General Questions

We’ve received many inquiries about the recent vandalism on Lakeshore Drive and wanted to address some of the questions we’ve received. Thanks to everyone who cares about Sylvan Lake!

Why are there no security cameras?

The Town invested in several security camera installation sites in 2024, including cameras installed at Beach Washroom #1 and #2 along Lakeshore Drive. These cameras and footage help to determine those responsible for the damage.

Are these acts of vandalism being reported to the RCMP?

Yes. When the Town experiences senseless acts of vandalism, like the damage caused at our public washrooms, we open up a file with the RCMP. This includes sharing statements, security footage from the area, and other details to help the RCMP with their investigations.

This keeps happening and costs the Town money. What is the Town doing about it to help mitigate costs?

We’ve been successful in determining those at fault for some of the vandalism taking place in Town. These individuals are then charged and must help offset the costs of the damage. In certain situations, those responsible must also provide community service, working off the cost of the damage with the Town, as determined by the RCMP.

Specific to the beach washrooms, the Town is investing in more durable dividers and infrastructure within these facilities to help mitigate the damage that can be done. While we’d prefer no damage to our facilities, we know it’s inevitable. Having materials less prone to vandalism in public spaces is part of our plan. These upgrades to the washrooms are being funded by the Pay Parking reserve. Those funds come from our annual Visitor Pay Parking program. We anticipate these upgrades to be complete later this year.

How often does this happen?

The last instance of vandalism to the lakefront washrooms was on March 21, 2025. Minimal vandalism at that time included:

This is the most significant vandalism we have had since about January 2025. Unfortunately, these washrooms typically see some sort of vandalism every 7-10 days. This costs two hours of staff time. The replacement cost of equipment is minimal since the janitorial supply company currently supplies us with toilet paper dispensers and soap dispensers at no charge.

Why aren’t these washrooms closed to the public at night?

The washrooms are locked and unlocked, daily, by staff. Currently, washrooms are open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. We’re currently reviewing this to see if revising hours will impact the community. These facilities are available to the public at all times of the year. Many Lakers and visitors are out enjoying the Town at various hours, days, and seasons. While we could keep these facilities locked outside of our busy seasons, we think that would be a disservice to Lakers who need to use these facilities when enjoying the beachfront.

What is the Town doing to prevent vandalism?

By installing security cameras, we're able to work more closely with RCMP to track down those responsible for the damage. This doesn’t happen in all instances, but our ability to identify these vandals and hold them responsible has increased significantly. While this doesn’t help to deter all vandalism from happening, we can recoup costs to repair the damage and hold people accountable.

Sadly, the only way vandalism in our community ends is for those responsible to stop doing it. The Town has many services and programs available through our Wellness Community Connections and Family Resource Network teams for those who may need support. Ending vandalism isn’t just about enforcement; it’s the responsibility of the entire community to work together to continue making Sylvan Lake an incredible place to call home.

What if I have more questions?

Feel free to ask questions and we’ll be sure to answer with the best possible expert. We appreciate feedback from our residents to help keep Sylvan Lake brilliant all year!

• Click here to ask!

Hi Levi,

We appreciate the time you took out of your day to ask about future trail development in our community. This question wasn't directly related to Pogadl Park, so we are answering it the General Questions area on this website.

The trail north of Lucky Place is in Leaderfield East Park. The park along with the trail will eventually connect to the trails behind Cole Way.

When will the trails connect?

These developments usually happen when the surrounding land is developed. Right now, the park/trail corridor is zoned FD, or Future Designation (Page 168). You can find zoning on our land use map.

The Future Designation zone means that the area is waiting for developers to start a project. Once developers start planning, we assign more specific land uses. Then the park and trails get built at the same time as the surrounding area is developed.

We are not sure when these developments will begin, but the general guidelines are planned far into the future. This area is included in the Beacon Hill Outline Plan (pg. 16).

Outline plans are general guidelines that help to coordinate the design and development of:

Outline plans are flexible and may change because future requirements may change.

I know that this answer includes a lot of information. We wanted to give you the bigger picture of not just when and if the trail will connect, but how we make development decisions.

Feel free to ask another question!

You can find this and other planning documents on our website. Go to: www.sylvanlake.ca > Click the menu Your Government > Click Resource Library > Click the department on the left menu. The Transportation Master Plan is a Public Works document.

We do acknowledge that vulnerable Lakers are most impacted by this decision. That’s why our FCSS Department offers the Transportation Support Program. The program assists Lakers with transportation barriers who meet the income threshold set by Alberta Senior’s Benefit. This program is for seniors and adults with physical and mental challenges.

Council has heard other Laker’s questions about public transportation in Sylvan Lake. That’s why they are including a question about it on the 2024 census. All Sylvan Lake residents are encouraged to participate in the census. Watch out for the upcoming Census mailer with instructions.

Thanks again for taking the time to ask questions. We encourage you to share this website, and to provide feedback through the annual resident priorities survey. It’s the easiest way for you to tell Council your priorities before budgeting starts each fall.

Feel free to ask another question anytime!