Lake Louise Community Plan Draft (2026)

Banff National Park of Canada

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Parks Canada acknowledges that Banff National Park is within the present-day territories of the Treaty 6, 7, and 8 First Nations, as well as the Métis Homeland, and is within the asserted traditional territories of numerous Indigenous groups from both sides of the Continental Divide. The lands and waters of Banff have been used for millennia by Indigenous Peoples for sustenance, ceremony, trade and travel.

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Chapter 1: Plan introduction

The Lake Louise Community Plan is a key document that guides decision-making for the management of the community of Lake Louise. It presents a vision and the associated strategic goals and objectives that will be pursued over the next ten years. With ecological integrity as its cornerstone, this Community Plan builds upon the direction and accomplishments of the last plan, and considers relevant research, agency priorities and obligations, and the views of Indigenous Peoples, the public, and stakeholders.

Parks Canada is committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples whose traditionally used lands and waters include Banff National Park. It is important to ensure that the capacity, interests, and protocols of those nations are considered.

This plan provides strategic guidance for the management of the Lake Louise community. The detailed requirements regarding the form, character, location and density of commercial, residential and institutional developments on leaseholds in the community are set out in a separate document, the Development and Design Standards for Lake Louise and Field.

The guiding principles outlined in this plan represent a desired path for the future. This direction may be influenced by uncertainties, natural variability, new technologies, and new information and outcomes to be considered. Consequently, Parks Canada applies an adaptive approach, where careful monitoring of on-the-ground indicators can lead to adjustments in strategies to enhance decision-making and management effectiveness. Where not otherwise specified within this plan, the timing, milestones and processes for implementing any works or projects identified in the Community Plan will be determined by park managers following its approval and tabling in Parliament.

1.2 Scope of the community plan

This Community Plan only guides Parks Canada decisions and activities within the legislated community boundary as defined in Schedule 4 of the Canada National Parks Act. Statutory requirements, current policies, guidelines and directives must also be considered when making decisions related to the community. This includes, but is not limited to, the following key Parks Canada planning documents:

• Canada National Parks Act, Regulations and Relevant Policies
• Banff National Park of Canada Management Plan (2022)
• The Lake Louise Area Strategy (2021)
• Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks Fire Management Plan
• Development and Design Standards for Lake Louise and Field
• Indigenous Stewardship Policy
• Lake Louise Emergency Management Plan
• Banff National Park Multi-species Action Plan for Species at Risk
• Lake Louise Area Visitor Use Management Plan

The community of Lake Louise is heavily influenced by surrounding land uses and activities, whether managed directly by Parks Canada or third parties. This community plan does not address these adjacent uses but does recognize their influence on the community. They include:

• Lake Louise Campground - This immensely popular campground is located southeast of the community boundary. One section of the campground is open year-round for hard-sided camping units exclusively, while the section south the Bow River is only open during the summer season. The campground can only be accessed through the community. Campers regularly frequent the stores, restaurants, and other businesses while in the area.
• Lake Louise Ski Area (LLSA) - The ski area, located north of the community, operates year-round and is an essential economic driver for the area. The 2019 Lake Louise Ski Area Long-Range Plan and Detailed Impact Assessment (DIA) outline the anticipated ski area expansion over the next several years. The expansion is anticipated to increase winter and summer visitation, subsequently drawing more people to the community in the short and long term. This would include construction personnel, contractors, and additional staff. The community provides the residential base for LLSA employees with a variety of existing and proposed staff housing types and units. The vacant parcels for which LLSA has residential leases will be built out over the life of this Plan or returned to Parks Canada if not required.
• Upper Lake Louise and Moraine Lake - Most visitors to the area are drawn to the upper Lake Louise area (lakeshore) and to the Moraine Lake area for summer day-use and access to trails. As one of the most visited destinations in the Parks Canada network, many visitors reach these areas using a mix of personal vehicles, public transit, and commercial and Parks Canada shuttle services. A significant number of these visitors also enter the community to access services and amenities.
• Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) - The presence of the TCH has a significant impact on the community and its economy on a year-round basis. TCH travelers stop for gas, food, and rest in the community of Lake Louise and require basic services to meet their needs.

1.3 Lake Louise Community Plan engagement

Work to update the Lake Louise Community Plan began in October 2023. The first phase of engagement ran from November 2023 to September 2024. Building on previous initiatives, Parks Canada facilitated participation to evaluate current challenges, priorities, and aspirations of residents, businesses, community stakeholders, the broader Canadian public and Indigenous Nations. This process was designed to identify the issues that should be addressed in the community plan and to gather input on the vision for the community over the next decade.

The first phase of engagement demonstrated widespread support for updating the community plan for Lake Louise. Unsurprisingly, residents cherish living in Lake Louise for its stunning scenery and wide range of outdoor activities it offers. Participants readily shared suggestions for community priorities and how they imagine the community evolving in the next decade. Overall, the engagement process confirmed broad alignment with the proposed goals and desired outcomes of the plan.

Key issues and concepts identified in the first phase of engagement include:

• Support for ecological integrity as the first priority in all aspects of park management, as mandated by the Canada National Parks Act,
• The need for more and varied staff housing opportunities,
• The need to balance the requirements of visitors with those of residents,
• Ensuring effective and reasonable connections between the community and the surrounding park and trail network,
• Improving public transportation opportunities between Banff, Lake Louise, Field and park trailheads, and
• The need to recognize Indigenous Peoples history and connection to Lake Louise and surrounding area.

The second phase of engagement provides the opportunity for all interested parties and individuals to review and provide feedback on the draft Community Plan. All input and feedback received during both phases was considered in the development of the Lake Louise Community Plan.

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Chapter 2: Community context

2.1 Community map and boundaries

Lake Louise is one of two communities located in Banff National Park. Situated on the western side of the park 10 km from the boundary of Alberta and B.C., and approximately 57 km west of Banff townsite. The community resides within important wildlife corridors and was a significant historical corridor for numerous Indigenous Nations.

