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Mark Walker

Candidate 2025 Banff Town Council

Mark Walker

Candidate 2025
Banff Town Council

Hi, I'm Mark! I've made Banff my home and have been living here for 18 years. I am running for Banff Town Council because I believe in a future where our community thrives as both a world-class travel destination and a vibrant place to live.
thoughtful leadership, clear communication, and a sustainability-focused perspective
I care deeply about protecting our natural surroundings while ensuring Banff remains affordable, accessible, and welcoming for the people who call it home. My goal is to bring thoughtful leadership, clear communication, and a sustainability-focused perspective to council, working hard to address today’s challenges while planning responsibly for the future.

QUALITIES

  • Leadership – I am ready to step forward, make informed decisions, and guide with integrity while ensuring every voice in our community is respected.
  • Communication – I believe that our elected officials should be able to communicate complicated ideas clearly and effectively both with their constituents and with each other. My background as an instructor has refined my ability to break difficult concepts down into achievable steps in order to help others reach their goals.
  • Approachability – We aren't always going to agree on every issue, but I'm always willing to have respectful discussions with those who hold opposing views. I believe councillors should attend public hearings as well as communicate through a variety of methods including in person, email, and social media. I have been an active participant on our local social pages for many years and am always willing to discuss opinions on local issues.
  • Critical Thinking – I believe in making data-based decisions viewed through the lens of experience and that sometimes the bigger picture needs to be considered. I take the time to carefully analyze issues, weigh different perspectives, and make informed decisions based on evidence and long-term benefits for the community.

Priorities

  • Sustainability – I believe Banff must lead with a balanced approach to sustainability that considers our environment, our economy, and our community. Protecting the national park and surrounding ecosystem is essential, but so is ensuring local businesses can thrive and residents can access the supports they need. True sustainability means finding solutions that respect our natural setting while building a resilient community and economy.
  • Housing – Housing is one of the most pressing issues facing Banff. We need creative and practical solutions to ensure that workers, families, and seniors have safe, affordable, and appropriate places to live. This means supporting policies and partnerships that expand housing options while respecting the unique land-use restrictions in our community.
  • Traffic & Transit – Getting around Banff should be safe, efficient, and accessible. The Banff Transportation Master Plan did a good job at helping us manage increasing vehicle numbers by improving access to ROAM Transit, implementing scramble crossings, and implementing the resident paid parking program. That plan was released in 2013 and I think that the next version needs to consider how we can continue to manage resident and commercial traffic while providing alternatives to driving for visitors.
  • Community Well-Being – Beyond infrastructure and policy, council decisions must foster a healthy, welcoming community. This includes supporting recreation, culture, and social programs that strengthen Banff as a place to live—not just a place to visit.

Values

  • Honesty – I believe residents deserve open, straightforward communication from their elected officials. I will always be clear about my reasoning, my decisions, and the challenges we face as a community. People may not always agree with me, but they will always know where I stand and why.
  • Respect – I believe in treating everyone with fairness and dignity, whether we agree or disagree. Respectful dialogue is the foundation of a strong, inclusive community, and I am committed to listening with an open mind while engaging in constructive conversations that move us forward.
  • Decisiveness – Difficult decisions are a part of council’s responsibility. My goal is to avoid endless delays and minimize wasted time by understanding the roles of a councillor and the process of local government. I am committed to listening carefully, weighing the facts, and then taking clear, timely action in the best interests of our community.
  • Responsibility – Serving on council means being entrusted with decisions that affect every resident, worker, and visitor in Banff. I take that responsibility seriously and will approach each issue with care, integrity, and a focus on what is best for the whole community, both now and in the future.

How to support my campaign

  • Donations - The idea of requesting donations makes me uncomfortable, but things like stickers, buttons, and advertisements all cost money.  If you believe that I will be a strong addition to Banff Town Council and want to show your support, you can send an e-transfer to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    You must be a Canadian citizen and Alberta resident to make a donation.  Donations in excess of campaign expenses will be donated to a registered charity.

    For detailed election and donation legislation, click here: https://www.alberta.ca/municipal-elections-overview

  • Order a sign – While elections signs are something of a nuisance when they are plastered all over public land, they can be an incredibly powerful tool in motivating voters by displaying public support for a candidate. Everyone wants to vote for a winner, and a winner is someone with a lot of supporters. I have ordered 50 signs that I would like to try to get out there for my supporters. Please CLICK HERE to order yours.
  • Share & engage – A big part of my campaign is online. I am the candidate who is most active on our community Facebook pages and has been for years. I will be posting and sharing content throughout the campaign and I encourage you to help me by liking, commenting, and sharing my posts as often as you feel comfortable. Again, public displays of support are far more powerful than any advertising I could buy.

Contact

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/markwalkerforbanffcouncil