Sylvan Lake

The month of June was filled with opportunities for youth engagement including three graduation ceremonies, a number of year end school celebrations, the Steffie Marathon, daycare tours through the municipal government building, and so many others! If there is anyone that can ask a great unfiltered question, it is the kids of Sylvan Lake! I have compiled a few of the most common questions from the last month that were either asked by youth, or asked about youth.

How can a youth get involved?

We offer a number of options through our youth services department (The Flipside Youth Centre) that include a mentorship program youth entrepreneur opportunities, and leadership programs. In addition to that we have now created a space on our Community Services committee that is specifically designated for a youth to sit on. I strongly believe that some of the most creative solutions come from young Sylvan Lakers and it excites me that they now have a seat around the table to share their thoughts. Applications will be open for this committee later this summer.

In addition to these more formal opportunities volunteering is a great place to jump in for both youth and adults. We have many opportunities to help at events, to support a neighbor through the snow angles or yard busters program, or to volunteer with your sports teams or music clubs. My all-time favorite quote is ‘Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” — Unknown

I have heard we are getting a new high school, is that true?

We hope so! Last year council identified four advocacy goals, which are goals that we cannot directly control the outcome for, but ones we think are important to talk about with other levels of government and a new high school is on that list. Through many conversations, we have been successful in seeing the need for a new high school move up to the top, or near the top in both Red Deer Catholic (we are a #2 priority) and Chinooks Edge’s (now #1 priority) capital plans. We have still many details to work out relating to the funding, timing and location of these future potential schools but it does look promising that we are in the running to be considered for a high school that will meet the demands of our growing population.

Have you ever been inside the lighthouse?

Yes! There is no formal staircase inside of the lighthouse, just a ladder, making it unsafe to allow others to go inside, but I am happy to tell you about it. Inside of the structure there is an electronic system that allows parks staff to control the colors of the lighthouse through their computer. This gives us the opportunity to change the colors for special events, causes or holidays. If you have a cause or event that you think would qualify to have the lighthouse lit up to recognize, you can find further details along with the application form on our website.

What is mock council?

Through the grade six school curriculum students learn about local government. Often during this year, classrooms will visit the Municipal Government Building for a tour. This past year I learned how some of our neighboring communities make these tours interactive and fun by allowing students to participate in a mock council meeting where they will debate items that fall within the authority of local government such as curfews for youth and animal bylaws. We are excited to have created a Sylvan Lake specific mock council program this fall and provide this new interactive opportunity for grade six students to join us for a hands on learning experience. We will be reaching out to all local schools that offer grade six to let them know of the program in September and invite them to join us.

What is the most challenging part of being the mayor?

Being the mayor of any community comes with a host of responsibilities and challenges, but one aspect that stands out as both the most challenging and the most rewarding is dealing with people. As the mayor of Sylvan Lake, I am essentially serving as a representative and leader for the entire population of the town, making me accountable to each and every resident. In Sylvan Lake's case, with a population of 16,000, it means having 16,000 bosses, which can be daunting some days.

One of the primary challenges that arise from this aspect of the role is the diversity of opinions and interests among the residents. People have different needs, expectations, and priorities, and as a member of Town Council we strive to address and balance these varying perspectives. What might be considered a priority for one group of residents might not resonate with others, and finding common ground can be a complex and time-consuming task.

However, despite these challenges, dealing with people is also the most rewarding aspect of being the mayor. Being able to positively impact the lives of fellow residents, listening to concerns, and being the voice of ideas brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose. It's a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community. Despite the challenges, the opportunity to work closely with residents and witness the positive impact of your efforts is what makes the role of a mayor truly rewarding and fulfilling.

What is the best part of the Mayors job?

The best part of the job is undoubtedly the opportunity to witness the goodness within the people who reside in Sylvan Lake. There are countless acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity that occur daily, and being the Mayor I am often granted a front-row seat to this through my attendance at various community gatherings, local fundraisers, meetings and events. I feel tremendously blessed to regularly experience the positive impact individuals can have on one another's lives when Sylvan Lakers come together to support each other, to lend a helping hand, and to celebrate their successes as a united community. This firsthand exposure to the kindness and care between our residents makes the role not just a job but a privilege.

What are positive youth tickets?

Positive youth tickets are a new initiative in Sylvan Lake, where our council can give our thanks when we see kindness from our youth. These tickets can be redeemed for a no cost drop in entry to our NexSource Centre, and are our way of saying thank you for displaying positive behavior or contributing to our community. We hope this appreciation adds to the snowball effect that often happens when a good deed is done, and will continue to encourage positivity around our community. There is so much good happening daily and we love the opportunity to recognize it!

When is the spray park opening?

