The Banff Centre Council was the governing body for the Banff Centre of Fine Arts and Centre for Continuing Education. The Centre had been running since 1933 when it was set up as a Department of the University of Alberta. Stewardship was transferred to the University of Calgary in 1966 and in 1971 the Centre was administered for the first time by an independent council, although still under the aegis of the University of Calgary.

The Council was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and consisted of the following personnel: a chairman; 5 persons nominated by the the Governors of the University of Calgary; 1 person each from the other Universities in Alberta; 5 persons nominated by the Minister of Education (2 representing other colleges and institutions, 1 from the Department of Education and 2 from the general public); 1 person nominated by the Minister of Indian Affairs'. The Council's mandate was the preparation, establishment and operation of programs, workshops and seminars, and also the preparation of development plans including academic plans, campus development and annual budgets.

The Banff Centre became autonomous from the University in April, 1978.