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What’s Next for Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone?
Workshop Presentation – Town of Banff
November 21, 2023

Proposed Banff-Calgary train proposal still on track
Rocky Mountain Outlook
November 2, 2023

Proposed Calgary-to-Banff rail link looking for provincial funds
Global News (includes clip from Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta)
December 8, 2021

Banff Town Council hears discussion about gondola to Mount Norquay

Jan Waterous appeared in front of Banff Town Council on behalf of Liricon to address the Notice of Motion that was brought forward by a Banff Town Councillor. The motion was to amend the Railway Lands Area Development Plan (ARP) by removing the reference to the Mount Norquay gondola base station in the ARP Terms of Reference.

As highlighted in the submission that was put forward by Liricon to accompany Jan’s time in front of Council. A key element of the ARP is to incorporate and develop an integrated gondola terminus connecting the townsite to the Norquay Ski and Sightseeing Resort by an aerial transit system. The purpose of a Town to Norquay Base Gondola as specified in Norquay’s Site Guidelines (2011) is to enhance the ecological integrity of the Cascade Wildlife Corridor and improve the visitor experience.

Parks Canada turned down Norquay’s first proposal, a large, 4-station gondola to Norquay’s summit in December 2019. However, Parks Canada did convey that they remain open to approving a smaller, 2-station gondola from the Town to Norquay’s base. Importantly, both Parks Canada and the Town must review and approve the ARP.

Amongst the benefits to the Town of Banff, a Town to Norquay Base gondola generates a revenue stream that allows for providing 600+ stalls of free intercept parking and a 5.2-hectare nature reserve, to be economically sustainable for decades to come. An ARP that includes a gondola terminus is necessary but not sufficient for an approved gondola. Following a Town of Banff approved ARP with a gondola terminus, a Town to Norquay Base Gondola will require a separate Parks Canada approval process which will include extensive public consultation.

With this background, Norquay and Town Administration have been working together in good faith and transparently since January 2020 on the ARP which includes a potential gondola terminus.

August 9, 2021

Banff train proposal picks up steam
Globe & Mail
November 19, 2020

Assessing rail service between Calgary and Banff
Government of Alberta press release
June 9, 2020

Is Banff ready to curb cars?
Calgary Herald
September 14, 2019

Proposed eco-hub transit project in Banff shows vast support
CTV News Calgary, online
September 14, 2019

Banff Eco-Transit Hub Intercept Lot grand opening – community event
Remarks by Karen Sorensen, Town of Banff Mayor
September 13, 2019

Mt. Norquay Aerial Transit Update
House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance
May 15, 2019

Mass transit viable option for Banff-Calgary route
Rocky Mountain Outlook
February 28, 2019

Banff council paves way for intercept parking lot
Rocky Mountain Outlook
February 14, 2019

   

Banff Railway Lands, Area Redevelopment Plan.
A project by Banff-based, family-owned, Liricon.