Banff Advances $402,000 to Replace Parking System Amid Reliability Issues

The Town of Banff has advanced $402,000 for a full replacement of its parking software and meter system after identifying ongoing technical and service support problems with the current platform.

A municipal enforcement service review found the existing parking system has experienced persistent reliability issues, prompting staff to recommend a full replacement rather than continuing to maintain aging infrastructure.

Parking demand in the region has continued to rise alongside visitation. Between January and September 2025, more than 15,000 parking tickets and warnings were issued, reflecting the strain vehicle congestion has placed on the current system and the need for redevelopment.

“The limitations of our electronic software system have continued to present some pretty significant challenges to our department, specifically both operationally and administratively,” said Katherine Severson, Banff’s director of emergency and protective services.

Banff’s parking operations are delivered through two programs. The Resident Parking Permit (RPP) program allows residents and Town of Banff business licence holders to apply for a permit that allows parking in controlled parking zones and limited free parking in paid zones. The Visitor Paid Parking (VPP) program serves short-term parkers, allowing payments at physical pay stations or through the Blinkay app and online portal.

Meter and software purchases are required for both the VPP and RPP programs, which affect nearly every visitor and resident who parks in Banff. Staff have elected to replace the infrastructure for both programs in 2026 to align meter replacement cycles and synchronize future purchases.

While the immediate focus of the replacement is system reliability, a modern parking platform could support future options such as improved enforcement integration, enhanced data collection and more flexible pricing tools. Any changes would require separate council approval.

The investment comes amid broader enforcement-related changes, including the town’s ongoing transition to Alberta’s tag-to-ticket system, which allows unpaid parking tickets to be processed through the provincial courts. 

The system replacement also coincides with council’s approval of a 71% increase in peak-season parking rates, raising the hourly cost from $7 to $12, as parking enforcement takes on a more central role in the town’s congestion management and revenue strategy.

“Enforcement does support efforts to mitigate the impacts of traffic congestion by ensuring parking spots are occupied by either registered or paid visitors,” said Severson, referring to the role of parking regulation in managing congestion.

Council is expected to select a systems vendor for the new parking system following review of a proposal outlining performance requirements, service standards and integration expectations.