The Lake Louise community is split into two distinct sections; upper and lower Lake Louise, both of which are contained within the legislated community boundary as shown on survey Plan 88092 CLSR and listed in Schedule 4 of the Canada National Parks Act (CNPA). These two sections of the community are connected by Lake Louise Drive.

2.2 History of the Lake Louise community

Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of the lands and waters of Lake Louise and the surrounding area since time immemorial. The Lake Louise area historically served a stopping point for travelers heading towards Kicking Horse Pass and beyond, as well as north to the Bow Lake area for trading, hunting and trapping opportunities.

An 1882 camp for workers building the railway was located near the confluence of Louise Creek, Pipestone Creek and the Bow River, starting the permanent settlement of the area. A small log train station was built in 1886 and named Laggan to distinguish it from the upper Lake Louise area. It soon became a destination for travelers wishing to explore the surrounding mountains. In 1902, the Lake Louise area became part of Banff National Park. Later, with the construction a larger train station, and the name ‘Laggan’ was eventually dropped. As visitor numbers grew, more buildings and services began to appear around the train station and near the lake to accommodate the increasing demand.

Skiing has been a defining outdoor activity in the Lake Louise area since the 1920’s. As downhill skiing grew in popularity, demand for overnight accommodations increased—both for skiers and for the rising number of summer visitors. Between 1939 to 1957, improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 93N to Jasper continued to increase traffic and visitors into the area. A 1978 visitor survey found that, on average, 11,600 people a day visited the Lake Louise area during the summer months.

More major changes to the area occurred in the 1980’s with a planned redevelopment of the community. Community roads were realigned, and new parcels of land were created. During this time, an improved interchange off the Trans-Canada Highway, a new underpass beneath the train tracks, and a new bridge over the Bow River were all constructed. The community of Lake Louise became the focal point for welcoming visitors to the area.

Over the past three decades, the Lake Louise area has experienced significant development, including additional overnight accommodations, campground development and expansion, new food and beverage offers, the opening of various retail stores, the construction of gas stations, the expansion of the Lake Louise Ski Area and the development of various staff housing units.

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Chapter 3: Policy framework and direction

3.1 Parks Canada Agency context

Lake Louise is one of seven communities in the national park system. The Canada National Parks Act (CNPA) requires that each of these communities have an approved community plan. A national park community plan is a non-regulatory policy document tabled in Parliament by the Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency.

3.2 Banff National Park of Canada Management Plan

As per legislative requirements, a community plan reflects and aligns with the approved park management plan. The 2022 Banff National Park of Canada Management Plan, and supporting 2021 Lake Louise Area Strategy, provide important guidance on topics that are considered in the development of the updated Lake Louise Community Plan. These include:

• Forest fuel management and wildfire risk reduction in the Lake Louise community.
• Improvements to wayfinding and trail networks to establish clear connection between the community and the broader park.
• The continued development of a regional transportation system for the Bow Valley to reduce traffic congestion within and outside of park communities, and enhance access to trailheads, campgrounds, parkways and day-use areas.
• Development and redevelopment remaining within the legislated community boundary.
• Commercial development respecting the community maximums as described in Schedule 4 of the Canada National Parks Act.
• Administering the lands and water that comprise modern-day Banff National Park to respect the cultural and spiritual significance of the place to Indigenous Peoples, while facilitating access and use of the park by Indigenous groups with historical connections.

3.3 Roles and responsibilities

Parks Canada holds the mandate to administer all lands within Banff National Park, including those situated in the community of Lake Louise, and is further responsible for of the management and operation of community-based infrastructure. Parks Canada’s responsibilities in the community include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviewing and approving development proposals,
• Issuing business licences aligned with approved activities and land use considerations,
• Evaluating and approving activities and land use changes,
• Managing and operating community infrastructure, including road maintenance and regulation of road use, and
• Coordinating emergency management for the Lake Louise community and surrounding area in partnership with Improvement District No. 9.

The Lake Louise community is fortunate to have several partners and stakeholders that assist with community services, including:

• Canadian Pacific Kansas City Rail (CPKC)
• Improvement District No.9 (ID9) — The Alberta provincial government regional authority, ID9 is a governing agency that covers all of Banff National Park (excluding the Town of Banff) including the community of Lake Louise. ID9 collects taxes on behalf of the Alberta Government for the provision of community services and amenities, such as local recreation facilities and programs, social services, the provision of structural fire, road rescue, and policing and education services throughout the region. Parks Canada collaborates with ID9 to facilitate the delivery of services and programs and contributes its equitable share of funding to ID9 operations through Payments in Lieu of Tax (PILT), which are equivalent to municipal tax payments.
• Lake Louise Advisory Board (LLAB) — Lake Louise Advisory Board (LLAB) serves as a key liaison between residents, businesses, stakeholders, and Parks Canada. Its role is to engage the community, gather feedback, and provide recommendations to the Superintendent on matters related to the management of the Lake Louise community, including Parks Canada projects and initiatives. LLAB plays an essential role in fostering a strong, connected community and contributes to identifying best practices for community management, sustainability, and climate adaptation strategies.

Other partners and agencies that provide necessary services to the Lake Louise community include the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment, the Lake Louise Fire Department (Lake Louise Banff Municipal Services Society supported by ID9) and Roam Public Transit (Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission). Parks Canada supports their efforts and continues to collaborate with them on the provision of services and programs. As citizens of Alberta, Lake Louise residents also benefit from additional provincial services not included under ID9 areas of responsibility.

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Chapter 4: Current situation

In the heart of Banff National Park, Lake Louise is an iconic international symbol of Canada and the national park system. Due to its remarkable combination of natural features, mountain scenery, important railway and mountaineering history, it is a premier destination for visitors year-round. The area also provides critical habitat for numerous wildlife species, notably grizzly bears—creating a unique environment where high levels of human activity and wildlife coexist. Maintaining the ecological integrity of the park is integral to protecting the dramatic landscape and impressive wildlife which draw visitors and support a thriving tourism industry. Visitors are fundamental to the long-term success and sustainability of the region.

