The past two years have seen increased discussions and interest in transitioning the land from the Sylvan Lake Provincial Park to a Municipal Park.
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.
“The transfer of land will increase access to the lake, create opportunities to better manage park visitor experience, and contribute to the ongoing municipal efforts to expand local tourism economy," said Mayor Sean McIntyre. "We’re anticipating a complete, integrated plan for the entire waterfront area, with the goal of ensuring quality public access to the lakefront.”
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 already has a proven track record of developing, operating, and maintaining lands for public recreation and tourism, as evidenced through the redevelopment of Lakeshore Drive and Centennial Park. 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.
In 2008, the Province initiated a washroom replacement project, which the Town of Sylvan Lake agreed to manage on the Province’s behalf. In 2009, the Province and the Town agreed on deregulating the Centennial Park portion of the Sylvan Lake Provincial Park, and it transferred to the Town of Sylvan Lake. Also during this time, the Town received ownership of Lakeshore Drive (formerly Highway 11A), from the Province, and embarked on a downtown redevelopment project.
- Town of Sylvan Lake