Red Deer is the natural shopping place for Sylvan Lake residents who work in the city, right?
Wrong, according to a recent survey conducted by the town. Of the nearly 500 people who participated in the study, more than 82 per cent indicated a preference for shopping close to home.
“I thought that was great,” said Vicki Kurz, Sylvan Lake’s economic development officer.
What’s needed is an increased awareness of the local shopping options, and businesses that can fill the voids that currently exist.
This was part of the motivation for the town’s “downtown goods and services gap analysis survey.” Respondents were asked a variety of questions, including what products and services they would like to see in Sylvan Lake’s downtown.
Kurz is currently compiling the results of the survey, which wrapped up recently after about two months.
She hopes to have some answers for town council by the end of August, but has already noted a few trends.
Many people put food products — like groceries, baked goods and meats — on their downtown wish list There was also an interest in recreational opportunities for young people.
About 5,200 households in Sylvan Lake and the nearby summer villages were approached, said Kurz. Visitors to the town were also canvassed, with these generating about 100 responses in addition to the 500 local replies.
The questionnaire also collected income and other demographic data. These revealed that more than 38 per cent of respondents worked in Red Deer, a figure that has actually come down from the past.
Sixty-nine per cent were between the ages of 25 and 54 — a prime age for consumers.
Kurz said the results can be used to entice businesses, such as franchises, to come to Sylvan Lake.
“That was the idea, was to get the ammo for that particular initiative.”
Without this information, some entrepreneurs might be reluctant to set up shop in the resort town, she explained.
“I don’t think they have the data to support a business case.”
Another compelling piece of data is Sylvan Lake’s rapid growth, said Kurz. The local consumer base continues to expand quickly.
The hope is that new businesses will populate vacant space downtown. As of May 1, the vacancy rate there was just over 10 per cent.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com