Two major challenges identified in the Banff National Park of Canada Management Plan are the impacts of increasing visitation and the effects of climate change. The Lake Louise Area Visitor Use Management Plan will addresses visitor impacts, while climate change adaptation, such as wildfire preparedness and resilience, requires landscape-level strategies and regional collaboration.

4.1 A place for nature

The natural environment in and around the community of Lake Louise provides essential social and ecological benefits, enhancing its appeal as a place to live, work, and recreate. Ensuring the continued health of this environment is not only vital for community well-being but also represents a core mandate of the Parks Canada Agency.

The extensive infrastructure in the Lake Louise area has contributed to fragmentation of the landscape and disrupted habitat connectivity for species such as grizzly bear and wolves. This may affect an animal’s ability to access the habitat it needs and may bring wildlife into conflict with humans. The Lake Louise Community Plan supports ecological integrity by guiding community growth, development, land use, and operations to ensure no-net-negative environmental impact.

4.2 A place for historical and cultural significance

The rich and varied history of the Lake Louise community has given rise to distinctive sites, buildings, and structures that warrant protection, preservation, and interpretation.

Archaeological research and investigations in the vicinity revealed evidence of both pre-contact (Indigenous) and post-contact (Euro-Canadian) land use, occupation, and history. There remains potential for the discovery of unrecorded archaeological sites associated with Indigenous presence within the community boundaries.

Several buildings and structures in the community have been identified as having some level of cultural and historic significance. They include the buildings on the Lake Louise Chateau site including the Lake Louise Boat House, the Deer Lodge Teahouse and the Post Hotel (original structure).

Although there are several designated federal heritage properties in the Lake Louise, Yoho, Kootenay (LLYK) Field Unit, none are within the boundaries of the Lake Louise community.

All new construction and renovations within the community must respect the historic character, architectural style, and scale of existing development. While modern building materials may differ from those used historically to meet current building codes and improve wildfire resilience, design should remain consistent with the community’s heritage values.

4.3 Community character

Community character refers to the distinct identity of a place. It is the collective impression that residents and visitors are left with after visiting a place. The character of a community evolves over time and is shape by factors such as land use, road layout, the scale, type and style of the built environment, historic structures and features, the surrounding natural environment, and other physical or social characteristics. Development and management tools - such as zoning, architectural guidelines, landscaping requirements, and land use controls - help protect and enhance the desired character of a community. People often choose the places they live or visit based, in part, on their perceptions of community character.

Lake Louise’s exceptional natural setting, its location in a national park, and its role as a service centre meeting the needs of visitors and residents, all combine to shape the unique character of the community. This character reflects a sense of harmony with the surrounding natural environment and evokes the feeling of being immersed in nature and wilderness. The community offers services and facilities that complement the awe-inspiring park experiences available to all who visit or stay. Resident feedback indicates a strong appreciation for the ability to enjoy an active lifestyle that fosters a connection with nature.

Lake Louise’s eclectic mix of architectural styles all share classic elements of rustic backcountry construction common in mountain parks. The consistent use of locally sourced materials - such as wood, fieldstone, and timber posts and columns - in architectural and building design creates an inviting and authentic community character for both visitors and residents.

4.4 Socio-economic situation

As one of the most visited destinations in the Parks Canada network, the community of Lake Louise contributes considerable economic benefits to Canada and the surrounding regional economies. The community is first and foremost a service centre for park visitors and, as such, visitors are the economic driver of the community. In this role, Lake Louise offers basic services that enhance the access, enjoyment and understanding of the park of both visitors and residents.

The community of Lake Louise functions as the staging area for visitor adventures into the surrounding park and serves as an administrative centre for Parks Canada’s Lake Louise Yoho Kootenay (LLYK) Field Unit operations. The combination of natural features, stunning scenery, important railway history, and outstanding summer and winter recreational opportunities, make it a primary destination for many visitors to Banff National Park. Statistics show that visitation numbers to Banff National Park grew 31% between 2013 and 2023. Over 4.2 million people visited Banff National Park in the 2023 - 2024 operating year, the busiest visitation year on record. Statistics indicate that approximately 75% of all the visitors to Banff National Park regularly come to the Lake Louise area during their visit. The increase in visitors to the community and area has driven demand for expanded services, facilities and residential accommodation. Since 2017, community members have reported substantial impacts resulting from this rise in visitation.

As of 2024, approximately 2,700 overnight guests per night were able to stay within the community of Lake Louise, if 100% of guest beds were occupied in all seven overnight guest accommodation businesses.

Residents of Lake Louise are employed by Parks Canada and local businesses to provide essential services for park visitors and associated facilities for visitors and residents. In 2025, Lake Louise was able to house approximately 2,450 residents at peak operating season. The Lake Louise residential population comprises a mixture of individuals who stay for a season or a year, and those who choose to live here as long-term residents. Due to the seasonal nature of staffing requirements for businesses in Lake Louise, the population varies throughout the year and from year to year. The summer season typically is when most available staff bed units are occupied.

Over the past 30 years, the composition of the workforce in Lake Louise has evolved, along with changing expectations for acceptable housing. Leaseholders and commercial operators providing staff housing must renovate or construct new accommodations to meet current workforce needs to remain competitive in attracting and retaining employees. Dormitory-style housing is no longer considered desirable by incoming residents; individual units or limited shared units are now preferred. To address this reality and other housing challenges, including those affecting community service groups, additional residential sites may need to be released. Parks Canada has identified potential locations for new housing opportunities.

While there is no legislated maximum number of residents permitted in the community of Lake Louise, the legislated limits on commercial floor area, the legislated community boundary, and the operational requirements of local businesses collectively determine the number of residents.

As the interest in visiting, working in and living in Banff National Park has increased over the last three decades, the 2024 engagement process identified several challenges residents of the community of Lake Louise face which impact their quality of life:

• Escalating cost of living,
• Limited housing availability and, when available, often of poor quality,
• Concerns with wildfire resilience, and
• Pressures resulting from high summer visitation.

