BANFF – A memorial tree program could sprout up in Banff.
Banff council has asked administration to further research memorial tree programs in other municipalities and come up with options and costs to be considered during a review of municipal services and budget later this year.
The municipality currently has a bench program – which typically costs $3,400 to $4,000 – and Councillor Brian Standish believes a less expensive option should be explored.
“I’m very interested in a memorial tree program,” he said, noting a memorial tree program typically ranges from $450 to $800.
“The memorial bench program is under prescribed because I think the cost is too high. I believe this will be a nice entry level program a lot of residents would participate in.”
Currently, the municipality has a bench program, whereby benches are put in scenic locations throughout Banff as a way to celebrate the life of a loved one or honour an individual, group or special event.
An opportunity to tell a story about the person or event is provided, giving trail users more insight into the history of Banff as both a community and holiday spot. The program also covers a bronze plaque and maintenance on the bench for 10 years.
In 2016, the program expanded to include an additional 50 benches in anticipation of fulfilling 45 subscribers already on a waiting list. Only a third of the benches ended up being taken, leaving a current inventory of 29 benches.
There are two types of memorial tree programs: specific dedication and anonymous dedication.
Nadine Setzer, Banff’s manager of municipal parks, said administration recommends an anonymous dedication tree program that does not specifically identify individual trees as opposed to programs that convey ownership of individual trees.
She said most municipalities have moved away from specific dedication due to difficulties managing the program and challenges with escalating costs for repeated replacements.
“Our challenge here in Banff is guaranteeing the success of that planting,” she said.
“We have lots of challenges with browsing, a very busy nightlife in town and acts of vandalism on our trees.”
