Latest news with #Banff
CBC
6 days ago
- CBC
Banff entrance sign set to be relocated, but not everyone agrees on when
The iconic Banff sign won't greet visitors at the town's western entrance for much longer, amid concerns around traffic congestion and pedestrian safety. The sign is set to be removed from its current location on Mount Norquay Road in the near future and placed at a site adjacent to the Banff train station. No exact date has been set, but some members of council want the process expedited. A motion put forward during a Monday council meeting called for the "immediate removal and relocation" of the sign "for safety and congestion management." Coun. Hugh Pettigrew's motion indicated the sign "is contributing to significant traffic congestion and unsafe stopping patterns along a critical entry corridor," with the area experiencing "vehicle queuing past the Vermillion Lakes turnoff … even before peak summer visitation levels." Pettigrew acknowledged that there have been no major safety incidents at the sign, but pointed to complaints he had heard from concerned members of the public. "Steps need to be taken, or we are gonna have some risks," he said during the meeting, The motion was backed by two other councillors, Ted Christensen and Chip Olver, but ultimately defeated by the rest of the seven-person council. Mayor Connie DiManno, who voted against the motion, acknowledged increased visitation to Banff during the meeting, pointing to factors like the federal government's new Canada Strong Pass granting free entry into Banff National Park until Sept. 2 and significant population growth in the Calgary area. "There are external factors causing traffic," she said. "It's not the Banff sign." DiManno said that while council agrees the sign should be in a more pedestrian-friendly area, there's already a plan in place to relocate it on an agreed-upon timeline. "It's just taking more time than we all wish that it would, but I think we just need to be patient," she said. The relocation of the sign is being funded by Liricon Capital, which operates the Mount Norquay ski resort. According to the Town of Banff, if the sign were relocated outside the parameters of that agreement, the town would have to pay for it. Pettigrew's motion called for the town to allocate up to $10,000 to fund the sign's immediate removal. He said he picked the $10,000 figure based on the cost of temporarily removing and re-installing the sign for the G7 summit, which cost approximately $8,000, with the federal government covering that. That removal was due to the neighbouring Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre parking lot being used to accommodate a designated protest site during the G7, making removal of the sign necessary to prevent street parking by visitors. Sign has possibly been 'too successful' The sign was installed on Mount Norquay Road in 2017 "as part of an overall refresh of the town's wayfinding system," said Darren Enns, Banff's director of planning and environment. "It was intended to announce arrival into the town, and also give a chance for our visitors to take a quick photo," he told CBC News. "It's safe to say it's been very successful in those objectives, maybe even too successful." The sign's popularity with tourists looking to take photos has led to traffic concerns, Enns said. "Not all of them stopped where they should stop, which is in an off-site parking lot, and so we're looking to address some of that irregular vehicle behaviour that's occurred in association with the sign," he said. He said the town is not aware of any major safety incidents caused by the sign, and relocating it to "a more pedestrian-oriented environment over by the train station" will help keep it that way. "We're looking forward to seeing the sign relocated in the coming weeks, in August or September," Enns said. "The idea is that that sign is going to not just be a sign, it's going to provide a mountain backdrop," said Jasper Johnson, Mount Norquay's marketing and communications manager. "There's going to be fire pits, there's going to be paths that connect the parking lots to the train station, to the sign and to town, and provide a much better thoroughfare into town," he told CBC News. He said the sign's new location near the popular parking lot will allow people to take photos in a more pedestrian-friendly area without causing safety concerns. "We're finding that people just want their photo with that sign and, you know, you can't blame them," he said. "The idea of being able to move people into a safer spot, not take away that photo op … is a win-win for everybody."