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Chapter 5: Community vision

5.1 Community vision statement

The community vision statement was developed though input and feedback from residents, leaseholders, businesses and stakeholders, combined with Parks Canada legislative and policy requirements, and strategic initiatives for the community.

The community vision for Lake Louise defines the desired future state of the community, ensuring it fulfills its role within the Parks Canada system and remains sustainable over time.

5.2 Community plan guiding principles

Through the community planning and engagement process and in alignment with the Banff National Park of Canada Management Plan and Lake Louise Area Strategy, six guiding principles emerged:

1. Ecological Integrity & Environmental Stewardship
2. A Place for People
3. Managing Community Development
4. Cultural Resource Protection
5. Strengthening Indigenous Relations and Stewardship
6. Climate Change and Adaptation

These guiding principles set out the overarching approach for managing the community consistent with the Parks Canada mandate. They establish how the community’s key challenges and opportunities will be addressed over the ten-year duration of the plan.

It is important to recognize that these principles are interconnected; they must be applied together to achieve their intended outcomes. While they represent Parks Canada’s best strategy for moving forward, park management occurs in a dynamic environment with uncertainties, natural variability, emerging technologies, and new information. For this reason, Parks Canada will adopt an adaptive management approach to ensure effective decision-making.

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Chapter 6: Achieving the vision

The community vision is achieved by pursuing the desired results identified under a guiding principle and its associated objectives. Unless otherwise specified, the desired results are ongoing throughout the life of this plan. Barring the unexpected, the commitments identified are achievable within the funding and human resource capacity of the Lake Louise Yoho Kootenay Field Unit.

6.1 Ecological integrity & environmental stewardship

As a park community, the primary guiding principle for the Lake Louise community is to maintain and restore ecological integrity, in alignment with Parks Canada’s top priority as outlined in section 8(2) of the Canada National Parks Act.

Legislated community boundaries play a critical role in protecting ecological integrity beyond the community, including two important adjacent ecological corridors. Maintaining and respecting these limits is perhaps the most important way the Lake Louise Community Plan supports ecological integrity and environmental stewardship.

Within the community boundary, priorities include adhering to NNNEI principles, the prevention of human wildlife conflict and deterring wildlife habituation.

6.1.1 Objectives

• Maintain the community’s legislated boundaries,
• Manage community growth and development, uses, activities and site operations consistent with NNNEI principles, and
• Protect ecosystems functions and prevent the habituation of wildlife to humans, and conflict between people and wildlife.

6.1.2 Desired results

• No development or release of lots is permitted outside the community boundary established under Schedule 4 of the Canada National Parks Act.
• All requests for new and renewed business licences are assessed to ensure the approved activities and operations result in no-net-negative environmental impact to the community or park.
• Impacts generated through growth, development, activities and uses are addressed by restoration or mitigation measures.
• All new developments incorporate design best practices that address the needs of species at risk. Examples include using architectural features over entry doors that discourage swallows from nesting.
• Fences are installed in a manner that does not restrict wildlife movement – for example, using low-height fencing with only two or three sides, leaving spaces unenclosed.
• The introduction of fruit trees is prohibited to avoid attracting wildlife. High standards of food and waste management throughout the community are necessary. Wildlife patterns will continue to be monitored closely, and management actions will be taken if a risk of habituation is identified.
• Parks Canada outdoor lighting standards are implemented to promote habitat security and wildlife movement, while maintaining a safe and healthy environment for residents and visitors.
• Prioritize retaining existing native plants and planting native species.
• All proposed uses, activities and development within 30 m of water courses in the community are assessed to ensure the protection of riparian areas.
• Community members, leaseholders and residents actively practice water conservation, following best practices and industry standards.
• Snow is stored entirely on-site and away from riparian or other sensitive areas. All development /redevelopment incorporates in-situ snow storage in the site design.

6.2 A place for people

National park communities exist primarily as service centres for park visitors. They are also tasked with offering a comfortable living for eligible residents.

During their time in Banff National Park, a large proportion of the park’s over four million visitors stop in the community of Lake Louise. The community offers a venue for showcasing all aspects of the park’s natural and cultural heritage through educational opportunities and well-informed staff and residents. It also provides the opportunity to introduce new visitors to respectful, sustainable and safe enjoyment of the national park.

Providing appropriate staff housing is a challenge across the Bow Valley and will continue to be a priority in Lake Louise. Parks Canada will work with community partners to support efforts that offer residents a range of services, ensuring that living in the community is a pleasant and comfortable experience.

6.2.1 Objectives:

• Visitors feel welcomed to the park, and their experiences are enhanced by a range of services, facilities and opportunities that are consistent with the mandate of the park and the community character.
• Traffic management measures within the community are integrated with regional systems and frameworks (including the Lake Louise Area Visitor Use Management Plan) and are designed to benefit both visitors and residents.
• Residential housing opportunities and housing quality for eligible residents are enhanced.
• Uphold eligible resident requirements as described in the National Parks of Canada Lease and Licence of Occupation Regulations and the Development and Design Standards for Lake Louise and Field, to preserve housing supply and support affordability for residents.

6.2.2 Desired results:

• Welcoming design elements throughout the community create a friendly atmosphere, improve wayfinding, and enhance safety. Trail connections linking the community to surrounding park trails support easy exploration of the national park.
• Active transportation options are available within the community, and Parks Canada facilitates the provision of public transit by partner jurisdictions, contributing to quality visitor experiences and residents’ quality of life.
• On-street parking is closely managed to prevent congestion within the community.
• Maximum permitted density on developed and undeveloped residential parcels is increased through adjustments to building height and site coverage. Redevelopment of low-density staff housing sites is facilitated to accommodate higher density residential uses and to upgrade unit types to meet current market needs.
• Potential infill lands in residential neighbourhoods are released for development to eligible head lessees and essential community service providers. All leased undeveloped residential lands must be developed within 2-years of their release or returned to Parks Canada.
• Due to severely limited housing supply and the need to maintain affordability for local staff, short-term, recreational or secondary home uses remain prohibited in Lake Louise. For the same reason, retirement living also continues to be prohibited, with all bed units in staff accommodation reserved for active employees only.
• Enforcement of the need-to-reside provision includes random verifications and new annual reporting requirements for all leaseholders, requiring documentation of the need-to-reside for each housing unit occupant.
• Parks Canada continues to work closely with ID9 to facilitate their efforts to provide community services, facilities, and programs to meet residents’ needs and enhance quality of life.

