What’s happening on Wolf Street and why?

Wolf Street is being reconstructed in 2028 between Bear Street and Banff Avenue to replace the water main and storm drainage system under the road. The current utility pipes were installed more than 50 years ago. Replacing them reduces the risk of breaks and unscheduled repairs.

When roads are excavated to replace utilities like water and drainage pipes, and to relocate power, gas and telecommunications lines, the Town schedules renewal of the surface features at the same time, to upgrade to current design standards and improve transportation options and amenities.

Where is the project?

The 64-metre section of Wolf Street between Banff Avenue and Bear Street is being replaced. The reconstruction will extend from the building face on the north side of the street to the building face on the south side of the street, including sidewalks.

The intersection at Bear Street is not part of this project because it was reconstructed in 2021. The project does not include Wolf Street west of Bear Street towards Lynx Street, or east of Banff Avenue.

When is the construction happening?

The construction is planned for 2028. The month-to-month scheduling of excavation, replacement and surface work has not been finalized.

The Town will consult with tenants on the street and affected businesses to identify timing considerations that can minimize impact of construction. This may involve pausing construction in peak season or proceeding with continuous construction until complete.

What principles guide initial Wolf Street redesign?

• Accommodate the growth in pedestrian traffic with wider sidewalks
• Prioritize travel for east-west vehicle traffic between Lynx Street and Banff Avenue, including for large vehicles such as trucks, RVs, and tour buses.
• Support service vehicle access to the one-way alley entered from Wolf Street
• Extend the Banff Refreshing design style used to rebuild Banff Avenue in 2007
• Include space for additional bicycle parking, planters for shade, public seating, pedestrian waste bins
• Town of Banff Streetscape Design Guidelines (Council-approved guide for rebuilding different types of streets based on location and uses)

How will feedback be used?

• input, ideas and comments collected from all the engagement will be used by the project team to refine the concept design for Wolf Street Renewal
• a What We Heard report on all feedback will be published online and presented with recommended concept designs to Banff Town Council in early 2027
• Banff Town Council will make decisions based on:
  • public input collected
  • financial constraints
  • safety requirements
  • environmental factors
  • economic impacts
  • social/community considerations