Photo of Banff's Pedestrian Zone / photo source Town of Banff X page
For a long time, the cost and complexity of business licenses have created a barrier for independant Indigenous businesses to break into the popular mountain town. The costs, a $260 base fee for residents plus schedule B fees to support Banff and Lake Louise Tourism’s marketing to a $520 base fee plus schedule B costs for non-residents, have been enough to keep smaller vendors out of Banff.
There is a moving shift in attitude among Banff residents, a desire to move past simple acknowledging , and move into actions through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s action plan, and are looking for opportunities to strengthen the engagements with Indigenous peoples.
The Town of Banff officials say they hear the concerns, and town council are looking to potentially waive those fees for wholly Indigenous-owned businesses with an annual revenue of $30,000 or less.
Research shows that one in three Albertans are actively seeking opportunities to connect with place through Indigenous learning and experiences.
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