6.3 Managing community development

Some development is essential in the community of Lake Louise to facilitate visitors experience, activities and education about the national park. When thoughtfully designed and located, development can directly reinforce connection to the natural, cultural and human history of the park, and encourage public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of mountain landscapes. It can also help protect the natural environment from the degradation that often accompanies high human use.

Development must be compatible with and generate a net benefit to the park’s mandate. It must support accessibility and inclusion, as well as the park’s ecological, cultural, visitor safety and visitor experience objectives. It must not, however, compromise the scenic splendor for which the park has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, nor the distinctive natural, cultural and wilderness qualities that draw people to Banff National Park.

For decades, stakeholders have consistently affirmed the importance of limiting commercial development in the park. Accordingly, through policy and legislation, Parks Canada has put in place a framework that limits the amount of commercial development that may occur within the Lake Louise community. Adherence to these legal limits and respect for the policy framework will continue to be a cornerstone for Parks Canada’s approach in managing future development within the community. Redevelopment of existing commercial facilities may be considered up to the maximum allowed under the lease or licence of occupation and in accordance with applicable policy, subject to environmental considerations.

Any development in Lake Louise must clearly support the goals and objectives of Banff National Park, as described in the Park Management Plan, by facilitating greater awareness and connection to natural and cultural spaces while protecting the distinctive qualities of these places for future generations.

6.3.1 Objectives:

• Development complements and enhances the community character through its appearance, form and design, honouring the area history and natural setting while preserving scenic views, in accordance with the Development and Design Standards for Lake Louise and Field.
• Commercial uses and spaces within the community of Lake Louise will not exceed the legislated commercial floor area (CFA) maximum of 96,848 m². This approved commercial floor space does not include staff accommodations and facilities.
• In Lake Louise, only uses and activities that support the community’s role as a visitor destination and service centre - while enhancing the visitor experience - are permitted. It is recognized that not all services and activities desired by visitors or residents can be provided or supported.

• Appropriate use principles
  Services and products will:
• support heritage tourism and help visitors enjoy their national park experience,
• have no-net-negative environmental impact,
• have a significant, legitimate market in the park and not be intended for sale elsewhere as a value-added product or service,
• meet the immediate needs of visitors or be an appropriate secondary operation (e.g., meeting space),
• foster an appreciation of the park,
• complement the services provided in the community of Field and/or in the town of Banff,
• commit to environmental stewardship, and
• respect the requirements of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA).

• Examples of appropriate services:
• Emergency services (e.g. police, fire, ambulance, rescue),
• Basic medical, financial and postal services,
• Interpretation, heritage education, information and activity guides,
• Overnight visitor accommodation,
• Staff residential accommodation and facilities,
• Basic retail (e.g., groceries, toiletries, newspapers, liquor, pharmacy items),
• Visitor products and supplies retail (focusing on the local area and climbing, skiing, hiking, nature, history, and Indigenous arts and crafts),
• Food and beverage services (e.g., bakeries, restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars),
• Transportation services (e.g., bus, taxi, rental cars and bikes),
• Social and recreation facilities, services and opportunities. (e.g., recreation / community centre, daycare, religious services, basic trades and personal services), and
• Operational support services (e.g., snow removal and landscape maintenance).

6.3.2 Desired results:

• All commercial development permit applications include a summary document outlining how the operation and proposed improvements support community heritage and national park objectives.
• No new commercial parcels are created or released in the community of Lake Louise. All commercial activities occur on parcels currently zoned for that use as per Schedule 4 of the Canada National Parks Act.
• Redevelopment, upgrades and modernization of existing commercial sites are assessed for compliance with the Development and Design Standards for Lake Louise and Field.
• Commercial floor area (CFA) surveys conducted in 2024 by all commercial leaseholders, except the Post Hotel and the Station Restaurant, indicate that the community currently has 86,324 m²of developed CFA. This leaves 10,524 m²available for expansion, which may occur on existing commercial sites and commercial zoned lands, at the discretion of the Superintendent. Expansion will be considered until the legislated CFA maximum is reached.
• The CFA allocation identified in the 2001/2003 Community Plan that remains unbuilt by the designated operator will remain available for development for five years following the approval of this community plan (approximately 2030, 2031). After that date, any unused CFA will revert to Parks Canada. At that time, available CFA may be reallocated for the expansion of new commercial development, at the discretion of the Superintendent, based on detailed proposals that confirm the expansion can be fully accommodated within existing leasehold boundaries.

• The Station Restaurant is located on CPKC lands, which falls within the legislated community boundary. As such, the CFA used at the Station Restaurant site is included in the total community CFA, as shown above.
• The requirement for an updated Commercial Floor Area (CFA) survey is enforced with all commercial development permit applications, during lease renewal discussions and in some cases, with the issuance of business licenses.
• All development/redevelopment must include on-site parking that meets the requirements for the approved or intended site uses. Underground parking, garages or carports are preferred, while surface parking is acceptable where necessary.
• Appropriate use principles and examples guide the evaluation of new businesses application or renewals, proposed changes in use at existing commercial operations, and all new development and redevelopment proposals.

6.4 Cultural resource protection

Much of Lake Louise’s character is expressed through its built environment. Variations in architectural form and style contribute to the community’s unique and appealing appearance. A common feature is the unobtrusive way existing architecture blends into the park setting – both visually and ecologically – by ‘stepping lightly’ into the landscape. With few exceptions, designs have approached development and operations with care and thoughtful interpretation. The ‘mountain-architecture’ style found in the Lake Louise community contains common elements found throughout mountain parks.