CTV News
6 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Economic uncertainty cannot be new norm, says Canada at G20
Canada's Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne speaks to the media prior to the G7 Finance Ministers meeting in Banff, Alta., Tuesday, May 20, CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh Major economies cannot allow uncertainty to become the new norm even though they face a novel world of growing trade restrictions and tariffs, Canada's finance minister said on Thursday. G20 finance ministers and central bankers meeting near Durban face a challenge to produce a final communique at a meeting overshadowed by Donald Trump's tariffs and in the absence of U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Canada's Francois-Philippe Champagne told Reuters he was cautiously optimistic a final communique would be agreed, but that the G20 of large developed and developing countries had in any case to send a clear message. 'We cannot allow uncertainty to become the new certainty. Uncertainty is the word that came probably the most in the discussions today,' he said at the end of the first day of the July 17-18 G20 meeting. Champagne saw a major rebalancing of trade due to restrictions and tariffs that would lead to diversification, different alliances and even new shipping lanes. The minister, who will also chair a G7 meeting on Friday morning, said he wanted the G20 to end with statements that restored business and consumer confidence, saying there were a number of things nations could collectively work on to do so. This included infrastructure investment and African development, describing the continent as 'in many ways the future,' with a fast-growing $3.4 trillion economy and a rapidly expanding young population who needed to be given opportunities. 'The three pillars that attract investment are stability, predictability and the rule of law. And we need to work on that. I've even invited a number of African countries to formalize growing investment protection agreement,' he said. 'We want to see a flow of investments. We need to tackle that to provide investors the kind of confidence they need to invest.' (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Forbes
7 days ago
- Forbes
A Taste Of Banff: The Best Places To Eat, Play And Stay In Canada's Mountain Gem
Aerial View of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise With its snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and a charming downtown, it's no wonder Banff continues to top the list of Canada's most beloved travel destinations. Located in the picturesque Canadian Rockies in Alberta province, it's not just the scenery that makes Banff unforgettable. It's the whole experience: endless outdoor adventure, outstanding food, and luxurious places to rest your head. Whether you're visiting in the summer or winter, Banff is a magical place any time of year. Here's a curated guide to on where to eat, sleep, and play to help you make the most of your visit. Where to Eat in Banff Banff's food scene is impressive for a small town, offering a range of options from fine dining to casual spots. Many restaurants feature stunning mountain views as well as Alberta's seven signature ingredients: beef, bison, canola, honey, red fife wheat, root vegetables, and Saskatoon berries. Stephane Prevost, a Montreal native and owner of Block Kitchen and Bar, has watched Banff's culinary scene evolve steadily during the past two decades. 'We've seen a real shift,' he says. 'There's more diversity now, and the town is aligning itself with top foodie destinations.' He predicts that trend will continue, with fresh food concepts emerging and chefs placing a stronger emphasis on culinary tourism that showcases the region's identity through locally sourced ingredients. Block Kitchen and Bar, which opened in 2014, is a reflection of that evolution. The cozy, casual restaurant serves global cuisine with Asian influences, featuring dishes such as Korean fried chicken and smoked bison flatbread. Prevost also opened a sister restaurant, Shoku, in 2021, reflecting his love for Japan, where he lived for five years. The restaurant's smoked bison flatbread dish Local favorite Bluebird is one of the top brunch spots in Banff, and it's easy to see why. The brunch menu is stacked with decadent options, from a creative lineup of toasts–including French, prime rib, avocado, and smoked salmon–to soufflé pancakes and mimosa flights. Bluebird also has a selection of wood-fired grilled dishes, fondue, shareable plates, and craft cocktails. Bluebird is one of Banff's top brunch spots. Just a short stroll away, Lupo Italian Ristorante evokes the spirit of an Italian street market with its chic interiors and mosaic tiles. The colorful trattoria puts a modern spin on Italian classics with house-made pastas like rigatoni alla vodka and pesto campanelle, wood-fired pizzas, and a curated wine list. Lupo Italian Ristorante's interiors nod to traditional Italian street markets. The Fat Ox serves rustic Italian classics that blend handmade pastas with mountain flavors. Dishes include osso bucco with Alberta lamb, saffron risotto, Sicilian gremolata, and mint and wild boar chop with cippolini onions. For panoramic mountain views, visit Juniper Hotel Bistro, known for dishes like wild mushroom risotto and elk hash. At Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar, the first distillery in a Canadian national park, you can enjoy rotisserie chicken or bison burgers with house spirits or a tasting flight of their gin or vodka. You can also head down to the cellar for a guided spirit tasting. Spirit tasting at Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar For a lighter sip, visit Jolene's Tea House, tucked inside the historic Old Crag Cabin. The shop sells tea-inspired products and a wide selection of wildcrafted organic teas like Spirit Lake mint and milk oolong. Owner Jolene Brewster says, 'Ever since I was five years old, the simple ritual of tea has held a special place in my heart. It fills in all the corners of my life.' Her fondness of tea deepened as she began studying the healing power of plants, and she