Banff bans overnight parking

The town of Banff will be a little less car friendly this winter after the mountain community decided to ban overnight parking on its downtown streets.

Town officials say the move makes snow clearing snow more efficient throughout the winter months.

Councillor Brian Standish said residents want their snow removed more quickly and in a way that doesn't leave huge drifts on each side of the street.

"With this restriction the plows will come in, clear the roads, the roads will maintain their width and the sidewalks will be clear" said Standish.

The overnight ban will run 7 days a week from 2 a.m. until 7 a.m. downtown, regardless of the weather. It come into effect as soon as the signs go up this month. and will last until May. 

But not everyone on Banff's town council supports the move. Councillor Grant Canning voted against the ban due to concerns over drinking and driving. 

"We never want to be in a position where we're telling our visitors or our residents that yeah you know you've had a couple of drinks, but you know, you need to move your vehicle," said Canning.

Some local business owners have mixed feelings about the ban. The owner of the Saltlik restaurant, James Sachkiw, says the ban should only be put in place after it snows, "For me I guess its a wait and see, let's see how it works, I guess there's a trial in everything" said Sachkiw.

The overnight parking ban will begin as a one year long pilot project and officials say for now, no tickets will be issued to enforce the ban.