The Lake Louise Mountain Architectural style has evolved from the area’s earliest buildings. Historic architecture ranged from the classic ‘Swiss Chalet’ alpine look—with rectilinear or diagonal bracing and deep eaves—to the North American ‘Rustic’ log cabin style. These designs included prominent rough stonework, deep eaves, rough board siding and verandahs, using locally sourced materials from the surrounding environment. Together, these imported styles created a distinctive mountain architecture well-suited to the Lake Louise setting. This unique style continues to shape the desired form and character of the community today.

Maintaining the character of Lake Louise requires preserving links to the past by retaining the look and feel of its unique heritage architectural features. These influences are essential in inspiring new developments. While the community must be flexible to adapt to changing circumstances, social needs, and broader regional and national trends, its character must be retained in a way to keep the community vibrant and visually appealing. New developments must reflect this character while being designed to withstand the demanding mountain climate, both functionally and aesthetically.

Today, the mountain-architecture style in the community of Lake Louise seeks to balance the romantic image of the Canadian wilderness and historic mountain parks with modern amenities, through appropriate design that respects the area’s history while meeting current market demands.

6.4.1 Objectives:

• Community growth and redevelopment are managed to protect and respect the cultural and heritage resources and existing community character.
• Architectural designs enhance the visitor experience while minimizing environmental impacts.

6.4.2 Desired results:

• All development/redevelopment proposals include strategies to protect and present the identified and potential heritage features and structures on-site.
• The desired characteristics for all new construction and redevelopment in Lake Louise are outlined in the Development and Design Standards for Lake Louise and Field, which include specific architectural elements.
• Cultural resources owned and administered by Parks Canada are managed in accordance with the Treasury Board Directive on the Management of Real Propertyand the Cultural Resource Management Policy.
• Leaseholders are encouraged to maintain and enhance cultural resources that have special historical significance or character to the community and park.
• The use of the Lake Louise Built Heritage Resource Description and Analysis (LL BHRDA) is recommended as a foundational reference for culturally and historically significant buildings, structures, and elements within the community.

6.5 Strengthening Indigenous relations and stewardship

Indigenous Peoples are stewards of lands, water and ice and have been since time immemorial. However, in many places, Parks Canada’s past actions have severed or severely altered Indigenous Peoples’ long-standing relationships and sacred responsibilities for the lands, water and ice that have determined their identities and influenced their cultures and languages.

Parks Canada is committed to expanding and deepening its relationships with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities across the country. Working with the guidance of the Indigenous Stewardship Circle, Parks Canada has developed a framework and a policy that support the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan and ensures more equitable, effective and collaborative stewardship between Indigenous communities and Parks Canada at all protected places from coast to coast to coast.

Established in 2018, the Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC) for Banff National Park provides an important forum for Parks Canada to better understand Indigenous perspectives and priorities regarding the park, including the Lake Louise area. The Circle is comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nations; the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani First Nations; the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Métis Nation of Alberta – Region 3. Through this collaborative approach, the Circle shares knowledge and offers input, advice and recommendations to the park superintendents on topics, issues and opportunities related to Banff National Park, including the community of Lake Louise.

The goal of this guiding principle is to affirm the importance of working in partnership with the Indigenous Nations to support the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan. It seeks to foster more equitable, effective and collaborative stewardship between Indigenous communities and Parks Canada.

6.5.1 Objectives:

• Build and maintain strong relationships between Indigenous Peoples and Parks Canada.
• Work collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples to examine Parks Canada’s history and take responsibility for past actions by acknowledging, apologizing for, and addressing impacts on Indigenous communities.
• Incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems to help protect and sustain relationships with the lands and waters for the benefit of future generations.
• Enhance learning and understanding among Parks Canada employees and park visitors about the rights, roles and responsibilities of Indigenous Peoples in the stewardship of lands and waters that are now housing the Lake Louise community.

6.5.2 Desired results:

• Ensure the roles of Indigenous Peoples and the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge systems in decision-making on areas of shared interest in Lake Louise.
• Facilitate active relationships for Indigenous Peoples with the lands and waters within the community.
• Support economic opportunities for Indigenous Nations.
• As its interests and priorities allow, the Banff Indigenous Circle provides guidance and advice on community management.
• The process for reviewing and considering large-scale development or redevelopment proposals is open and transparent, and one in which Indigenous Nations can access information and express views before decisions are made.
• The historical presence and contemporary importance of Indigenous Peoples in the area is recognized through interpretation opportunities within the community.
• Traditional cultural activities and ceremonies in the Lake Louise community are supported, with the support and guidance of Indigenous Nations with connections to the area.
• Requests for Proposals (RFP) on procurement and new lease opportunities provide prospects for Indigenous involvement.

6.6 Climate change and adaptation

The national parks were established to protect and present specific features of Canada’s natural heritage. The mountain national parks include some of Canada’s most significant landscapes and natural and cultural resources, which are already being impacted by climate change. To ensure that Banff National Park continues to meet its commitments to Canadians, climate change considerations must be integrated into all core Parks Canada activities, including the management of the community of Lake Louise. This work involves studying and understanding the effects of climate change, developing adaptation strategies in response to those effects, and implementing measures to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to the problem.

Climate change increases risks for the Lake Louise community, such as flooding, landslides, significant storm events, and wildfires. Parks Canada has established a comprehensive all-hazards emergency management regime in collaboration with ID9 and other emergency response partners. Support from local businesses and residents is essential to strengthen emergency preparedness, improve response effectiveness, and enable faster recovery in the event of a disaster.

Of all the risks exacerbated by climate change, perhaps the most pressing in the Lake Louise area is the risk of wildfire. Wildfire ecology, wildfire resilience and wildfire preparedness are issues that extends beyond the boundaries of the community of Lake Louise. Extensive fire ecology management strategies and mitigation work have been implemented to ensure a healthier, more resilient landscape throughout Banff National Park and beyond encompassing the entire Bow Valley.

