Banff tourism drives big increase in residential and commercial projects
Last year the town issued the most building and development permits in 5 years
While it may not constitute a boom, last year the town of Banff issued the highest number of development and building permits in five years.
Kurt Schroeder with Banff and Lake Louise Tourism says construction projects like a new hotel on Banff's main drag and renovations at other small businesses are signs that tourism numbers are improving.
"We are seeing definitely double-digit growth year over year," he said, citing the low Canadian dollar for drawing in more international visitors.
Town officials credit part of the permit bonanza to a new incentive program for residents to install solar panels on their homes, but Darren Enns, the senior planner for the Town of Banff, says there are also more businesses investing in upgrades.
"There are a lot of smaller projects, suggesting that people are capitalizing on a very strong year for tourism in the summer and trying to re-invest in old spaces."