.ca/election.
Council approved the budget for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Banff this year, as well as in 2018 and 2019. Following the success of the family friendly celebration on December 31, 2016 that was held to kick-off the Canada 150 celebrations in Banff, council voted to fund the event for the next three years to create a positive atmosphere downtown on New Year’s Eve. The event budget is $45,000, which includes staffing, performers, rentals and contracted services. The annual midnight fireworks show, additional RCMP officers and formal road closure were already budgeted.
Council appointed Dave Michaels as a development officer. The Land Use Bylaw states that one or more employees can be appointed as a development officer, provided they are appointed by resolution of council. The director of planning and development, manager of development services and manager of environmental services have previously been appointed by council as development officers.
Council approved the budget for two evenings of summer parking data collection in Zones D and E, which are residential areas. This monitoring work will be done in addition to two weeks of data collection this summer in Zones A, B and C. The budget for these two days is $4,928.57.
Council received an update on the social assessment recommendations – year three of a five year plan. Themes in the plan include increasing awareness in the community of programs and services offered by the Town of Banff, enhancement of community connections, and addressing affordability issues.
Council was provided a short update on the status of transit shelters in the community. The goal is to have at least five shelters installed in town by this summer, along with plans to increase signage to promote local and regional transit.