Special Features - Discover Sylvan Lake 2014 by Black Press Media Group

Discover

2014 /15

Volume 31

S OF: N O S A E S R U FO

FREE COPY • Detailed Maps • campgrounds & Golfing • Accommodations • Recreation • Sports • Festivals & Events • Shopping & Restaurants • Services & Real Estate

ADVENTURE FUN LAUGHTER FAMILY FRIENDS

Services

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Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

Table of Contents 3 Guide to Colour Codes ........................................... 4 Directory of Advertisers ......................................... 4 Mayor’s Message ..................................................... 6 Chamber President’s Message ............................. 8 Talent Artists Displayed........................................10 Calendar of Events .......................................... 12-21 A Golfer’s Paradise .......................................... 22-23 Popular Fishing Spot...................................... 24-25 Fish Planting..................................................... 26-27 Jazz At The Lake .............................................. 28-29 Thrills, Skills at Skatepark ....................................30 Shorline habitat important .................................31 Our Backyard, unique park..................................32 New extreme water sport ............................ 34-35 Recreational opportunities .......................... 36-37 Safe and enjoyable ................................................45 Scuba diving............................................................46 Snowmobile trails ..................................................47 Sylvan Lake Seniors’ Centre.................................48 Invasive species ............................................... 49-50 Rodeos ............................................................... 51-52 Sylvan’s growth, construction ............................55

Discover

2014 /15

is published by Black Press. All material is protected by copyright and reproduction is not allowed without express written permission by Black Press.

Great Windsurﬁng .................................................57 101 Things to Do ............................................. 58-60 Scandinavian Trail ..................................................61 Fascination with ice break-up ............................62 Take a step back .....................................................63 Jarvis Bay Provincial Park .....................................64 Benalto’s Centennial .............................................66 Boat launches .........................................................67 Country Drive ................................................... 68-69 Abnormal Winter ...................................................70 Exciting times at library ......................................72 Church Directory ....................................................73 Young families call Sylvan home .......................74 Sylvan’s population growth ................................75 Living By The Water back .....................................78

Maps Town of Sylvan Lake .........................38-39 Sylvan Industrial District ..................42-43 Sylvan Lake Bathmetric Map ............... 54 Sylvan Lake area ..................................... 56

For inquiries about distribution and advertising, please contact the SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

Phone: 403-887-2331 Fax: 403-887-2081 sales@sylvanlakenews.com sales1@sylvanlakenews.com www.sylvanlakenews.com

Suite 103, 5020-50A Street, Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1R2

Publisher: Michele Rosenthal Writers: Steve Dills, Editor Stuart Fullarton Don MacKenzie Treena Mielke Graphic Design : Michelle Hyslop Scott Williamson

Photography: Steve Dills Stuart Fullarton Aleisha Bosch Dave Lloyd

Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014 Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

4 Directory of Advertisers Accommodations Beach Front Resort ................................................13 Best Western/Chateau Inn ...................................11 Comfort Inn & Suites .............................................13 Edgewater Inn ........................................................15 Lost Harbour Inn ....................................................15

Camping & Golf Courses Lakewood Golf Course .........................................23 Meadowlands Golf Club.......................................23 Sylvan Lake Golf & Country Club .......................22 Top O’ The Hill Golf Course ..................................22

Restaurants Bayview Café...........................................................31 Booster Juice...........................................................31 Hockey Central Sports Lounge ...........................27 Joey’s Restaurants .................................................28 McDonald’s..............................................................31 Panago Pizza ...........................................................26 Pier 7 Restaurant & Lounge.................................29 Pizza Hut Express ...................................................30 Tim Hortons ............................................................30

Real Estate Falcon Homes .........................................................75 Laebon Homes .......................................................78 RBC ............................................................................74 RE/MAX real estate central alberta....................79 Source Mortgage Centre......................................74 Tehama Homes ......................................................77 Unique Elevations..................................................74

Services Alta-Wide Timber Mart .........................................45 Clearview Glass Service Ltd.................................60 Crystal Clean Laundromat ...................................35 Earl Dreeshen, MP..................................................49 Hearthstone Property Management Inc..........35 Hilman Electric .......................................................44 Hon. Mary Anne Jablonski, MLA ........................49 Janet + Janes Medspa + Hair Studio ................50 Kerry Towle, MLA ...................................................51

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Lake City Services Ltd. ..........................................44 Lube Stop.................................................................33 Lucid Tattoos ...........................................................34 Showdown Merchandising Ltd. .........................44 Squeeky Kleen Car & RV Wash ............................33 Stone House Spa ....................................................2 Sylvan Auto Centre Inc. ........................................50 Sylvan Lake Municipal Library ............................48 Sylvan Lake News (Map Page) ............................39 Sylvan Lake Veterinary Clinic ..............................51 Sylvan Lake Visitor Info Centre ...........................9 Sylvan Truck Ranch................................................44 Symphony Senior Living ......................................48 Tidal Waves Salon & Spa ......................................34 Town of Sylvan Lake..............................................7

Shopping Bayshore Market ....................................................11 Brand Y Tack ............................................................60 Cam Clark Ford Sales....................................40 & 41 Canadian Tire ..........................................................53 Cast Away Source for Sports ...............................58 Cobb’s Clothing ......................................................63 Eclectica Fashions ..................................................72 Gasoline Alley Harley Davidson .........................59 Lake House Furniture & Décor, The ...................71 Natural Solutions ...................................................54 Peppertree & Co. ....................................................70 Pet Planet.................................................................61 Plaza Liquor Store ..................................................67 Prairie Dawgs Pet Supply .....................................64 Rexall ........................................................................66 Saks Shoes ...............................................................68 Shoppers Drug Mart .............................................69 Sobey’s Food Store ................................................56 Sugar Shack.............................................................57 Sylvan Lake Farmer’s Market...............................59 Sylvan Lake Pharmacy ..........................................65 Sylvan Lake Value Drug Mart ..............................80 Sylvan Sleep Centre ..............................................52 Walmart Supercentre............................................58 Whole Show, The ...................................................72

Sports & Recreation Alberta Flyboard ....................................................5 Best Body Fitness ...................................................21 Go RV & Marine ......................................................19

COLOUR CODES: The pages of this magazine are colour coded to indicate the pages or section where a particular type of advertisement can be found. Pages with a blue banner like the one on this page contain feature stories or other valuable information.

Historic Markerville Creamery & Stephansson House...........................................20 Lakeside Go-Karts & Mini Golf ............................25 Railside Bowling & Pool .......................................25 Sylvan Cruises .........................................................2 Sylvan Lake Seniors Centre .................................24 Sylvan Lake Summer Hockey Camp..................24 Wild Rapids Water Slide Park ..............................11 Woody’s RV World..................................................18 Industrial Map Page .....................................42 & 43 Alta-Wide Timber Mart .................................42 Blondies...........................................................42 Canadian Tire .................................................42 DNA Plumbing & Heating ............................42 Showdown Merchandising Ltd. ..................42 Sierra Muscle Therapy ...................................42 Studio Upstairs Yoga & Wellness .................42 Sylvan Truck Ranch .......................................42 Falcon Homes.................................................43 Lake City Services...........................................43 Rotor Tech .......................................................43 Tim Hortons ....................................................43 Tokio Sushi ......................................................43 Walmart Supercentre....................................43

Sports and Recreation 5

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6 Mayor’s Message

Welcome to Sylvan Lake! I

truly believe that if you’re in search of the best summer ever, you can create it right here in Sylvan Lake. We have it all.

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, Sylvan Lake offers a summer’s worth of lasting memories. I invite everyone to take a second look at our growing community. We continue to offer our annual favourites like the waterslides, the paddleboats and lake cruises. We now offer a newly redesigned lakefront with parks, playgrounds, and open spaces to play, picnic, or simply relax. Our downtown is growing, adding to an expanding list of unique shops, restaurants and spas to explore. And finally, our annual events are ramping up their plans to wow you. This year’s Jazz at the Lake Festival is sure to be bigger than ever, and the town has plans to introduce fun new activities and features to our classic 1913 Days celebrations. We’re happy to have you in our community and we’re expecting more to do, more to see, and more to remember every day, all summer long. Let’s meet in Sylvan Lake! Sean McIntyre Mayor of the Town Of Sylvan Lake Email: SMcIntyre@SylvanLake.ca Web: www.SylvanLake.ca

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Services 7

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8 Chamber of Commerce President’s Message

Greetings from the greatest place in Canada to live and play! For 100 years now, Sylvan Lake has been the destination for many families and friends, a place to call their second home, a place to live and a place to play. Sylvan Lake has the unique ability to captivate an audience, a place where, once you are here, you never want to leave. That is what happened for my family and me over 12 years ago; our quaint little town captured our hearts and welcomed us in with open arms. We’ve seen our small town grow into a vibrant, prideinduced community ﬁlled with enthusiasm and support for local programs and activities and its visitors who take part in the fun. In 2014, we sit on the precipice of a new era of community leaders, their goal to build an even better place for the next 100 years, giving way to a new way of thinking and concepts that will keep our community growing and continuing to attract visitors from far and wide. Tourism is a key attraction to keeping Sylvan Lake strong and helping our town to grow — it feeds the business community

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and keeps our community strong. Sylvan Lake IS a community for all seasons, attracting visitors summer, winter, spring and fall for anything your heart may desire. With music festivals, sports events, recreational activities, restaurants, and shopping and of course the jewel of Sylvan, our beautiful lake, your choices are endless. We encourage you to discover everything that Sylvan Lake has to offer, either as a visitor, a part time resident or even better yet, becoming a full time resident or business owner in a town that will capture your heart as it has of so many others. There is an endless list of things to do here and we invite you to take part in each and every event and activity our community has to offer. Welcome to the greatest community Canada has to offer! Dwayne V. Stoesz President, Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce

Services 9

Tourism Strategy for Sylvan Lake The Town of Sylvan Lake Tourism Strategy is an ongoing project started in 2013 and continuing to 2018. The purpose of this strategy is to create a detailed Tourism Vision for Sylvan Lake. The Vision for tourism in Sylvan Lake is not one of simply a beach attraction. Rather it is a themed â€œcore districtâ€? within the broader, prosperous and growing community of Sylvan Lake. The community is tourism friendly, and visitors circulate and enjoy attractions throughout it.

aspects supported by tourism. The vision statement for the Sylvan Lake Tourism Strategy is: â€œSylvan Lake is the premier year round, lakeside community in Alberta, where proud residents welcome guests with great hospitality.â€? Further information can be found on our website at: www.sylvanlake.ca/businessmenu/economicdevelopment/partners/tourism-strategy.html

The Strategy recognizes that Sylvan Lake is complete community with a residential, commercial and industrial mix that is self-sustaining. Tourism, while an important part of the mix, is not the only driver of the Sylvan Lake economy. As with any industry, tourism supports prosperity in a community and can lead to improved infrastructure such as roads, non-residential sidewalks and bike paths. It can also lead to neighbourhood revitalization, historic and environmental preservation as well as the development of other key quality of place features such as restaurants and cultural institutions that can assist in attracting new residents and businesses not associated with tourism but beneďŹ ting from the services and quality of place

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Work of Sylvan Lake’s most

talented

artists displayed in gallery By Stuart Fullarton

As a town for all seasons, Sylvan Lake has something for everyone, and not all of its activities and attractions are based outside. Arts Around the Lake and Gallery is an example of one of the town’s exciting indoor attractions which oﬀers art lovers and newbies alike the chance to peruse the work of some of the area’s most talented artists. “All of them are local artists,” said gallery co-ordinator Kendall Currie. “We’ve got g watercolours,, we have oils,, we have acrylics, have large pieces we pieces. acry ac ryylilics cs,, we h ave av e la larg rg ge pi p eces ec es aand nd w e ha have ve ssmall mallll p ma iece ie cess.

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“We’re deﬁnitely displaying a variety.” Admission is free at the gallery, situated inside Sylvan Lake and Area Community Partners Association’s building on 50 Avenue. It’s now been open for a number of years, having replaced an earlier gallery in town, and is continuously expanding its collection. Photography is one of the its latest additions, and Currie is talking with a local woman about displaying some of her cross-stitch work. “We’re always looking for new (works),” she said. Relatively new to Community Partners, Currie is intent on increasing local awareness of the gallery’s presence. “Most people think of the Community Partners oﬃce, and the programs that Community Partners runs, but they don’t realize that the gallery is part of that,” she said. “Something that we’re going to work on is getting new artists in and increasing the exposure so that people out there know that we’re here.” Currently included in the gallery’s collection are work by Diane Dahl, Jim Clark, Kevin Eaton and Bobbie Palaniuk, among other artists. Altogether, Currie estimates that the work of about 16 local artists is displayed in the gallery. The gallery is open for viewing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. “Anyone can come in and browse at any time, and they can purchase it if they so choose,” said Currie. “It is all for sale.” Those interested in displaying their own work are asked to contact Currie at 403-887-9989. Pictures of the gallery may be viewed online on the Arts Around Facebook page. Arou Ar ound nd tthe he LLake ake ak e Fa Face cebo book ok p ag ge.

Accommodations 11

Take A Ride On The Wild Side

er 14 Wat Slides

*Rio Grande & Hell’s Gate *Splashes *Kiddie Pool *Kami Kazi *Sidewinder *Hari Kari *4 Food Kiosks *Hot Tubs Open to Schools & Groups June 17, 18, 19 & 20, 2014

Family Rates Open Daily 12 noon to 8pm

OPEN

June 27 to Septemb er 1

403-887-3800 www.wildrapids.ab.ca

Quick access to the lake. Right across from Chateau Suites and Wild Rapids Water Park. Free Parking. Double Queen Rooms featuring 2 queen beds. King Rooms featuring 1 king bed. Each room is complete with mini fridge, coffee pot, microwave, 32” LCD TV, radio/alarm clock, 2 telephones and a desk. Complimentary Hot Continental Breakfast. On-site Business Centre. Free in-room Wireless Access. Fitness Centre. Pool & Hot Tub.

Call to make a reservation 1.800.780.7234

www.bestwestern.com | Ph: 403.887.7788 5027 Lakeshore Dr | Sylvan Lake, AB | Fax: 403.887.2598 | info@bestwesternchateauinn.com

“Your Lakeshore Convenience Store” •Fresh Ground Coffee •Slushies •Hot & Cold Snacks •Pop •Nachos •Hot Dogs •Corn Dogs •Magazines •Ice Cream •Groceries •LOTTERY •Beach Toys •Ice •Newspapers • Live Bait •Plus so much more!!! DEPOT Summer Hours:

ATM

Mon - Wed 6AM -11PM Thurs - Sat 6AM -12AM • Sun 7AM-11PM

Located in Chateau Suites on Lakeshore Drive

403-887-5507 Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

12 Sylvan lake events

2014 EVENT LISTING

SYLVAN LAKE SAILING CLUB

GOLF LEAGUES

Sylvan Lake Sailing Club races about 30 keelboats that are moored in Marina Bay. Competitive races in three divisions are held on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. between May 21 and September 3. Weekend racing includes Pursuit races, club regattas and social events such as the Hors D’oeuvres race in which bribery of the race oﬃcials is encouraged. Check our web site www.sylvansailing. ca.for the full 2014 calendar of events. E-mail info@sylvansailing.ca if you have any questions. Come down to the docks at Marina Bay on Wednesday night if you want to crew and try your hand at the only sport that gives you a big rush at 9 knots/hr.

Lakewood Golf Course - 403-887-2477 www.lakewoodgolfresort.ca Meadowlands Golf Club at Sylvan Lake - 403-887-5100 www.golfsylvanlake.com Twitter: @MeadowlandsGolf Mens - Tuesdays 6 p.m. Ladies - Wednesdays 6 p.m. Seniors (mixed) - Thursdays 10 a.m. Juniors - Thursdays 4-6 p.m. Mixed - Thursdays 6:30 p.m.

