Episode 76. Building Banff’s Future with Town Council Candidate Mark Walker | Overheard Podcast
How do we balance Banff’s future between being a world-class tourist destination and a livable, affordable community for residents? In this episode of the Overheard Podcast, recorded live in Banff, hosts Daniel Ruedl and Matty Rage sit down with Town Council Candidate Mark Walker to talk housing, traffic, wildfire preparedness, overtourism, and the vision for Banff’s future.
Mark has lived in Banff for 18 years. From teaching skiing with SkiBig3, working at the Fairmont Banff Springs, and running his own outdoor rental business, to chairing the Banff Housing Corporation board—he knows this community inside and out. Now, he’s stepping up to run for Banff Town Council.
We dive into:
• Banff’s housing crisis and the 2040 housing goal
• Traffic gridlock and parking challenges in peak summer
• Wildfire preparedness and how Banff can be more resilient
• Overtourism – what it means for businesses and locals
• The future of the train station ARP and pedestrian zones
• Banff’s Community Plan – what’s working and where it falls short
• Mark’s vision for a thriving, sustainable Banff
Whether you’re a Banff local, a Bow Valley resident, or someone who loves visiting the Canadian Rockies, this episode gives a real look into the challenges and opportunities shaping Banff’s future.
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Recorded live in Banff, Alberta
