Sylvan Lake
http://www.sylvanlake.ca
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. The 2008 Municipal Census found the town has a
population of 11, 115. Seventy per cent of the town's population is made up of people between the ages of 1 - 44 years!
There is a reason why every year more and more families choose to call Sylvan Lake 'home'. We invite you to come and see why!
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 11, 115 people (Municipal Census 2008), 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.
Location
Easy Access!
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.
Economic Base
Given its central location, tourism is the major economic base for the Town of Sylvan Lake. The community welcomes well over 900,000 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 events within Central Alberta. The website www.centralalbertaevents.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 recently joined Sylvan Lake's business community in 2008.
Visitor Information Center
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. The Visitor Information Center is open from May long weekend until September long weekend.
tourism@sylvanlake.ca
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
Partnerships
Sylvan Lake is a part of the Central Alberta Economic Partnership. For information on Central Alberta economic indicators please see the CAEP website.
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.
Taxation
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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.
Community Lifestyle
The community of Sylvan Lake works hard to maintain and improve an exceptional quality of life. Over the last ten years the community has seen incredible facility improvements including the construction of an
Aquatic Centre,
Multi-Purpose Facility and
Youth Centre. These facilities complement the recreation and cultural opportunities already providing by the existing arena, curling rink and community centre.
Sylvan Lake is continually developing and enhancing its extensive trail system that allows people to walk or bike while they enjoy parks and green spaces.
With the community thriving there are all types of recreation and health related businesses serving the community including workout facilities and spas. Three years ago Sylvan Lake welcomed the opening of a three-screen cinema.
Seasonal activities keep Sylvan Lake a year-round destination. Recently the Town has endeavored to host a four-day pond hockey tournament in January that promises to attract visitors from all over the western provinces.
Other attractions in Sylvan Lake include Winterfest, an International Speed Skating Marathon, ½ Iron Man Triathlon and beach volleyball tournaments. The Town also maintains a reputation for being one of Alberta’s top recreation destinations with1.6 kilometers of grass and sand beach.
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.
To view a listing of
public facilities available for rental in Sylvan Lake,
click here.
Special Annual Events/Attractions 
Sylvan Lake strives to uphold its motto as a "Town for All Seasons" by being host to many year-round events. Some of the events include:
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.
Town of Sylvan Lake Events Calendar
Opportunity for Accommodation Development
The Town of Sylvan Lake had an Economic Impact of Tourism Study completed in 2006. According to this study, 86.7 % of visitors come for the day. Day visitors generate an economic impact of $18.11/per person per trip. Given the opportunity to stay overnight a visitor will spend $164.40 per person per night or $638.10 per party per trip.
Due to a current shortage of accommodation many people come for the day and go home or stay in another community. Many visitors arrive with the intent of staying for the night, but find themselves traveling back to Red Deer as there is no where for them to stay.
Currently there are 6 hotel/motels providing 200 rooms; 7 campgrounds providing 500 sites (only 1 providing tenting); 9 bed & breakfasts; and 50 licensed tourist homes (rental cabins).
Accommodations
- 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.
Community Organizations
- Chamber of Commerce
- Lions Club
- Lioness Club
- Brownies/Guides
- Block Parents
- Fish & Game Club
- Sailing Club
- Beavers/Scouts
- Junior Forest Wardens
- I.O.D.E.
- Curling Club
- Rotary
- Royal Canadian Legion
- Knights of Columbus
- Art Society
- Minor Sports
- Heritage Handicraft Society
- Food Bank
- Communities in Bloom
- Gymnastics Club
- Baseball Clubs
Religious Services
- 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
Education
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).
Public
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
Private
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
Post Secondary
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.
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.
Emergency Services
Sylvan Lake is linked to emergency services through the 911 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.
Municipal Enforcement
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.
Ambulance Services
As of July 1, 2008 the ambluance service in Sylvan Lake is provided by Lakeside Emergency Medical Services Inc.
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
Google Map
Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada