Banff

BANFF – With the global COVID-19 pandemic delivering a devastating blow to Banff National Park’s tourism economy, businesses are starting to think ahead to recovery when the crisis is over.

“The dog park is one of those facilities we can’t really control as much as we would like to … the social distancing piece is difficult to maintain with an off-leash dog park, as interactions between pets and owners may inadvertently bring individuals within the two-metre distance restriction.”

“Their activities and meals have been adjusted and many don’t understand why. Their faithful volunteers and families can’t visit right now and many don’t understand why.”

“The last thing we want is empty commercial spaces, but if this keeps up much longer, it will be inevitable.”

“Banff has shrivelled inside in the last two weeks and it’s obvious what’s left is the community."

"This beautiful best look approach presented in these guidelines – some of those are going to be pretty expensive."

“I’ve got to say, for the most part, Banff residents have been really good at following the rules, but we still are receiving the occasional complaint."

“It’s very clear and they have every intent of enforcing the rules; no parking on highways and the shoulders.”

“We identified housing as the number one priority for staff on temporary lay-off, because we wanted to make sure that they’d have a place to stay that they could still afford,” said Gordon Lozeman, president and CEO of Banff Lodging Co.

"We want to be clear – as of today, no one will be facing immediate eviction from their home for non-payment of rent or utilities owed to the landlord. Additionally, tenants will not face increasing financial pressure from rent increases, or fees for late rent payments."