OHV Bylaw

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Update December 2, 2024: On November 25, Council passed the Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Bylaw. It is effective immediately for a trial period from December 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Council heard many concerns about noise, safety, and enforcement from Lakers. So, they will review how the trial went in the spring of 2025. This review will consider feedback from Lakers and from Municipal Enforcement. If the bylaw creates too great of a strain on resources, it may be repealed.

Due to the high number of responses, we are only accepting feedback through the contact us form. This will allow us to create a report based on Laker's feedback. It will also create an official, permanent record of your concern, and you'll also receive a confirmation of your submission.

Next steps for all Lakers and OHV riders:

  1. Learn the rules: Read the full bylaw carefully to learn the rules before driving your OHV on the roads

  1. Drive safely: Drive responsibly according to the rules

  1. Complaints: If you have a complaint about OHVs breaking the rules of the bylaw, submit an online complaint to Municipal Enforcement or call 403 858 7280

  1. Feedback: Send your positive feedback and concerns here: official contact form

  1. Questions: Ask questions in the OHV Bylaw project Ask & Answered section

  1. Please keep in mind that comments and messages left throughout social media are not considered

Bylaw highlights

OHVs are permitted:

  • December 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025

  • 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily

  • Full details are in the bylaw

OHVs are not permitted:

  • On pathways in Sylvan Lake

  • Full details are in the bylaw


A message from Council

Council encourages residents to provide feedback and concerns through the Town's official contact form. And, to send questions through the Ask & Answered. Please drive respectfully so we can all have a safe and peaceful winter. Let’s enjoy all the Lake has to offer.

---------------------------------------------------------

On August 26, 2024, Council approved the first reading of the Off-Highway Vehicle Bylaw 1904-2024 (page 31). Council directed Administration to engage Lakers and get their feedback.

Survey
Consider yourself invited to take the survey:

  1. Review the bylaw on page 31
  2. The survey is now closed, but you may ask questions in the Ask & Answered

Survey results

  • Survey results were presented to Council for consideration
  • Council considered the survey results to help them approve or request changes to the bylaw
  • View the results of the survey
Learn about the project

Update December 2, 2024: On November 25, Council passed the Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Bylaw. It is effective immediately for a trial period from December 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Council heard many concerns about noise, safety, and enforcement from Lakers. So, they will review how the trial went in the spring of 2025. This review will consider feedback from Lakers and from Municipal Enforcement. If the bylaw creates too great of a strain on resources, it may be repealed.

Due to the high number of responses, we are only accepting feedback through the contact us form. This will allow us to create a report based on Laker's feedback. It will also create an official, permanent record of your concern, and you'll also receive a confirmation of your submission.

Next steps for all Lakers and OHV riders:

  1. Learn the rules: Read the full bylaw carefully to learn the rules before driving your OHV on the roads

  1. Drive safely: Drive responsibly according to the rules

  1. Complaints: If you have a complaint about OHVs breaking the rules of the bylaw, submit an online complaint to Municipal Enforcement or call 403 858 7280

  1. Feedback: Send your positive feedback and concerns here: official contact form

  1. Questions: Ask questions in the OHV Bylaw project Ask & Answered section

  1. Please keep in mind that comments and messages left throughout social media are not considered

Bylaw highlights

OHVs are permitted:

  • December 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025

  • 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily

  • Full details are in the bylaw

OHVs are not permitted:

  • On pathways in Sylvan Lake

  • Full details are in the bylaw


A message from Council

Council encourages residents to provide feedback and concerns through the Town's official contact form. And, to send questions through the Ask & Answered. Please drive respectfully so we can all have a safe and peaceful winter. Let’s enjoy all the Lake has to offer.

---------------------------------------------------------

On August 26, 2024, Council approved the first reading of the Off-Highway Vehicle Bylaw 1904-2024 (page 31). Council directed Administration to engage Lakers and get their feedback.

