Highlights of the Town of Sylvan Lake’s budget, which was passed unanimously by councillors Monday night, include:
• a municipal census is planned for 2013 at a cost of $27,000.
• a new parade float is budgeted at $30,000.
• detailed design of a new fire hall will be completed early in 2013 with construction planned to begin in the fall. The budgeted cost of construction is $3.8 million.
• the second phase of repairs at the community centre parking lot will take place at a cost of $420,000.
• additional signage will be installed on 60th Street to direct visitors downtown, in conjunction with completion of Memorial Trail.
• a study of water quality flowing into the lake from Golf Course Creek will be conducted at a cost of $35,000.
• the budget for electricity has been increased by $50,000 to accommodate increased distribution rates from Fortis Alberta. The largest increase, once again, is being seen in street lighting. For 2013 the town will use increasing franchise fee revenue to offset the higher costs of electricity. The franchise fee is the amount charged to local residents and businesses and paid by Fortis to the town to allow the company to have the electricity franchise in town.
• curb side yard waste and kitchen waste collection will continue.
• the Drop N Swap service will continue at the Waste Transfer Site.
• the Kick it to the Curb program will be back again in the summer.
• the town will introduce automated garbage pick-up for residential properties.
• the Municipal Development Plan will be completed early in 2013 in addition to several other area structure plans including 50th Street.
• an affordable housing needs assessment will be completed at a cost of $7,000.
• renovations at the community centre will cost $74,000.
• a digital reader board will be erected allowing the town to provide information to residents and visitors about town events and initiatives. The budget is $32,000.
• the town will work with the province to provide an enhanced beach in the provincial park. The town’s contribution is budgeted at $25,000.
• Railway Park redesign is planned with a $10,000 budget.
Among the projects on the capital budget are:
• a parking strategy at a cost of $250,000.
• Phase 2 of the 47A Avenue reconstruction at $1 million.
• completion of Memorial Trail.
• the first phase of a utility main upgrade from 50th Street to the main lift station at a cost of $2.2 million.
• a utility main upgrade in Willow Springs at a cost of $900,000.
• wastewater lagoon upgrade at a cost of $530,000.
• an RV dump station at a cost of $300,000.
• trail development program continuation at $150,000.
• upgrades to Lions Park ($55,000), Centennial Park (irrigation - $48,000) and Four Seasons Parks ($71,000) with a combined budget of $172,000. Ball field development is also planned at a cost of $260,000.
• library renovation is projected at $40,000.