In and around the community of Lake Louise, Parks Canada has worked to reduce the risks associated with wildfire with the comprehensive park-wide fire management program. This work includes the Lake Louise Community Fire Guard, which began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2027. The creation of this fire guard builds on a decade of wildfire mitigation efforts around the community and represents one of Parks Canada’s proactive measures within its fire management program to reduce the risk of future wildfires to the area.

To improve wildfire resilience of the community, Parks Canada actively implements many best practices and principles of wildfire risk reduction in its community wildfire protection program. This includes promoting wildfire risk reduction work on every site, land and buildings to further reduce the risk of property loss and enhance safety in the community.

6.6.1 Objectives:

• Reduce the operational carbon footprint of the Lake Louise community.
• Collaborate with partners to implement the community emergency management plan and to evaluate risks to the community.
• Updated architectural motif and design guidelines mandate the use of non-combustible exterior material and fire resilient site design and maintenance, consistent with wildfire risk reduction best practices.

6.6.2 Desired results:

• Reduced vehicle emissions through expansion of EV charging infrastructure and promotion of public transit use.
• Low emission and reduced energy consumption components are integrated in new builds and renovation projects.
• The installation and use of alternative energy sources throughout the community, including the electrification of transportation, are encouraged and supported, while carefully managing and mitigation impacts on the landscape and key sightlines.
• A community waste diversion strategy is developed and implemented that includes solid waste, recycling and composting.
• Support the community emergency management plan for Lake Louise and surrounding area, ensuring it remains current and evergreen, in partnership with ID9.
• Work with individual leaseholders on the development and maintenance of their site evacuation plans and ensure they align with Parks Canada’s broader park evacuation plans.
• The new Development and Design Standards for Lake Louise and Field include the requirement that wildfire risk reduction principles and best practices for buildings, structures and sites are included in all development projects and designs. Examples of these principles include the incorporation of appropriate simple roof designs, installation of non-combustible exterior building materials, and landscape modification to remove shrubs, trees, deadfall or woodpiles from within ten meters of a building. (resources link: firesmartcanada.ca)
• All community leaseholders must submit a site wildfire resilience assessment to Parks Canada at the request of the Superintendent. The assessment should identify strategies for vegetation management, removal of combustible materials, and any necessary work to improve the site’s fire resilience or ensure it meets established standards. All listed work and improvements must be completed within two years of the assessment’s approval.
• A landscape plan is required with all development/redevelopment applications that aligns with Parks Canada direction, including planting material that grows within site conditions or ecozone, meets wildfire risk reduction standards and low-palatability requirements.

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Chapter 7: Land use

The community of Lake Louise does not have a ‘zoning bylaw’ as it is not an incorporated municipality and therefore cannot establish bylaws. This community plan provides the guidance normally found in a zoning bylaw.

A high-level summary for each land use zone is listed below to provide basic parameters of the zone. It should be noted that the legal land use agreement for each parcel, such as a lease or licence of occupation, dictates the use of the parcel. The site-specific guidelines contained within the Development and Design Standards for Lake Louise and Field provide details on what is permitted in each area. The attached updated zoning map identifies the land use zone for each parcel or site within the community.

7.1 Commercial land use zone

The Commercial Land Use Zone encompasses all commercial uses and activities in the Lake Louise community. The most common commercial uses include overnight visitor accommodation and various retail and food service offerings. All commercial activities and uses in the community are limited to those that support and provide services to the park visitors and residents. Acceptable types of services are listed in Figures 1 and 2 of Chapter 6.3, Managing Community Development.

All commercial and business activities associated with permanent or temporary development or infrastructure may only occur within the designated Commercial Land Use Zone, at the discretion of the Superintendent. Drive through commercial offers are prohibited within the Lake Louise community.

There are seven overnight visitor accommodation operations within the community. Visitor accommodations range in type and cost, with many operations also offering complementary commercial services, such as food and beverage, meeting spaces, spas, recreational amenities, and limited retail. On-site staff housing may be permitted where appropriate or supported in the lease.

The primary retail centre in the community is Samson Mall, which offers a range of services including a grocery store, a liquor store, restaurants and cafes, an outdoor sports equipment store with sales and rental, and several souvenir and gift stores, along with a post office.

Two gas stations at the community entrance provide service for visitors, residents and the Trans-Canada Highway travelling public.

Commercial floor area (CFA) development and expansion will occur as described in Chapter 6.3, Managing Community Development.

Temporary commercial uses and spaces may be permitted with Superintendent’s approval and require a Development and/or Building Permit. These uses must be located on commercially zoned parcels and lands at the approval the Superintendent and are subject to the availability of commercial space. Section 6.3 outlines the amount of available commercial space and community maximums, based on commercial floor area (CFA) surveys and calculations.

7.2 Residential land use zone details

The Residential Land Use Zone encompasses all residential housing types from low density single family and duplex buildings to high density townhouse and apartment-style buildings. The site-specific guidelines in the Development and Design Standards for Lake Louise and Field provide the parameters for allowable density and other development requirements for each site.

The majority of residential leases in Lake Louise are tied to the major commercial leaseholders for staff housing purposes. Individual leases are not issued for residential parcels in Lake Louise, except for the Lake Louise Co-op. Individuals may join the Co-op to obtain rights to use a dwelling unit on the parcel. There will be no expansion of the existing Lake Louise Housing Co-op, nor will any new housing Co-op development be approved in Lake Louise. The Superintendent will be implementing amendments to the existing Lake Louise Housing Co-op lease to improve transparency regarding Co-op members and unit occupants. This ensures that these housing units remain reserved for employees that meet the need-to-reside, in alignment with the housing policies for the Lake Louise community.

This community plan creates opportunities for additional housing in Lake Louise by supporting the release of additional lots and increasing the maximum densities established in the 2003 Lake Louise Community Plan. The potential densities and lots for release are listed below. The expected densities (bed units/ha) are further detailed the Development and Design Standards for Lake Louise and Field.