As long as mother nature cooperates, we hope to have the spray park open for the season on Friday May 26 at noon. The playground side of the structure is already open along with the washrooms.

Is the ice off the lake yet?

Not yet, but it won’t be long. Sean from Sylvan has been sharing regular videos with the progress. It will be swim time in no time! 

Where will the flashing crosswalks (RRFB devices) be installed this year? Will my neighborhood be getting one?

• Harrison Road at Hallgren Drive
• 50 Street at Perry Drive
• Lakeway Blvd at Lucky Place
• 60 Street at Memorial Trail
• 60 Street at Lakeway/Springfield Blvd
• Brookstone Drive at Lincoln Street

I didn’t learn about an event/road closure/news until it was over. Where can I find town news?

The News Hub is the place to look. Sign up for email alerts on the topics that interest you!

I am new to the community, how do I find where the closest playground is?

We have so many amazing green spaces (or I guess at this time of year, white spaces?) available to enjoy in Sylvan Lake. We have a handy map of locations to find a new playground to enjoy: 

In order to keep our playgrounds safe and available for use, we follow a by-annual replacement program where we asses and update a playground that is in need to a refresh. This year, Palo Park is due for improvements. Not long ago we shared a survey where residents had the opportunity to provide input on what they would like to see at this playground and I look forward to learning more about the exciting improvements expected for that location.

What are the SPARC awards? 

The SPARC awards are our annual opportunity to recognize the great youth that live in Sylvan Lake! Nominations are open now and can be found on our website. All youth that are nominated will be honored at an awards night in May. 

Will E-scooters be permitted in Sylvan Lake this summer? 

We hope so! We have developed a piolet program to allow us to work with an e-scooter company to provide this service. Part of developing that program looked at areas of town that scooters would not be appropriate, and other areas where they will be permitted at a low-speed only. Late last month, a request for proposal was sent to all e-scooter companies currently operating in the region. We hope to find the right partner and to be able to bring this added method of transportation (and recreation) to Sylvan Lake.

Did we see a lot of new development in 2022?

YES! Overall, the value of building permits increased in 2022 over the years prior. This is movement in the right direction in our goal to see increases in the housing options available in the Town of Sylvan Lake. The highest value categories consist of 45 detached dwellings, 1 apartment building, 5 four unit townhouses, and 12 duplexes.

• In 2020, 212 total permits were issued, totaling a value of $22,197,430

• In 2021, 287 total permits were issued, totaling a value of $29,870,818

• In 2020, 272 total permits were issued, totaling a value of $41,559,346

I can’t always attend a council meeting in person, is there another way I can stay informed? 

We are now live! All regular meetings of council and committee of the whole meetings will be live streamed. You can view the channel while the meeting is taking place.

Regular Meetings of Council are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month (Tuesday, if Monday is a holiday) at 6:00 PM. In person attendance is still welcome.

The agenda for each meeting can be found online.

Where are you at with the 2023 budgeting process? 

Budget presentations deliberations took place over multiple evenings and a weekend in November and December, which resulted in council unanimously approving the circulation of the budget at a meeting in December. It was a challenging process as we faced 6.8% Consumer Price Index inflation rate. We ended up moving forward with a proposed 5.51% tax rate adjustment. In January, we hosted an open house to receive resident input on the proposed budget along with circulated a survey for further feedback. More information to help you understand the process and direction for 2023 can be found on the budget page of our website.

The Property Tax Bylaw is scheduled to come before council in April.

What is planned for Pogadl Park in 2023?

•             Completion of underground utilities

•             Access Road D and the adjacent parking lot areas, which includes 162 parking stalls

•             Access Road E through the campground

•             All trails identified in area 1

•             Construction of the campground (42 RV stalls)

•             South washroom building- which will contain a small kitchen area available for bookings or tournaments

•             Irrigation infrastructure to support the ball diamonds and future soccer pitches

•             Site landscaping of the area, including bike park located south east of the site

The bike park will be operational and ready for use during the summer of 2023. All other amenities will be constructed in 2023, and available for use in the spring/summer 2024. 

Advocacy. What is it and why do we do it?

Often, we hear of concerns for our residents that are outside of our municipal scope. We are unable to directly fix the concern, often because the responsibility for it lies under another level of government or because the funding to solve the problem is outside of our reach. Our solution to this is to become clear on our needs outside of our authority and come up with a plan to share our needs with others who may be able to assist us. Currently, council has set four advocacy priorities and they are as follows:

1. Healthcare. Sylvan Lake’s Advanced Ambulatory Care Centre should be open from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM without closures due to physician or other healthcare professional shortages.

2. High School. Sylvan Lake has outgrown our current high school, and in order to serve our growing student population a new one school should be considered.

