Banff Approves $200K Fix for Bow River Canoe Dock

Banff town council has approved a $200,000 repair to the Bow River canoe dock amid warnings that without a permanent fix, the town could lose the ability to operate the facility altogether.

The dock was shut down in May 2025 after the wooden retaining wall supporting it structurally failed and could no longer safely support the facility. The town subsequently fenced off the area and installed a smaller dock upstream as a temporary measure.

Adrian Field, the town’s engineering director, told council the temporary dock received a one-year approval from Parks Canada, on the condition that the town advance a permanent solution.

“Parks approved that solution for one year only, on the understanding that we would take the time last season to work on a permanent solution,” said Field.

It remains unclear whether Parks Canada would accept the current dock configuration as an ongoing solution, raising concerns the approval may not be renewed without a funded project moving ahead.

Council was presented with two options: a $200,000 repair to replace the failed retaining wall and re-anchor the existing dock, restoring it without expanding the area’s footprint or adding operating costs. The second option consisted of a $1.5-million riverfront redevelopment that would add new docks, seating and a reconfigured concession site as part of longer-term plans for the area.

Council raised concerns over the plan to fund the larger redevelopment through the town’s general capital reserve, which is currently overdrawn by about $6 million following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project report states that if funding is unavailable, it is unlikely the town would be able to continue operating the dock beyond its current concession contract, which runs through the end of the 2027 summer season.

Representatives of the site's current concession operator, the Banff Canoe Club, told council the 2025 season was more challenging under the temporary dock configuration. Throughout their conversation they questioned how long Parks Canada would permit the dock and urged council to focus on replacing the retaining wall instead of pursuing a full redevelopment.

“We had a smaller dock, it was half the size, and we had water fluctuations because of where the ramp was, so we had to bring on extra staff, so it was a more challenging season.” said Tanya Price, general manager of Banff Adventures, which operates the Banff Canoe Club. “We’re also unsure how long Parks Canada will approve the temporary dock. With our concession running until the end of 2027, we feel option one should be the priority. A functional dock is essential for both concession operations and public use, and replacing the retaining wall would allow the dock to return to its previous size and function.”

Council ultimately opted for the $200,000 repair, describing it as the minimum investment needed to stabilize the site, maintain regulatory approval and allow the dock to continue operating, while preserving the town’s ability to consider a broader redevelopment in the future.