Banff tourism drives big increase in residential and commercial projects

While it may not constitute a boom, last year the town of Banff issued the highest number of development and building permits in five years.

Kurt Schroederwith Banff and Lake Louise Tourism says construction projects like a new hotel on Banff's main drag and renovations at other small businesses are signsthat tourism numbers are improving.

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"We are seeing definitely double-digit growth year over year," he said, citing the low Canadian dollar for drawing in more international visitors.

Town officials credit part of the permit bonanza toa new incentive program for residents to install solar panels on their homes, butDarren Enns, the senior planner for the Town of Banff, says there arealso more businesses investing in upgrades.

"There are alot of smaller projects, suggesting that people are capitalizing on a very strong year for tourism in the summer and trying to re-invest in old spaces."