The Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission is applying for several million dollars in funding for the development of park ‘n’ ride lots on the outskirts of Banff and associated shuttle buses to get people downtown.
Officials say there is no specific location yet for park ‘n’ ride lots, but a more detailed plan will be put together in time for the Aug. 31 deadline for the third call of the Alberta government’s GreenTRIP funding.
“Anything to do with lots for intercept parking would be a negotiation with Parks Canada,” said Martin Bean, the commission’s chief administrative officer.
“It would be in negotiating where the best place for the lots would be and where they would give us approvals and where we could negotiate a land lease.”
BVRTSC is also applying for $1.6 million of a $2.7 million plan for a Banff-Lake Louise transit service, including buses and an intercept parking lot, which is a key part of the commission’s business plan.
For the development of two lots for park ‘n’ ride in Banff, BVRTSC is seeking $4.6 million to go towards the $7 million proposal and another $2 million for associated shuttle buses, two per lot, plus a spare bus.
The approval of GreenTRIP funding does not obligate the Town of Banff to spend or commit to the projects. If Banff were to move forward with all projects, then a one-third matching contribution would be required to the tune of $4.7 million.
“We’re looking at putting in projects we think have potential of moving forward over the next few years,” said Bean.
The long-term transportation study, which will be presented at the July 18 council meeting, recommends developing intercept parking. The transportation master plan and the downtown enhancement concept also recommend intercept lots.
Diana Waltmann, Banff’s communications manager, said the municipality estimates a need for about 500 stalls at each entrance to town and said the exact locations would be determined in conjunction with Parks Canada.
“There is no suitable Town-held land for intercept lots of this size,” she said.
“Possible locations are in the vicinity of The Fenlands, or incorporating The Fenlands lot, and on Banff Avenue just outside the town boundary, but we’re open to other suggestions.”
Waltmann said Parks Canada is one of the stakeholders in all transportation planning and they are in ongoing communication with them about all the initiatives, noting Parks is aware of the recommendations in all the documents.
“The Town wishes to capitalize on this window of availability in the GreenTrip funding, but the details of the application are not finalized,” she said.
GreenTRIP provides funding to municipalities to support local priorities for sustainable, affordable and environmentally sound public transit.
