Major step in redevelopment of Banff National Park 200-Block announced by Parks Canada. Ronniechua/Dreamstime.com

By Jayk Sterkenburg

PROVINCE

Parks Canada announces major step in redevelopment of Banff National Park 200-Block

Feb 7, 2025 | 10:23 AM

Parks Canada announced Friday that the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada has been engaged to develop a new conceptual design in Banff National Park.

RAIC will oversee an international design competition for the 200-block of Banff Avenue Redevelopment Project.

Ron Hallman, president and chief executive officer of Parks Canada, said that this is a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine a vital space in Banff.

“One that will not only honor the heritage of Canada’s first national park but also invite the world to experience the natural beauty and timeless wonder of this cherished destination,” he said in a statement Friday.

For two and a half decades, Parks Canada has been working to obtain lands and develop a vision for the 200-Block of Banff Avenue in Banff National Park.

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Redevelopment site includes lots 4-13 on Banff Avenue. Parks Canada

In 2022, Parks Canada received funding to proceed with detailed studies of the site and initiate engagement with Indigenous communities, stakeholders and the public on the vision for redevelopment.

Parks Canada said that it received numerous comments online, through meetings with stakeholders and Indigenous groups, as well as from community members.

Parks Canada heard clearly that the re-development of the 200-block of Banff Avenue presents a unique opportunity to modernize facilities and open spaces in downtown Banff.

It would also encourage connection with the national park, foster a welcoming and vibrant community, and look at options to address housing needs for eligible residents.

Concluding in March 2026, the design competition for the 200-Block of the Redevelopment Project will follow established industry standards and protocols and bring professional expertise to the evaluation process to generate conceptual designs for the site.

Parks Canada said that the feedback gathered so far through engagement will be used to guide the design competition.

All applicants will need to ensure the values and vision shared by Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the public are reflected in the conceptual design options that are developed.

Ensuring the views and values of Canadians are reflected in park management and decision-making is a priority, Parks Canada said.

As work advances on an idea first envisioned almost 25 years ago, there will be continued opportunity for provided input and perspectives.

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