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200-Block Banff Avenue Redevelopment

Over the past two and a half decades, Parks Canada has been working towards obtaining lands and developing a future-forward vision for the redevelopment of the 200-Block of Banff Avenue. The long-held vision for the 10 contiguous lots is that they would be revitalized to contain purpose-built spaces and facilities to support visitor reception, enjoyment and connection with the rest of the park, and foster understanding of the challenges faced by protected areas like Banff National Park.

In 2022, Parks Canada received funding to proceed with detailed studies of the site and initiate engagement with Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the public on the vision for redevelopment.

All feedback from the first phase of engagement has been reviewed and considered and Parks Canada has prepared a What We Heard Summary. (See 'Documents' section)

Parks Canada heard clearly that the redevelopment of the 200-block of Banff Avenue presents a unique opportunity to:

  • modernize facilities and open spaces in downtown Banff to welcome national park visitors,
  • encourage connection with the national park,
  • foster a welcoming and vibrant community, and
  • look at options to address housing needs for eligible residents.

Given the scope and legacy of this project, Parks Canada has contracted the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) to oversee an International Design Competition. Concluding in March of 2026, the competition will follow established standards and protocols and bring professional expertise to the evaluation process to generate conceptual designs for the site.

The feedback received through engagement is being used to guide the design competition, as all applicants will need to ensure that the values and vision shared by Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the public, are reflected in the conceptual design options that are developed.

This is a unique, once in a generation opportunity to redevelop 10 contiguous lots in downtown Banff into a vibrant public space that provides a true-to-place experience for visitors which inspires exploration, builds stewardship, and encourages connection.

Link to RAIC site: 200-Block Banff Avenue Redevelopment Project | Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

We Want to Hear from You!

Parks Canada wants to ensure that the 200-Block redevelopment reflects the values and views of Canadians and makes a meaningful contribution to the visitor experience. Advice and feedback from Canadians are an essential component in achieving this. A summary of what we heard during the first phase of engagement is below.

Please check back regularly for the second phase of engagement when we seek input on the conceptual designs submitted through the design competition

Over the past two and a half decades, Parks Canada has been working towards obtaining lands and developing a future-forward vision for the redevelopment of the 200-Block of Banff Avenue. The long-held vision for the 10 contiguous lots is that they would be revitalized to contain purpose-built spaces and facilities to support visitor reception, enjoyment and connection with the rest of the park, and foster understanding of the challenges faced by protected areas like Banff National Park.

In 2022, Parks Canada received funding to proceed with detailed studies of the site and initiate engagement with Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the public on the vision for redevelopment.

All feedback from the first phase of engagement has been reviewed and considered and Parks Canada has prepared a What We Heard Summary. (See 'Documents' section)

Parks Canada heard clearly that the redevelopment of the 200-block of Banff Avenue presents a unique opportunity to:

  • modernize facilities and open spaces in downtown Banff to welcome national park visitors,
  • encourage connection with the national park,
  • foster a welcoming and vibrant community, and
  • look at options to address housing needs for eligible residents.

Given the scope and legacy of this project, Parks Canada has contracted the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) to oversee an International Design Competition. Concluding in March of 2026, the competition will follow established standards and protocols and bring professional expertise to the evaluation process to generate conceptual designs for the site.

The feedback received through engagement is being used to guide the design competition, as all applicants will need to ensure that the values and vision shared by Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the public, are reflected in the conceptual design options that are developed.

This is a unique, once in a generation opportunity to redevelop 10 contiguous lots in downtown Banff into a vibrant public space that provides a true-to-place experience for visitors which inspires exploration, builds stewardship, and encourages connection.

Link to RAIC site: 200-Block Banff Avenue Redevelopment Project | Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

We Want to Hear from You!

Parks Canada wants to ensure that the 200-Block redevelopment reflects the values and views of Canadians and makes a meaningful contribution to the visitor experience. Advice and feedback from Canadians are an essential component in achieving this. A summary of what we heard during the first phase of engagement is below.

Please check back regularly for the second phase of engagement when we seek input on the conceptual designs submitted through the design competition

Page last updated: 07 Feb 2025, 11:27 AM