As part of the development of the Banff housing study, Banff Housing Corporation (BHC) is inviting residents to participate in a series of focus groups in late February to gather feedback, experiences and ideas.
BHC, with the support of Town council, commissioned the study to identify the housing needs for Banff for the next 10 years, complete an affordability analysis with respect to housing in Banff and identify any gaps that may exist between housing supply and demand in town.
Residents will be asked to share their experiences in making their home in Banff at the focus groups.
For more information and to register for the focus groups, visit banffhousingstudy.com
According to the Town of Banff, research shows that Banff has a high degree of population mobility –higher than the province as a whole.
Since 2000, both the federal census and the Town’s municipal census indicate an average annual growth rate of 0.6 per cent for the total population (taking into consideration periods or cycles of economic growth, transition, stabilization, and decline). A more detailed look at the Town’s permanent population shows an average annual growth rate of 2.5 per cent since 2000.
Census data from 2000 to 2011 shows Banff may be experiencing a shift in the demographic profiles – an increase in the ratio of infants and young children (ages 0-4); a decline in the ratio of youth (15 to 29); an increase in the ratio of adults (40+); and a significant increase (i.e., the largest increase occurring) in the ratio of empty nesters (55+) and seniors (65+).
The focus groups Tuesday (Feb. 19) include 9-11 a.m. at Town Hall for new Canadians and permandent residents; 1-3 p.m. for families with children and 7-9 p.m. for single people (30+).
Wednesday (Feb. 20), sessions include 10 a.m. to noon at Town Hall for businesses owners/operators; 1-3 p.m. at Banff Seniors’ Centre for seniors and those with mobility challenges and 7-9 p.m. at the Seniors’ Centre for young adults (18-30).
Sessions continue Feb. 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Town Hall for families with children; 4-6 p.m. for managers (all sectors) and 7-9 p.m. for young couples.
Finally, on March 1, a session will be held from 3-5 p.m. at Town Hall for young couples.
