Sylvan Lake

Welcome

 

The Town of Sylvan Lake is a dynamic community which is experiencing significant growth. In fact, Statistics Canada has rated the Town as one of the fastest growing communities in Canada as well as one of Canada's youngest communities.

Sylvan Lake is considered one of the major tourism destination resorts in Alberta. The Town has the second largest marina in the Province and as such is considered as a preferred recreation destination by provincial residents.

Business opportunities abound and the forecasts from Provincial and Federal agencies show a continuing trend toward the increased growth and development of the Town.

Sylvan Lake is one of the nicest communities in the province to live, work, and grow as a family. With an emphasis on protecting our natural resources, each new business, development, and event raises the bar for standards within the Town as people continue to choose Sylvan Lake as their home.

Susan Samson - Mayor of Sylvan Lake

This is Susan Samson’s first term as the Mayor of the Town of Sylvan Lake. Her and her husband, Bob, have made Sylvan Lake their home for 28 years. They raised their daughter, Laura, here and are now retired after finishing a successful career in retail. Although Mayor Samson is retired, she considers her new position a fulltime job.

“If I am not in a meeting, I am out and about talking to residents and special interest groups to keep in touch with the pulse of this community,” Samson explained.

“I also spend a considerable amount of time reading to gain knowledge and background on the many issues council must deal with.”

Mayor Samson chose to get involved with politics because she feels that it is time to give back to the residents of Sylvan Lake. During her three year term, she hopes to see advances made on developing a more sustainable community.
“Implementation of environmental initiatives, such as dealing with reductions in pesticides and fertilizers will go a long way in protecting the health of our lake,” Samson said.

“I also look forward to maintaining and strengthening our relationships with our neighbors around the lake, including the summer villages and the two counties.”
Not only does Samson enjoy the political aspect the Town of Sylvan Lake has to offer, but also the recreational amenities found in our community.

“I am a recreational runner and cyclist and I enjoy the ability to train in a setting like this community,” Samson said.

“I feel all my family’s needs – commercially, recreationally, culturally and socially are met within this community. I am proud to call Sylvan Lake my home.”

Area Overview

Long before its present name was adopted in 1903 with the establishment of the first Post Office, Sylvan Lake had been given a succession of names by Cree and Stoney Indians and by map-makers such as David Thompson and the Palliser Expedition.

Heavy timber around the lake made it inaccessible and discouraged early settlement, and it was not until 1899 that Alexander Loiselle and his son Louis came from Michigan with their sawmill to settle at what was then called Snake Lake. By 1902, the District had attracted other settlers and Loiselle built a store and hotel to accommodate the new residents.

Construction of the Alberta Central Railway (1910 - 1914) linking Red Deer and Rocky Mountain House helped to develop the Sylvan Lake area, which by 1923 had 185 residents. As many tourist attractions and facilities were added, the community grew from Village to Town status by 1946.

Residents of Sylvan Lake have always taken an environmentally-conscious approach to development in the community and have always worked towards preserving the lake's natural beauty.

Today, the Town of Sylvan Lake has a permanent population of 10,208 people (Federal Census), hosts nearly 1 million visitors each year, and prides itself on being "A Town For All Seasons" with year-round events, attractions, and facilities for visitors.

Climate

Present Weather - Click here for Sylvan Lake's weather!

Seasonal Temperatures

• Winter -15.5 C (4.1 F)
• Spring 3.1 C (37.6 F)
• Summer 22.9 C (73.2 F)
• Fall 4.6 C (40.3 F)

Annual Precipitation
Rain: 385.2 mm (15.17 in) Snow: 165.2 mm (6.5 in) Total: 550.4 mm (21.67 in)
Average Hours of Sunshine
2,125 hours

Community Services

Municipal

Town of Sylvan Lake
4926 - 50 Avenue
Sylvan Lake, Alberta
T4S 1A1
Tel: (403) 887-2141
Fax: (403) 887-3660
tsl@sylvanlake.ca

Administration
Community and Social Development
Public Library
Recreation and Parks
Planning and Development
Public Works
Protective Services
Tourism

Town of Sylvan Lake Visitor Information Center
Phone: (403) 887-5050
Toll Free: 1-866-887-5550
tourism@sylvanlake.ca

Community Lifestyle

Sylvan Lake provides excellent recreation options to its residents! A broad range of leisure activities are offered at both, the Aquatic Center and Medican Multi-Plex Facility.

Nearby campgrounds include Jarvis Bay Provincial Park, Lakeside Family RV Park, Lakewood RV Park and Campground, Sunny Siesta RV Park and Campground, Sylvan Lake RV Park, and the Meadowlands Golf Club at Sylvan Lake.

There is something for everyone of every age!