Survey
Consider yourself invited to take the survey:

  1. Review the bylaw on page 31
  2. The survey is now closed, but you may ask questions in the Ask & Answered

Survey results

  • Survey results were presented to Council for consideration
  • Council considered the survey results to help them approve or request changes to the bylaw
  • View the results of the survey
Learn about the project

Ask questions about the new OHV Bylaw

Questions about the new OHV Bylaw?

  • We are listening
  • If you have questions about the OHV Bylaw ask them below
  • We are doing our best to answer as quickly as we can


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  • Share What is current bylaw that regulates use of UTV on TOSL road ways? on Facebook Share What is current bylaw that regulates use of UTV on TOSL road ways? on Twitter Share What is current bylaw that regulates use of UTV on TOSL road ways? on Linkedin Email What is current bylaw that regulates use of UTV on TOSL road ways? link

    What is current bylaw that regulates use of UTV on TOSL road ways?

    Clambert asked about 1 month ago

    Hi Clambert!

    Currently, the The Provincial Traffic Safety Act is the current legislation in place which prohibits OHV’s on roadways in Alberta. You can read more about the TSA on the Government of Alberta's website.

    Sincerely,
    Ron Lebsack, Director of Parks & Protective Services

  • Share I see it passed second reading. Can you tell us when third reading will happen? Thank you on Facebook Share I see it passed second reading. Can you tell us when third reading will happen? Thank you on Twitter Share I see it passed second reading. Can you tell us when third reading will happen? Thank you on Linkedin Email I see it passed second reading. Can you tell us when third reading will happen? Thank you link

    I see it passed second reading. Can you tell us when third reading will happen? Thank you

    TK asked 20 days ago

    Hi TK,

    Third reading will take place at the November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council. Following the meeting we'll post an update here on Engage outlining what happens next.

    Thank you for your question!

    Sincerely,
    Ron Lebsack, Director of Parks & Protective Services

  • Share Love this proposal, will make enjoying the the lake during the winter much easier for our family. Wondering when we will be able to find out any progress on the proposal, Thank you. on Facebook Share Love this proposal, will make enjoying the the lake during the winter much easier for our family. Wondering when we will be able to find out any progress on the proposal, Thank you. on Twitter Share Love this proposal, will make enjoying the the lake during the winter much easier for our family. Wondering when we will be able to find out any progress on the proposal, Thank you. on Linkedin Email Love this proposal, will make enjoying the the lake during the winter much easier for our family. Wondering when we will be able to find out any progress on the proposal, Thank you. link

    Love this proposal, will make enjoying the the lake during the winter much easier for our family. Wondering when we will be able to find out any progress on the proposal, Thank you.

    u asked about 1 month ago

    Hi, u!

    Thank you for taking the time to ask a question! The Off Highway Vehicle Bylaw will be discussed during the November 12 Regular Meeting of Council and will enter it’s Second Reading. Results from the recent OHV Bylaw survey will also be presented to Council during this meeting.

    If Council chooses, they may pass Second Reading on the proposed bylaw, and enter into Third Reading, or they may delay Third Reading and request additional time and information from Administration to consider the proposed bylaw.

    Thank you for your question! We'll continue to update this project as it develops.

