Banff Approves Ev Chargers Despite $100k Hit To Parking Revenue

Banff council has approved the installation of new electric vehicle chargers in a downtown parkade, a move expected to reduce parking revenue by about $100,000 annually as the town balances climate goals against limited parking supply.

Council voted April 28 to install seven Level 2 chargers, which provide moderate-speed charging suitable for vehicles parked for several hours. The project includes one replacement and six new units on the first floor of the Bear Street Parkade, converting six existing paid parking stalls into EV charging spaces.

The change is projected to generate about $14,700 in annual charging revenue, but reduce visitor paid parking (VPP) revenue by roughly $105,000 a year starting in 2027.

The decision highlights a growing tension for the town, where parking infrastructure is limited but also a key source of funding for Roam Public Transit, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, and broader climate and sustainability programs.

“I still struggle a little bit in terms of that number,” said Coun. Brian Fullerton during the meeting, referring to projected losses in parking revenue. “I don’t think it’s going to be impacted as much as being projected here.”

Town staff acknowledged the financial projections are based on limited data and conservative assumptions.

“It’s hard currently, we don’t have any numbers,” said municipal energy coordinator Philipp Leberer, noting the town will need to monitor real-world usage once the chargers are in place.

Despite concerns about revenue, council ultimately supported the project as part of broader efforts to reduce transportation emissions, which account for a significant share of Banff’s greenhouse gas output.

“Vehicle emissions in Banff are a major source. About two-thirds of our total emissions are visitor and residential,” Leberer told council, adding that expanding EV infrastructure is necessary to meet Banff’s goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The Bear Street Parkade was identified as the most cost-effective location for expansion, with installation costs of about $22,400, partially offset by an $8,550 grant from Alberta Municipalities, a municipal advocacy organization. The remaining costs will be funded through the town’s parking reserve fund.

Council members also raised concerns about fairness and whether EV drivers should receive effectively lower-cost parking compared to drivers of gas-powered vehicles.

“I’m questioning whether we should provide free parking with the EV charging, or if we could maintain our VPP revenue and not see such a loss,” said Coun. Barb Pelham.

Administration said the proposed model is intended to encourage EV use while keeping pricing simple and predictable, with drivers paying for electricity and an idling fee charged when a vehicle remains plugged in after charging is complete.

The discussion prompted broader concerns about how parking is used and managed in Banff, where demand for space is increasing while parking revenue has become a critical funding source.

“We’ve really monetized our public parking infrastructure. And we also can see that when we go to change that, whether it’s bike lanes or housing, we do hear a bit of conversation coming out of the community,” said Mayor Corrie DiManno. “It would be really beneficial to have more of a guiding document as to how we filter these decisions.”

In response, council has directed administration to develop a comprehensive parking policy, with a report expected by early 2027, to define the role of public parking in Banff and guide future decisions as the town balances revenue needs, transportation goals and competing demands for space, particularly as it shifts toward lower-emission transportation options in its constrained downtown core.