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Town of Sylvan Lake has big ideas for lakeshore

Day mooring docks wanted but first water licence needed from province
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Town of Sylvan Lake’s vision for the waterfront will involve negotiating a water lease with the province.

In January, town council adopted the Sustainable Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan, which envisions turning the waterfront into a vibrant area offering new recreational and commercial opportunities. It was an initiative that came out of the province’s agreement to turn over Sylvan Lake provincial park to the town in early 2018.

High on wish lists of many boaters and local businesses is the creation of a day mooring spot, where boaters can tie up for a few hours to visit local shops and go for lunch before sailing off again.

“The people who are around the lake drive here. That’s ridiculous,” said Vicki Kurz, town economic development officer.

“We’re working downtown revitalization, and that’s a key factor.”

Kurz said the town hopes to negotiate a recreational water lease with the province to allow for new opportunities along the shore. Council was to consider reallocating $30,000 on Monday night to go towards hiring a consultant to lead the project.

“We have several businesses that want to operate off of our shores but we don’t have the right to approve them unless we sign a water lease,” Kurz said on Monday afternoon.

“The province is looking to transfer that responsibility to us because they are not able to police it. They just don’t have the manpower.”

Should the town get the authority to approve water-based businesses it will have to be looked at from both the business and safety aspects.

For instance, locating paddle board and jet ski rental businesses too close could see paddle boarders dodging jet ski wakes and other dangerous situations.

Before the province approves a recreation licence, the town must submit a site plan to show how motorized and non-motorized craft will be accommodated safely.



pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com

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