COMMUNITY BINGO Thursdays - Sylvan Lake Seniors’ Centre, pre-call 6:30 p.m., play 7 p.m.

FIREWORKS Sylvan Lake is renowned for its ﬁreworks displays, produced four times a year. They are the 2014 evenings of July 1 (Canada Day) and November 28 (after the Santa Claus Parade). Dates in 2015 include New Year’s Day, January 1st (7 p.m.) and February 14th (7 p.m. - Saturday of Family Day weekend). The display over the lake is sponsored by the Town of Sylvan Lake. Best viewing areas are along the lakeshore. Please stay a minimum of 500 metres away from the ﬁring zone.

GARAGE SALES Find treasures almost every weekend throughout the summer season. Sales are listed in the pages of the Sylvan Lake News and posted on the community bulletin board beside the tourist information centre.

SYLVAN LAKE FARMERS’ MARKET at the east end of Railway Park Promenade (49th Avenue and 46th Street). Fridays - May 16 to September 26, 4-7:30 p.m. Special markets also take place at the community centre in conjunction with Spirit of Sylvan Yuletide Festival weekend in late November and in conjunction with Winterfest weekend in February. For info call Crystal 403-887-3461. sylvanlakefarmersmarket.ca.

BENTLEY FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays 1:30-4:00 p.m. from May long weekend to September long weekend at Bentley Curling Rink. Contact Judy 403-748-4809.

BALL TOURNAMENTS Almost every weekend at Four Seasons Park. Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

Sylvan Lake Golf & Country Club 403-887-3030 www.sylvanlakegolf.com Ladies - Tuesday morning Mens - Tuesday morning Business Ladies - Tuesday evening Mens - Wednesday evening Mixed - Thursday evening Top O’ The Hill - 403-887-2766 www.topothehillgolf.ca Ladies - Monday mornings Beginners - Monday evenings Ladies - Wednesday evenings Seniors 55+ - Thursday mornings

HORSE RACING Alberta Downs horse racing track at Lacombe has racing May 3 to Oct. 12 - Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; Mondays in July and August. Post time 1:15 p.m. Combined thoroughbred and harness Sundays in July and August. For full schedule check www.albertadowns.com/

CENTRAL ALBERTA RACEWAYS Central Alberta Raceways in Rimbey hosts a variety of races throughout the season. Mud bogs, oval races, drag shoot out and drag races. Visit www.caraceways.ca for more info.

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Sylvan Lake Branch No. 212 - 403-887-2601 Clubroom open Tuesday to Saturday from 2 p.m. Fridays begin at 6:30 p.m. - Meat Draw; steak suppers available during the summer. First Sunday of month - Ladies’ Auxiliary serve breakfast 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Second Sunday of month - September to April - Crib tournament. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., play begins at 10:30 a.m. Lunch served at noon.

SYLVAN LAKE SENIORS’ CENTRE 403-887-5428 Events daily throughout the week. Check the website (www.sylvanlake.ca/fcss/seniors/seniors-support.html) for the current month’s schedule of activities.

Accommodations 13 ALBERTA VOLLEYBALL

SYLVAN LAKE SUMMER HOCKEY CAMP

Beach volleyball www.volleyballalberta.ca/

Runs six one week sessions during the summer. The camp accommodates players ages 5-17. Sylvan Lake goaltenders school runs twice - Aug. 1-4 and Aug. 22-25. All girls camp runs July 20-25. www.sylvanlakehockeycamp. com/

June 28-29 - Adult tourney; July 5-6 - Youth tourney; July 12-13 - Jonathon Walsh Memorial adult tourney and grass recreational tourney; July 19-20 - Youth tourney; July 27-August 1 - Sylvan Lake Volleyball Camp for 12-14 year olds; August 3-8, Sylvan Lake Volleyball Camp for 15-18 year olds.

STEPHANSSON HOUSE PROVINCIAL HISTORIC SITE Restored to its 1927 appearance. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 15 to Labour Day.

VOLKSMARCH May 1 to Oct. 30 - Participate in a self-guided Canadian Volkssport Federation Volksmarch from the information centre on 50th Avenue along the trails and sidewalks of town. Info and mail-in registration form available from www.walkalberta.ca or David Hall 780-951-2882, davidhall@live.ca.

FAMILY MOVIE MARATHON

Date not set by press time - Third annual Veterans Voices of Canada Veteran Appreciation Day and Silent Auction. Guest speakers, Alberta Military Vehicle Preservation Association display of vintage and military support vehicles. Visit and say thank you to Canadian military veterans. Camaraderie, military displays, marching pipe and drum bands and much more for a fun-ﬁlled family day of military history. vetvoicecan.org

Sylvan Lake Municipal Library - ﬁrst Saturday of each month -10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - featuring great family movies from their DVD collection. Drop-in and free.

SUMMER READING Fun programs and reading challenges for all ages, all summer long at Sylvan Lake Municipal Library.

BEACH FRONT RESORT 1-855-887-2407 www.beachfrontresortltd.com 3 Directly across from the beach 3 We take great pride in our service & clean rooms 3 Close to major restaurants & bars 3 Open year round! • • • • • • •

Large 1 to 3 bedroom suites Kitchenette Units Laundry Facilities Colour Cable T.V. with remotes VCRs and Free Movies Direct dial phones Best beach location in town

• Close to all amenities • Hockey School rates & equipment storage • Large picnic area with barbeques • Air conditioned • Nightly campﬁres • Wireless Internet

WEEKLY DISCOUNT RATES! p: 403.887.2407 f: 403.887.5199

Comfort Inn & Suites

• 61 Rooms • Water Slide • Pool • Jacuzzi • Fitness Room• Conference Room Available • Your Morning Breakfast • Free Wireless Internet & Local Calls • Meeting Room Rentals • Pool Parties

13 Beju Industrial Drive Sylvan Lake, AB | T4S 2J4

(Located off Highway 20 - next to Movie Theatre)

403-887-7884 Toll Free 1-800-4CHOICE (424-6423) Fax: 403-887-7874 Email: gm.cn928@choicehotels.com

4505 Lakeshore Dr, Sylvan Lake, Alberta

www.choicehotels.ca/cn928 Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

Monthly listing of events for sylvan lake and surrounding area MAY May 3 - Central Alberta Radio Fun Flyers annual model aviation auction sale at Sylvan Lake community centre. Auction starts at 11 a.m. www.carﬀ.ca May 9 - Danish Canadian National Museum & Gardens

May 31 - Muscles in Motion at Jarvis Bay Provincial Park. Includes a 4 and 8 km trail run, team firefighter fitness challenge and Kids 1 km run & challenge. Door prizes, silent auction, DJ and BBQ all in support of Canadians affected with Muscular Dystrophy. To register, volunteer or donate Google Muscles in Motion Sylvan Lake. Check out the schedule of events at www.personaltrainingsylvanlake.com

opens for season, south of Dickson. www.danishcanadians.com

May 10 - Lions Club bike auction sale. Looking for a bike for the summer, check this out. There’s always lots of selection. At the Lions Hall, 5119-50A Avenue.

May 10 - Eckville Bull-Arena, 7 p.m. Long Go Round - 30 bull riders, Short Go Round - Top 6 bull riders. Cowboy poker, dance to follow. www.wpbbull.com

JUNE June - Jubilare, Sylvan Lake’s community choir, will be performing a concert. Watch the community calendar in Sylvan Lake News for dates. Jubilare practises from January to June each year.

June 6-7 - Eckville Rodeo at the arena. 6:30 p.m. both days. www.cararodeo.com.

May 11 - Danish Canadian National Museum & Gardens Mother’s Day Brunch. www.danishcanadians.com

May 16-19 - Praying to the Sun Gods NSA slo-pitch ball

June 6-8 - Benalto Centennial an 76th anniversary Benalto School reunion. More info at w.benaltoagsociety.ca.

tourney. www.nsacanada.ca

June 7 - Farmers Day BBQ at Fensala Hall, Markerville May 17 - Opening day at Markerville Creamery Museum, pancake breakfast beginning at 9 a.m. www.historicmarkerville.com/

June 7 - 19th annual Camp Kuriakos bike/walk/ride family fundraising event. There are three options to choose from — a 100 km bike, 13 km walk or 15 km ride.

May 17 - Dickson Store Museum opening day. www. dicksonstoremuseum.com

May 25 - 9th annual BBF Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon and Kids Splash ’n Dash at Sylvan Lake. Triathlon features a 750m pool swim, 25.4 km cycle, and 5.2 km run. Duathlon features 5.2 km run, 25.4 km cycle, 5.2 km run. Splash and Dash fun for kids 4-12 years old, features 25m pool swim, 600m cycle and 300m run. Managed by Sylvan Lake Triathlon Club. www.sltc.ca

June 7-8 - Spring Showcase Country Drive is your invitation to explore the country. Discover year round rural attractions, events, history, markets and local cuisine. www. countrydrive.ca June 13-15 - 1913 Days Sylvan Lake slo-pitch tournament. www.nsacaada.ca

June 13-15 - 1913 Days, organized by the Town of May 25 - Fahrfromhome 2014, the meeting of Alberta’s

Sylvan Lake.

Volkswagen clubs, Air Riders and Club Vee Dub. Featuring 100+ vehicles, approximately half of them vintage models. Activities for kids and adults. Centennial Park, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.airriders.ca or www.clubveedub.ca

Friday - Farmers’ Market in Railway Park Promenade. Saturday - Pancake breakfast in support of volunteer

May 25 - Historic Markerville Viking Cup golf tournament at Lakewood Golf Course, 11 a.m. Dinner at Fensala Hall at 5 p.m.

ﬁreﬁghters at the Fire Hall. The showcase of the day is the parade at 1 p.m.

June 14 - Blockbuster book sale at Sylvan Lake MuniciMay 31 - Teddy Bear Picnic at Sylvan Lake Municipal Library. Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

pal Library. Book bargains galore. Treasures from library collections and generous donations.

Accommodations 15 June 14 - Sylvan Lake Beach Volleyball Tournament -

Battle of Alberta. Teams from Calgary and Edmonton Sport & Social Clubs compete against one another throughout the day and the competition is continued at the oﬃcial After-Party. At the end of the night results are tallied and a victor announced. The Sport & Social Club oﬀers a variety of co-ed sports leagues, tournament and events for adults. CalgarySportsClub.com or EdmontonSportsClub.com.

June 28-29 - Alberta Volleyball Association adult beach volleyball tournament at the pier.

June 28-28 - Pioneer Days Vintage Machinery Show in

Markerville. 25th celebration of pioneer life with threshing, ﬁeld displays, tractor pulls, slow races, tractor parade and pioneer crafts including blacksmithing. Saturday night jam, Sunday morning pancake breakfast. Contact Ellen at 403-728-3511.

June 14 - Icelandic Picnic, races and games on the picnic grounds in Markerville at 12 p.m. This is a gathering of Icelandic Clubs from Edmonton, Calgary and Markerville to celebrate Icelandic National Day. Programming and crowning of Fjallkona at 3 p.m. in Fensala Hall. Potluck dinner follows at 5 p.m. in Fensala Hall.

June 14-15 - Lacombe vintage equipment show. Enjoy

Father’s Day weekend with tractor pulls, parades, demonstrations and exhibits. Binding, baling, threshing, plowing and sawmilling demonstrations. Case is featured this year. Lacombe Agricultural Society grounds. Info Doug at 403782-2231 or Carol at 403-783-5322.

June 15 - 4th annual Father’s Day Run - walk, run, stroll, blade, 2, 5 or 10 km. 9 am start. $40 for adults includes commemorative gift. Children under 12 free. Open to everyone, not just fathers. Beginning at Centennial Park. For more info see www.fathersdayrunsylvan.com.

JULY July 1 - Canada Day events on the beach, organized by the Rotary Club of Sylvan Lake. Drop by the Royal Canadian Legion and check out the activities. March of Canadians leaves from the Legion and ends at the pier. Fireworks in the evening. July 1 - Canada Day golf tournament at Meadowlands Golf Club. Nine hole shotgun start at 6:30 p.m. July 1 - Canada Day celebrations at Historic Markerville Creamery Museum beginning at 10 a.m. Complimentary cake and coﬀee. July 1 - Canada Day Parade at Spruce View.

June 15 - Father’s Day luncheon at Danish Canadian National Museum & Gardens, south of Dickson. Reservations recommended 403-728-0019 www.danishcanadians.com June 20 - Rotary Club of Sylvan Lake golf tournament at Meadowlands Golf Club. Money raised from this event supports scholarships for local students. For more info contact Joyce Megson at 403-872-2289. or Curtis Setso at 403-887-7955 June 27 - June 30 - Canada Day on the Lake NSA slopitch ball tourney. www.nsacanada.ca

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Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

16 July 1 - Canada Day celebration at Danish Canadian National Museum & Gardens in Dickson. Wear red and white. www.danishcanadians.com July 4-6 - 97th anniversary of the Benalto Fair and CPRA Pro Rodeo. The second longest consecutive running pro rodeo in Canada includes three days of hall exhibits, trade show, vendors and fun for the family. Includes Junior Rodeo, Wild Pony races and horse showing classes. www. benaltoagsociety.ca

July 5 - Benalto Booster Club Tail Gate Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - A community yard sale with a British twist where vendors sell from their tail gates or the back of their vehicles. Call 403-746-3775 for info or to book your spot for only $10.

July 13 - Poetry at Stephan’s House, Stephansson House Provincial Historic Site. Enjoy some of Alberta’s literary talents at the annual event. Icelandic baking and crafts for kids. July 13 - Æbleskiver & Jam at Danish Canadian National Museum & Gardens in Dickson. For a small price all you can eat Æbleskiver, a delicious, traditional Danish pancake dumpling topped with Saskatoon jam and sprinkles of icing sugar. Local musicians entertaining. Try your luck at the tombola table for prizes. www.danishcanadians. com

July 19 - Annual Stacy Regier Memorial golf tournament at Meadowlands Golf Club. 18 hole shotgun start at 10:30 a.m. www.stacyregierlegacy.com

July 19-20 - Alberta Volleyball Association youth beach volleyball tournament at the pier.

July 5 - Art At The Lake from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Sunset Room at the Best Western Hotel, 5027 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake. Featuring hand blown glass art, watercolour, oil and acrylic paintings, raku-ﬁred and functional ceramics, forged metal work, and lots more, all by leading Central Alberta artists and artisans. No admission, refreshments and snacks. For more information call 403-7482557.

July 20 - 9th annual Sylvan Lake Half Ironman Triathlon 2km swim, 90km bike, 21 km run which attracts hundreds of competitors. Also 3rd annual triathlon race - 1 km swim, 60km bike and 10 km run. www.outbackevents.ca July 24 - Thrilling Thursday (games and activities for children) at Dickson Store Museum.

July 5-6 - Alberta Volleyball Association youth beach

July 26 - ‘A Taste of Markerville, beginning at 10 a.m. at

volleyball tournament at the pier.

Markerville Creamery Museum.

July 5-6 - Alberta Volleyball Jonathon Walsh Memorial

July 27-August 1 - Sylvan Lake Volleyball Camp for 12-14 year olds. An intensive six day volleyball experience emphasizing basic skills, ﬁtness and suitable for all levels of athlete. Organized by Alberta Volleyball - www. albertavolleyball.com

adult beach volleyball tournament and recreation grass tournament at the pier organized by Red Deer College Alumni Association and Alberta Volleyball Association.