• Harry's Hill neighbourhood
• Expected density = 120 bed units/ha
• Lot 1, CLSR Plan 52779 = release for use and development
• Vacant Lands beside Lot 1 = create parcel through survey and release
• Lots 7-10 CLSR Plan 52779 = redevelop with higher density buildings

• Saddleback / Moraine Circle neighbourhood
• Expected density = 220 bed units/ha
• Vacant Lands adjacent to Parks Compound = create parcel through survey and release

• Pipestone neighbourhood
• Expected density = 120 bed units/ha
• Vacant Lands beside Parcel BM-B-1 = create parcel through survey and release

• Pinnacle neighbourhood
• Expected density = 180 bed units/ha
• Lot 3, CLSR Plan 68778 = release for use and development
• Encourage redevelopment of existing residential buildings to increase density.

• Temple neighbourhood
• Expected density = 200 bed units/ha
• Parcel HQ, CLSR 85810 = require development within two years of plan approval or return to Parks Canada for staff housing or release. Develop Parcel HQ with shared access with Lot 4, Block 9 CLSR 71142 using remainder of Lot 7 CLSR 71142 for access.

Additional development details for each neighbourhood are found in the site-specific guidelines of the Development and Design Standards for Lake Louise and Field.

7.3 Institutional land use zone

The Institutional Land Use Zone in Lake Louise is designated for community service-related activities, managed through leases or other agreements with Parks Canada. Current uses include essential services, such as fire, ambulance and RCMP, as well as recreation facilities and the medical centre. While not currently present, this zone could also accommodate uses like religious or other social-based services.

7.4 Parks operation land use zone

The Park Operation Land Use Zone encompasses all Parks Canada facilities and operational uses within the community boundary. It inlcudes operations compounds, administration buildings, public parking lots and all visitor use and information facilities.

7.5 Utility land use zone details

The Utility Infrastructure Land Use Zone is designated for third-party utility services, such as telecommunications services and related towers. Development on these sites varies by operation, so the guidelines focus on protecting historic and cultural sightlines and addressing all environmental considerations.

7.6 Open space land use zone

The Open Space Lands Use Zone includes areas that remain open and undeveloped for a variety of reasons. Some of these lands serve as buffers between different land uses, roadways and the CPKC railway line, offering aesthetic or recreational values. Other areas have been identified as environmentally significant with attributes that warrant preservation or special care.

Together with the surrounding protected park, these open spaces play an essential role in reducing the environmental impacts of the community’s presence.

Where conditions allow, a limited number of pathways, trails or picnic sites may be permitted within this zone.

7.7 Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) lands

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Railway Company holds lands within Banff National Park, including within the community of Lake Louise, under Letters Patent. Under the Letters Patent, these lands are designated primarily for railway purposes including CPKC staff housing. The Station Restaurant, located in the historic Lake Louise train station, is situated on CPKC lands.

Parks Canada collaborates with CPKC to ensure that all developments, uses and activities align with Parks Canada processes and principles, including no-net-negative environmental impact.

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Chapter 8: Strategic environmental assessment summary

All national park community plans are assessed through a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) to understand the potential for cumulative impacts. The SEA for the Lake Louise Community Plan considered the potential impacts of climate change, local activities and development, anticipated increases in visitation, and the proposed direction outlined in the plan. It also assessed potential impacts on key ecosystem components, including water quality and quantity, vegetation, and wildlife.

The Community Plan will result in many positive impacts on the environment including these no-net negative environmental impacts principles:

• The community does not extend beyond defined boundaries and limits on commercial floor area in the commercial zones in Canada National Parks Act
• The extent of nonnative species along important dispersal corridors, such as roadways, boundaries and waterways are minimized
• Wildlife habitat/corridor usage is maintained or improved; and human wildlife co-existence is maintained or improved

Although the wastewater effluent quality is not currently meeting site-specific guidelines due to phosphorus exceedances, in recent years, biomonitoring data from the Bow River, both upstream and downstream of the wastewater treatment plant, remains good, meaning they are within reference conditions. Parks Canada has been undertaking extensive upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant over the past four years. These upgrades will be completed soon, and phosphorus levels are anticipated to improve. Monitoring will continue to determine if effluent targets are achieved.

While the potential for the spread of non-native vegetation increases with visitation, the impacts are minimized through ongoing monitoring and management under the Integrated Invasive Plant Management Plan, the Lake Louise Community Plan, and the Banff National Park of Canada Management Plan. Continued prevention, rapid response, and interagency collaboration uphold the no-net-negative impact (NNNEI) principle and support the maintenance of ecological integrity in and around the community of Lake Louise.

Cumulative effects on wildlife mortality and connectivity are expected to be minimized through coordinated management at the park and landscape scales. The Community Plan, supported by the Lake Louise Area Strategy and related guidelines, promotes adherence to NNNEI principles and measures that minimizes conflicts with wildlife. Wildlife co-existence and conflict data will be monitored to ensure the ongoing protection of wildlife in the Lake Louise Area.

The Lake Louise aquifer supplies Lower Lake Louise while the lake itself supplies Upper Lake Louise. For the community, sustainable use of these sources is expected over the next 10 years, based on an analysis of all users. This assessment will need to be updated as climate change impacts continue to be better understood. Integrating climate impact analysis into local planning is essential to ensure informed decisions and protect aquatic resources that the community and surrounding ecosystems depend on. To support this, best practices for responsible water use will be developed to proactively promote conservation within the community.

Individual projects undertaken to implement community plan objectives at the site will be evaluated to determine if an impact assessment is required under the Impact Assessment Act, or successor legislation.

Parks Canada is actively advancing toward fully achieving the principle of no-net negative environmental impacts in the community of Lake Louise, supported by strong plans and commitments. The Community Plan sets clear objectives and desired outcomes to guide growth within the legislated boundary, and its implementation is expected to uphold and protect the ecological integrity of Banff National Park.

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