Plans to designate a series of existing trails in Banff as a Commonwealth walkway in honour of Queen Elizabeth II for the Canada 150 celebrations next year are well underway.
Officials with the Commonwealth Walkway Banff Steering Committee say there are plans to designate three to five existing trails in the Banff townsite and surrounding national park lands for the walkway, which is part of an international project led by Outdoor Trust.
Bill Fisher, the Banff steering committee’s chairman, said Banff will be home to the only Commonwealth walkway in Canada, and will be one of about 100 walkways in all 71 Commonwealth countries, nations and territories.
“I want to be clear that no new trails would be created under this proposal,” he said.
“We plan to meet with several organizations in summer to discuss possible routes on existing trails.”
The proposed budget for the project is about $150,000 and the committee has already secured $30,000.
A grand opening of the walkway is planned for September 2017 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of confederation.
The trails designated a Commonwealth walkway will feature bronze plaques with the Queen’s personal Royal Cypher.
Mayor Karen Sorensen said she was pleased Banff has been chosen.
“It really is an honour to be the destination selected in all of Canada,” she said, crediting Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell with helping secure Banff as the location.
Potential walkways on existing designated trails in Banff include the Cave and Basin/Marsh Loop/Sundance Canyon; Bow Falls/Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel/Spray Loop; Bow River/Railway station/Fenlands/Vermilion Lakes; Banff-Canmore Legacy Trail; Upper Hot Springs/Sulphur Mountain and Banff Legion/St. George’s in the Pines Anglican Church/Banff Cemetery/The Banff Centre/Tunnel Mountain.
