The Banff Eco-Transit Hub, supported by the Banff Railway Lands Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP), is a proposed multimodal, sustainable transportation initiative that re-establishes the coexistence of people and wildlife movement in Banff National Park and the Town of Banff. It aims to restore and transform the historic Banff Train Station and its surrounding lands from a former brownfield site to a visitor destination.

Through the Banff Eco-Transit Hub initiative, the western entrance to Banff is being reimagined as an arrival centre for green transit systems. This project could provide additional intercept parking as well as the opportunity for potential projects such as passenger rail to Calgary and municipalities along the way.

Beyond transportation systems, the Banff Eco-Transit Hub will be a focus for community and social spaces, entertainment and cultural events, learning opportunities, and a visitor services and dining destination with iconic, authentic, yet modern structures all rolled into one walkable space: “Banff Starts Here.”

Now approved by Banff Town Council, the Banff Railway Lands ARP will be a catalyst for the larger Banff Eco-Transit Hub initiative by putting in place appropriate mobility and open space policies and programs.

The reimagining of the area is based on an innovative vision for these lands, that reaches beyond the boundaries of the Town of Banff and the ARP bylaw. It will enable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the creation of additional intercept parking, and include the restoration of the CP Gardens, Queen’s Willows, and the development of significant public spaces including the Railway Heritage Plaza and Railway Avenue.

The project provides the opportunity for governments and the private sector to work together to form public-private-partnerships to advance various projects including, but not limited to:

• Potential Calgary Airport to Banff passenger rail
• Creating shuttle-only services to points of interest
• Enhancing the Fenland Indian Grounds Wildlife Corridor
• Restoring railway heritage buildings.

These partnerships can help support BANFF NATIONAL PARK NET ZERO 2035, a grassroots initiative to make Banff National Park North America’s first net zero emissions community. More information can be found at banffnationalparknetzero2035.ca.