The inaugural Banff marathon in June 2014 had an estimated economic impact of $3.5 million and the Banff triathlon in September 2013 had a $2.8 million economic impact, according to a report presented to Banff council on Monday (Sept. 8).
The marathon drew more than 1,300 participants from 17 countries in its first year, while the triathlon drew 1,032 participants. This year’s GranFondo saw 1,333 competitors, but the economic benefits have not yet been provided.
Town of Banff officials say special events bolster visitation and are identified as an economic generator for the community.
“Back in 2004-05, there was a very conscious effort to look at special events, not only to draw people to the destination, but also to delight people who were already here,” said Mayor Karen Sorensen.
But Cynthia Anderson, who went after the mayoral seat in last October’s municipal election, told council that Banff National Park is no place for large-scale commercial special events.
She has asked for the Town of Banff to do a survey of residents and businesses so the community can be given an opportunity to make their opinions known on special events. She said it could possibly be confidential, as many feel intimidated to speak out against the events.
Anderson said special events add to congestion and chaos in the already busy townsite.
“I don’t believe Banff is an appropriate venue to host events that prevent people accessing roads, trails and many of the facilities here,” she said. “For-profit special events diminish the experience for people coming to enjoy the national park.”
The reports indicated that 56 per cent of marathon participants stayed in hotels, and the average nights stayed was 3.1. For the triathlon, almost 60 per cent of participants booked hotels and stayed an average of 3.2 nights.
As for the GranFondo event in August, 39 per cent stayed for one night, 38 per cent stayed for two nights and 14 per cent stayed for three nights.
Paul Regensburg, director of the Banff marathon, said special events provide destination marketing for Banff around the world.
“Although it’s an inconvenience to the community, we work with the Town of Banff and Parks Canada to limits those inconveniences,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Town of Banff is extending the black out period for closures on Banff Avenue next year to three months between June 15 and Sept. 15 in response to public feedback and increased traffic.
Connie Grace, the Town of Banff’s destination events coordinator, said special events producers have been told there will be no closures allowed on the 100 to 300 block of Banff Avenue during this window, except for the Canada Day and Freedom of the Town parades.
“This extension impacts two current events – bike fest and Subaru Banff triathlon – and both producers are extremely willing to work within the new parameters,” she said.
Grace said work to limit the affect of road closures and traffic interruptions of these events on the downtown core are ongoing. Routes have been changed based on feedback, noting the GranFondo route was changed this year to avoid downtown Banff Avenue altogether.
“Advance communications warning motorists have been increased,” she said. “Electronic signs are placed on the Trans-Canada Highway several days to a week in advance of an event involving major closures.”
A debriefing and public feedback session on this year’s GranFondo will be held in council chambers on Sept. 16 at 5 p.m.
