The Town of Banff’s planning and development department wants to hire a half-time development compliance officer.
The salary would be $23,550, plus a benefits package.
Officials say this position would be responsible for monitoring, investigating and enforcing development permit conditions, environmental compliance monitoring and managing complaints on land use issues and business licences.
“This includes inspecting sites to assess situations and gather evidence, provide follow-up to gain compliance where voluntary compliance is not gained and to pursue enforcement action under relevant planning and environmental legislation as required,” said Randall McKay, Banff’s planning and development manager.
The proposed new position was on the agenda for the service level review meeting Wednesday (Nov. 18), but the discussion and vote could not be reported by the Outlook’s deadline.
In order to streamline environmental assessment approvals within the townsite, McKay said the Town of Banff and Parks Canada have agreed that brief class screening reports are generally acceptable.
But he said even projects considered to be routine come with a variety of mitigation measures designed to remove or reduce potential environmental effects, and cover water and soil pollution sources, wildlife attractants, vegetation disturbance, erosion and more.
“It is always preferable for the Town of Banff and developer-proponent to proactively address any concerns that may arise before involving Parks Canada, but regular monitoring resources have been limited and inconsistent,” said McKay.
While this position would monitor a variety of projects for compliance, McKay said recent major construction projects of note include a new hotel and residential apartment housing development at the intersection Banff Avenue and Moose Street.
“It is anticipated that significant reinvestment and construction will continue in the coming years,” he said.
Banff’s planning and development department is also proposing to hire a summer student, with a wage of $10,640 plus benefits.
The student would be responsible for conducting research, preparing background reports and supporting planning projects.
“This student position would continue to provide support in addressing key actions identified in the 2014 Town of Banff Housing Strategy,” said McKay.
“(They would) assist with a number of other planning initiatives, including education-customer service programs, drafting bylaw amendments and updating planning policies and procedures.”