    Sincerely,
    Ron Lebsack, Director of Parks & Protective Services 

  • Share On reading Alberta Regulation 319/2002 from the Highway Traffic Act, I notice some redundancy (helmets, etc) and deviation in the proposed bylaw (for instance, not being allowed to tow anything and criteria that enables towing). Another example is, instead of legal times to ride, the HTA talks about vehicles having proper lighting to be driven in the dark. Why are we deviating and being redundant with the ToSL OHV Bylaw? If Noise is a concern, can this be addressed in the noise by-law? on Facebook Share On reading Alberta Regulation 319/2002 from the Highway Traffic Act, I notice some redundancy (helmets, etc) and deviation in the proposed bylaw (for instance, not being allowed to tow anything and criteria that enables towing). Another example is, instead of legal times to ride, the HTA talks about vehicles having proper lighting to be driven in the dark. Why are we deviating and being redundant with the ToSL OHV Bylaw? If Noise is a concern, can this be addressed in the noise by-law? on Twitter Share On reading Alberta Regulation 319/2002 from the Highway Traffic Act, I notice some redundancy (helmets, etc) and deviation in the proposed bylaw (for instance, not being allowed to tow anything and criteria that enables towing). Another example is, instead of legal times to ride, the HTA talks about vehicles having proper lighting to be driven in the dark. Why are we deviating and being redundant with the ToSL OHV Bylaw? If Noise is a concern, can this be addressed in the noise by-law? on Linkedin Email On reading Alberta Regulation 319/2002 from the Highway Traffic Act, I notice some redundancy (helmets, etc) and deviation in the proposed bylaw (for instance, not being allowed to tow anything and criteria that enables towing). Another example is, instead of legal times to ride, the HTA talks about vehicles having proper lighting to be driven in the dark. Why are we deviating and being redundant with the ToSL OHV Bylaw? If Noise is a concern, can this be addressed in the noise by-law? link

    On reading Alberta Regulation 319/2002 from the Highway Traffic Act, I notice some redundancy (helmets, etc) and deviation in the proposed bylaw (for instance, not being allowed to tow anything and criteria that enables towing). Another example is, instead of legal times to ride, the HTA talks about vehicles having proper lighting to be driven in the dark. Why are we deviating and being redundant with the ToSL OHV Bylaw? If Noise is a concern, can this be addressed in the noise by-law?

    Sunshine asked 3 months ago

    Hello Peter, 

    Thanks for reaching out and pinpointing some areas of concern in the bylaw. Keep in mind that the bylaw presented to Council is a draft. Our Traffic Safety Bylaw Objectionable Noise section gives enforcement officers a tool to address excessive noise from any vehicle, including OHVs. There are no plans to increase the fine in the Traffic Safety Bylaw.  

    I hope that helps to answer your questions. 

    Sincerely, 
    Ron Lebsack, Director of Parks & Protective Services 

  • Share Does the town plan to control noise bylaw violations from OHV? Can the noise violation fine be increased to a substantial amount potential violators would heavily reconsider before offending? Last I spoke with a peace officer they had a clear directive to focus on parking violations and were not equipped/supported to enforce noise violations from regular traffic, will this be changed? on Facebook Share Does the town plan to control noise bylaw violations from OHV? Can the noise violation fine be increased to a substantial amount potential violators would heavily reconsider before offending? Last I spoke with a peace officer they had a clear directive to focus on parking violations and were not equipped/supported to enforce noise violations from regular traffic, will this be changed? on Twitter Share Does the town plan to control noise bylaw violations from OHV? Can the noise violation fine be increased to a substantial amount potential violators would heavily reconsider before offending? Last I spoke with a peace officer they had a clear directive to focus on parking violations and were not equipped/supported to enforce noise violations from regular traffic, will this be changed? on Linkedin Email Does the town plan to control noise bylaw violations from OHV? Can the noise violation fine be increased to a substantial amount potential violators would heavily reconsider before offending? Last I spoke with a peace officer they had a clear directive to focus on parking violations and were not equipped/supported to enforce noise violations from regular traffic, will this be changed? link

    Does the town plan to control noise bylaw violations from OHV? Can the noise violation fine be increased to a substantial amount potential violators would heavily reconsider before offending? Last I spoke with a peace officer they had a clear directive to focus on parking violations and were not equipped/supported to enforce noise violations from regular traffic, will this be changed?

    Peter Martel asked 2 months ago

    Hello Peter, 

    Thanks for reaching out. Let’s work through each of your concerns. 

