Banff paid parking pilot project could end early

The pilot project aimed to alter the driving habits of the town’s residents and encourage turnover of high-demand parking spots

Backlash from some members of the community could put an end to the paid parking pilot project in Banff about a month early.

Pay parking machines were installed at five of Banff’s most popular parking lots and users were charged $2 per hour between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

The project was set up to run from August 1 to October 31 and the intent was to try and reduce traffic in the town.

Residents upset with the project filed a petitionon July 31 to have it ended.

Town council had two options; either rescind the motions as requested, or hold a vote of the electorate on the petition questions.

Council passed first reading of a bylaw to rescind the June motions and will hold a meeting on the issue on September 29th to consider a second and third reading.

If the third reading is passed, the trial will end on September 30.