The Town of Banff is working to better understand how tourism affects the daily lives of residents as the community navigates the pressures of record visitor numbers in Alberta. Through ongoing public engagement initiatives, local officials are gathering feedback to help address concerns regarding housing availability, traffic, and the town’s overall quality of life.
Recent data highlights why these conversations are taking place. A resident satisfaction survey from May 2025 showed that while 95 percent of residents remain satisfied with their quality of life, more than one-third of respondents reported a decline over the previous three years. Participants frequently pointed to rising costs, tourism, and overcrowding as the primary factors. Notably, the number of residents identifying overcrowding as a concern grew from 7 percent in 2023 to 19 percent by 2025.
To capture community input, the Town of Banff maintains Banff Viewpoints, an online platform where residents can share their perspectives on various local projects and policies. Additionally, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism recently concluded an online survey on April 27, 2026, which invited locals to share their experiences regarding tourism in the region.
Mayor Corrie DiManno has noted that the municipal council is actively reviewing these themes, including the cost of living and the sense of overcrowding. These efforts align with the ongoing updates to the Banff Community Plan, which was passed by council in September 2025 and currently awaits federal approval. Residents have previously expressed that a sustainable management plan is vital for maintaining the community’s health and wellbeing.
In response to the identified need for more living options, the town is also moving forward with infrastructure projects. On March 17, 2026, officials broke ground on the Wolf Street Housing Project. This 41.5 million dollar development is expected to provide 90 affordable homes, including 75 rental units and 15 condos, to help ease the housing shortage for those who live and work in the community.