    Our Traffic Safety Bylaw Objectionable Noise section gives enforcement officers a tool to address excessive noise from any vehicle, including OHVs. There are no plans to increase the fine in the Traffic Safety Bylaw.  

    The Town does give enforcement a general direction to focus on based on current trends that need attention. For example, focusing on parking violations during peak summer times. No matter what the current goals are, enforcement always responds to complaints as they come in. That would include noise complaints about OHVs, should the bylaw be accepted by Council.  

    We encourage Lakers to submit complaints online here, or call 403 858 7280 and leave a message. I hope that helps to answer your questions. 

    Sincerely, 
    Ron Lebsack, Director of Parks & Protective Services 

  • Share Can you explain the background on why the Town feels there is a need to have OHVs racing about the town limits? I have not heard anyone explain the reasoning for this. Have not heard many who support it. on Facebook Share Can you explain the background on why the Town feels there is a need to have OHVs racing about the town limits? I have not heard anyone explain the reasoning for this. Have not heard many who support it. on Twitter Share Can you explain the background on why the Town feels there is a need to have OHVs racing about the town limits? I have not heard anyone explain the reasoning for this. Have not heard many who support it. on Linkedin Email Can you explain the background on why the Town feels there is a need to have OHVs racing about the town limits? I have not heard anyone explain the reasoning for this. Have not heard many who support it. link

    Can you explain the background on why the Town feels there is a need to have OHVs racing about the town limits? I have not heard anyone explain the reasoning for this. Have not heard many who support it.

    Daddyo499 asked 2 months ago

    Hello Daddyo499,  

    Thanks for reaching out. At this time, Council is considering an Off Highway Vehicle Bylaw, the bylaw has not passed yet. The results from the survey, along with other material, will be presented to Council at an upcoming council meeting. Remember, Council makes the final decision to approve, reject, or request changes to material presented by Town of Sylvan Lake staff. 

    So how does Council make decisions? They use a variety of different information to help them decide: 

    • What they’ve personally heard from the community, for example Coffee with Council events, open houses, phone calls 

    • Information, reports, and recommendations of staff 

    • Engagement results, like the OHV Bylaw survey 

    Remember, the Mayor and Council sets the direction for the Town of Sylvan Lake. They approve, reject, or request changes to budgets, plans, strategies, policies, and bylaws for Sylvan Lake. Council also can request staff to investigate any idea or concern. Staff, including the CAO, present information to Council for decision making during Council meetings. You can watch Council meetings online here. 

    Sincerely, 
    Ron Lebsack, Director of Parks & Protective Services 

  • Share I just found this section of Sylvan Lake’s website. The survey is down, will there be a second chance to voice opposition to this? If not is there another way to get the message to town leadership that this is a bad idea? I oppose this mainly on noise and safety concerns. on Facebook Share I just found this section of Sylvan Lake’s website. The survey is down, will there be a second chance to voice opposition to this? If not is there another way to get the message to town leadership that this is a bad idea? I oppose this mainly on noise and safety concerns. on Twitter Share I just found this section of Sylvan Lake’s website. The survey is down, will there be a second chance to voice opposition to this? If not is there another way to get the message to town leadership that this is a bad idea? I oppose this mainly on noise and safety concerns. on Linkedin Email I just found this section of Sylvan Lake’s website. The survey is down, will there be a second chance to voice opposition to this? If not is there another way to get the message to town leadership that this is a bad idea? I oppose this mainly on noise and safety concerns. link

    I just found this section of Sylvan Lake’s website. The survey is down, will there be a second chance to voice opposition to this? If not is there another way to get the message to town leadership that this is a bad idea? I oppose this mainly on noise and safety concerns.

    Town Citizen asked about 1 month ago

    Hello Town Citizen,

    You are correct, the survey is now closed. We are still accepting feedback through the form here until November 1: forms.sylvanlake.ca/Contact, or by attending the October 28 council meeting and speaking during the open mic time. Please make sure to read and follow the open mic rules.  

