Waterfront Crowd Control for July 18/19
Posted on:
The Town of Sylvan Lake is aware that our waterfront, on Saturday, July 11, was at or near a maximum capacity, and that members of the public were concerned with public health and physical distancing practices, or lack thereof.
Albertans are being asked to stay-cation within their home province, and with limited options, are flocking to destinations such as Sylvan Lake. The Town recognizes that everyone is trying to find balance – to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while trying to seek a bit of “normal” again. We do not believe any ill-will was intended on July 11, with respects to the crowding; however, visitors must be more vigilant about respecting health and safety rules regardless of the circumstances.
Looking ahead, for the weekend of July 18/19, the Town of Sylvan Lake is taking the following action to help mitigate potentially negative impacts of crowding:
- Increased RCMP presence along waterfront, enforcing park rules including public health orders such as physical distancing.
- Increased number of Bylaw and Peace Officers to assist in educating the public on health orders, and to enforce municipal bylaws. Members will also have access to, and hand out face masks where they identify a need.
- Increased signage, including signage to reinforce public health orders, and signage to identify waterfront parking restrictions.
- Closure of public waterfront parking lots once they are full; once public waterfront parking lots are full, they will be closed and remain closed until 6:00 PM that evening.
- The parking lots and any associated closures will be staffed.
- Electronic signage into Town, which will indicate if and when the volume of people within the waterfront becomes a concern.
- Observation of successes, continued challenges, and potential needs. Following this weekend, Administration will again assess the health and safety needs of the waterfront, and where required, take additional measures to mitigate potential health and safety risks associated with an influx of visitors to the community.
The Town of Sylvan Lake reminds all Albertans to keep 2 metres from those outside of their family cohorts, to wear a mask when this is not possible, to wash/sanitize hands frequently, and to stay home if feeling unwell.
Additionally, please consider visiting our community another time/day if when upon arrival, the waterfront appears too busy to safely enjoy your time with us.