July 5-13 - National Fishing Week www.nationalﬁshingweekcanada.net

July 27 - Sunday Afternoon At The Museum - an afternoon of music, one act play and refreshments at Dickson Store Museum.

July 12-13 - Summertime Showcase Country Drive is your invitation to explore the country. Discover year round rural attractions, events, history, markets and local cuisine. www.countrydrive.ca

July 12-13 - Alberta Volleyball Association Jonathon Walsh Memorial adult beach volleyball tournament and grass recreational tourney at the pier.

July 12 - Sylvan Lake Customs and Classics 8th annual show and shine on the grass at Meadowlands Golf Club at Sylvan Lake. 9 am to 4 p.m. Spectators free, free parking, entry fee for participants. Handmade piston trophy presentation at 3 p.m. Contact Gord at 403-887-7047. Fun for the family all day. Concession by Knights of Columbus, music by a DJ, silent auction and more. Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

AUGUST August 1-4 - August Long Hot One NSA slo-pitch ball tourney. www.nsacanada.ca August 2-3 - Leslieville Antique Days. Leslieville Central Alberta Antique and Model Club has it all. Antique tractors, antique cars, parades, slow races, tractor pulls, threshing and lumber sawing. Demonstrations of butter churning, bread making and spinning. Flea market and agricultural displays. Ride the Royal Scott Steam Train. Dinner at the hall Saturday and Sunday followed by entertainment. Breakfasts both days. Outdoor church service Sunday. Located 2 miles east and half a mile south of Leslieville. Contact Vernon or Deanne 403-887-2929.

17 August 3-8 - Sylvan Lake Volleyball Camp for 15-18 year olds. An intensive six day volleyball experience emphasizing basic skills, fitness and suitable for all levels of athlete. Organized by Alberta Volleyball - www.albertavolleyball. com August 7 - Teddy Bear Picnic at Dickson Store Museum. Bring your favourite teddy bear to celebrate at the annual teddy bear picnic. Games, crafts and a picnic fit for a bear. Pre-registration required. Call 403-728-3355. August 7-10 - Bentley Town & Country Fair and Ag Rodeo: parade, children’s activities, displays and bench exhibits, art show, fireworks, car show, horseshoe tournament, cabaret, kids wool bustin’, pancake breakfasts, drive-in movie, Dick Damron concert, church service and more. Rodeo info at www.cararodeo.com or www.bentleyagsociety.com.

August 22-23 - Eckville ’50s & ’60s Dance Jamboree will feature a weekend long dance with independent talent playing music from the 1950s and 1960s at the community centre. Admission limited to 400 people. August 23-24 - Open Farm Days Country Drive featuring three member farms. www.countrydrive.ca August 24 - Harvest Penny Carnival at Stephansson House Provincial Historic Site. An afternoon of fun and games for the whole family. Enjoy simple refreshments and sales as well as musical entertainment. Kids, don’t forget to bring your pennies to participae in old-fashioned carnival games and crafts.

August 10 - Cream Day at Markerville Creamery Museum. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Features old time demonstrations of cream separation, butter making, ice cream making and carding wool. Tours, concession, home made pie, children’s activities, live animals and fantastic entertainment. August 10 & 11 - Summer Showcase Country Drive is your invitation to explore the country. Discover year round rural attractions, events, history, markets and local cuisine. www.countrydrive.ca August 14-17 - 12th annual Jazz at the Lake Festival includes jazz musicians performing in various venues. Most events are free. Ticketed events include a Swing Concert/Dance Thursday night with the Johnny Summers Little Big Band, Tuck and Patti Friday night, Jack Semple Saturday night, a Beatles Bash by HELP! at the Legion Saturday afternoon, the Caravana Gypsy Quartet and The Alberta Playboys Sunday afternoon in the Lions Hall parking lot and the Farewell Gala Under the Stars featuring Robert Young and the Big Beat Band. Late Night Lions Jazz Jam with Claude Godin Quartet both Friday and Saturday night is by donation. Other features are the H.O.T. Dixieland Jazz Band performances, Project Discovery showcasing young rising musicians Saturday, a jazz workshop with Jack Semple, and on Sunday the community block party at Lions Legacy Park. www.jazzatthelake. com or on Facebook. August 16 & 17 - Viking Days at Danish Canadian National Museum & Gardens, Dickson. A fun-ﬁlled weekend of Viking hi-jinx and sword play. Includes the third annual Feast with the Vikings. www.danishcanadians.com August 17 - Show ‘n’ Shine at Markerville Creamery Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pancake breakfast at Fensala Hall beginning at 9 a.m. Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

18 Sports and Recreation SEPTEMBER September 4 - Family & Community Information Fair

September 13-14 - Harvest Time Country Drive is your

from 5:30-8 p.m. at the community centre. Call to reserve a table 403-887-3433.

invitation to explore the country.Discover year round rural attractions, events, history, markets and local cuisine. www.countrydrive.ca

September 6-7 - End of Summer Hummer Regatta, Sylvan Lake Sailing Club. sylvansailing.ca

September 21 - Alberta Underwater Council’s 11th an-

September 6 - Sylvan Lake Beach Volleyball Tournament - Battle of Alberta. This event is organized by Calgary and Edmonton Sport & Social Clubs. Teams from each city will compete in co-ed 4s and 6s beach volleyball in a variety of diﬀerent divisions. CalgarySportsClub.com or EdmontonSportsClub.com.

nual Sylvan Lake beach and lake clean-up, in conjunction with local Guides, Cubs, Scouts and others. Over 16 tons of trash have been removed from Sylvan’s waters and beaches during this event’s past ten years worth of eﬀort by volunteers. Scuba divers, paddlers and shore support volunteers needed! www.albertaunderwatercouncil.com

September 24 - Kraft Hockeyville NHL pre-season September 6 - Sylvan Lake Slo-Pitch Tournament Battle of Alberta. Teams from Calgary and Edmonton Sport & Social Clubs will compete against one another throughout the day. There is a home run derby and a beer gardens on-site. The Sport & Social Club oﬀers a variety of co-ed sports leagues, tournaments and events for adults. CalgarySportsClub.com or EdmontonSportsClub.com.

game at the multiplex, featuring Calgary Flames and Phoenix Coyotes. At press time plans were underway for a festival Sept. 20-24 in conjunction with this game.

September 26 - Sixth annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at the community centre.

September 7 - Harvest Festival at Dickson Store Mu-

September 27 - Fensala Hall Culture Days Harvest Din-

seum.

ner, Markerville.

Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

Sports and Recreation 19 September 27 - Fall Festival at the pier from 1-4 p.m., organized by the Town of Sylvan Lake. Tons of fall crafts, activities and games to enjoy for all ages. Celebrate the 4 Fs - Fun, Fall, Family & Free!

November 11 - Remembrance Day service at the Multiplex (48th Street) at 10:30 a.m. Hospitality at the Legion from 12 p.m. Parade from Legion branch to cenotaph in the afternoon.

November 28 - Santa Claus Parade. A parade of lights and festive spirit starting at 7 p.m. Fireworks at the pier follow the parade.

OCTOBER

November 28-29 - Third annual Spirit of Sylvan Yule-

October 26 - Spooktacular Extravaganza from 1-4 p.m., organized by Town of Sylvan Lake at the community centre. A Halloween party ﬁlled with crafts, games, costume contest, spooky science lab, etc.

NOVEMBER

tide Festival at the arena and multiplex. A fantastic FREE celebration of Christmas for everyone. Local entertainment, Christmas bazaar and Farmers’ Market, Kidz Zone, visit by Santa, Skate with the Mascots, Gingerbread house contest and auction, Winter Wonderland silent and live auctions, awesome prize draws and travel lottery. Ice skating presentation. Check it out on Facebook or the website www.spiritofsylvanyuletide.com.

November 29 - Breakfast with Santa, crafts, entertain-

November 1 - Julestue (Scandinavian bazaar) at Spruce View Hall. An excellent opportunity for Christmas shopping. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone 403-728-3355.

November 7-9 - Christmas in Markerville with the famous cookie walk featuring thousands of choices. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Craft show and multiple venues showcasing local artisans and handcrafters.

ment and a photo with the Jolly Ol’ Man in Red at Fox Run gymnasium. Advance tickets only, available at the aquatic centre for 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. sittings.

Winter - Skate or play hockey at no charge on natural lake ice rinks made and maintained by the Town of Sylvan Lake. The multiplex has activities throughout the winter season for those interested in watching local sports. There are several outdoor rinks around town and a toboggan hill at Leader Field.

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20 Sports and Recreation DECEMBER Sylvan Lake Sacred Massed Choir performs in early December. All community members welcome to join in early September. Rehearsals are at H. J. Cody School on Monday nights from 7-9 p.m.

December 24 - Christmas dinner organized by Sylvan Lake & Area Community Partners’ Association. Watch for details close to Christmas. www.sylvanlakecommunitypartners.org/

2015 EVENTS LISTING

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

January 1 - New Years Day President’s Levée at Royal

February 14 - Winterfest activities, on Saturday of Fam-

Canadian Legion, Sylvan Lake. This event has been a tradition of the branch for many years. Fireworks display in the evening from the pier.

January 21 - Robbie Burns Night at Royal Canadian

ily Day weekend, including the famous Polar Bear dip, horse drawn sleigh rides, activities for children. Everything is in the provincial park, centred around the pier and skating rinks. Local shops and organizations host activities around town. Chili at the Legion. Concludes with ﬁreworks in the evening.

Legion, Sylvan Lake.

January - Sylvan Lake Open Martial Arts Challenge at École Fox Run-Mother Teresa multi-campus.

January or February - Second Gear Club Motorcycle ice race. www.secondgearclub.camp9.org

Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

February (date TBA) - Sylvan Lake Speedskating Marathon on the lake, organized by Foothills Speedskating Marathon Association. Events include a 50km race and tour for men and women of all ages, a 100km race and tour for men and women and a 25 km youth race for those 16 and under. Stop by the athletes’ village and cheer for the skaters during the events. slimarathon.webs. com.

Sports and Recreation 21 Late February-early March - Sylvan Lake Pond Hockey tournament. Over 50 teams. This was cancelled in 2014 due to ice conditions. Watch for more info at www. sylvanlakepondhockey.ca.

MARCH

MAY

May - Check www.vetvoicecan.org for information about the annual Veterans Voices of Canada Veteran Appreciation Day and Silent Auction. Guest speakers, Alberta Military Vehicle Preservation Association display of vintage and military support vehicles. Camaraderie, military displays, marching pipe and drum bands and much more for a fun-ﬁlled family day of military history.

Late March - Alberta Broomball Association provincial championships at the multiplex. www.albertabroomball. ca/provincials.html

APRIL April 3 - Good Friday, Prayer Walk through downtown area followed by an inter-denominational service at the community centre. Organized by Sylvan Lake Ministerial Association.

April 5 - Easter Sunrise Service at the pier, by Memorial Presbyterian Church about 6:30 a.m.

April 9 - Vimy Ridge Day is marked by members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Sylvan Lake Br. No. 212.

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22 Camping and GOlf Courses

A Golfer’s

Paradise 1 - Sylvan Lake Golf & Country Club 2 - Meadowlands Golf Club At Sylvan Lake 3 - Lakewood Golf Resort 4 - Top O’ The Hill Golf Course 5 - Alberta Springs Golf Resort 6 - Spirit Creek Golf & Country Club 7 - Dark Horse Golf Course 8 - Fairways at Last Hill Golf & Country Club 9 - Red Deer Golf & Country Club 10 - River Bend Golf Course 11 - Gull Lake Golf Course 12 - Balmoral Golf Course Ltd 13 - Innisfail Golf Club

Excellent Reasons To Make Sylvan Lake a Home Base For Your

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14 - Lacombe Golf & Country Club 15 - The Nursery Golf & Country Club 16 - Rimbey Golf Course & Trailer Park 17 - Bowden Hi-Way Golf Club 18 - Wolf Creek Golf Resort 19 - Caroline District Golf Course 20 - Whispering Pines Golf & Country Resort 21 - Ponoka Golf Club 22 - Pine Hills Golf Club 23 - Canyon Creek Golf Course & Camping 24 - Gleniﬀer Lake Resort & Country Club

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Camping and GOlf Courses 23

All of the courses A listed on the left are a short drive from Sylvan Lake f (one hour at the most). Are you up m for f the challenge or just up for the fun? Either way, there is enough variety of e courses here to t make your golf destination an obvious choice.

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MEADOWLANDS GOLF CLUB

18 Holes • Par 72 • Driving Range Pro Shop • CPGA Golf Lessons • Restaurant RV Park • 200 Seat Events Facility

Meadowlands M eadowllands R RV VP Park ark • 94 Fully Serviced Sites • Seasonal & Daily Rates • Stay & Play Packages Available

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24 Sports and Recreation

Sylvan Lake continues to be a popular Fishing spot By Treena Mielke Sylvan Lake is a great place for anglers of all skill levels and ages. It is a delightful place to dip a hook into the water and wait (hopefully not too long) for some action. In the summer, one can be certain there will be a row of anglers seated or standing at the end of the pier, ready to pull in the latest catch. In the winter, the lake is dotted with fishing shacks, as ice fishermen from far and wide come to Sylvan to indulge in the popular winter sport. While the walleye limit is zero, the pike limit is three provided they are more than 63 cm and the perch limit is five. The whitefish limit stands at five. Fish spawn in the lake southwest of a line drawn from the northwestern most tip of the landfill pier due northwest

SYLVAN LAKE SENIORS CENTRE

Much more than you can imagine...

Are you looking for a place to learn, grow, socialize and exercise or share a favorite hobby with like-minded folk... Come check out the Sylvan Lake Seniors Centre 4908-50th Ave. Sylvan Lake. Open 9-4 daily. Daily Programs to meet your social, emotional, physical, cognitive, spiritual, and recreational needs to enhance your quality of life. • New programs added constantly to meet changing needs • Bus Trips to Dinner Theatres and Events within Alberta • Special Events to celebrate holidays • Presentations by Guest Speakers regarding health and wellness issues • Services to help with Alberta Seniors Beneﬁt and seniors health issues (ex. footcare) Community Bingo every Thursday night at 6:00 p.m. For more information contact Maryan at 403-887-5428 or visit www.sylvanlake.ca/fcss/seniors/seniors-support.html to view our monthly calendar and read our newsletter.

Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

to the shoreline at the boundary between the town and the Summer Village of Norglenwold including the Marina Bay subdivision. This area is closed from April 1 to June 30, but the remainder of the lake is open for anglers to participate in this enjoyable pastime from May 15 to October 31. The province has stocked Sylvan Lake since 1926. “That’s the first year walleye were introduced into Sylvan Lake,” said Jason Cooper, a fisheries biologist with Sustainable Resource Development. Prior to that the lake was a pike fishery with burbot and white suckers. Yellow perch were introduced in 1940 and Spottail shiners were introduced in 1942 and ’43. Cooper said fisheries staff within the Red Deer Region have been recently monitoring the walleye population in Sylvan Lake in order to evaluate the success of the stocking efforts. “Information collected by fisheries staff by means of Fall Walleye Index Netting (FWIN) surveys in 2008, 2010, 2012, a summer angler creel survey in 2010, along with anecdotal responses by anglers has shown that walleye survival post-stocking has been relatively good.” Cooper said the primary goal for stocking Sylvan Lake with Walleye is to achieve a stable, naturally reproducing population where annual surplus production could be allocated for harvest to the anglers by using a general minimum size regulation or special harvest license. However, it can take many years for these fish to fully mature along with rebalancing with the other fish species found within the lake in order to see stabilizing signs and results.

