Banff couple reveals big plans for town’s historic train station
A Banff couple has unveiled plans to turn the town’s historic train station into a mass transit hub which will include the creation of a 900-stall, park-and-ride lot and a historic railway district at the northwestern edge of the town.
Jan and Adam Waterous, owners of Liricon Capital Ltd., the leaseholder for the Banff Train Station and surrounding rail lands, said their proposal stems from the desire to tackle transit and vehicle congestion issues in Banff National Park and make the town more pedestrian-friendly.
“Like the city that is trying to woo the NHL team and builds a fancy hockey arena before they get the team, Adam and I entered into a multi-decade lease agreement with CP Rail to prepare the Banff station and the surrounding grounds for the mass transit changes that we believe will be coming to our town,” said Jan Waterous.
Banff is currently undertaking a study on the feasibility of mass rail transit between Banff and Calgary, with the findings expected in the fall. The intent of the heritage rail district is to serve as an arrival centre for those passengers.
The heritage district, located on the site of the station’s current west parking lot, would celebrate the heyday of rail travel to Banff, incorporating relocated or rebuilt rail-themed heritage buildings and refurbishing rolling stock.
“We envision the restoration and repurposing of three heritage Banff buildings to help with additional passenger handling, capacity, and provide restaurants, travel and transportation services,” said Jan Waterous, adding more details will be revealed in the coming months.