Who is Barb Anyway.....
I love my funky little mountain town.
I grew up in Banff and graduated from Banff Community High School in 1983.
I was involved in our family businesses in Banff for almost 50 years. In 2000 my husband Eric and I purchased Canada House Gallery from my parents, developed it into a nationally recognized gallery featuring top Canadian talent and we recently sold it in 2018.
For the last 3 years, I've been busy skiing, hiking, cycling, golfing, going to CrossFit, practicing yoga, playing pickleball, walking my dog, waving, and saying hi to locals. Now I'm ready to sink my teeth into working for the community I love.
Our kids Marika, (26) and JT(23) were born in Banff and continue to love mountain adventures and have a deep respect for life in Banff National Park.
My parents (Peter & Marika McCaffrey) aged and passed in Banff. They received amazing care from our local medical professionals and the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital.
I have served over 30 years on various boards, committees, and commissions including: Municipal Planning Commission, Banff Lake Louise Tourism, Banff Grants Committee, Banff Culture Walk, Banff Art Committee, Banff Alpine Racers, Banff Playschool.
I am optimistic - I set goals and work towards them, even when it's hard and gritty.
I like to 'find the path', examine challenges and think creatively to resolve them.
I understand Banff.
I am ready to dive in and contribute to our community. I have the energy, appreciate the complexities and challenges of Banff, and will do my best to serve you.
Volunteer Experience
My love for Banff is immense.
Vice Chair
Town of Banff Municipal Planning Commission
Nov 2020 – Oct 2021
The Banff Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) reviews and makes decisions on development and subdivision applications and advises council on amendments to the Land Use Bylaw.
Commissioner
Town of Banff Municipal Planning Commission
Nov 2019 – Oct 2020
Covid Meal Delivery
May 2020 – Sept 2020
Delivered meals prepared by Mountain Fire Foods to community members in need on a weekly basis.
Big Red Ride Driver
June 2019- Sept 2019
Sharing my love for cycling with residents of Cascade House and St Martha’s has given me great joy.
Chair
Banff Community Grants Committee
May 2019
The Community Grants Committee reviews grant applications and recommends financial allocations to council for projects that enhance quality of life for residents under two grants: Community Grants for registered non-profits charities or societies and the FCSS Building Bridges Grants for local non-registered community groups and/or individuals. The two funding streams include:
two funding streams:
1. Municipal Community Grants for registered non-profits charities or societies providing services in Banff that meet the grant criteria up to $5,000 per grant;
2. FCSS Building Bridges Grants for local non-registered community groups and/or individuals working to further outcomes as defined in the FCSS agreement up to $2,000 per grant.
Board of Directors - Banff Lake Louise Tourism for Retail Sector
Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Aug 2015 – Oct 2018
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism (BLLT) is a member based, destination marketing organization focused on promoting the places, services, products and attractions of the Town of Banff, the community of Lake Louise and Banff National Park. BLLT works with local businesses, Parks Canada and the destination communities to enhance and improve the visitor experience and to inspire travellers from our key global markets.My role with BLLT was to represent the perspective of the retail sector to the other sectors in the tourism industry. It involved relationship building with other retail operators as well as leaders of other sectors on the board.
Banff Culture Walk
Jul 2005 – Sep 2018
A committee of the cultural stakeholders in Banff, BCW works together to heighten awareness of Banff’s visual arts scene.
Co-Chair
Banff Heritage Tourism
Feb 2012 – Feb 2014
Banff Heritage Tourism contributed to an enriched visitor experience by creating life-long supporters and users of our national park. BHT was also proud to offer the Banff Ambassador program for new staff to Banff. From cultural festivals to First Nations performances, historical walking tours to guided hikes, BHT enhanced the visitor experience through a variety of programs and presentations.
Board Member
Banff Heritage Tourism
2011-2015
Board Member
Banff Art Committee
Apr 2010 – Mar 2016
The Banff Community Art Committee advises Banff Town Council on opportunities to acquire and place public art throughout the town.
Board Member
Banff Alpine Racers
2008 – 2012
The Banff Alpine Racers and Bow Valley Quikies exist to promote the sport of alpine ski racing by providing opportunities for all members to develop personal excellence.
The 2019 Dr. Priscilla Wilson Memorial Award
The inaugural Dr. Priscilla Wilson Memorial Award was presented by the YWCA to long-time Banff resident Barb Pelham.
Barb began her career at age nine sweeping sidewalks, washing windows and organizing inventory for her parent’s business, Canada House Gallery. She developed a passion for the study of art and anthropology and attended University of British of Columbia, where she was exposed to indi