quickly fell in love with the idea of 'turning to nature for answers.' That passion led her to open her own tea shop in 2021. Things to Do in Banff Banff Avenue is the city's main street and center of activity. When visiting Banff, you'll likely end up strolling Banff Avenue, the city's main street. Lined with boutique shops, cozy cafés, art galleries, and outdoor gear stores, it's the perfect spot to grab a coffee, pick up some local artisan goods, or dive into the area's history at the Banff Park Museum. One of the best ways to take in Banff's beauty is on two wheels. Rent an e-bike or take a guided tour from Radventures and ride along scenic paths like the Legacy Trail or Vermilion Lakes Road. It's an easy, fun, and eco-friendly way to explore the area at your own pace. For those who want to learn the stories behind the scenery, Discover Banff Tours offers guided experiences ranging from wildlife spotting to exploring hidden waterfalls. Their small-group tours are great for all ages. No trip to Banff is complete without visiting the stunning Lake Louise. While the lake itself is solely worth the trip, don't miss the chance to lace up your boots and hike one of the many surrounding trails. The Lake Agnes Tea House hike is a fan favorite, combining a moderate trek with a sweet reward: tea and homemade goodies at a mountainside cabin. It's worth noting that hiking is only available during warmer months. Where to Stay in Banff A delightful afternoon tea overlooking Lake Louise Banff offers an array of accommodation options, from grand castle-like hotels to boutique properties. Inside the new Otter Hotel, you'll find a contemporary lodge with minimalist rooms, rooftop hot tubs, and the Good Folk Restaurant, which offers craft beers and creative dishes like Johnny cakes with haskap jam and Alberta bison tartare. Just outside downtown, the historic Fairmont Banff Springs, or 'Castle in the Rockies,' rises above Bow River with grand architecture and a top spa. Its elegant brasserie, the Vermillion Room, serves French dishes with mountain views and an indulgent brunch featuring DIY mimosas, pastries, and the signature eggs benedict.. If you really want to lean into that fairy-tale vibe, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the place. Perched right on the shores of Lake Louise, the Chateau provides unmatched access to trails, paddling, and views of Victoria Glacier. Don't miss the afternoon tea at Fairview Restaurant, with a classic spread of scones, clotted cream, delicate sandwiches, premium loose-leaf teas, and panoramic lake views.
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Competition Bureau drops inquiry into American attraction dominance in Banff and Jasper
Canada's Competition Bureau has dropped its probe into an American company's dominance of the Banff and Jasper sightseeing industries. Last summer, operators at Norquay, Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine filed a complaint against Arizona-based Viad Corp. At the time, they accused Viad and its subsidiary Pursuit of monopolistic practices after acquiring the Jasper SkyTram. The purchase brought the company's share of the area's so-called 'prime paid' tourist attractions to six of nine: it also operates the Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, the Columbia Icefield Adventure, the Lake Minnewanka Cruise and Jasper's Maligne Lake Cruise. Further, Viad owns the bus line Brewster Express—which transports thousands of tourists every day throughout the two national parks and their main sights—and 10 local hotels, including Banff's Mount Royal and Elk and Avenue. After the SkyTram purchase, competitors told CTV News Viad should be forced to sell off assets to increase consumer choice in the area. But this spring, the Competition Bureau of Canada sent Norquay Ski and Sightseeing Resort's Adam Waterous a note saying its investigation had come back clear. 'Based on the information obtained by the Bureau,' the letter reads, 'it does not appear the acquisition has resulted in or is likely to result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition.' 'The commissioner has discontinued the inquiry.'
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Potential measles exposures at multiple Calgary locations, Okotoks-area campground
Alberta Health Services is warning the public about two people with measles who separately visited a number of locations in the Calgary area. Alberta Health Services is warning the public about two people with measles who separately visited a number of locations in the Calgary area. Anyone at the following places at the following days and times might have been exposed and might be at risk of developing measles, depending on their immunization status: Traveller's Inn Motel (4611 16 Ave. N.W., Calgary) between 10 p.m. on July 8 and 12 p.m. on July 9; Banff Gondola (100 Mountain Ave., Banff) between 2 and 5 p.m. on July 9; Calgary Peterbilt (11550 44 St. S.E., Calgary) between 2:15 and 4:45 p.m. on July 9; GreatWest Kenworth (5909 6 St. S.E., Calgary) between 3 and 5:30 p.m. on July 9; NAPA Auto Parts (5530 3 St. S.E., Calgary) between 3:45 and 6:15 p.m. on July 9; South Health Campus Emergency Department (4448 Front St. S.E., Calgary) between 7:25 and 10:37 p.m. on July 11; and Riverbend Campground (48033 370 Ave. E., Okotoks) between July 7 and 15 (inclusive). 'Anyone who attended these locations at these times, who was born in or after 1970 and has fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine is at risk for developing measles,' AHS said. 'These individuals should self-monitor themselves for symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records.' According to AHS, measles symptoms include: Fever; Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and A rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, usually beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs. 'If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting any health-care facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy,' AHS said. AHS notes the disease is highly contagious. AHS also notes the vaccine is highly effective. With files by Damien Wood
