The Town of Banff, Alberta, is holding a public hearing on March 10, 2026, to discuss new rules that would require homeowners and businesses to remove fire hazards from their properties. Known as Proposed Bylaw 494, the amendment would make it mandatory for residents to clear items like dead trees and long grass within 10 metres of any building.
This update to local community standards would change fire safety practices from voluntary suggestions to legal requirements. Property owners would be responsible for maintaining a defensible space around their structures to help protect the neighbourhood from the threat of wildfires.
According to Katherine Severson, the Director of Emergency and Protective Services for the town, the proposed changes follow a legal review that looked at realistic wildfire scenarios. The goal of the amendment is to ensure property maintenance practices effectively lower the risk of fire spreading through the townsite.
These amendments were first brought forward in early 2025 following a report from town administration on reducing wildfire risks. Residents and business owners can share their thoughts on the new rules during the hearing before the Banff Town Council makes a final decision on the bylaw.