• Anglican Church of St. Mary's and St. Timothy's
• Apostolic Lutheran Church of Sylvan Lake
• Faith Lutheran Church
• Lighthouse Fellowship
• Frontline Worship Church
• Our Lady of Assumption Church
• Faith Lutheran Church
• Gospel Chapel
• Memorial Presbyterian
• Seventh Day Adventist Church

For more information on special events happening in Sylvan Lake, contact the Sylvan Lake Visitor Information Center at (403) 887-5050 or toll-free, 1-866-887-5550.
tourism@sylvanlake.ca

Town of Sylvan Lake Events Calendar

Winterfest (Family Day Winter Festival)
1913 Days
Half Iron Man Triathlon
Ice Marathon Speedskating Event
Open Water Swimming Championships
Jazz at the Lake Festival

The Sylvan Lake Hockey School is one of the largest in North America, with 500 to 600 players on the waiting list. The camp features many NHL stars and area residents such as the Sutter brothers, Bill Ranford, Mark Tinordi, Darcy Loewen, Kelly Kisio and Glen Wesley.

Sylvan Lake has hosted major events like the World Jet Ski Championships, the Coors Light Trauma Tour, and the World Series 30 Kilometre Marathon Swim, and regulary hosts other events like beach volleyball, hockey tournaments, curling bonspiels and more.

• Graham's Beachfront Resort
• Inn at the Lake
• Lost Harbour Inn
• Edgewater Inn
• Raccoon Lodge Motel
• Sylvan Lake Hotel
• Eclipse Bed & Breakfast
• Sylvan Lake Bed & Breakfast
• Country Home Bed & Breakfast
• Chateau Suites
• Comfort Bed & Breakfast
• Avery's Bed & Breakfast
• Apple Dumpling Inn

For more information on local accommodations click here.

Sylvan Lake enjoys a vast array of dining experiences suited to any taste or budget.

For more information on the variety of dining experiences Sylvan Lake offers, visit here.

Economic Base

A trip worth taking.

Given its central location, tourism is the major economic base for the Town of Sylvan Lake. The community welcomes well over 1.6 visitors year-round and hosts a variety of summer and winter events, making Sylvan Lake one of Alberta's premier recreation destinations.

For more information regarding the tourism attractions in Sylvan Lake, click here.

Sylvan Lake has joined eight other municipalities/counties in promoting summer events within Central Alberta. The website www.albertasweet16.com is an excellent guide for planning a summer vacation.

In addition to a strong tourism economy, Sylvan Lake benefits from its strategic location in the heart of the Edmonton - Calgary Corridor, one of Canada's strongest and most productive economies.

Sylvan Lake's  Central Alberta location also means we're home to some of the most prominent oilfield construction, development, and safety companies. As an ever-growing community, we are continuously welcoming new businesses to the community. Wal-mart, Sobeys and Shoppers Drug Mart will be joining Sylvan Lake's business community in 2008.

Economic Facts

Major Businesses (Products/Services)

• Delta Energy Ltd. (Pipeline Construction)
• Nabors (Oilfield Services) 
• Smokey Oilfield Rentals (Oilfield Equipment Supplier)
• Key Safety (Oilfield Safety and Training)
• Cobbs Limited (Grocery and Retail Clothing)
• Extra Foods (Grocery and Miscellaneous Retail)
• Sobeys (Grocery and Miscellaneous Retail)
• Wal-Mart Super Center (Grocery and Miscellaneous Retail)
• Shoppers Drug Mart

Financial Institutions

• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
• Community Savings and Credit Union
• Alberta Treasury Branch
• RBC Royal Bank
• Scotiabank

Additional Information

Sylvan Lake is a part of the Central Alberta Economic Partnership. For information on Central Alberta economic indicators please see the CAEP website.

Education

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Sylvan Lake is part of the Chinooks Edge Regional School Division #5, headquartered in Innisfail (Tel: 403-227-4272) and the Red Deer Catholic School Regional Division #39 (Tel:403-343-1055).

C.P. Blakely School
Patrick Gleason, Principal
Michelle Doz, Vice Principal
4815 – 43 Street
Sylvan Lake, AB, T4S 1A3
Phone: (403) 887-3570
Fax: (403) 887-2841
C.P. Blakely School welcomes students in kindergarten through grade five, with an enrolment of approximately 335 students.

Ecole Steffie Woima School
Hugh Davidson, Principal
Angela Eadi-Gyoir, Vice Principal
4720-45 Avenue
Sylvan Lake, AB, T4S 1A5
Phone: (403) 887-3088
Fax: (403) 887-4731
École Steffie Woima School welcomes students in kindergarten through grade five, with an enrolment of approximately 420 students.

