Red Deer County councillors unanimously agreed to participate in a Regional Collaboration Grant application to fund a study considering the implications of the construction of a formal boat launch at Range Road 2-1 at Sylvan Lake.
They adopted the resolution during their regular meeting Aug. 6.
Administration will now forward notice of the resolution to Lacombe County, which is acting as the host authority in applying for the grant.
Sylvan Lake Access Committee, made up of representatives from municipalities surrounding Sylvan Lake, met at the Lacombe County office July 4 to discuss the issue of lake access at Range Road 2-1.
Through the meeting, it was determined that a study would be necessary to evaluate the potential for the site to be used as a boat launch.
The study will also consider management of lake access at other points around the lake, and address the issue of lake access in the future.
Lacombe County will proceed with the application for the grant once each of the lake’s surrounding municipalities has agreed to participate.
Reactions varied widely to Red Deer County’s proposal earlier this year to close the road at Range Road 2-1 due to concerns of the site’s “misuse and abuse”.
“Council was trying to find a solution to that road, because there’s concern that you can drive right into the lake,” said Red Deer County legislative services manager Nancy Lougheed. “We were looking to close it to vehicle traffic so that just foot access would be provided, and that’s done by way of road closure.”