Sports and Recreation 25 “Allowing any significant harvest at this point in time would clearly jeopardize the objective of achieving a naturally spawning, self-sustaining walleye population.” For further information on FWIN monitoring in general and the results from Sylvan Lake which includes catch rate of other fish species please refer to the Fall Walleye Index Netting at Sylvan Lake, Alberta, 2012. This report is posted on ESRD’s external FWIN reports webpage at: http://esrd.alberta.ca/fish-wildlife/fisheries-management/fall-walleye-index-netting/ index-net-survey-reports/default.aspx

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Fishing at Sylvan Lake There are at least seven species of fish in Sylvan Lake. Northern pike are indigenous to the lake and support an active year-round sport fishery. Yellow perch were introduced annually to the lake by Fish and Wildlife Division from 1940 to 1945. They are now a self-sustaining population; individuals grow to an admirable size and are a very popular target for anglers, particularly during winter. In 1986, Alberta angling records reported that an exceptionally large perch of 53 cm and 1.6 kg was taken from Sylvan Lake. Walleye were stocked in 1926, 1929, 1934, 1938, 1943, 1945 and from 1960 to 1963. They have now established a self-sustaining population and contribute to the sport fishery. Burbot are also caught by anglers. Lake trout were stocked in 1943 and 1944 but none survived. Spottail shiners were stocked from 1942 to 1945 to increase the forage fish population. Native forage species likely include brook stickleback and fathead minnows. In 1987 and 1988, a total of 3,445 adult lake whitefish from Pigeon Lake were stocked in Sylvan Lake to provide a forage species for walleye and northern pike and eventually to contribute to winter sport fishing. It will be the early 1990s before it is known whether they have become successfully established. There is no commercial or domestic fishery on Sylvan Lake. Summerkills of young perch occasionally occur in the shallow bays of Sylvan Lake. In 1976, 100 to 200 dead young-of-the-year perch were found along a portion of the north shore of the lake;

it was estimated that a total of 100,000 were killed at that time). No winterkills have been reported. The abundance of ﬁsh in Sylvan Lake is thought to be limited by a shortage of weed beds, a lack of cover and a shortage of spawning grounds. In the

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P A T N

early 1940s, projects to improve habitat included building underwater brush shelters. - a portion of the report on Sylvan Lake contained in Atlas of Alberta Lakes, published in 1990 by University of Alberta Press (http://alberta-lakes.sunsite.ualberta.ca/)

O R E BE

FISH PLANTINGS IN SYLVAN LAKE ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1926 – 2,500,000 walleye fry. 1929 – 370,000 walleye fry. 1934 & 1938 – small numbers of walleye adults. 1940 – 20,000 perch. 1941 – 57,000 perch. 1942 – 66,000 perch & 85,000 spot tail shiners. 1943 – 44,800 perch, 11,000 walleye fingerlings, 15,000 spot tail shiners, 30,000 lake trout fingerlings, 100,000 lake trout eyed eggs. 1944 – 20,000 perch, 100,000 lake trout fingerlings. 1945 – 2,600 walleye fingerlings, 1,400 spot tail shiners and 27,000 perch. 1960 – 2,520,00 (?) walleye eyed eggs. 1961 – 1,120,000 walleye eyed eggs. 1962 – 420,000 walleye eyed eggs. 1963 – 1,265,000 walleye eyed eggs. 1963 was the last year we found records for fish planting. Reprinted from the Sylvan Lake News, June 7, 1973

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Jazz at the Lake

features variety of talents at free and ticketed events

By Steve Dills Several free community events, opportunities to listen to rising musicians, music vitruosos in concert and even a Beatles Bash are sure to provide lots of enjoyment for everyone at this year’s Jazz At The Lake Festival August 14-17. There will be more bands during a daylong Saturday family picnic concert in Lions Legacy Park featuring top musical ensembles from Red Deer College and the H.O.T. Dixieland Band, said Eric Allison. It runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then Sunday, there’s a community block party featuring several Central Alberta community bands also at Lions Legacy Park on 50th Street (from 1-4 p.m.) Both are free events. Headliners this year are Tuck and Patti, on Friday evening and world class guitarist Jack Semple on Saturday evening. Of course, the festival gets going Thursday evening with another return engagement by Johnny Summers Little

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Big Band for a swinging good time. He’s been back by popular demand for the last eight consecutive years. “Tuck Andress is a world-class guitarist, but he’s also imbued with the rare gift of good taste,” states his biography on the festival’s website. “His musical partner and wife, Patti Cathcart, is an uncommonly soulful and inventive jazz stylist and among the best scat singers since Ella Fitzgerald.” “Juno winner Jack Semple is one of those rare guitar players who leaves a crowd speechless, in absolute awe of what they have just experienced. He is a guitar player’s guitar player. An absolute virtuoso of his art form … Now, did we mention the man can sing? Jack has a set of pipes that are smooth as silk and as raw and jagged as rocks cutting through an ocean shoreline.” Tickets are now available for all three of these events. HELP! is featured during the Beatles Bash at the Legion, Saturday afternoon marking the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ only appearance on the west coast of Canada (tickets available). Then there’s something new Sunday afternoon. Caravana Gypsey Quartet and The Alberta Playboys are alternating during a Gypsies, Jazz and Fiddlers concert, a tented event, at the Lions Hall parking lot (tickets available). This will be a lot of fun, predicted producer Cheryl Fisher. “I think it will be a real cool thing at the tent. People can come have a beer and enjoy the music.” The perennial pub crawl is not taking place this year, although some of the previous participants may choose to hire their own bands to add to the ﬂavour of the community’s ambience during the weekend. The ﬁnal event Sunday is the Farewell Gala Under the Stars at Meadowland Golf Club. It features the music of Robert

Restaurants 29 “Jack Semple is one of those rare guitar players who leaves a crowd speechless, in absolute awe of what they have just experienced.”

Young and the Big Beat Band and includes a buﬀet dinner, silent auction and dancing. Allison described Young as a “Sinatra style crooner, it’s something diﬀerent, it should be fun.” Tickets are required for this, and people are encouraged to get them early as it’s always very popular. The jam sessions have been moved to Late Night Lions at the Lions Hall hosted by the Charles Godin Quartet, said Fisher. Project Discovery is bigger again this year with the winners from more Kiwanis festivals participating, she added. “We’re getting the word out and it’s expanding.” It also features some of the winners of Sylvan Celebration of Music plus extraordinary local students. This takes place from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday at Gospel Chapel. Shortly after, the youngsters and others have a chance to participate in a jazz workshop with guitar great and vocalist Jack Semple from 3:30-5 p.m. The H.O.T. Dixieland Band will be performing, as usual, for a sing-a-long at Sylvan Lake Seniors’ Lodge on Friday afternoon, then at the Farmers’ Market on main street later that day and at the family picnic Saturday. Allison and Fisher said volunteers are always needed to help with the festival. Check the website or follow them on Facebook and Twitter. (www.jazzatthelake.com) They added that with a lot of people returning to the festival year after year and other things in the area, accommodations are going to be tight in Sylvan Lake during the festival. Jazz At The Lake is one of the longest successfully running jazz festivals in Alberta, said Fisher and Allison.

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30 Restaurants

Thrills, skills & spills

Sylvan Lake’s skate park is keeping kids active By Steve Dills Attracting a large group of enthusiasts on a daily basis, Sylvan Lake’s skatepark, which opened in June 2012, brings together skateboarders, BMX cyclists and scooter riders who thrill to show their skills. It’s located beside the community centre oﬀ 43rd Street. The park was built at a cost of about $390,000 which included a $125,000 grant through the provincial Community Facility Enhancement Program, obtained by Lakeview Optimist Club. Other local funds were raised by members of the skate community. The park was designed so that further additions could be made as more money becomes available.

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Shoreline habitat important to lake’s health By Steve Dills Education is an important part of protecting Sylvan Lake’s pristine quality. To that end, Sylvan Lake Watershed Stewardship Society has posted signs indicating environmentally sensitive areas of the lake, and encouraging boaters to steer clear. The signs also call for boaters to observe the 10/30 rule (go no more than 10 km/hr within 30 metres of shore). “Please do not: damage reed beds; disturb waterfowl; and pollute the water,” the signs encourage. The society erected 21 signs after the summer villages of Birchcliﬀ, Jarvis Bay and Sunbreaker Cove were able to access provincial funding through an inter-municipal sponsorship program, a few years ago. The maps used on the sign come from the Sylvan Lake Management Plan 2000 update. For more on the society’s activities check the website www.slwss.org.

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ARRGH MATEYS! our ship has come in!

By Steve Dills Whether it’s creating new musical melodies or digging in the sand like archaeologists, imaginations take over as children explore a very unique community park in Sylvan Lake. There are plenty of opportunities for them to let their minds wander in the fully accessible park where children of all abilities can play together. The most recent addition to the inclusive park is an Activo Listo, a network of interconnecting cables sitting just oﬀ the ground for children to climb and develop balance. An AeroGlider suitable for groups of people, including those in wheelchairs was added as were picnic tables, about two years ago. A pirate ship was installed in the fall of 2010 in Our Backyard at Four Seasons Park which is located behind Sylvan Lake’s Family & Community Centre at 4725 43rd Street. For children of all ages the ship is next to the real thing. The ship was made by Daniels Wood Land Inc. (w w w.danielswoodland. com) in California. Another interesting attraction is custom made outdoor musical instruments called Freenotes percussion instruments (www. freenotes.net) that were made in Colorado. They include the Outdoor Pegasus, Saturn’s Chimes, The Amadinda and The

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Swirl.

Other items in the park are playground climbing equipment, regular and accessible swings, a rideon bus and motorcycle and asphalt and rubber tiles to provide endless accessible surfacing. Budding archeologists may find dinosaur relics hiding beneath the sand in one area. The park is fully fenced so families may rest assured their children are safe while having fun. A large gazebo is suitable for picnics. A variety of resources from across North America and parts of Europe, including the book ‘A Child’s Garden: Enchanting Outdoor Spaces for Children & Parents’ (M. Dannenmaier), have been used as references for the park’s unique design. “Our Backyard is our effort to foster social interaction and play between children of all abilities,” said Ann Faulk, executive director of kcs Association. “We are trying to ensure that no child is left behind but experiences boundless adventure with friends here. We are also trying to maximize the various aspects of children’s play: imaginative, physical, quiet, musical, creative, etc. Although the completion of the park is taking some time, each phase brings added enjoyment and wonder for children. It is very exciting to watch them discover the various play areas.” The park is now finished after several years of additions. Visitors quickly get a sense of a special place …

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34 Services

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By Stuart Fullarton A new extreme water sport is taking the world by storm, and has some of its roots right here in Sylvan Lake. Flyboard, according to Brody Wells of Alberta Flyboard, has only been available to the public for just over a year now. He and his colleagues — accomplished flyboarders who compete internationally — are now eager to grow the sport by introducing it to lake users in Sylvan Lake, where they can be found in the summer instructing first-timers on how to manoeuvre what he feels is best described as a “jet pack on the water”. “It’s a jet pack strapped to your feet, and one of the most manoeuvrable jet packs out there,” he said. “It’s just a whole lot of fun.” The board, via a hose, attaches to, and is powered by, personal water craft. The propulsion of water through the hose lifts riders into the air as high as 45 feet, with appropriate equipment modifications. First-timers, however, can expect to fly at a much lower, safer level until a particular degree of skill and experience has been attained. “Normally with beginners, you can expect to get somewhere between 10 and 15 feet, said Wells. “The first experience with it, you’re just up there hovering. You’re basically pulling that jet ski around and you’re taking off and showing your friends.” Advancing beyond that and carrying out more difficult manoeuvres at more elevated heights is when flyboard becomes less of an activity, and more of a sport, he added. “Something that we want to emphasize is that it is now a sport,” he said. “There are competitions, and there will be competitions coming to Sylvan Lake, as well.” Flyboard competitions are based on freestyle tricks such

Services 35 “It’s just a whole lot of fun... and quite easy!”

as backflips and dolphin dives, as well as variations of those manoeuvres. Wells and other Alberta Flyboard staff have represented Canada at international competitions, including the World Cup in Doha, Qatar, at which Wells finished sixth in 2012 — the highest of any Canadian. Here at home, they’re more than happy to share their knowledge and experience with anyone willing to try the sport, and have instructed students of a wide age range. “One of our most frequent customers is 73 years old,” said Wells. “He’s an avid flyboarder, and he just loves the water, loves the product, and loves to be out there, which is great. “Anybody can do it. The board’s doing all the work and you’re up there just controlling it. You’re giving it the guidance that it needs to keep it in control and in the proper direction. “In all reality, it’s quite easy.” In terms of the sport’s safety, Wells assured that he’s experienced far worse wipeouts on water skis and wakeboards than he has on a flyboard. The Alberta Flyboard riders will return to the lakeshore this summer, where they’ll be instructing lessons and offering lake users the chance to give it a try. To find out where they’ll be, visit www.albertaflyboard. com. “We were one of the first ones in Canada to get the board in 2012, and we’ve just kept the sport growing,” said Wells. “We can’t wait to see what happens with it in the next couple of years.”

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Recreational opportunities abound around town By Stuart Fullarton Visitors to Sylvan Lake are presented with no shortage of recreational options, and not all of them lie on the water. Spread throughout town are a number of parks, trails, sports fields and facilities that provide plenty of alternative options for those who prefer to stay dry, or who simply wish to take a break from aquatic pursuits. Walking around town and exploring its charms may be just as enthralling as any of the town’s recreational activities, and is now made easier by an enhanced trail system. Winding through wooded areas and along roads and streets, it’s grown over the past couple of years to cover a large part of the town, including Lakeshore Dr. and 60 St. A map of the system in its entirety may be viewed on the town’s website at www. sylvanlake.ca, but if you’re out and about, you’ll likely see them on your way. That same online map, however, provides a comprehensive overview of town picnic areas, parking lots, sports facilities, and parks and fields, so it’s definitely worth taking a look at. You’ll find there are almost always at least some exciting amenities nearby, no matter what part of town you’re in. For dog owners, the new off-leash dog park provides a large open area for canine companions to stretch their legs following the car ride into town. It’s situated near the town’s southwest entrance at the corner of Memorial Trail and 60 St., and has proved a popular draw since it opened last summer. While unusuallyy dangerous conditions g

Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

You’ll find there are almost always at least some exciting amenities nearby, no matter what part of town you’re in.

Though the loss of the town’s much beloved arena in January hindered hockey organizers in their scheduling, Sylvan Lake Hockey Camp will still go ahead at its new home in the multiplex. More information on that is available at www.sylvanlakehockeycamp.com. Of course, these aren’t the only non-water-related activities available in Sylvan Lake. If you’re the type that likes to relax, you’ll ﬁnd serenity in sitting by the lake and reading a book, or by simply watching people go by. The opportunities are boundless; exploring them might just be the best part of your stay in Sylvan Lake.

forced the early closure of the lake’s ice surface this year, skating in Sylvan Lake is another exciting pastime, and is a great way to spend time with family and friends outdoors. It’s free, which of course makes it even more appealing. Skating rinks can be found all over town — a map showing their locations is also available on the town’s website. Extreme sports junkies will find their high-flying needs met at the Optimist Club Action Sports Zone in Four Seasons Park. Since opening in summer 2012, it’s been a popular destination for skateboarders, BMXers and inline skaters from both in and out of town. Sylvan Lake Aquatic Centre may be a place to keep in mind during times of inclement weather when swimming in the lake isn’t an option. It also offers swimming lessons, which may be worth considering for inexperienced swimmers looking to make the transition into lake water. SYLVAN LAKE 2014

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER Proudly Serving Sylvan Lake & Area Since 1935 Pick up your free copy of the Sylvan Lake News at various locations in and around Sylvan Lake or view our E-Editon online.

