The Banff welcome sign has moved. It now sits on an elevated terrace in a brand new park beside the Train Station Parking Lot, with the heritage Train Station and Mount Norquay behind it for the family photo.
The Town of Banff opened the park on Sept. 18, 2026, seven years to the day since the 500-stall free parking lot next door opened. Locals Jan and Adam Waterous funded the $1.3-million project, including moving the sign from Norquay Road. Mayor Corrie DiManno says no tax dollars were used.
What's in the park
The park covers 2,000 square metres. It has:
- grass, mature trees and boulders for seating
- a wandering cinder trail
- three natural gas fire pits, which visitors run themselves on timers
- perimeter screens that give nearby homes some privacy
The park will be officially named at a future Banff Town Council meeting.
Why it moved
The old spot had its troubles. The Mayor says people parked illegally and walked in traffic on Norquay Road, and the crosswalk and the Legacy Trail were always busy. She says the new location is much safer for pedestrians.
The Town says the lot has helped with traffic too. It averaged 1,700 vehicles a day in July and August 2026, about 11% of the traffic coming into town. Even so, an average of 416 vehicles a day arrived, found it full and left.
What's next
The Waterous family has also worked with the Town on a plan for the surrounding Railway Lands, which would start with another 500 spaces north of the tracks. Parks Canada is expected to run a 60-day public consultation in the coming months.
More on the sign relocation and the Railway Lands Area Redevelopment Plan is on the Town of Banff website.