3. Resort Municipality Status (or similar). We recognize that our increase in visitor traffic causes additional pressures to our budget, and we believe that funding should be available to support this increase in use on our facilities and infrastructure.

4. Victim Services. In 2019, victim services was lost in Sylvan Lake. Victims of crime in our community should receive the same support that is mandated province wide. I am happy to report that in the last month this item has been resolved (thank you Province of Alberta!) and this critical service has now returned to Sylvan Lake. 

Happy New Year! It was wonderful to celebrate the start of the new year down at the lakefront with so many Sylvan Lakers enjoying the fireworks.

When will the budget be approved?

On council, the most important thing we do annually is pass the budget. This has consumed much of our work in the latter part of 2022 and information on the proposed budget can be found on our website. We will be spending the next couple of weeks gathering feedback on the budget through our online survey and at our budget open house on January 18 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at the NexSource Centre. Please take the time to let us know your thoughts through either format. Final budget approval is anticipated later this month.

How can my business provide goods and services to the town?

We have a policy for that! In summary, all goods and services that meet a specific threshold are required to go through our procurement process. Depending on the value of the purchase, different requirements are laid out to ensure we are receiving the most value for your tax dollar. This process is outlined in greater detail but includes receiving a minimum number of quotations and advertising of the opportunity.

Do local vendors and businesses receive preference?

No. The Province of Alberta is a participant in the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA) with the western provinces and the territories. NWPTA requires goods valued over $75,000 be advertised outside the local municipality where vendors from all provinces/territories involved in NWPTA can access the information and bid on the goods. All bids that come in are filtered through a scoring tool and the best choice is selected. Pricing is just one of the items bids are scored on, and others include history in our municipality, experience, and references.

Annually, we offer a procurement workshop outlining the details of this process. The presentation from last year can be found on our website.

Why can I no longer sign my child up for Red Cross Swimming lessons?

Red Cross has discontinued their swim lessons program. Lessons are still available at the NexSource Centre, but they are now offered through the Lifesaving Society. Check out the chart on page 26 of the Winter Community Guide to help guide you to the correct level to sign up for with the new programs.

Why is the town always looking to hire lifeguards?

Lifeguards are in short supply across Canada and the U.S.A. and Sylvan Lake has not been immune to this challenge. The training required means it is difficult to hire new lifeguards, and the lack of training programs available in recent years have exasperated the problem. The training to become an assistant lifeguard is available at 13 years old, with the National Lifeguard training available at 16 years old. Both programs are offered locally and more information can be found on page 29 of the Winter Community Guide.

What is Chatting with Council?

This is an informal opportunity to connect with council around upcoming projects or questions. We host this on the first Thursday of each month, at various times and locations around the community. Our next Chatting with Council will be on February 2 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Winter Village. The fire pits will be lit for a fireside chat under the lights. We hope to see you then!

It is probably not a surprise to anyone that almost all the questions that have come across my desk in recent weeks are relating to snow. Tis the Season!

How do we budget for snow clearing?

Several years ago, we made a change to our process and now we budget for an average year (statistics tell us this is an average of two full residential clears per year). On years that we do not hit our snowfall triggers for two full residential clearings, we put savings into a reserve fund to ensure we can cover the costs in years we see greater than average snowfall levels.

This reserve is important to ensure we have the funds to deal with heavy snowfall seasons. Although we have set triggers of snow accumulation when a clearing is triggered, there is some discretion used at the end of the season (it would not make financial sense to clear all roads in late March if the forecast is predicting warm weather the following week). The approximate cost of one full residential clear is equal to a 1% increase in municipal taxes so it is always a balance between a fiscally responsible budget, and easy to navigate roadways.

Who manages the Winter Village and coordinates the Yuletide Festival?

Sylvan Lake just stunning this time of year, thanks to the 300,000 lights sparkling on our lakefront and the music filled weekend that was the Yuletide Festival. Both programs are put on by an amazing group of volunteers, called the ‘Spirit of Sylvan’. They not only plan the events but also find sponsors to cover the costs. At the end of the Christmas Season, they make a large donation to a number of local charities. Thank you to these volunteers! They are always looking for new committee members to help plan the winter magic in Sylvan Lake so if you are interested, reach out to them.

The town lights the fire pits within the winter village each weekend, so you have a cozy place to stop and warm up while you enjoy the lights. The fires will be lit on Friday’s from 5-9pm and Saturday and Sundays from 12-9pm until the end of February.

How can I enjoy the Winter Village if I have sensory concerns?

Each night between 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM the lights are set to solid, and are available to enjoy without the light show.

The sidewalks in my neighbourhood are a challenge to walk on due to snow and ice, what can I do?

Our 'Snow Angels' program is still looking for volunteers. We have created a map to pinpoint exactly which neighbourhoods have the greatest needs for volunteers. Take a look and see if one of your neighbours is in need of some assistance.

