Send Us Your Tourists; Keep Your Brands At Home

"With commercial build-out expected in 2006, coupled with market trends, municipal officials say concerns have been raised that local community stores could be priced out and replaced by chain stores.... 'Banff is so special and there's a feeling we should be doing as much as we can to maintain our sense of place and character,' [Planning and development manager Randall McKay] said.... 'But people are concerned about corporate branding of place. I think it's important to maintain a sense of place and have some control over that if you want a very unique visitor experience."

Thanks to John C. Shepard, AICP