I like heading into Banff after a hike or bike ride and getting food, hanging out in the library, or wandering the art galleries. But as I'm wandering the streets and back alleys, I can't help but feel the huge impact that the Town of Banff makes every day. Just the 9000 people who live here make a profound impact, not to mention the thousands of visitors a day that arrive mainly by motor vehicle. The momentum is hard to stop, or even to slow down, as visitors create the need for food, parking, curios, art, clothing, alcohol, hardware, and entertainment, and those who provide those things need plumbers, dog groomers, lawyers, medical services, and many other things. When will it even slow down? What is actually a necessary service in Banff? And who can determine this?
This is where Banff is now. Where will it be in the future? What would be regarded as a successful outcome for the town of Banff? As I wander the streets, I'm well aware that I'm contributing to this town by being here. And it makes me think...