    Sincerely, 
    Ron Lebsack, Director of Parks & Protective Services

  • Share I have seen on numerous occasions off road vehicles on green spaces and on the streets Green spaces with barricades in place are poorly maintained (broken posts, posts missing, ropes laying on the ground, broken or missing) do nothing to deter access to these areas where these vehicles should not be. Current bylaws do not appear to be enforced. How does the town propose to enforce a new bylaw like this? on Facebook Share I have seen on numerous occasions off road vehicles on green spaces and on the streets Green spaces with barricades in place are poorly maintained (broken posts, posts missing, ropes laying on the ground, broken or missing) do nothing to deter access to these areas where these vehicles should not be. Current bylaws do not appear to be enforced. How does the town propose to enforce a new bylaw like this? on Twitter Share I have seen on numerous occasions off road vehicles on green spaces and on the streets Green spaces with barricades in place are poorly maintained (broken posts, posts missing, ropes laying on the ground, broken or missing) do nothing to deter access to these areas where these vehicles should not be. Current bylaws do not appear to be enforced. How does the town propose to enforce a new bylaw like this? on Linkedin Email I have seen on numerous occasions off road vehicles on green spaces and on the streets Green spaces with barricades in place are poorly maintained (broken posts, posts missing, ropes laying on the ground, broken or missing) do nothing to deter access to these areas where these vehicles should not be. Current bylaws do not appear to be enforced. How does the town propose to enforce a new bylaw like this? link

    I have seen on numerous occasions off road vehicles on green spaces and on the streets Green spaces with barricades in place are poorly maintained (broken posts, posts missing, ropes laying on the ground, broken or missing) do nothing to deter access to these areas where these vehicles should not be. Current bylaws do not appear to be enforced. How does the town propose to enforce a new bylaw like this?

    Marti asked 2 months ago

    Hello Marti,  

    Thanks for submitting a question! The Off Highway Vehicle Bylaw being considered by Council would be enforced by the Town’s Municipal Enforcement Department. The Department includes Community Peace Officers and Bylaw Officers. As always, enforcement responds to complaints as they come in, so submit your complaints online here, or call 403 858 7280 and leave a message.  

