FAQs

The Fenlands Future process has been designed to help the Town of Banff design activities and programs that the widest range of residents will use in The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre.  With the space previously leased by the Banff Hockey Academy now open, it’s a good time to consider options to make sure The Fenlands is enjoyed by as many residents as possible.

Public engagement will compile ideas and opinions that will help the Town decide what to program inside The Fenlands and if there are renovations needed to support different activities. A design concept and recommendations based on public input will be presented to Banff Town Council for consideration. This vision for The Fenlands Future will guide the process:

The Fenlands Future process will provide a clear direction and an exciting plan that reflects a sustainable, functional and affordable Fenlands. It will result in a recreation centre that is valued and well-used by the community, able to evolve as needs change over time.

Information provided through this consultation process will be used in two ways.  First, public input will be used to develop conceptual design drawings of the empty and underutilized spaces with activity and space options supported by the Phase I feedback. Second, public feedback on the concept options will be presented to council in September 2021. At that time, council will provide short and long-term direction to administration for the empty and underutilized spaces.

Through connections with local groups and organizations, and the Settlement Services team, all residents are encouraged to share their ideas and perspectives either in focus groups or submitted comment forms supporting different languages. A discussion guide has been prepared to help have these important conversations.

Because of COVID-19, some types of public engagement normally used will not be offered. Large public meetings will not be allowed. Instead, the engagement process includes an online survey, an online workshop, submitted print discussion guides, and COVID-safe focus groups for people to share their ideas at a distance. All of the engagement opportunities provided will be organized with the priority on maintaining on safety.

On average, The Fenlands attracts more than 85,000 visits per year.

The most common activities at The Fenlands includes skating, hockey, yoga, first aid, avalanche safety training, curling, roller skating, the KidZone bouncy castles & activities, and sports on the “dry floor” in seasons when the ice surface is removed from the arenas.

Engagement for The Fenlands Centre Renewal is being generously funded by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation

The option of another ice sport business to use The Fenlands’ facilities is definitely something that will be considered. Through the survey and engagement opportunities, we’re asking residents and organizations if the Town should keep the vacated space in the same way it is now and pursue another long-term private tenant, or if we should implement other options for community use.

There are practical considerations and infrastructure limitations that will restrict what we can consider for The Fenlands’ future. Unfortunately, it’s not possible for The Fenlands to consider expanding outwards, given the important wildlife corridor behind the building and the train tracks and private lands in the front. We cannot explore an additional floor. Amenities such as a pool and large gymnasium are not being considered. Council has also requested that only summer seasonal uses for the ice surfaces and curling rink be considered. Permanent changes to those ice rinks are not an option.