If you can shovel your own sidewalk, I encourage you to get out and do so regularly. The ability to walk around Sylvan Lake is so important for both our mental health, and for general day to day living for those who do not have vehicle access.Icy and snow covered sidewalks make this a challenge for many.

If you know of a sidewalk that needs additional attention, you can let us know online. (allow pop ups to use the form) Our bylaw officers will assist in encouraging the homeowner to clean it themselves, but if that is not possible the town will hire a contractor on their behalf to clear the sidewalk and bill the property owner for the cost.

What else has Council been up to lately?

Councillor Mearns and myself met with Minister Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, last month and discussed our concerns over the delays in having interim victim services provided in Sylvan Lake, along with our concerns over changes to local EMS scheduling.

We are also deep into the budgeting process, which consists of multiple nights of council reviewing the budget of each department. We will move into a day (or more) of deliberations later this month. Following the deliberations, we will roll out the budget for feedback through a budget open house session scheduled for the evening of January 18, 2023.

As we enter into this holiday season, I wish you and your family a season of memories and a very warm welcome into 2022.

Why did the construction on 50A Ave (by the post office) take so long?

This project began mid-July and finished for the season just before our snowfall this week. The project included replacement of underground utilities along with the surface work that we all look forward to. Although they did end on schedule this year, we did see delays with the external utility providers that caused there to be little to no activity on the site for a period of time mid construction.

The road is now open again for the winter, but completion of the project will carry into next year for the second phase of asphalt, landscaping and street furniture additions. There will be some short term road closures next year, but nothing like this year where a major long term disruption will take place. This project was funding largely in part by an investment of $556,194 from the Government of Canada.

Why is the Co-Operators Play Zone (next to the spray park) closed over the winter?

This winter, the playground is closed to so that crews can prepare and preform additional work on the overall development at Pogadl Park. This may be the case on and off for a couple of winters as the area is still being developed, but once the work is complete it will be available as a year round playground.

What else has Council been up to lately?

• Volunteering with the Smile Cookie campaign was so much fun again this year, thank you for your generous donations towards doctor recruitment in Sylvan Lake! The total cookie sales were $21,521.93. Fire vs RCMP were in competition for the most donations and the Sylvan Lake Fire Department took the win this year! Better luck next time RCMP …

• The Vehicle for Hire Bylaw is very close to completion! The goal of this bylaw is to make it easier for Taxi companies to do business in the Town of Sylvan Lake and to open up the doors to ride share companies (like an Uber or Lyft) to operate here if they choose. We expect to see this at a council meeting in November.

• In September we were able to meet twice with the Minister of Health to share our concerns around the AACS closures along with rising concerns over EMS scheduling. Councillor Rilling and myself have joined up with a passionate group of residents on a task force to see how we can target our efforts on doctor recruitment. The task force is still in its infancy but is looking for two more members to round out the committee and set the tone of our activities. If this is something that you would like to contribute to, please apply to the Sylvan Lake Health Professional Attraction & Retention Committee (SLhPARC).

• We attended an RCMP town hall and learned that calls for service are down by a substantial amount this year. Is that because crime isn’t happening? That would be nice! Calling in crimes, at every level of severity, is an key part of keeping our community safe. It allows the RCMP to predict hot spots, watch trends and get ahead of the bad guys.

     In an emergency, dial 9-1-1 | Non-emergency: 403-887-3333

     Report a crime online

• We are currently receiving feedback on our upcoming budget before we kick off budget deliberations later this month. Lets us know how you're feeling by filling out our online budget survey!

What's coming up that we should know about?

• The Sylvan Lake Legion will once again be hosting our community Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11, this year with a change in locations to the Multi Campus Gym (located within Fox Run and Ecole Mother Teresa School).

• The Bull Riders Canada Finals are BACK! Later this month we will be hosting a kick off concert with Aaron Goodvin followed by two packed days of bull riding action right here in Sylvan Lake. I am excited to dust off my cowboy gear and take part in all the action. This event sold out last time we hosted, so grab your tickets NOW!

• Sylvan Lake is just weeks away from our official kick off to Christmas, the Yuletide Festival. We will start magical weekend on November 25 with the Yuletide Festival and Winter Village Light Up, and continue on November 26 with more Yuletide Festival Fun finished off by the Santa Clause Parade. Did you know both the festival and winter village are entirely coordinated and fundraised for by a group of volunteers? We are blessed to have people who care about making Sylvan Lake a magical place to be!

• Chatting with Council is a monthly event hosted on the 1st Thursday of each month (varying times) we hold that allows for informal discussions, questions and connections. In December, we will be at the Nexsource Centre on December 1 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. We hope to see you there for a visit!