"A Celebration of Banff's Heritage"

On June 11, 2009 Banff Heritage Tourism, The Banff Heritage Corporation and the Interpretive Guides Association teamed up to honour six outstanding organizations and individuals whose efforts bring to life the heritage values that are unique to Banff National Park.

Banff Heritage Tourism recognized two individuals and one organization who have done an extraordinary job of creating awareness of heritage tourism values throughout the community. The two individuals were:

• Ron Warner - Since Ron first arrived in Banff in 1962 it is through his leadership and guidance that Holiday on Horseback has been creating wonderful, authentic memories for visitors to the national park. Banff was originally explored and discovered on horseback and Ron is committed to keeping that tradition alive.
• Jim Olver - Over the past 25 years, Jim has been the face of the Banff Centre for countless visitors and guests. Whether conducting tours, greeting conferences and meetings or giving everyone first class customer service, Jim is a true ambassador for Banff and the Banff Centre.

Banff Heritage Tourism also recognized the following organization:

• Discover Banff Tours – Since its inception in 1999, Discover Banff Tours has embraced the philosophy of “Small Personalized Tours” to create memorable and positive visitor experiences. Their goal is to ensure every guest has the opportunity to experience the park first-hand and develop a personal relationship with our surroundings.

The Banff Heritage Corporation presented two awards. The recipients were:

• Ralphine Locke is the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Ralphine is being recognized for her outstanding contribution to the conservation and promotion of heritage in Banff.
• The Banff Centre and Sather Family is the recipient of this year’s award for the Adaptive Reuse of a Heritage Building. In 2008, the Sather Family worked with the Banff Centre to have the Walter Painter residence moved to the Leighton Artist Colony.

The Interpretative Guides Association recognized:

• Pamela Manning for her excellence in interpreting the natural and cultural heritage of the Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park.

Banff Heritage Tourism is a partnership between Parks Canada, the Town of Banff and Banff Lake Louise Tourism. Its mission is that every visitor experiences, and is inspired by, the authentic heritage of Banff National Park. The Banff Heritage Corporation was created by the Town of Banff and works toward the protection, preservation, enhancement and promotion of Banff’s built heritage.