Banff Votes Against Pedestrian-Only Zone

Residents of Banff, Alta., voted against maintaining a pedestrian-only zone on Banff Avenue, a measure initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The unofficial results showed 1,328 votes against and 1,194 in favor. Concerns from opponents included traffic being diverted to residential neighborhoods, potential evacuation route blockages, and business inequities. Following the vote, Banff town council must pass a bylaw to rescind the pedestrian zone decision at their next meeting on August 26, after which public amenities in the zone will be dismantled. Proponents of the zone argued it benefited tourism and reduced vehicle traffic, but the divisive issue has created significant local tension. Official results will be confirmed shortly.