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LEGEND Point of Interest Shopping Area Church Medical Centre Road Proposed Road Railway Municipal Boundary

Trails Town of Sylvan Lake Summer Village Greenspace/Park

Medical Centres

1 Sylvan Medical Clinic Resort, GolfClinic Fugler Alberta2Springs & Red Deer 3 2Sylvan Family Health Hwy Centre 4 Community Health Hwy 11 Centre (AHS)

Points of Interest

1 Marina 2 Water Slide 3 Lions Hall 4 Post Office 5 Town Office 6 Tourism Info 7 Library/Archives 8 Police 9 Aquatic Centre 10 Curling club 11 Arena 12 Multipurpose Facility 13 Funeral Home 14 Seniors Manor 15 Bethany Centre 16 Seniors Lodge 17 Fire Hall 18 Community Centre 19 Public Works 20 Trailer/RV Sewage Dump 21 Water Reservoir 22 Legion

Churches

1 Alliance Community Church 2 Frontline Worship Centre 3 Memorial Presbyterian Church 4 Our Lady of Assumption Parish 5 Seventh-day Adventist Church 6 St. Mary’s and St. Timothy’s Anglican Church 7 Gospel Chapel 8 Lighthouse Fellowship Church of Nazarene, worshipping at Steffie Woima School 9 Faith Lutheran Church worshipping at Seventh-day Adventist Church

k Landin

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FIND

2014 /15

Discover all ll that h Sylvan l Lake k h has to offer ff residents and visitors. Accommodations, Restaurants, Shopping, Services, Maps, Sports & Recreation, Golf & Event Calendar

Shopping

1 Marina Merchants Mall 2 Lakeland Plaza 3 Varsity Mall 4 Railside Plaza 5 Hewlett Park Landing 6 Lakeview Plaza 7 Pelican Place 8 Ryders Square Shopping Centre 9 Lakeway Square

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2014 /15

Volume 31

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Charles Industrial Way

Beju Industrial Dr

Thevenaz Industrial Tr

Cuendet Industrial Way

Company Directory 1

Lake City Services

Wal-mart

Rotor Tech

47 Ave Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

44 Services #8 Cuendet Industrial Way, Sylvan Lake, AB

#3 HWY 20 Sylvan Lake, AB

Years of Service: 26

On the NW corner of the trafﬁc circle.

M - F 8 am - 4 pm

Years of Service: 5

Hours:

Calvin Hilman p: 403-887-2170 f: 403-887-5785 e: chilman@hilmanelectric.ca Since 1988, Hilman Electric has served Sylvan Lake and the Central Alberta area in the commercial, residential, light industrial, and farm sectors; with new installations, renovations, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Applying our motto “Exceeding Expectations” we create an inviting and friendly atmosphere through our employees, in order to provide quality customer service.

WWW.HILMANELECTRIC.CA

Products & Services:

Since we ﬁrst opened the doors in December 2009 our priorities have always been excellence in customer service, providing a welcoming atmosphere and our passion to offer the most pure and exciting inventory. Each vehicle we represent is carefully hand selected and inspected from top to bottom, front to back, inside and out to to offer our customers the absolute best vehicle of its kind, at a very competitive price.

SummerHours: M - F: 8 am - 7 pm Sat: 9 am - 5 pm

403.887.7707 WWW.SYLVANTRUCKRANCH.COM

#2 Industrial Drive Sylvan Lake, AB AKE CITY SERVICES LTD.

Years of Service: 30

Hours:

M - F 8 am - 5 pm

Crescent 21 Erickson e, AB Sylvan Lak

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AROUND THE CORNER FROM TIM HORTONS

Bay 1-21 ERICKSON CR. SYLVAN LAKE, AB

403.887.3388 WWW.SHOWDOWNMERCH.COM M - F 8 am - 4 pm

Services 45

officers aim to make Sylvan visit

safe and

enjoyable By Steve Dills

Protecting the safety of residents, neighbours and visitors is a primary concern for Sylvan Lake’s community peace officers, especially since the community enjoys such a huge influx of visitors during the summer. They are authorized to enforce provincial statutes (including liquor infractions in the provincial park) as well as town bylaws. They work closely with members of Sylvan Lake’s RCMP detachment. “Emphasis is placed on traffic and parking enforcement in the community, in particular the downtown and Lakeshore Drive areas,” said Nick Reijnen, manager of municipal enforcement. “This is necessary to maintain a safe traffic flow through the main corridor during the summer months.”

nity. This includes yelling, screaming and swearing. Also included in the community standards bylaw are penalties for creating graffiti, littering, spitting or urinating, placing flyers on vehicles, fighting or loitering, bullying and panhandling. Municipal enforcement may be contacted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday at 858-7280. Voice mail messages can be left outside of those hours. The RCMP may be contacted at 911 or 403-858-7200.

These oﬃcers provide coverage seven days a week during the summer. When they’re not working, complaints may be made to the RCMP detachment. Reijnen said they welcome inquiries from people about enforcement related matters or concerns. “We’re approachable and available to talk to anyone,” he said. A new online complaint system was launched last year. A link to the form is found on the town’s website at www. sylvanlake.ca

TRIMEXPRESS

17 Erickson Cr. Sylvan Lake, AB

CUSTOM METAL SHOP

The RCMP detachment is augmented when additional officers are brought into the community, particularly on summer weekends to assist the locally based officers. This enhanced policing program has been used successfully for several years. Speed limit - Speed radar trailers are moved to different locations throughout the summer to remind motorists the speed limit in town is 40 km/hr unless otherwise posted. Fireworks - Sale and discharge of fireworks in the community were banned by council a few years ago following a number of dangerous incidents. Fires - The town has a bylaw which prohibits open fires. Fires are still allowed in fire pits or other enclosures, however they must be supervised. A complete fire ban may be instituted when conditions are particularly dry. Noise - A bylaw regulates loud noise throughout the day and night, to allow “peaceful enjoyment” of the commu-

Alta-Wide Builders Supplies is your team of local experts

403-887-2866 Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

SYLVAN LAKE IS A MAJOR DIVE

Underwater diver’s park offers a unique perspective of the lake By Stuart Fullarton Although it hasn’t yet established itself as a prime destination for scuba diving, there’s potential for Sylvan Lake to do so in the future, according to Denise Boniface, who occasionally instructs diving classes there. While an underwater diver’s park exists not far offshore near Norglenwold, she feels diving in Sylvan Lake would be much more enjoyable if all boaters knew and respected the signs and markings indicating a diver’s presence. Through her work with Alberta Underwater Council, she hopes to raise awareness of the boating dangers in hopes that Sylvan can one day bill itself as one of the province’s premier diving destinations. “I don’t dive on the weekends during the summer there at Sylvan Lake, because there are too many boaters,” she said. “Especially on long weekends or times when it’s really busy in there.” With her Rocky Mountain House-based Aqua-Nuts Diving school, however, she has in the past offered introductory Discover Scuba classes off the lakeshore, allowing newcomers to the activity to explore the lake up to a depth of about six feet. There’s nothing to stop divers from entering the lake at any location, but due to safety concerns, Boniface highly recommends sticking to the diver’s park, and only in the company of a diving expert or someone who’s extremely familiar with the lake. “The access is difficult. There are no signs or anything like that,” she said. “We don’t promote it a whole lot, because we don’t It’ss such a remote, pri pridon t want somebody hurt in there. It vate little location that if somebody got hurt there, nobody

Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

Halfmoon Bay

DIVER’S PARK

would notice them.” Divers must be cognizant of nearby boat lanes, and fly markers “so that boats will avoid you, or at least know that you’re there”, she added. Among the items submerged at the park, located just off the east side of Norglenwold’s Grand Avenue, are a boat, the body of a Cessna airplane, a telephone booth and a swing set. Rather than polluting the lake, those items have over the years provided a habitat for fish, according to Boniface. And any garbage she or her students do notice at the bottom of the lake is swiftly collected and disposed of on land. While visibility may not match that of some of the globe’s more exotic diving spots, Sylvan Lake may appeal to divers for a variety of other reasons. With signs up at lake access points encouraging boaters to be aware of potential diving activity, Boniface hopes the lake will soon be safe enough to allow divers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy diving in it. “It’s just different,” she said. “True hardcore divers just enjoy blowing bubbles and the feeling of weightlessness, and I’m even quite happy in a pool sometimes, because it just feels good. “It’s relaxing, and I find that that chatter that goes on in your mind when you’re on the surface, it goes away when you go underwater.”

Snow Riders rallies offer a unique way to

explore the area

47 Last year’s had about 40 vehicles playing 150 poker hands along a scenic 65-kilometre route through Gilby, Rimbey and Bentley. Bromling said he expected those numbers to grow in future years. This year was a solid year for the club, which had about 50 members, and Bromling is hoping to see even more people join in time for the club’s next rallies. Funds raised at the rallies go toward cash payouts, and also help the club pay for things such as trail maintenance and development.

By Stuart Fullarton Snowmobile enthusiasts visiting Sylvan Lake in the wintertime might be interested to learn about the existence of a like-minded group of riders in the area.

All club activities depend on weather.

They belong to David Thompson Snow Riders – a snowmobile club that hosts annual events for all riders to enjoy.

The club’s monthly meetings take place in Eckville, a town about 20 minutes north west of Sylvan Lake.

Typically, the club hosts one snowmobile rally in January or February of each year, but this year proved diﬀerent.

For more information, contact Bromling at 403-392-3424.

Heavy snow, such as that received this year, allows the club to host two snowmobile rallies, whereas scarce snow may cause a delay in opening the club’s trail.

Above-average snowfall allowed for a second rally to be held in March, and although it had a smaller turn out than the one in January, it still attracted 60 riders, who enjoyed a trail system beginning at Range Road 3-2 west of Benalto on Highway 11. Mild temperatures experienced around that time caused club president Clint Bromling to admit that the end of the season was near. But that didn’t mean the end of the club’s activities for the year. In September, it hosts the second of its two major annual events: a car rally. The club began hosting its car rallies just two years ago, and they appear to be steadily growing in size.

Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

48 Services

More than you imagine Sylvan Lake Seniors’ Centre is thinking outside the box By Don MacKenzie What were we? Perhaps more pertinent what are we? Starting in March 1966 as the Friendship Centre we were a place for socialization for like-minded seniors. In 2002 we got a new name — Sylvan Lake Seniors’ Association — and a new building, “our own” at our present location 4908 50 Ave. The only constant in life is change. Now in 2014 we continue to change. Today’s 60 year old is yesterday’s 40 year old. Interests and lifestyles are drastically diﬀerent and we have adjusted accordingly. We now oﬀer courses, classes

and information fairs relevant to today’s population population. Our basis is the same: socialization, support and programs aimed at a healthy, spiritual, nutritional and wellbeing for our age group. The diﬀerence is programs are designed, and continue to be designed, to meet the needs of today’s upper middle aged people. We have moved from ‘baby boomers’ to the new category of ‘zoomers’. Quitting or slowing down is not in the cards. Staying active and providing value added projects to our community is now the focus. We have not forgotten, nor will we forget, the previous generations who were instrumental in getting us to where we are today. Going forward our goal is to engage the coming generation and provide a platform for them to build on for their future. Not to be looked on as a close knit group, rather as a force and catalyst bringing all age groups in our town together. Strength in numbers makes the diﬀerence for a stronger town in which we live and take great pride.

It’s time to have

Our future vision is to acquire 6,000 sq. ft. in the new multiplex. This will double our size. Imagine the programs that can be oﬀered then.

with your Mom and Dad. Are you ready?

Are you a long time resident and have never been to the centre, a new resident that doesn’t know we exist or a tourist passing through? Please drop in, you are warmly welcomed and can make a diﬀerence. You may also check us out at http://www.sylvanlake.ca/fcss/seniors/seniorssupport.html

Book a personalized tour:

Aspen Ridge 403-341-5522 Inglewood 403-346-1134 We’ll even treat you to a complimentary lunch (we’re proud of our food!)

5 Reasons you’’ll be glad your Parents are here. 1. Spacious studios, 1 and 2 bedroom suites for an accessible home-like feel.

housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, 4. Daily social activities and special events make it fun here. 5. We are trained to take care of seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s (Ask about our Moments Neighbourhood)

Check out our excellent collection of books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, e-books and magazines HOURS: Monday: 1 pm – 8 pm • Tuesday - Thursday: 10 am – 8 pm Friday & Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm • Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm

WWW.SYLVANLIBRARY.PRL.AB.CA A S P E N

R I D G E

Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

www.symphonyseniorliving.com

403-887-2130 • 4715 50 AVENUE

Services 49

CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY Boaters reminded to help prevent the spread of invasive species By Stuart Fullarton While Sylvan Lake remains accessible for everyone to enjoy, there’s a certain type of visitor lake users and environmental officials are doing their best to prevent from entering — invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels. While neither has yet been detected in Sylvan Lake, or other lakes around the province, the threat of them appearing is very real. That’s been perhaps best evidenced by last year’s interception of seven boats headed for Alberta lakes, including Sylvan Lake, that carried these types of mussels. “Seven boats were coming back from the Colorado River system that did have mussels on them, said Kate Wilson, Aquatic Invasive Species program co-ordinator for Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. “They were headed back to Alberta, and they were going to Sylvan Lake, Pigeon Lake, Gull Lake, Wabamun Lake and Slave Lake. “(The threat) is not hypothetical.” The mussels are introduced to water bodies by attaching to boats that have recently been in an affected area. Usually, this means boats used by people travelling outside the province or boats purchased outside the province. “What happens, is they bring back stuff on their boat that they don’t even know is there,” said Wilson, adding that both zebra and quagga mussels are suited for climates such as those found in Alberta. “We’ve done some initial studies that show they could definitely thrive in our lakes.” To ensure Alberta lakes remain free of these invasive species, work is being done to implement regular boat

inspections, and a rapid response plan is being developed. Alberta Environment is working closely with other government agencies to address the threat, which, according to Wilson, begins with raising awareness. “The message that we’re really going to be getting out this summer is clean, drain, dry,” she said. “If every boater takes that action, that’s the best way to prevent them, but if boaters know that they’re coming from those states or provinces that do have mussels, we would ask that they stop at our inspection sites and we get to do a thorough inspection, because they do like tight, dark, damp places that are not immediately visible to the naked eye.” Continued on page 50

Enjoy all the Great things to do this Summer in Central Alberta and Surrounding Area

It is my pleasure to serve the Sylvan Lake area and my wish that all residents and visitors

enjoy all of the services and amenities that are available. No matter if it is for one day or for life – welcome to Sylvan Lake and enjoy your stay!

Earl Dreeshen, MP Red Deer – 403-347-7426

Suite 100A – 4315-55 Avenue T4N 4N7

Ottawa – 613-995-0590 www.earldreeshen.ca

Mary Anne Jablonski MLA Red Deer North 403-342-2263 Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

50 Services Continued from page 49 Proper prevention means inspecting boats to remove attached plants, mud and debris, and draining and drying the ballast and bilge. While oďŹƒcials are particularly cautious of boats coming from the southwestern United States, a recent discovery of zebra mussels in Lake Winnipeg proved Canadian lakes are also at risk. Wilson noted that zebra and quagga mussels arenâ€™t the only types of invasive species threatening to Alberta. Their ability to spread quickly, however, along with the potentially catastrophic damage to lakes that would likely accompany their arrival, has made them something of a poster child for unwanted lake inhabitants. â€œTheyâ€™re ďŹ lter feeders, so one mussel can ďŹ lter up to one litre of water per day,â€? said Wilson. â€œThat means that theyâ€™re really removing all the nutrients from this system that our ďŹ sh are dependent on, so over time, you see changes in the whole native population thatâ€™s able to live in that water body.â€? Massive economic impacts would likely also result, she added. â€œThink about all the irrigation infrastructure, and water management infrastructure, and potentially having to replace pipes, shut down operations and clean out the facilities.â€? In addition, declines in shoreline property values, ďŹ shing opportunities and tourism revenues could result in about a $75 million annual loss, the province estimates. Boat owners who suspect the presence of zebra or quagga mussels are asked to contact 1-855-336-2628 (BOAT).