Ecole Fox Run School
Dave Elwood, Principal
Don Rattray, Vice Principal
2 Falcon Ridge Drive
Sylvan Lake, AB
T4S 2H1
Phone: (403) 887-0491
Fax: (403) 887-2496
École Fox Run School welcomes students in grades six through eight, with an enrolment of approximately 415 students.

HJ Cody School
Lee Tipman, Principal
Darcy Marshall, Vice Principal
Trevor Sanche, Vice Principal
4520-50 Street
Sylvan Lake, AB, T4S 1A4
Phone: (403) 887-2412
Fax: (403) 887-4084
HJ Cody School welcomes students in grades 9 through 12, with an enrolment of approximately 625 students.

Sylvan Lake Career High School
Ian Hector, Principal
Lakeview Heights #6, 1 Sylvan Drive
Sylvan Lake, AB, T4S 1J9
Phone: (403) 887-3239
Fax: (403) 887-3068
Sylvan Lake Career High School welcomes students in grades 10 through 12, and provides an alternative program for students who need flexibility in scheduling to complete their high school diploma.

Separate

Mother Teresa School
Rob Maloughney, Principal
Rose McQuay, Vice Principal
79 Old Boomer Road Sylvan Lake, Alberta T4S 1Z4
Telephone: (403) 887-6371 Fax: (403) 887-6373

Our Lady of the Rosary School
Margaretrose Willms, Principal
4520 Ryder’s Ridge Boulevard Sylvan Lake, Alberta T4S 0E1
Telephone: (403) 343-2568 Fax: (403) 887-9943

Lighthouse Christian Academy
Box 1078 RR#1
Sylvan Lake, AB
T4S 1X6
Phone: (403) 887-2166
Fax: (403) 887-5729

Sylvan Meadows Adventist School
Box 1006B RR 1 Stn Main
Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1X6, Canada
(403) 887-5766‎

Emergency Services

Sylvan Lake is linked to emergency services through the 9-1-1 system.

Fire Protection

The Sylvan Lake Fire Department (SLFD) proudly protects the residents of Sylvan Lake along with the summer villages of Norglenwold, Jarvis Bay, Birchcliff and Half Moon Bay. The Department is also under contract to protect a portion of the Red Deer County. The SLFD responds out of one station and is staff by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Police Services

The Sylvan Lake RCMP Detachment is composed of 19 members and four clerical support staff. Thirteen of the 19 positions are municipal members that are employed in the Town of Sylvan Lake. The other eight are provincial positions who provide service to the surrounding rural area. A Victim Services Advocacy and Rural Crime Watch also work out of the Detachment office. 

There are two full time Municipal Enforcement officers employed along with a seasonal position for the summer months. These members are designated through the province’s Solicitor General’s Department as Community Peace Officers with authority to enforce specific provincial statutes along with municipal bylaws. They provide enforcement for the Traffic Safety Act, Liquor and Gaming Act, Dangerous Dogs Act and various others.

Disaster Services

Dennis Krill is the Director of Disaster Services for the Town of Sylvan Lake. Myron Thompson, the Assistant CAO for the Town is Deputy Director of Disaster Services. They are responsible for coordinating protective, medical and emergency services in the event of a disaster. They work closely with the District Officer for the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and the DDS for the counties of Red Deer and Lacombe.

Health Care

Red Deer Regional Hospital provides medical service to the Sylvan Lake area.

Other medical services available include three medical clinics, dental clinics, the Sylvan Lake Community Health Centre (currently under expansion), the Sylvan Lake Chiropractic Clinic, and the Sylvan Lake Physiotherapy Clinic.

Key Contacts for Business Development

The Town of Sylvan Lake Main Office located at: 4926-50th Avenue, Sylvan Lake
Phone: 887-2141
Fax: 887-3660

Susan Samson
Mayor
ssamson@sylvanlake.ca

Helen Dietz
Chief Administrative Officer
403-887-2141

Myron Thompson
Assistant Chief Administrative Officer
403-887-2141

Erin Peden
Communications Officer
403-887-1185 ext. 203

Public Works Department located at:
1 Erickson Drive, Sylvan Lake
Phone: 887-2800
Fax: 887-4083

Protective Services Department located at:
1 Erickson Drive, Sylvan Lake
Phone: 887-1136
Fax: 887-4083

Recreation & Parks Department located at:
4804 48th Street, Sylvan Lake
Phone: 887-2199
Fax: 887-2258

Community & Social Development Department located at:
4725 43rd Street, Sylvan Lake
Phone: 887-1137
Fax: 887-1194

Tourism Information Booth
Open May long weekend – September long weekend
Phone: 887-5050
Fax: 887-4944

