Waterfront Plans & Lakeshore Drive Closures
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With the August/Heritage Day Long Weekend approaching, the Town of Sylvan Lake is reminding would-be visitors to please respect public health orders, as well as local bylaws. 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; however, all Albertans must be vigilant about respecting health and safety rules regardless of the circumstances.
The Town’s priority is the health and safety of the public. COVID-19 impacts how we manage our waterfront during the warmer, and thus busier days of the summer.
Because of this, throughout the month of August, Lakeshore Drive, between 50 Street and 46 Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic every weekend (Saturday – Sunday), to provide more space for physical distancing, and a better visitor experience.
During these road closures, Lakeshore Drive restaurants may operate sidewalk cafes Saturday and Sunday, until 10:00 PM, and are invited to reach out to Town Administration to fast-track the café/patio permit process.
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.
Planning a trip to Sylvan Lake?
Here’s what you should know:
- On a nice summer day, the Sylvan Lake waterfront often reaches capacity around 1:00 PM. At that time, the Town closes public waterfront parking lots, which remain closed until the end of day, and we ask any would-be visitors to please reconsider their plans, and visit our community at another time/day.
- Members of the public must keep 2 metres apart from those outside of their family cohort (max. 15 people to a cohort); wear a mask if this is not possible.
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell; we reminder that there are many COVID-19 symptoms, including a headache – protect yourself and others, and stay home.
- Throughout the month of August, Lakeshore Drive, between 46 Street and 50 Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic. (8:00 AM, Saturday – 10:30 PM, Sunday). This allows a safer pedestrian experience in the area.
- Expect an increased RCMP presence along waterfront, enforcing park rules including public health orders such as physical distancing.
- Expect and 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.
- Adhere to parking laws; ‘resident only’ parking, and ‘visitor pay parking’ is in effect.
- No smoking of any kind, including vaping; Sylvan Lake’s parks are smoke-free.
- Charcoal/coal briquettes are not permitted within our parks.
- No pets; keep dogs leashed and off of our green spaces – remain on our trails/paths.