Physician Directed Clinic Services Redken Salon â€˘ Cuts & Colours â€˘ Hot Shave â€˘ Extension Specialists â€˘ Manicures â€˘ Pedicures â€˘ Waxing â€˘ Piercing â€˘ Lash Extensions â€˘ Top Line Hair & Skin Care Products

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Services 51

Get along little

doggies! By Stuart Fullarton

Rodeo enthusiasts visiting Sylvan Lake will be pleased to know of several large rodeo events taking place throughout the surrounding area this summer. Plenty of rodeo action lies just a short drive outside of town, and features cowboys and cowgirls who travel from all around the world to compete in Central Alberta events. Unoﬃcially kicking oﬀ the rodeo season in Eckville — a small town about 20 minutes away from Sylvan Lake — is the Bull-Arena. The one-night event, set to take place this year on May 10, features plenty of skilled bull riders demonstrating their skills and vying for a number of cash prizes. Last year’s participants came from far and wide, including places such as Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. Money raised through the event helps cover operating costs at Eckville Arena and ensures user fees are kept to a minimum. Then, June 6, 7 and 8 sees rodeo action return to the town, with the Central Alberta Rodeo Association (CARA) Eckville Rodeo. Saddle bronc riding, tie down roping and more bull riding are just some of the events that will keep spectators entertained during the indoor rodeo as it enters a milestone 50th year. More on the following page

Sylvan Lake

Veterinary Clinic Ltd.

Constituency Ofðce: 5006-50 Street Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1M5 403-887-0852 Open Fridays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Congratulations to Sylvan Lake on your Hockeyville win! Have fun as you celebrate this great achievement!

Serving your companion animal needs. Hours:

Mon. - Fri. 8am – 5pm Wednesday 8 am – 7pm

Laser Surgery, Digital X-Ray & Laser Therapy, Dental X-Rays & High Quality Dog & Cat Food

403-887-4240 www.sylvanlakevet.com 4640 - 44 Street (One block west of the fire hall) Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

52 Shopping

Even closer to town is the 97th Benalto Pro Rodeo, slated to take place in the hamlet July 4, 5 and 6. As well as a wide variety of rodeo events, attendees can also take in a horse show, a midway, and a food and trade show. “We try and keep it rolling so people stay and can have a variety of stuﬀ going on that they can sit around and enjoy,” said Benalto Agricultural Society president Neal

Arksey, in an interview with Sylvan Lake News last year. Benalto Junior Rodeo, on July 4, gives youths a chance to show oﬀ their budding rodeo skills. Though not quite as close in proximity, Innisfail Rodeo in mid-June can provide rodeo entertainment for those looking for something to do in the time between more local events, and for those willing to drive a little bit farther.

“Where the locals shop”

Sylvan Sleep Centre #2, 17 Beju Industrial Drive, Sylvan Lake, AB

YOUR SLEEP... IS OUR BUSINESS

LARGEST SELECTION OF SIMMONS BEDS IN CENTRAL ALBERTA

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 2007

403.887.9555 • 1.866.591.9555 • www.sylvansleepcentre.ca Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

Shopping 53

SYLVAN LAKE

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2013

Owned & operated by a member of your community

#200, 62 Thevenaz Industrial Trail

403.887.0581 Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

54 Shopping

Sylvan Lake Bathmetric Map

7 Sylvan Lake

Sunbreaker Cove

Sun Haven

15 18

ST20 1

Birchcliff

18 17

Half Moon Bay

Jarvis Bay

Sylvan Lake Bathmetric Survey 0

0.25

0.5

Jarvis Bay

Kilometers 1

Legend

Contours in Metres

Lake Highways

Minor Roads

Lakes Summer Village / Town Red Deer RIU Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Prairies Area © 2008 Government of Alberta Base Data Provided by the Spatial Data Warehouse Ltd. The Minister and the Crown provides this information without warranty or representation as to any matter including but not limited to whether the data / information is correct, accurate or free from error, defect, danger, or hazard and whether it is otherwise useful or suitable for any use the user may make of it.

Provincial Park

Norglenwold

ST11A

7 6 5 4

Date: February 07, 2008 Projection: NAD_1983_10TM_AEP_Forest

Sylvan Lake

ST781

Owner: DAWN WICKBERG

Award Winning Supplements • Aromatherapy • Hair & Body Care • Pet Products • Vitamins/Herbs • Weight Loss • Books & Crystals • 10 Min. Vibration Fitness • Ion Foot Detox • Ear Candling

Bay 7 | 5004 – 46 Street | Varsity Mall Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

403-887-5655

Sylvan continues to grow & prosper By Steve Dills As Alberta grows, so does Sylvan Lake. Over the past 10 years, over $630 million has been invested in construction of new homes, businesses and industrial buildings. With three new subdivisions underway, 2014 doesn’t show any chance of slowing down in growth or in welcoming new residents. The three subdivisions are Beacon Hill and Crestview which border 50th Street and The Vista in Ryders Ridge which is being developed by Melcor bordering Highway 20. Already our schools are busting at the seams. So much so that a new elementary, Kindergarten to Grade 8 school, was announced in February for Beacon Hill subdivision to accommodate 500 students. The ambitious plan is for the school to open for the 2016-17 school year. In the meantime four new modular classrooms are being moved to C. P. Blakely School for the fall. Last fall’s end of September tally showed 2,965 students attending the nine schools in Sylvan Lake, which include five operated by Chinooks Edge School Division, two operated by Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, the Lighthouse Christian Academy and Sylvan Meadows Adventist School. Statistics compiled by the Town of Sylvan Lake indicated building permits were issued in 2013 for construction valued at just over $52 million. The strongest sector was residential accounting for 81.2 per cent of that total or $42.3 million. Commercial and industrial added another $9.5 million. The tally showed Sylvan Lake grew by 112 single family homes, 116 units in multi-family buildings and four manufactured homes. The multi-family total included a 73 unit apartment building currently rising in the Beacon Hill subdivision. The permit for that project valued construction costs at $8.6 million. The first three months of 2014 have included starts on 17 new homes and 38 multi-family units. The year-to-date value is slightly ahead of 2013 at $12.6854 million. Some of the most notable changes for tourists will be in the downtown area where the former Cobb’s AG Foods store has been converted into a multi-bay commercial complex which is filling with businesses either moving from other locations in town or starting anew. Bayview Café has opened in new larger premises there and Guys & Dolls Hair Studio moved from their location across the street.

Several new restaurants have opened including Tokio Sushi - Japanese Cuisine beside Joey’s Only just off Highway 20 and Aja Sushi Restaurant in Varsity Mall on 46th Street. Hockey Central Sports Lounge and Memorabilia, formerly on Lakeshore Drive, has moved to Ryders Square just south of 47th Avenue near Highway 20. Change is continuing on the marina property. A plan to construct 25 three-storey row houses on the east side of the site was given approval by town council in March. A previous plan to develop a four storey 40 unit condominium building with a 62 foot height was scrapped in favour of the new proposal which would see the building height of 36 feet. As well, rather than one building, the row houses would be constructed in four buildings providing more sightlines to the water for those travelling along Lakeshore Drive. A growth strategy, planning and phasing for development of land annexed in 2006 has been completed, projecting the town’s population could double n the next 10 to 20 years to about 22,000. In the meantime, the next annexation proposal is underway to bring industrial and commercial land within the town’s boundaries and provide more space for future residential growth. Several interesting proposals are being scrutinized by town staff. Around the lake, the five summer villages recorded continued activity with new year-round residences and cottages being built and additions or renovations constructed. A lift station has been built at the entrance to Birchcliff and that community will eventually hook into a regional wastewater service. Norglenwold and Jarvis Bay are already connected to the town’s lagoon system. The lift station will also allow for connection of new country residential subdivisions being developed off Range Road 1-4 just north of Birchcliff. While growth continues to change the texture of Sylvan Lake, its roots as a tourist resort community are deeply entrenched and continue to form the baiss of a cheery welcome to everyone who visits. Sylvan Lake is friendly and clean and offers convenient and modern recreational and shopping opportunities. And, interwoven with the modern day services is a vibrant and colourful history which will enrich the town forever. Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

Camp Kuriakos

Sylvan Lake

Kuusamo Krest

Sylvan Lake Baha'i Centre

Birchcliff

Hwy 20 Twp Rd 394

Sunnyside Conference Centre

Rge Rd 14

Camp Kum-In-Yar

Twp Rd 400

Twp Rd 394

Rge Rd 15

Twp Rd 394

Rge Rd 15

Rge Rd 21

Rge Rd 25

Sunbreaker Cove

Twp Rd 400

Rge Rd 14

Sylvan Lake Area Map

Rge Rd 24

Twp Rd 400

Rge Rd 20

56 Shopping

Halfmoon Bay

Twp Rd 392

West & East Kasota Camp Camp Woods

Jarvis Bay

Hwy 20 Rd 13

Town of Sylvan Lake

Hwy 781

Rge Rd 15

Rge Rd 21

Twp Rd 385

Rge Rd 12

Hwy 11A

781

Rge Rd 22

Hw y1 1

Rge Rd 20

Twp Rd 384

Rge Rd 23

Twp Rd 385

Twp Rd 391

Norglenwold

Rge Rd 20

Rge Rd 21

Rge Rd 22

Rge Rd 23

Rge Rd 24

Rge Rd 25

Hwy 11A

Rge Rd 25

Jarvis Bay Provincial Park

Camp Kannawin

Hwy 11

Twp Rd 384

Ƅ+Ȑĸ ƜŁȇƁ/Õ í. Natural Source ŁƟ Gluten Free selection in store!

Produce, Meat & Seafood, Bakery, Deli & A La Carte. Good food made easy.

Sylvan Lake 900, 3715 - 47 Avenue, Sylvan Lake, AB Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

STORE HOURS: Monday through Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Shopping 57

Great windsurFIng possibilities By Steve Dills

Sylvan Lake offers fabulous windsurfing and kiteboarding possibilities according to the windsurfing alberta website (www.windsurfingalberta. com/beaches.htm) “Sylvan … offers some great conditions for windsurfers and kiters of all abilities … and it has a nice sandy beach! In the spring it warms up quickly and can be a lot of fun for the bump and jump crowd. The swell on a north or northwest wind can be

very nice with clean dishes and will give even the most jaded of riders a big smile.”

“The summer is a calmer time at Sylvan in terms of wind, but consistent thermals in the afternoon make for some great kiting or Formula board sailing. The terrain around the lake is quite interesting and accommodation plentiful.” Winter also provides great opportunities for harnessing the wind to enjoy open expanses of ice and snow.

Sugar Shack 110 5227 Lakeshore Drive 110, Located behind Mulberry Lane

n en ze oz o ! r r F t! F rt r u u g og Yo Y

e dge Fudg h Fu esh Fres Fr e! ore! stor in st de in made - ma -

• Fresh Fudge • Truffles • Frozen Yogurt • Old-fashioned, • Bon Bons Import & • Turkish Delight Traditional • Brittles Candy

403-887-6211 We do Gift Baskets, Party Trays & Special Event Favors (weddings, birthdays, bridal or baby showers, special holidays, cocktail parties & corporate) Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

58 Shopping

101

THINGS TO DO

in Sylvan Lake

By Stuart Fullarton its shoreline on a cruise boat

Sit on the lakeshore and watch the colourful sailboats on the blue waters of the lake

Sit on the lakeshore and watch the sun slowly sink beneath the horizon

the beach and the lake

8camps in the area Try waterskiing, wake9boarding, or ﬂyboarding Go ﬁshing and enjoy 10the solitude Try sailing 11 Relax and enjoy the 12beauty of the lake and

Attend one of the summer

bed and breakfasts A great alternative to hotel accommodations

will feel refreshed and exhilarated Play a game on one of the town’s soccer or football fields or baseball diamonds Become part of Sylvan Lake summer by enjoying one (or more) of the delicious flavours of delectable ice cream available Check out Wild Rapids Waterslides You will find out the waterslide does live up to its name as you experience a wild and crazy ride Take a fast spin on a gokart or try mini golf at Lakeside Go-Karts Go for a moonlight walk on the beach Take your binoculars and drive out to Sunbreaker Cove to enjoy the beauty of the stars without interfering back light Check out Sylvan Lake’s archives

ﬁrst class service Enjoy the delicious cuisine Go golﬁng Sylvan Lake is surrounded by beautiful golf courses, each with its own challenges and attractions There are par three, nine and 18 hole courses close by Delve into Sylvan Lake’s rich and colourful past by taking a historical biking or walking tour throughout town Markers have been placed where historical buildings once stood Go shopping Sylvan Lake has an interesting variety of shops and stores with something for everyone Check local garage sales

Check the Farmers’ 28 22 Market Friday afternoons in Sylvan Lake A great place to stock up on baked goods, vegetables and fruit, as well as other unique items Make plans to come back in the winter and experience a diﬀerent kind of Sylvan Lake, complete with skating on the lake Sylvan Lake oﬀers the best pizza, a sure hit for the whole family Order one Renting a cabin for a day, a week or longer in Sylvan Lake is one of the best ways to truly experience a Sylvan Lake summer Sit on a roof top patio and soak up some sun What better place to take part in the fun and excitement

Get some exercise Head 13 out to the deeper wa- 23 ters and enjoy a swim You

3 Make footprints in the 4sand 15 Write a love letter in the 5sand Watch a child at play on 6the beach 16 Bring your camera and get 7some wonderful shots of Build a sandcastle

Coming to Sylvan Lake Sylvan Lake has a 21 for a short visit? Be sure 27variety of eateries to stay in one of its charming oﬀering quality food and

25 26

31 Watch a ball game 32 Four Seasons Park with its ﬁve fenced shale ball diamonds is a busy place in the summer

18 19

SUPERCENTRE Soccer Hockey Boards Fishing Wetsuits

Bikes Baseball Footware Apparel & More!

