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Province seeks input as part of provincial park takeover

Alberta Environment and Parks have responded to the Town of Sylvan Lake’s request that Sylvan Lake Provincial Park be transferred.
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SERENE SCENE - A formal proposal from the Town of Sylvan Lake has been submitted to the Province of Alberta for the divestiture of Sylvan Lake Provincial Park.

Alberta Environment and Parks have responded to the Town of Sylvan Lake’s request that Sylvan Lake Provincial Park be transferred to, and be under of the control of the municipality.

Part of the process to transfer the provincial park to Town control is a 60-day consultation period, where the Province of Alberta invites any Albertan to have their say at albertaparks.ca/consult. The Town of Sylvan Lake is encouraging Sylvan Lakers to take part in this process and voice their thoughts on the Town’s proposal to purchase the lakefront property.

“The past two years have seen increased discussions and interest in transitioning the land from the Sylvan Lake Provincial Park to a municipal park,” a statement on the Town’s facebook page said. “The Town is proceeding with plans to request to the Province of Alberta the divestiture of the Sylvan Lake Provincial Park to the Town of Sylvan Lake. That the Province provide a total funding allocation to the Town of Sylvan Lake in the amount of $1.96 million, is included in the request.”

With this request, the Town looks to expand on a recreational plan that was started with the creation of the Rotary Lighthouse Park.

“Through the acquisition of the provincial park, the Town of Sylvan Lake will further diversify the economy in an area already proven strong- tourism,” the Town’s facebook page stated. “By increasing resident/visitor access to the lake for recreational purposes, and to create opportunities to better manage park visitor experience. We’re basically trying to create a complete, integrated plan for the entire waterfront area, with the goal of ensuring quality public access to the lakefront.”

The Town added they have already had the maintenance contract for this land for the past four years.

“The Town has also held the maintenance contract for the Sylvan Lake Provincial Park for the past four years, providing a level of service that exceeds the requirements within the contract,” the Town’s facebook page said. “We hope to improve this further.”

If you would like to have your thoughts heard, please log on to albertaparks.ca/consult.

reporter@sylvanlakenews.com