Provincial

Alberta Economic Development
2nd Floor, Provincial Building
4920 - 51 Street
Red Deer, Alberta
T4N 6K8
Tel: 403-340-5300
Fax: 403-340-5231

Dawna Allard, Acting Regional Manager
dawna.allard@gov.ab.ca

Lisa Houle, Regional Project Officer
lisa.houle@gov.ab.ca

Honourable Luke Ouellette
Member of the Legislative Assembly
Innisfail-Sylvan Lake Constituency

Constituency Office
Eastgate Mall #18, 4804 42 Avenue
Innisfail, AB
Canada T4G 1T4
Phone: (403) 227-1500
Toll-Free: 1-888-655-2535
Fax: (403) 227-5350
innisfail.sylvanlake@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office
#320 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-2080
Fax: (780) 422-2722

Federal

Bob Mills
Member of Parliament
Red Deer Constituency

Parliamentary Address
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 995-0590
Fax: (613) 995-6831
E-Mail: Mills.B@parl.gc.ca


Constituency Address
4921 - 47th Street
Red Deer, Alberta
T4N 1R4
Telephone: (403) 347-7426 1-800-667-0523
Fax: (403) 347-7423
TTY:
E-Mail: bmillsmp@telusplanet.net

Location

The Town of Sylvan Lake is located in the County of Red Deer #23, in central Alberta. It is 16 km west of Red Deer, 161 km north of Calgary, and 161 km south of Edmonton, making it central to one of Canada's hottest economic centers, the Edmonton - Calgary Corridor.

Post Secondary Education

Red Deer Community College, located in Red Deer, has programs including 1-year certificates, 2-year diplomas, university transfer, apprenticeship and training in technological areas, academic upgrading and continuing education. Degree granting status may be available in the near future.

Sylvan Lake also has access to Edmonton and Calgary based post-secondary institutions.

Taxation

	Residential	Commercial
2007
Municipal Tax Rate	4.890	9.400
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate	2.038	3.593
Education Opted Out Tax Rate	2.909	4.105
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate	0.140	0.140
Recreation Levy	0.116	0.116
TOTAL	7.184	13.249

Transportation

Air Services

Sylvan Lake and area is served by the Red Deer Regional Airport. Sylvan Lake has access to commercial passenger and freight services offered at the Calgary International Airport and Edmonton International Airport.

Rail Services

Sylvan Lake is served by a Canadian National Railway branch line.

Highways

Sylvan Lake is well-connected through Highways 11 and 11A which travel east-west connecting to Highway 2 (the Edmonton - Calgary Corridor), and Highway 20 which travels north-south.

Trucking Firms

Firms from Red Deer and the surrounding area also provide service to Sylvan Lake.

Bus Services

Prairie Bus Lines provides regularly scheduled inter-community service. There is a Handi-Bus service for seniors and the physically-challenged.

Couriers and Taxis

A number of courier companies operate services to and from Sylvan Lake. Taxi service in Sylvan Lake is provided by Sylvan Taxi and A Plus Taxi & Limousine Service.

Utilities

Electrical Power

Epcor Corporation
Customer Service Centre
Tel: 403-310-4300

Natural Gas

Direct Energy
P.O. Box 2425
Edmonton, AB
T5J 2R4
Tel: 1-866-374-6299

Telephone

TELUS
4831 - 51 Street
Red Deer, Alberta
Tel: 403-342-3811 [toll-free]

Water Supply

The source of water is from 8 wells. There is 1 reservoir with a storage capacity of 6,800,000 litres. The water usage rate for residential users is a minimum rate of $20.78 every 2 months plus a unit rate of $0.67 per cubic metre (c.m.) consumed. The usage rate for commercial users is a minimum rate of $11.39 per month plus a unit rate of $0.76 per c.m. consumed.

Waste Management

The sewer rate for residential users is a minimum rate of $23.48 every 2 months, plus a unit rate for water consumption at $0.54 per c.m. consumed. The sewer rate for commercial users is a minimum rate of $18.86 per month plus a unit rate of $0.61 per c.m. consumed.

The garbage collection rate for residential users is a minimum rate of $24.24 every 2 months for a maximum number of 3 units of garbage, plus a $5.76 recycling charge per 2 months. Garbage collection for commercial users is handled by private contractors.

The Town of Sylvan Lake implemented a green box program in July, 2005.

Note: Usage rates updated 2008.

Population

Total Population 1991-2001

Sylvan Lake Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Sylvan Lake Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Labour Force

Sylvan Lake Labour Force By Industry - 2001

Income

Family Expenditure

Sylvan Lake Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Projects

Summary of Projects in Sylvan Lake as of March 2008

Value of Projects by Sector (as of March 2008)

Largest Projects in Sylvan Lake as of March 2008