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Shopping 59 On a rainy day, the Drive down a country Try the climbing wall at Have a picnic in Cen63 tennial Park aquatic centre offers 44road near town and 57the aquatic centre 33 a great alternative to being gather wild roses They grow Take a drive out to Attend one of the outside Public swimming, in abundance here Markerville and visit 64many 58 commulane swimming, aquafit Look for other wild the creamery nity events that take place classes and swimming lessons 45flowers on roadsides Take a tour of the throughout the year are available near town five quaint and pic59 Go to a movie Sylvan turesque summer villages 65Lake has a state-ofArtistry in Sylvan Lake Enjoy a camping 34is very evident around 46experience by visiting nestled along the shores of the-art movie theatre

town with paintings and sculptures on display, many of them the work of local artists Visit the library It offers an excellent collection of books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs and videos Explore the gleaming vehicles of yesteryear during the annual Sylvan Lake Customs and Classics show and shine Visit one of the many churches in Sylvan Lake Scuba diving and snorkeling are two of the lesser known activities which can be practised in Sylvan Lake Rent a ski boat, sea doo or paddle boat Build a campfire and roast marshmallows Build a campfire, gather round and enjoy a sing-a-long Go bowling

36 37 38

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one of the campgrounds Take your ball glove to the beach and enjoy a game of catch Visit a greenhouse and purchase a lovely flowering annual or perennial Rent a canoe and enjoy a leisurely boat ride Sip a delicious specialty coffee or cappuccino at one of the town’s cozy cafés or coffee bars Have a back yard barbecue and enjoy a delightful summer night Bring your creativity out of hiding and bring Sylvan Lake to life on canvas with your paintbrush Walk in the rain and later fall asleep listening to rain drops on the roof Go skateboarding in the skatepark Check out some of the agritourism opportunities in the area Experience some night life by visiting one of the clubs

the lake Crawl out of bed early to watch the sunrise over the eastern shores Go for a massage

Visit the Legion Friday 66 nights and take part in the weekly meat draw

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60 Services Take part in one of Fly a kite the running events 84 69 around town in the summer Spend a day doing Linger among the 85nothing 70strains of jazz music Lie in a hammock and during the annual festival in watch the clouds drift by 86 August Help raise awareness Go for a spa treatment of the invasive species 87 71 threat Strike up a conversa72tion with a local and 88Try windsurﬁng

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when it’s calm and when it’s 78trails covered with whitecaps Listen to the birds and 79try to identify them by 97Sleep under the stars their calls Volunteer for one of In winter, go snow- 98the many summer ac80mobiling with DaGo for a bike ride on the

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Shopping 61

SCANDINAVIAN TRAIL offers a glimpse

into the past By Stuart Fullarton

Visitors to the Scandinavian Trail near Sylvan Lake are taken on a journey through time as they experience what life was like in the past. Traversing an area encompassing Dickson, Markerville and Spruce View — about 20 minutes south of Sylvan Lake — the trail offers a look at four historical sites: Stephansson House, Dickson Store Museum, Markerville Creamery Museum and Danish Canadian National Museum and Gardens. Each site has its own set of stories accompanying it, and offers an insight into the area’s Scandinavian heritage. Dickson, the oldest Danish settlement in Western Canada, is home to both the Danish Canadian National Museum and Gardens and Dickson Store — the latter of which now operates as Dickson Store Museum. There, visitors are given a glimpse into the store as it would have looked in the 1930s, complete with a replica of living quarters from that time. There’s also a log cabin built as a slightly smaller replica of those lived in by early Danish settlers. More of their history is presented at the Danish Canadian National Museum, where visitors can walk through pristine gardens of flowers, vegetables, fruit and herbs. A little bit farther up the road lies Markerville, home to the famed Markerville Creamery Museum and nearby Stephansson House. At the creamery, visitors can enjoy ice cream and fun historic activities, while Stephannson House offers a look inside the former home of Icelandic poet Stephan G. Stephansson. Events at all of the historic sites take place throughout the summer months, including Markerville’s Cream Day, with live music, ice cream and butter making, children’s crafts and free museum tours all day. That’s just one of the many things to look forward to at these sites of rich heritage. They’ve got something for everyone to enjoy. Find out more about them through their respective websites, and make plans to take a drive through the scenic area, and consequently, back in time.

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Fascination with ice leaving lake dates back many years By Steve Dills It seems that ever since people moved to Sylvan Lake, there’s been a fascination with the ice and its disappearance. Melting snow and warm sunshine bathes Sylvan Lake every spring and people long for the beginning of the summer tourist season. That’s signalled partially by the state of the ice. In fact, the date, and in some cases the time, has been the subject of many derbys, pools, and bets over the years. Sylvan Lake News began publishing in October, 1935 and beginning with the 1936 season reported the date the ice left for quite a few years. Walter Jamieson was winner of the sweep, for being the only correct guess as to when the ice would go out in 1938, reported the newspaper. The first reference we could find of an organization running a pool was in 1944 — “Become an associate member of Sylvan Lake Service Club and estimate when the ice will go out of the lake — you may win a $10 War Saving Certificate.” That year the ice went out of the lake on Saturday, April 29 at 2:39 p.m. Wally Koots’ estimate was only 10 minutes off the mark and he won. In 1946 the ice went out at 12:35 Friday afternoon, April 26 as timed by Charlie Donaldson. Gus Woltti had the closest guess. Some years though the timers had a more difficult job. Elma Davies of Bentley had the closest guess in 1949 when she estimated 3:45 a.m. Saturday, May 7. Time was officially placed at 3:00 a.m. “This is the first time, to our knowledge, that the ice has disappeared overnight,” stated the News. The next reference to an Ice Derby connected with an organization was in 1950 when Lee King won $25 in the Sylvan Lake Curling Club’s derby. Then in 1951 there were two derbys, one organized by the curlers and the other by Sylvan Lake Legion. A unique concept was used to set the time in 1954 when “the committee in charge of the curling club ice derby set the time at 3 a.m. averaging the times the ice was last seen on the evening of the 23rd (May) and the first obser-

vation on the morning of the 24th.” The following year the Boys Scouts’ ice derby was won by Robert Pickering. Then in 1961, the News, in its May 11 issue reported, “the ice has gone from Sylvan Lake after another winter, although we do not know the exact time, as no pool was run on the event this year.” The Legion was back into sponsoring the ice derby in 1967 when B. C. Learned and Paul Dolling, Legion president, toured the lake to determine the ice disappeared at 1:25 p.m. May 28. By 1973 the first prize in the Legion derby was $30 and a second prize was awarded. That’s the last reference we could find until 2010 when the News again began reporting this item of interest. In other cases the dates aren’t specific. For instance the April 30, 1926 Red Deer Advocate reported “the ice is off Sylvan Lake, this being ten days earlier than usual.” Then two years later, the Advocate reported in its May 17 edition that “the ice is gone, almost a week in advance of its usual disappearance.” There were also the “way back in …” tales. An April 30, 1941 story talked about an “oldtimer who, 39 years ago was ‘bit’ by a mosquito on April 3, and in that year there was an early spring. This year he was bitten by a mosquito on April 5 — so the ice going out early and the warm weather now experienced was to be expected.” That year the ice went out on April 20. At one point in our history, ice was harvested in the middle of winter to keep things cold through the long hot summer. “The ice harvest is about over,” proclaimed a March 20, 1918 issue of Red Deer News. “Mr. L. Loiselle and his crew of men have put up quite a lot of it. “Messrs. Marshall and Rolston have had about 20 tons of ice put up for the express purpose of trying to keep cool next summer, providing it gets warmer than it has been this winter, and we expect it will.” Then in 1926 a Calgary ice company was to start operations in February to ship 200 carloads of ice from the lake to Calgary via CPR, reported Sylvan Lake World. “It is expected that about 20 men and about 14 teams will be engaged for a couple of weeks.”

WHEN THE ICE WAS GONE ++++++++++++ 1920 . . .. . May 30 1930 . . .. . April 29 1934 . . .. . April 26 1935 . . .. . .. . .. . ? 1936 . . .. . May 12 1937 . . .. . .. May 7 1938 . . .. . May 16 1939 . . .. . .. May 1 1940 . . .. . .. May 9 1941 . . .. . April 20 1942 . . .. . .. May 7 1943 . . .. . .. May 5 1944 . . .. . April 29 1945 . . .. . May 13 1946 . . .. . April 26 1947 . . .. . .. May 6 1948 . . .. . May 18 1949 . . .. . .. May 7 1950 . . .. . May 17 1951 . . .. . May 11 1952 . . .. . .. May 1 1953 . . .. . May 16 1954 . . .. . May 24 1955 . . .. . May 23 1956 . . .. . May 21 1957 . . .. . .. May 9 1958 . . .. . .. May 5 1959 . . .. . May 13 1960 . . .. . .. . .. ?? 1961 . . .. . .. May 2 1962 . . .. . .. . .. ?? 1963 . . .. . .. . .. ?? 1964 . . .. . May 11 1965 . . .. . . May 11 1966 . . .. . .. . .. . ?? 1967 . . .. . May 28 1968 . . .. . May 12 1969-72 .. . .. . .. ?? 1973 . . .. . May 12 1974-1991 .. . .. ?? 1992 . . .. . April 25 1993 . . .. . .. May 5 1994 . . .. . April 21 1995 . . .. . .. May 9 1996 . . .. . .. May 5 1997 . . .. . .. May 6 1998 . . .. . April 29 1999 . . .. . April 28 2000 . . .. . .. May 1 2001 . . .. . .. May 1 2002 . . .. . May 24 2003 . . .. . .. May 2 2004 . . .. . .. May 1 2005 . . .. . April 27 2006 . . .. . April 25 2007 . . .. . .. May 4 2008 . . .. . May 18 2009 . . .. . May 16 2010 . . .. . April 22 2011 . . .. . May 12 2012 . . .. . .. May 8 2013 . . .. . May 11 Sources: 1992 to 2012 provided by Susan Samson. Previous dates from back issues of Sylvan Lake News, Red Deer Advocate, Red Deer News and Sylvan Lake World.

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TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME Learn more about Sylvan with new historical Information plaques By Steve Dills Sixty plaques portraying the history of Sylvan Lake in words and pictures were installed on towers along the Lakeshore Drive promenade from 50th Street east to 34rd Street — two on each tower, last fall. They make fascinating reading, commemorating the town’s colourful past residents and events. Historian Michael Dawe wrote the scripts and worked with Sylvan Lake & District Archives and Red Deer Archives to ﬁnd pictures.

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LIVE WILDLY IN JARVIS BAY PROVINCIAL PARK By Steve Dills

Using the trails in Jarvis Bay Provincial Park is a popular pastime, not just during the summer but all winter long as well. Whether it’s walking along the lakeshore, admiring the views v ew vi ws of o the h llake ake e fr from the soaring cliffs, or walking in ng through t ro th oug gh the t e forest, the sights and sounds th are always alw different. In th the spring, the 85 hectare park transforms itself after a winter’s ta tr hibernation, waking to the big sunny skies Alberta boasts. Birds fly about while animals skitter along the forest floors and through the trees. Take a minute to listen

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and you’re sure to hear the chattering of a squirrel. Or the rat-a-tat-tat of a woodpecker. If you’re really quiet you may spot a fox or rabbit. Perhaps deer or moose. Certainly you’ll see signs of their passing. While there are signs along the lakeshore trail providing information about garter snakes that live in the cliffs, they’re rarely seen while walking. In the lake you may see a variety of waterfowl floating on the surface, depending, of course, on the time of year. Walking through the gorge trail or along the backcountry trails, the scenes continually change. As summer deepens, vegetation becomes more dense and spotting the wildlife more elusive. Then, following the camping season, the dying days of summer and the beginning of fall bring the colourful textures, as Mother Nature paints her creation the many hues of red and yellow and brown. Tinges of green remain against the blue of water and sky. Death mingles with life as plants wither and die while others provide their berries of nourishment. As winter’s cloak of snow shrouds the park, cross country skiers create their trails along the roads and trails of the park again enjoying the solitude while also basking in the bright sunny skies. The occasional moose is spotted during the spring, fall and winter seasons, but don’t get too close. These unpredictable animals are not to be misjudged as some skiers can attest. The trails are accessible all season through the gate at the end of Jarvis Bay Drive in the summer village or from a parking lot just off Jarvis Bay Access Road (Township Road 392) west of Highway 20.

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Benalto gearing up for exciting centennial celebrations By Stuart Fullarton While Sylvan Lake’s centennial has come and gone, leaving plenty of fond memories in its wake, centennial celebrations in the area haven’t ﬁnished yet. In fact, they’re just beginning for residents of Benalto, who are gearing up to celebrate the hamlet’s 100 years with what’s set to be an unforgettable weekend June 6, 7 and 8. Benalto Centennial Committee chair Dave More told Sylvan Lake News earlier this year that there would be a “full, three-day series of events (with) no shortage of things for people to do”. Musical entertainment, a vintage car show, a dance, and a dog agility show are just some of the exciting things that will keep people busy throughout the weekend.

As well a 76th anniversary Benalto School reunion will give former students the chance to tour their old stomping grounds and reacquaint themselves with estranged classmates. The reunion isn’t the hamlet’s only homecoming coinciding with the centennial. Last year — thanks to the hard work of dedicated volunteers and the generosity of donors — Benalto Train Station was returned after being gone for 42 years. While work is still underway to transform it into a museum and community hub of recreation and fellowship, Benalto residents are grateful to sim-

ply have it back in time for their 100year celebration. “How often do you ever hear of a piece of your history coming back?” More asked. “Really, it’s quite astonishing.” Benalto is located about 15 kilometres west of Sylvan Lake, or about a ten-minute drive along Highway 11 before turning south. It’s also the home of the Benalto Pro Rodeo — taking place this year for the 97th time. That’ll mean another fun-ﬁlled weekend for the hamlet July 4, 5 and 6. More information on that event is available at www.benaltoagsociety.ca.

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ALL ABOARD! By Treena Mielke

For decades Sylvan Lake has been a wonderful water playground for young and old alike. And every year enthusiastic boaters come to the lake to enjoy the freedom of heading out into the wide open expanse of water with their motor boats. The boat launch at the Summer Village of Sunbreaker Cove is well used and during the last few years Lacombe County has invested almost $1 million to ensure its upkeep. To reach the boat launch head north of the town on Highway 20 and west on Rainy Creek Road to Range Road 22, turn left and follow the pavement right to the lake’s edge.

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Boat launches busy in summer at Sylvan Lake Sylvan Lake’s main boat launch is in the downtown area at the privately owned marina. Blaine West, environmental co-ordinator for Lacombe County said eight municipalities surrounding the lake are working together to come up with a proposal for another boat launch. “The need for a third boat launch has been acknowledged,” she said. However, West said it may take up to three years before it happens. Another informal boat launch is located beside the Summer Village of Half Moon Bay on Range Road 21, however West said the use of this boat launch is not encouraged as parking is limited and there are no facilities on site.

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Spend a day in the countryside

By Stuart Fullarton Country Drive Central Alberta oﬀers the opportunity for people to visit the farms and factories of local producers — many of which lie near Sylvan Lake. Through showcase weekends, in which producers open their doors and gates to the public, visitors are given an insight into the work involved in bringing food from its source to their plates. Other non-culinary products, services and establishments, such as museums and historic sights, are also highlighted. Open Farm Days, for instance, scheduled to take place Aug. 23 and 24, is held with the goal of showcasing “Alberta’s agriculture and tourism industry in a fun, engaging and meaningful manner to participants of all ages”, according to its website. Susan Manyluk is one of the area farmers who took part in last year’s event, and allowed visitors to explore and learn about her own operation, The Farm With The Good Food. She enjoyed taking part, and felt it provided visitors with an experience similar to a “small adventure”. “It’s lovely to climb on a plane and go somewhere exciting, but we often can’t do that,” she said in an interview with Sylvan Lake News after the event. “We don’t have the time, or the money, or even the inclination, for that matter, and there is so much in Central Alberta and Alberta in general.” This year’s Open Farm Days participants hadn’t yet been Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

Shopping 69 conﬁrmed at press time. Details of the event, and others like it will be posted on Country Drive Central Alberta’s website, www.countrydrive.ca. There visitors can ﬁnd dates for each of the showcase drives, which take place several times throughout the year.

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Organizers recommend planning to visit three or four operations in a day to allow for adequate time to be spent at each one. Doing so, they say, can create a day of enjoyment up to about six hours in length. Depending on the event, some sites may or may not charge admission. Visitors are encouraged to wear clothing suitable for a farm setting, and may have the chance to purchase food or products on site. “Shop, savour, relax and create lasting memories,” states the Country Drive website. “We look forward to meeting you on a Country Drive this season!”

