Banff approves pilot project to make town more pedestrian friendly

The Town of Banff approved a pilot project Mondayto make one of its downtown routes more pedestrian friendly this summer.

The idea behind the plan is to give visitors an option of getting away from congested Banff Avenue during the summer months.

Bear Street, which runs parallel to Banff Avenue, has already been slated for changes in 2018, but council has been considering some trials this summer "to see what works and what doesn't'," said Deputy Mayor GrantCanning.

• Banff poised to benefit from low dollar, cheaper gas

The project involvesestablishing traffic-calming measures and gives priority to pedestrians and cyclists, modelled after a Dutch ideacalled 'woonerf',which means 'shared street."

It also includes addingextra seating areas using park benches and the creation of 'parkettes,' where people can relax and congregate, Canning said.

The project means at least 12 parking spots willbe eliminated.

"Bear Street would be a destination unto itself," said Canning. "It creates a very different experience than what you would get on Banff Avenue."

Canning said local residents seemto supportive of the idea, while some business owners are concerned about the loss of parking.

The changes shouldcome into effect in time for the busy summer tourist season.