Lacombe County is against a Red Deer County plan to close to vehicles a troublesome access point to Sylvan Lake.
Range Road 21 runs north from Hwy 11A to the lake and is a popular, although unofficial, launching point for boats.
However, the use of the route has caused parking and garbage problems and there are no washroom facilities.
It has been proposed that a barrier be put in place to block vehicles from getting to the lake, although foot traffic could continue.
It is noted in a staff report that Lacombe County improved another launch and added parking on the north side of the lake near Sunbreaker Cove last year that should be able to handle additional traffic.
Lacombe County was asked for its input and concerns were voiced at last Thursday’s council meeting.
Tim Timmons, the county’s manager of corporate services, pointed out that lake access has been an issue for the county for years. It is feared that if this access point is closed, it will push more traffic to other launch points.
A public hearing has been set for March 5 at Red Deer County Centre.
Lacombe County Reeve Ken Wigmore is planning to attend to raise his council’s concerns.