Editor:
In reading all the letters and articles about parking and other issues in Banff I have to say that I have great sympathy for anyone on our town council.
There seems to be an idea that if you have lived in town for a certain amount of time that Banff should do what is best for you, not what is best for everyone overall.
The idea that the town is ours (people who reside in town) I also find interesting. No one owns Banff. It is not our town only. It is a town like no other in the world and that is why there are so many people that come to visit it.
We are all only temporary caretakers of this place.
I have no problem with testing paid parking. If it works, then go for it. If it doesn’t, then fine, we move on. The world will not come to an end. Many of us are more than capable of walking/biking around this small town; which is both good for our health and for air quality. For those that do not have that mobility possibly a locals-only handicap access pass free of charge would be a solution.
If you need more than 15 minutes at the post office, there is longer term parking right across the street and around the corner. Same for Nestors parking.
I personally love the new pedestrian bridge and walk across it frequently. I look forward to the day that a bridge links to the recreation grounds as well. It is all part of providing a great trail system around our town.
I have spoken with thousands of locals and tourists combined who also love it as well. I also love the beauty of Banff Avenue. The trees and landscaping are beautiful and it is wonderful to see people enjoying our main street.
I have found the scramble crosswalks to work very well. Yes, there were a hiccup or two to start with, no right turns on red lights, for example, but now that has been taken down and everyone is getting used to it I believe it works fine. I have used the same system in New Zealand, Japan and Europe and it works very well.
For those that are adamantly against council, I think it would be very healthy to run for council and spend a few years sitting in those chairs. That is not an easy thing to do.
I want people to know that not everyone is in agreement with the louder voices in town.
I know that not everyone will agree with me and that is fine as well.
Good luck town council. I also do not agree with every decision, however, I do respect the work and job you do.
Rory Zolob,
Banff
