A Better Banff Ave is a place where we connect as a community. To us, car-free is carefree. We can walk, ride or glide where we want. We have accessibility all day. And we know—based on good data—that pedestrian zones support sustainability. They inspire locals to leave their cars at home and encourage visitors to park and walk into our core and around our community.
The Friends of A Better Banff Ave is a coalition of locals committed to keeping the pedestrian zone, promoting active lifestyles and broader sustainability goals. This group includes businesses such as Banff Hospitality Collective, Banff Lodging Co., Bike Banff, Discover Banff Tours, Tooloulou’s, Rocky Mountain Soap Co., and a growing number of locals who believe a better Banff Avenue prioritizes people over cars.
vote yes on august 12
There are 4,262 individuals on Banff’s list of eligible voters. The petition to overturn the Banff Pedestrian zone had 1,019 valid signatures. This means there could be almost 3,000 people who want to keep our pedestrian zone. We would love to see everyone who is eligible to vote, vote YES for A Better Banff Ave.
The Vote of the Electorate will be held August 12 at Banff Town Hall, and you’ll be asked this question:
“Do you support Banff Town Council’s decision to have a downtown pedestrian zone on Banff Avenue every summer, from the May Long Weekend to the Thanksgiving Long Weekend.”
TOP 5 REASONS TO VOTE YES ON AUGUST 12
1. CAR-FREE IS CAREFREE.
We know-based on good data-that pedestrian zones inspire locals to leave their cars at home and encourage visitors to use intercept parking and Roam or walk into our community. We need to do more to prioritize people over cars.
2. YOU’RE MOTIVATED BY A CONNECTED COMMUNITY.
It’s that simple. The ped zone allows our community to connect, walk, bike, and glide in an accessible environment. It provides easy access to Bear Street, river pathways, and pedestrian bridges, and is part of a bigger vision related to connectivity and sustainability in Banff.
3. TRAFFIC REDUCTION WILL ADDRESS TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
Traffic congestion is a reality and with or without a ped zone, busy days and pinch points like the Bow River Bridge cause congestion. In the last four years, many initiatives have been implemented to reduce use of cars, build a better Banff and address sustainable tourism. From Bear Street refreshing to a priority lane for transit to intercept parking to residential parking permits-great work is already underway. Entrance volumes are up 4% since 2019, yet traffic over the bridge has been reduced by 17%. Let’s keep the momentum. A YES vote tells Council to keep bringing forward solutions.
4. PARKS CANADA SUPPORTS THE PEDESTRIAN ZONE.
This is not a vote about over-tourism or whether there should be patios on Banff Avenue. The ballot question is focused on the decision to have a pedestrian zone. Parks Canada confirmed its support for pedestrian friendly initiatives along with a request to discuss and better understand commercial development of public lands in cooperation with Town of Banff. Collaborative discussions are ongoing to determine the best future direction.
5. YES IS THE PATHWAY TO PROGRESS WITH BENEFITS FOR VISITORS AND LOCALS.
Visitors love the pedestrian zone, yet to us locals, it’s clear we need more ways to manage the popularity of our town. We support better solutions for managing tourists that also benefit residents and we’re willing to come to the table to advance new ideas.
A Better Banff Ave is a place where we connect as a community. To us, car-free is carefree. We can walk, ride or glide where we want. We have accessibility all day. And we know—based on good data—that pedestrian zones support sustainability. They inspire locals to leave their cars at home and encourage visitors to park and walk into our core and around our community.
The Friends of A Better Banff Ave is a coalition of locals committed to keeping the pedestrian zone, promoting active lifestyles and broader sustainability goals. This group includes businesses such as Banff Hospitality Collective, Banff Lodging Co., Bike Banff, Discover Banff Tours, Tooloulou’s, Rocky Mountain Soap Co., and a growing number of locals who believe a better Banff Avenue prioritizes people over cars.
vote yes on august 12
There are 4,262 on Banff’s list of eligible voters. The petition to overturn the Banff Pedestrian zone had 1,019 valid signatures. This means there could be almost 3,000 people who want to keep our pedestrian zone. We would love to see everyone who is eligible to vote, vote YES for A Better Banff Ave.
The Vote of the Electorate will be held August 12 at Banff Town Hall, and you’ll be asked this question:
“Do you support Banff Town Council’s decision to have a downtown pedestrian zone on Banff Avenue every summer, from the May Long Weekend to the Thanksgiving Long Weekend.”
when to vote
monday august 12
In person – Banff Town Hall 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
advance polls
july 13 & 17
Banff YWCA Great Room 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
july 29
Banff Town Hall 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
who can vote
To be eligible to vote, electors must be:
- A Canadian citizen
- 18 years of age or older
- A resident of Banff at time of vote
away on these dates?
Request a special ballot now.
when to vote
monday august 12
In person - Banff Town Hall 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
advance polls
july 13 & 17
Banff YWCA Great Room 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
july 29
Banff Town Hall 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
who can vote
To be eligible to vote, electors must be:
A Canadian citizen
18 years of age or older
A resident of Banff at time of vote
away on these dates?
Request a special ballot now.
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Receive the newsletter to stay up to date on all A BETTER BANFF AVE activities
subscribe to stay informed
Receive the newsletter to stay up to date on all A BETTER BANFF AVE activities