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MOTHER NATURE KEEPS IT

INTERESTING By Steve Dills

A strange thing happened this winter. Despite an overabundance of snow, many of the lake activities which normally draw us to the wide open expanse were cancelled. You see, according to those who know, the heavy blanket of snow which fell early insulated the water making the ice freeze inconsistent. It was so treacherous and unevenly frozen that the town took the unprecedented step of closing access to the lake from Lakeshore Drive. Further they created a skating rink on the sand volleyball courts of the pier instead of the lake. Also cancelled due to issues with the ice were the oval ice races organized by Second Gear Club, the Sylvan Lake Ice Marathon speedskating events organized by Foothills Speedskating Marathon Association and Sylvan Lake Pond Hockey tournament. Winterfest activities, including the polar dip were moved to Centennial Park. In fact the polar dip, which raised over $20,000, took place on land. Two dunk tanks were brought into the park and donations to Sylvan Lake’s Hockeyville

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campaign allowed people three balls to throw at the targets. Then if they were unsuccessful, they got to trip the mechanism plunging the dippers into the frigid, snow filled water of the tanks. However, the warnings didn’t deter anglers from enjoying their passion for ice fishing as a number of huts were seen dotted on the frozen surface, and several vehicles travelled to and fro. Some of those driving snowmobiles and quads around the shore reported slushing spots at various times of the season, however to the best of our knowledge no vehicles plunged through the ice. Those who enjoy the wind blowing across the lake also enjoyed kiteboarding. On the fateful early morning of Jan. 20, following loud bangs, several trusses of the 40 year old arena fell to the ice surface and signalled the end of that building’s life. That was another trigger for winter activities which were cancelled. Since one wall of the arena was close enough to the multiplex that further roof failure could push it into the building of the town’s second indoor ice, Sylvan Lake was without any indoor skating surface for several weeks. Many Central Alberta communities helped and our teams finished their seasons with home games in other locales. What the arena roof collapse did though, was galvanize the community, bringing it together in a successful campaign to be named Kraft Hockeyville 2014. The first deadline for submissions to the contest was Feb. 9 — just a scant 21 days after the devastating news rocked our community. In that 21 days, an effort never before seen in Sylvan Lake’s history, took hold and the community was named to the Top 16 in the competition. Then followed three weekends of voting (48 hours after each of the Top 16, Top 4 and Top 2 announcements on Hockey Night In Canada). Sylvan Lake progressed through each of those rounds. Then in just two weeks (between Mar. 24, when Sylvan became one of two communities still in the running, and the announcement on Apr. 5) the volunteer committee and many others organized a day of events for the final ‘reveal’ and televising on CBC. Surrounded by a crowd of more than 2,000 people at the multiplex, the volunteers learned Sylvan Lake had won the national competition, receiving over 2.5 million votes in the final round, just over 108,000 more than the eastern finalist Kingston, Nova Scotia. Now Sylvan will be hosting a pre-season NHL game between the Calgary Flames and Phoenix Coyotes on Sept. 24 at the multiplex. Prior to that game, plans still being finalized at press time propose a festival of two to four days in length that will include clinics, a parade, and other activities for families. More details will be forthcoming during the summer.

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72 Shopping

EXCITING TIMES AT THE LIBRARY By Stuart Fullarton It’s an exciting time at Sylvan Lake Municipal Library, which recently underwent renovations to expand its 50th Avenue location. Programs and the selection of library materials available have been enhanced as a result of changes that began in January. A back wall was removed to create space that includes a programming room with access from the outside. That eliminates the need for library staﬀ to be present during events and activities being held there. The library is also generally more spacious, with larger areas throughout having been created by the removal of walls. For visitors to Sylvan Lake, the building provides an ideal place to escape the heat or rain, or to simply unwind with a book, an e-book, or a newspaper. There are plenty of other types of multimedia available, too. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks to keep them entertained for hours on end. They may also choose to sit at one of the library’s computers, or make use of the free WiFi available inside. There are plenty of library programs for kids, teenagers and adults to get involved with throughout the year. The library was built in 2000, and houses a group of fulland part-time staﬀ. Its newest is Caroline Vandriel, who earlier this year began her new role as library director.

aving made the transition from her previous job as pubHaving licc services consultant for Northern Lights Library System, he’s enjoying the work she described as more hands-on. hands on she’s h tl after f she arrived, she spoke of her desire to see Shortly Makerspace introduced to the library. That would mean the introduction of tools, equipment and resources to the library, as an aid for visionary minds who wish to design their own creations. The library is open Mondays from 1-8 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Further information, including membership details, is available online at sylvanlibrary.prl.ab.ca.

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COMMUNITY CHURCH Directory Alliance Community Church, 4404 47 Avenue

Work began on planting a church in Sylvan Lake in 1993. The church was oﬃcially organized on May 15, 1994 and in 1995 the old lumber yard was purchased and the building transformed for services. The old building was demolished in the fall of 2003 and a new building constructed. On February 29, 2004 the new church building was dedicated.

Faith Lutheran Church, worshipping at Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4607 47 Avenue. Frontline Worship Centre, 4904 50 Avenue Sylvan Lake’s Frontline Worship Centre was established in the summer of 1995 as a born again, spirit ﬁlled congregation aﬃliated with Open Bible Faith Fellowship, by believers who desired a closer walk with their Lord. In addition to weekly services and fellowship groups, Frontline hosts major conferences featuring prominent charismatic leaders.

Gospel Chapel, Main Street South The Pentecostal work ﬁrst began in Sylvan Lake in 1938 in Mrs. Wright’s cottage, ‘Rondebosch’. Then services were held in the W.I. Hall. In 1942 a building was purchased and moved from Lower Camp. In 1952 a Sunday School Hall was constructed and the name changed from Pentecostal Tabernacle to Gospel Chapel. In the early 1980s four acres of land south of the cemetery were donated for the current church site. Construction began in 1986 and the congregation moved into the new facility in 1989. A Christian Education Centre and new sanctuary were dedicated in March, 2005.

Lighthouse Fellowship Church of the Nazarene, worshipping at Steffie Woima School Lighthouse Fellowship began in the fall of 2000, with an Alpha study and a fellowship of a small group. A launch service held Easter Sunday 2001 was attended by 240 people. The church was officially organized as a congregation of the Church of the Nazarene one year later and now worships at Steffie Woima School. Plans are being made to build a facility on land that

has been acquired. They have an exciting children’s program, Kidztown, that ministers to children each Sunday through puppets, music, drama and teaching. During the summer this is brought to children in the parks through the Kidztown trailer.

Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5020 48 Street The early pioneers of the Sylvan Lake community gathered ﬁrst in their homes and then later in the Hazelwood Hotel then Dingwall Boarding House on 46th Street. The Ladies Aid Society was formed in 1921 and together with the Board of Managers they were able to obtain the property on which the present church building sits. The church was erected in 1921 by volunteer labour and dedicated August 6, 1922. For 25 years it was the only Protestant church in town. The old landmark was demolished in June 1975 to make way for a new building. The new sanctuary was dedicated on April 11, 1976.

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 5033 47A Avenue Prior to 1912 services for the area’s Catholics were held in various places as improvements in the community were slow until 1911 when both the Alberta Central Railway (ACR) and Canadian Northern Railway (CNR) reached the community. On August 15, 1912 the modest church was dedicated and named Our Lady of the Assumption. In 1927 Sylvan Lake ceased to be a mission and became a parish for the first time. Then followed a period of transition in which it was downgraded to a mission, then back to a parish again. In the fall of 1964 the old church, which had served the parish for 52 years, was demolished and construction began. It was finished in the spring of 1965. Dedication ceremonies took place May 23, 1965. On August 15, 1976, a ceremony for the official burning of the church building mortgage was held. The congregation is currently planning a new facility on land acquired just off 60th Street.

Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4607 47 Avenue The church had its early beginnings in the Burnt Lake-Centerville districts, meeting in homes. As more families moved into the area, the Burnt Lake School was used and

in 1942 a new church was opened in that district. In 1969 members felt the need for a church in Sylvan Lake and lots were purchased at the corner of 47th Avenue and 46 Street. Work started in 1970 and the church opening was March 13, 1971. In 1986 discussion began to increase the size of the facility. An enlarged and renovated building was opened in June, 1997.

St. Mary’s & St. Timothy’s Anglican Church, 4308 50 Avenue On Christmas Eve 1946, an Anglican Church service was held in the Women’s Institute (W.I.) Hall. At a meeting early the following year the parish of St. Mary’s was formed. On August 31, 1947 the new church building was dedicated. In 1968 the parishes of St. Timothy’s, Eckville and St. Mary’s, Sylvan Lake were united to form the new parish of St. Mary’s and St. Timothy’s.

Sylvan Lake Apostolic Lutheran Church, 3 miles south, 2.5 miles west of Sylvan Lake There has oﬃcially been a Sylvan Lake Apostolic Lutheran congregation since March 4, 1920, but Finnish families of the faith have been active in the area since 1911. The congregation has been aﬃliated with the Apostolic Lutheran Church Federation of America since 1932, soon after the federation was organized. Originally sermons were conducted in Finnish. In the early 1950s when the congregation outgrew the homes, the Gospel Chapel was rented for a time. Then the W.I. Hall was rented until it was possible for the group to buy the former Marianne School in 1958. The school was remodelled and continues to serve the congregation.

Check the Sylvan Lake News for service times and special events. A Walk with the Cross takes place on Good Friday with people carrying a cross through the streets of town, stopping at various ‘stations’ to pray for diﬀerent sectors of our population. It’s followed by an inter-denominational service at the Alliance Church. A Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast takes place in the fall. These are organized by Sylvan Lake Ministerial Association. Bibles for Grads is another innovative event in the spring for all Sylvan Lake high school graduates. Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

74 Real Estate

13,015 Young families bolster Sylvan’s population By Steve Dills

FREE MORTGAGE CONSULTATIONS Evening & Weekend Appointments Available Lori Donovan, BSc, PEng Broker Owner lori@sourcemortgage.ca Arlene Arneson - Mortgage Associate arlene@sourcemortgage.ca

An attractive location for young families, Sylvan Lake is becoming the home for many with young children, as shown in last year’s census. The town boasts 54 per cent of its population under 35 with 25 per cent of that figure 16 or under. In the two year period since the last federal census, the town’s population increased 5.6 per cent or 688 residents to a new official total of 13,015, according to the census completed last spring. But there may be even more people living in the community. Councillors were told 357 residences were not included in the census because no contact could be made by enumerators or through direct mailing to the residence. “This represents 5.3 per cent of the population as uncounted,” stated a report they received. The discrepancy could mean there are 600-700 more people living in Sylvan Lake than the official count would indicate. The next federal census will be taken in 2016. In the previous federal count, Sylvan’s official population was 12,327.

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Real Estate 75

SYLVAN’S GROWTH ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Date

Population

1913 1914 1915 1916 1916

150 135 200 110 115

MA MA MA MA F

% change

BUILDING OUR COMMUNITIES FOR OVER 15 YEARS!

-10% +48% -45%

(note difference between Municipal Affairs and federal Census, perhaps because of when Census numbers were released.)

1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1926 1931 1936 1941 1946 1951 1956 1960 1961 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1966 1968 1970 1971 1976 1976 1979 1980 1981 1986 1991 1993 1994 1996 2000 2001 2004 2006 2007 2008 2011 2013

124 160 245 275 180 295 416 652 805 971 985 1,114 1,206 1,381 1,332 1,436 1,560 1,608 1,652 1,332 1,410 1,352 1,494 1,597 1,837 1,809 3,345 3,650 3,779 3,937 4,197 4,097 4,815 5,178 7,008 7,493 8,504 10,208 10,729 11,115 12,327 13,015

MA MA MA MA F F F F F F F F M F M M M M M F M M M F F M M M F F F M M F M F M F M M F M

+8% +29% +53% +12% +56% +64% +41% +57% +23% +21% +1% +13% +8% +14% -3% +8% +5% +3% +3% -19% +6% -4% +10% +7% +15% -1% +85% +9% +3% +4% +7% -2% +17% +7% +35% +7% +14% +20% +5% +4% +11% +5%

MA = Alberta Municipal Affairs

Sales: 403.391.8530 17 Beju Industrial Drive, Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1S8

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(municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/mc_ofﬁcial_populations.cfm)

F = federal census, M = municipal census Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

Downtown Façade Improvement The Downtown Façade Improvement Program, in its initial year, is a pilot project focused on downtown business revitalization. It is designed to encourage retail and commercial building owners to invest in facade renovations and storefront upgrades that contribute to the Waterfront Area by creating a more interesting and appealing street environment that attracts people and new businesses.

in 2014, with street reconstruction slated for 2015. At the end of the ﬁrst year, the program will be evaluated on its success and any changes that are necessary will be made. Further information can be found on our website at: www.sylvanlake.ca/businessmenu/economicdevelopment/downtown-revite/facade.html

Grants will be awarded to eligible applicants to cover up to 50% of the façade renovation costs, up to a maximum dollar value. The program is intended to: • Enhance the appearance and charm of commercial areas while making streets a more attractive, safe, and interesting place to walk. • Help building owners attract and retain tenants. • Contribute to the quality of life of residents, workers, and visitors. • Promote the marketability of the local business area. • Build civic pride among the local business community and residents of the Town of Sylvan Lake. This pilot project coincides with the Town’s plans to complete the 50th Street Redevelopment Plan Design

Centennial Street Design Development Plan Beginning in 2015, the Town of Sylvan Lake will begin redevelopment of Centennial Street (50 Street) following over one year of planning and development. The overall vision for the future of Centennial Street and area is a redefined space that is attractive and interesting for residents, business owners and consumers and is accessible for all throughout the year. Planning is focused on attracting locals and visitors to a welcoming and refreshed downtown design that encourages walking traffic as well as improved vehicular traffic movement and sightlines. Following much assessment, analysis and input from stakeholders and the public the draft development plan has been presented to Council with the intention of creating consensus and a ‘shared vision’ for the future redevelopment of Centennial Street. Discover SYLVAN LAKE 2014

Further information can be found on our website at: www.sylvanlake.ca/projects/22-projects/356centennial-street-design-development-plan.html

Real Estate 77

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78 Real Estate

LIVING BY THE WATER BACK IN SYLVAN LAKE FOR ANOTHER YEAR By Stuart Fullarton

Now entering its fifth year in Sylvan Lake, participation in the Living by Water initiative is estimated to have tripled since its inaugural year. “It’s been great,” said Steven Johnson, former president of Sylvan Lake Watershed Stewardship Society. “It’s been very well received.” The Nature Alberta initiative began in 1997 as an educational program aimed at helping people living on waterfront properties understand the effects of their activities on the water they live beside. Residents of Sylvan Lake and the summer villages who live on shoreline properties are encouraged to sign up for the initiative, allowing a Nature Alberta representative to visit and evaluate their properties. A discussion of findings follows, and shoreline homeowners are given advice and tips on how to carry out certain activities in a way that ensures minimal environmental impact. “You get a very friendly person coming, and if it lasts an hour, that’s a long time,” said Johnson. Johnson is himself a member of the initiative, and spoke highly of the evaluation that was carried out on his own

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home. “They send you a written report afterwards (outlining) the things you should do and maybe can do better and that kind of stuﬀ.” Others people he’s spoken with have also had good things to say. “Everybody that has gone through it has said it was great and it was worthwhile,” said Johnson. Nature Alberta representatives begin circulating the area in summer, and travel to water areas all around the province. According to Johnson, some people have been reluctant to sign up for the initiative due to a fear of being reprimanded by “environmental police”. This mentality is becoming less common, however, as people begin to see their neighbours participating, and often follow suit. “It doesn’t cost, it doesn’t hurt, and it’s good for the environment and the property owner’s value of property,” said Johnson. “Everybody living on or near the water should go through it. We all have a responsibility to take care of this lake, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve here.” More information about the initiative is available online at naturealberta.ca.

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