Parks Canada has engaged the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada to oversee an international design competition to develop a conceptual design for the 200-block of Banff Avenue Redevelopment Project.
February 7, 2025 Banff, Alberta Parks Canada
For two and a half decades, Parks Canada has been working to obtain lands and develop a vision for the 200-Block of Banff Avenue in Banff National Park.
Today, Parks Canada is announcing that the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada has been engaged to launch an international competition to develop a new conceptual design for this iconic area.
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. Parks Canada received numerous comments online, through meetings with stakeholders and Indigenous groups, as well as from community members. Parks Canada heard clearly that the re-development 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.
Concluding in March 2026, the design competition for the 200-Block of the Banff Avenue Redevelopment Project will follow established industry standards and protocols and bring professional expertise to the evaluation process to generate conceptual designs for the site.
The feedback gathered so far through engagement will be used to guide the design competition, as all applicants will need to ensure the values and vision shared by Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the public are reflected in the conceptual design options that are developed.
Ensuring the views and values of Canadians are reflected in park management and decision-making is a priority for Parks Canada. As work advances on an idea first envisioned almost 25 years ago, there will be continued opportunity for people to provide input and share their perspectives. Information and updates will be posted as they become available:
https://www.letstalkmountainparks.ca/200-block-banff-avenue-redevelopment
