Several new capital projects are under consideration in Banff – a second pedestrian bridge across the Bow River, a new parkade, a new trail to Surprise Corner and redevelopment of the commercial district of Bear Street.
Officials say there are a total of $12.4 million worth of existing projects for 2014 and council is being presented with $37.9 million worth of new projects to consider in the 2014–23 capital budget.
“Throughout the entire budget process we will have to weigh out the balance in our reserves with which capital projects will take priority and in what years,” said Mayor Karen Sorensen.
“Some of the capital projects demonstrate our uniqueness as a resort community and some of the things we look to do, whereas other communities of 8,000 people would not have to be entertaining these types of projects for residents and tourists.”
The capital budget was presented publicly on Wednesday (Jan. 15), but any debate and decisions to come out of the morning meeting could not be reported at the time the Outlook went to press.
The draft budget calls for a $3.8 million redevelopment of Bear Street into a woonerf – a street designed for pedestrian and cyclists while still accommodating vehicles. If approved, pre-design would begin in 2014, with construction in 2016.
The capital budget also considers a pedestrian bridge from Central Park to the Banff recreation grounds at a cost of $3.5 million. It would be built in 2015 if it gets the green light from council.
Surprise Corner, which offers one of the most iconic views in Banff with Bow Falls, Spray River Valley and Banff Springs Hotel, is recommended to undergo a facelift, at a budget of $820,000.
The project would involve a new path from the riverside trail to Surprise Corner, a more formal viewpoint at Surprise Corner, changes to the parking layout and landscaping to create more parking spots. If it gets a nod of approval, that’s on the books for 2014–15.
Based on earlier direction from council, the draft budget also considers several new transportation-related projects that came out of the transportation master plan, including an $18.4 million intercept parkade outside the downtown core.
Potential sites are being investigated for a parkade, designed to deal with Banff’s existing and projected parking shortfall. If approved, the project would go ahead in 2017–18.
In addition, traffic signals are proposed for the intersection of Buffalo and Bear Streets at a cost of $440,000 and a comprehensive $605,000 off-street Smart parking system is suggested to improve parking experience for visitors.
