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Banff introduces new way to find out about development projects

“It’s a way people can easily inform themselves and get educated on what’s happening around them."
Town of Banff
Banff town hall. RMO FILE PHOTO

BANFF – A new way to find out about development proposals in Banff has been launched on the municipality’s website.

This new online feature, which can be found at www.banff.ca/development, shows a map of all development permits in town, including those under review, and approved and declined permits.

Town of Banff officials say residents can use this tool to see what’s happening in their neighbourhood, and find out more information about the project, including the type of development, the status of the application and the land use district it’s located in.

Councillor Corrie DiManno said more awareness may also lead to less controversy about certain development proposals at the 11th hour, or after permits have been approved already.

“It’s a way people can easily inform themselves and get educated on what’s happening around them,” said DiManno, who is also a council representative on the Municipal Planning Commission.

“Folks are busy and have a lot on the go … and things like development around you can fall through your everyday cracks, and you don’t know until you know, and by then you’re in a different part of the process.”

One hope is the number of appeals to Banff’s Development Appeal board may decrease.

In 2018, there were six appeals – one related to duplex housing, four bed and breakfasts, and one accessory dwelling.

So far in 2019, there have been four – two related to cannabis stores, one illegal apartment housing and two bed and breakfast homes.

“The appeal process is valuable, but it’s not the only process to have impact and input on development permits,” said Emma Sanborn, a planner with the Town of Banff.

The Town also has new and improved development signs in a bid to increase public awareness about development proposals in the community.

In addition, a new trial will see postcards sent to property owners within a 45-metre radius of a property line where a development permit application has been submitted that requires an application notification sign.

“There’s a suite of projects that we’ve be doing to encourage people to be better informed about developments,” Sanborn said.

 

 

 

 

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