Banff, Alberta — It hasn’t been there for a while, but it’s left quite the impression. That’s why the Banff sign, installed in 2017, is set to be relocated later this year.
The CBC reports that the town of Banff is planning to relocate the sign to the Banff railroad station, which is leased to Adam and Jan Waterous (also the owners of Mt. Norquay). This is intended to reduce congestion on Mount Norquay Avenue, which is a tight two-lane road that sees most of the traffic in the town of Banff.
The move was announced by Banff at a ceremony yesterday. At the press conference were the Mayor of Banff (Corrie DiManno) and the owners of Mt. Norquay. The plan is to move it overnight, with the transfer likely taking place at some point in October. The cost initially was C$350k to install back in 2017. The move, which will cost C$1.2 million, will be covered by the owners of Mt. Norquay.
“The Banff sign is more popular than we could have ever imagined, and there’s definitely some safety concerns around folks pulling over to get photos and make memories,” said the Mayor of Banff. “At times, you kind of feel like a Pac-Man game came to life, and council wanted to move (it) to a safer location.”
The move is meant as another pillar to build momentum towards the return of rail service to Banff. For years, Banff leaders, including the owners of Mt. Norquay, have tried to establish an active train route between Calgary and Banff. The proposal is currently being reviewed by the province of Alberta.
“What’s really been important to us and our family is to reinvigorate the railway lands and restore them to their place as the gateway to Banff,” stated Jan Waterous to the CBC. “We’ve been working hard to getting a passenger rail train from Calgary to Banff. We hope that will be for another announcement soon. But in the meantime, we’re doing what we can to really create a gathering place in this part of Banff.”
Mt. Norquay is continuing to make headlines, but it’s not because of this situation. A master plan from a few years ago is currently being reviewed by Parks Canada, which would lead to various improvements at the Alberta ski resort. This includes a gondola, which would replace the North American chair. The goal is to open the lift in late 2026.
Image Credits: Andy Holmes, Mt. Norquay Ski Resort
