Banff Sign Move Paused After Discovery of Potential Archaeological Site

Work to relocate the iconic welcome sign of Banff has been halted due to the discovery of a potential archaeological site. During excavation activities in early September 2023, workers unearthed glass items dating back to the late 1800s, alongside construction materials of uncertain age and purpose. This revelation has prompted a pause on preparations at the site located near the west entrance to a 500-stall parking lot leased by Liricon Capital Inc., which owns Mount Norquay.

According to Parks Canada spokesperson Kelly Veillette, the materials found are of historical interest, but their significance has yet to be determined. “Further archaeological testing is required to assess their importance and to guide next steps,” Veillette stated. This procedure aims to ensure that any cultural resources uncovered during development activities are properly evaluated and documented.

The oversized letters that spell out the town’s name were first installed at Norquay Road in 2017 and have become a popular backdrop for photographs among visitors. However, safety concerns regarding pedestrian traffic and illegal parking led to a decision last fall to relocate the sign to a more suitable location.

Adam Waterous, representing Liricon Capital, noted that the materials discovered include fragments of broken glass and brick. By law, these findings must be reported to Parks Canada. Waterous suggested that the items are remnants of a makeshift trash pile discarded by rail passengers over several decades. “It’s literally rail passengers throwing their trash out the (train) window… this continued until the 1970s,” he explained, adding that similar practices occurred all along the Canadian Pacific Rail corridor.

The Banff Train Station has been operational since 1910, although the railway first reached the area in the late 1880s. This is not the first instance of work being interrupted by archaeological findings in this vicinity. Waterous recalled a similar situation in 2019, when an excavation just 20 meters away was paused, resulting in minimal interesting discoveries, including an early version of a Pepto-Bismol bottle.

The delay caused by the new findings is expected to last approximately three weeks. The relocation of the Banff sign is anticipated to be completed “later this fall, weather permitting,” according to Waterous. The total cost for the sign’s move and the development of a nearby parkette is estimated at $1.2 million, which will be funded entirely by Liricon Capital with no taxpayer dollars involved.

Waterous expressed optimism regarding the new parking site, claiming it will attract visitors and alleviate congestion in the town. In addition to the sign relocation, Liricon Capital is advocating for the establishment of a hydrogen-powered train line connecting Calgary International Airport to Banff.

The Banff sign was temporarily removed from its original location on Norquay Road during last June’s G7 Summit due to concerns about traffic congestion. As the community awaits the results of archaeological assessments, the future of the welcome sign and its new parkette remains on hold.