Sylvan Lake could have a new lighthouse by next summer.
Town council approved several motions recently to keep the project on track to build a new lighthouse on the lakeshore.
Approval was granted to go ahead with preliminary designs and soil testing for the site, which will be the same spot where its predecessor stood until it was demolished in 2012 for safety reasons.
There were immediate calls in 2012 by locals to replace the landmark.
Sylvan Lake Harbour, which is developing WatersEdge Condominiums & Marina, has worked out an agreement to turn land over to the town for a pocket park and a trail. A small beach may also be developed and the town will be responsible for maintenance.
As well, $58,050 was provided by developers as cash in lieu for land required for a municipal reserve. The money will go towards the design and soil work.
Sylvan Lake Rotary Club has taken the lead on the lighthouse initiative to develop it as a community project.
It took various options to the public and the consensus was to build a lighthouse similar in design to the original and on the same site.
The Rotary Club will commission the design and develop a fundraising strategy. The final design will go to the public for input before it is approved.
Town chief administrative officer and Rotary Club member Betty Osmond said the preliminary design is expected to be done in the next month or two. The design work could be undertaken as a gift in kind.
The cost of the lighthouse project has not been determined.
“That’s something we’ll need the concept design for,” she said.
Results of the soil testing will also determine how much foundation work needs to be done. That will likely be a significant portion of costs. It is expected work on the lighthouse will begin next spring for a July completion date.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com