Sylvan Lake

We are respectful, honest and kind. We appreciate different perspectives. We act in the best interest of the municipality.

We are consistent and inclusive in our bylaws, budgets and policies. We make well-informed decisions and take measured actions. We take responsibility for our actions and strive for mutual understanding through clear and accessible communication.

We seek contribution, ask and invite questions and comments. We listen to understand. We provide accessible and inclusive opportunities for feedback and participation.

We are creative and forward thinking. We improve our performance continuously, taking measured risks on new ideas. We celebrate success and learn from failure.

We respect the individual and strive to provide equal access and opportunities for all to succeed.

We are committed to creating a safe and healthy community where residents are engaged and feel a sense of belonging. We will encourage people to come together, interact with each other, and build relationships through inclusive accessible programs, services, events, and public gathering places.

Strategic Priorities:

• Foster a sense of community and belonging among residents
• Ensure community services and amenities are inclusive and accessible and built to support the diverse needs of residents

We are committed to creating an attractive business environment with a diverse economy that allows businesses to thrive and grow. We will support and attract new investment that creates high quality jobs and brings new residents to our community. We recognize that tourism is an integral part of our economy and support year-round tourism as it enhances our vibrant community.

Strategic Priorities:

• Position the Town as a preferred location for business investment
• Promote a vibrant downtown core that meets the needs of residents and attracts visitors
• Increase year-round tourism and events

We are committed to developing sustainable infrastructure that supports the needs of current and future Sylvan Lakers and to building high quality community facilities that enrich the lives of our residents and attracts visitors to the community.

Strategic Priorities:

• Plan for and develop high-quality, long-lasting infrastructure and facilities that meet the needs of residents and supports future growth

We are committed to being accountable to our residents by providing transparent and accessible information and delivering a high-quality customer service experience. We will foster innovation in an effort to drive efficiency and operate sustainably through responsible fiscal management that is supported by clear, well-informed decision making.

Strategic Priorities:

• Establish fiscal sustainability through efficient and effective use of resources, innovative actions and new sources of funding
• Maintain high quality service levels by promoting and supporting a dynamic internal workforce that is agile, resilient, and highly skilled
• Provide meaningful communication and engagement opportunities that respond to the diversity of the population in a transparent and open manner

GOAL: Advocating for our current Advanced Ambulatory Care Centre to be upgraded to an Urgent Care Centre, with expanded hours and staffing, so it can better meet the growing needs of our community today and into the future.

UPDATE

• July 7, 2025 - Mayor Hanson sent a letter to Ministers Matt Jones, Adriana LaGrange, and Devin Dreeshen requesting an upgrade for Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Centre (SLAACC) to Urgent Care level services. 

• September 24, 2025 - A letter received from Minister Matt Jones, confirming provincial budget 2025 allocates $15 million, which includes the “planning budget for upgrading SLAACC. Pre-planning is underway to consider upgrading the SLAACC to an urgent care centre (UCC)”. 

• Ongoing - TOSL provides administrative support for HART (Healthcare Attraction and Retention Team) which meets every 2 months. Councillor Rilling and Mayor Hanson are major contributors to HART initiatives, alongside dedicated volunteers from the community. 

GOAL: Advocating for a new high school to ensure that families have access to high quality educational facilities.

UPDATE

• January 8, 2025 - Administrations from Town of Sylvan Lake, Chinooks Edge, and Red Deer Catholic School Divisions meet regarding school planning 

• March 19, 2025 - Following persistent advocacy, the Government of Alberta awarded pre-planning dollars toward the development of a public and catholic combined high school in Sylvan Lake. 

• March 2025 - Current - Productive Pre-Planning meetings are held which include Mayor Hanson, Councillor Payne and administration from the Town of Sylvan Lake, with representatives from Chinooks Edge and Red Deer Catholic School Divisions. 

• September 23, 2025 - Council passes First Reading of Bylaw 1937-2025 School Site Rezoning, and set October 14, 2025 at 4:00 PM, in Council Chambers of the Municipal Government Building as the date, time and place for the public hearing on Bylaw 1937/2025. **Identifying suitable land for the school site is one of many elements that need to come into place to empower establishment of a new school. 

• Ongoing - Continued pre-planning work aimed at securing design and construction funding in the upcoming provincial budget cycle. Work of the pre-planning committee includes Functional Planning & Design/Community Engagement, Joint Use Planning, Educational Partnerships, Site Evaluation, and Communications. 

GOAL: Advocating for services to support victims of crime within our community.

UPDATE: Council advocated for services to support victims of crime within our community. This advocacy was successful, and this advocacy item was moved to "completed" status, when the Province of Alberta brough in a new model of expanding help for victims and making sure they have consistent access to support across the province. 

Council is happy to now have a regional victim service unit that supports Sylvan Lakers. Victims of crime now have access to reliable and consistent supports and services wherever they may be, and not just in communities that have an RCMP detachment or a local Victim Service unit. Read more here.

GOAL: Advocate for strategic tourism investment and accommodation development to elevate Sylvan Lake (and the Olds-to-Lacombe Zone) from an Emerging to Breakthrough Destination, aligning with Travel Alberta’s growth priorities

UPDATE

• July 29, 2025 - Mayor Hanson sent a letter to Minister Andrew Boitchenko requesting support for Sylvan Lake’s transition from Emerging to Breakthrough classification, with Travel Alberta.

• September 9, 2025 - A virtual, introductory meeting with Travel Alberta representative Christopher Smith took place.

• September 15, 2025 - An in-person meeting occurred with Travel Alberta representative Christopher Smith, Mayor Hanson, Councillor Mearns, and TOSL administration.

• Ongoing - The Tourism Development Committee meets six times annually with Councillor Mearns serves as our representative. The TDC collaborates with the Town of Sylvan Lake and local stakeholders to advance tourism strategies that benefit the community.

• Next - TOSL Administration is working to schedule meetings with administration of municipalities inside the Olds-Lacombe TDZ to communicate Sylvan Lake’s tourism goals, gather information about TDZ partner goals, and seek collaboration in areas of alignment.  TDZ stands for Tourism Development Zone; which is part of a strategic initiative by Travel Alberta to unlock tourism potential in rural and emerging destinations across the province. Travel Alberta has designated 10 TDZs across the province based on extensive engagement and analysis. 

GOAL: Advocating for recognition as a resort municipality, or an equivalent status, that results in financial support for the unique challenges experienced from being a tourist destination.

UPDATE: These discussions are in consultation with the Province of Alberta. There is no further update at this time.