Walkway in Banff to mark Queen’s birthday

Banff trails fit for a queen will soon be chosen as a gift for a monarch’s birthday.

The Banff Commonwealth Walkway could actually be a number of pathways radiating from the mountain town marking the Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday and Canada’s 150th anniversary, said Bill Fisher, chairman of the Banff-Canmore Community Foundation.

“It could be multiple paths leading from a central area of town to key points of interest where there’s a nice viewpoint or point of historic interest,” he said. “They won’t be easy decisions.” Contributing to the decisions will be the Town of Banff, Parks Canada and local children, said Fisher.

Bronze plaques with royal references and local history will mark the trail or trails which will be unveiled in September, 2017.

It could also be a work in progress, said Fisher.

“There’s no reason why we can’t grow this — it doesn’t all have to happen over the next 18 months,” he said.

Lt.-Gov. Lois Mitchell said the walkway is a fitting and healthy way to honour the enduringly popular royal figure.

“This project ... also celebrates an important part of our heritage while encouraging current and future generations of Canadians to get outside and enjoy the benefits of walking,” said Mitchell.

Praising the project is the U.K. charity Outdoor Trust which is coordinating commonwealth walkways in 71 nations and territories.

“This rightly recognizes Her Majesty’s 64-year reign as Queen of Canada and honours the special place the country holds in Her Majesty’s heart,” said Hugo Vickers, the trust’s chairman.