    Sincerely, 
    Ron Lebsack, Director of Parks & Protective Services 

  • Share Too bad the survey was out of commission for a time I would have voted against it. As it will be very noisy for current residents and driving more hazardous. The town cares only about the water front. Not maintains the little parks and ice surfaces all winter. Flooding should happen during the winter. We haven’t had any snow removal this year. There has been no weeding around our park areas. The posts are broken and the ropes are broken. Town people should be able to park at Pedro beach. There’s no maintenance in existing parks. The playground south of the Vista sign needs more sand and the black matting in the sand is a mess. The slide on the newest project further up the Vista Ryders Ridge road is a safety concern as there is no slope and the kids go down too fast. This place needs some bouncy castles or organogenesis time for kids after school at the community Center for ball hockey not pickle ball. There should be more swim lessons for kids and more public swim times. The down town what a mess. Business are suffering. Hard to even go to the bank. on Facebook Share Too bad the survey was out of commission for a time I would have voted against it. As it will be very noisy for current residents and driving more hazardous. The town cares only about the water front. Not maintains the little parks and ice surfaces all winter. Flooding should happen during the winter. We haven’t had any snow removal this year. There has been no weeding around our park areas. The posts are broken and the ropes are broken. Town people should be able to park at Pedro beach. There’s no maintenance in existing parks. The playground south of the Vista sign needs more sand and the black matting in the sand is a mess. The slide on the newest project further up the Vista Ryders Ridge road is a safety concern as there is no slope and the kids go down too fast. This place needs some bouncy castles or organogenesis time for kids after school at the community Center for ball hockey not pickle ball. There should be more swim lessons for kids and more public swim times. The down town what a mess. Business are suffering. Hard to even go to the bank. on Twitter Share Too bad the survey was out of commission for a time I would have voted against it. As it will be very noisy for current residents and driving more hazardous. The town cares only about the water front. Not maintains the little parks and ice surfaces all winter. Flooding should happen during the winter. We haven’t had any snow removal this year. There has been no weeding around our park areas. The posts are broken and the ropes are broken. Town people should be able to park at Pedro beach. There’s no maintenance in existing parks. The playground south of the Vista sign needs more sand and the black matting in the sand is a mess. The slide on the newest project further up the Vista Ryders Ridge road is a safety concern as there is no slope and the kids go down too fast. This place needs some bouncy castles or organogenesis time for kids after school at the community Center for ball hockey not pickle ball. There should be more swim lessons for kids and more public swim times. The down town what a mess. Business are suffering. Hard to even go to the bank. on Linkedin Email Too bad the survey was out of commission for a time I would have voted against it. As it will be very noisy for current residents and driving more hazardous. The town cares only about the water front. Not maintains the little parks and ice surfaces all winter. Flooding should happen during the winter. We haven’t had any snow removal this year. There has been no weeding around our park areas. The posts are broken and the ropes are broken. Town people should be able to park at Pedro beach. There’s no maintenance in existing parks. The playground south of the Vista sign needs more sand and the black matting in the sand is a mess. The slide on the newest project further up the Vista Ryders Ridge road is a safety concern as there is no slope and the kids go down too fast. This place needs some bouncy castles or organogenesis time for kids after school at the community Center for ball hockey not pickle ball. There should be more swim lessons for kids and more public swim times. The down town what a mess. Business are suffering. Hard to even go to the bank. link

    Too bad the survey was out of commission for a time I would have voted against it. As it will be very noisy for current residents and driving more hazardous. The town cares only about the water front. Not maintains the little parks and ice surfaces all winter. Flooding should happen during the winter. We haven’t had any snow removal this year. There has been no weeding around our park areas. The posts are broken and the ropes are broken. Town people should be able to park at Pedro beach. There’s no maintenance in existing parks. The playground south of the Vista sign needs more sand and the black matting in the sand is a mess. The slide on the newest project further up the Vista Ryders Ridge road is a safety concern as there is no slope and the kids go down too fast. This place needs some bouncy castles or organogenesis time for kids after school at the community Center for ball hockey not pickle ball. There should be more swim lessons for kids and more public swim times. The down town what a mess. Business are suffering. Hard to even go to the bank.

    Ami asked 2 months ago

    Hello Ami, 

    You still have lots of time left to take the survey! The survey end date is October 1. For questions and concerns that are not directly related to the OHV Bylaw review, like weeds or snow removal, please use the form: forms.sylvanlake.ca/Contact 

    Petro Beach is not within the municipality of Sylvan Lake. For questions about Petro Beach, please contact the Summer Villages of Sylvan Lake. 

    Sincerely, 
    Ron Lebsack, Director of Parks & Protective Services

  • Share So after the first incident when someone intoxicated hits a pedestrianon a atv. It's going to happen. Is whoever that votes this in willing to resign there council seat so more clear minded people can make the decisions around this city ? on Facebook Share So after the first incident when someone intoxicated hits a pedestrianon a atv. It's going to happen. Is whoever that votes this in willing to resign there council seat so more clear minded people can make the decisions around this city ? on Twitter Share So after the first incident when someone intoxicated hits a pedestrianon a atv. It's going to happen. Is whoever that votes this in willing to resign there council seat so more clear minded people can make the decisions around this city ? on Linkedin Email So after the first incident when someone intoxicated hits a pedestrianon a atv. It's going to happen. Is whoever that votes this in willing to resign there council seat so more clear minded people can make the decisions around this city ? link

    So after the first incident when someone intoxicated hits a pedestrianon a atv. It's going to happen. Is whoever that votes this in willing to resign there council seat so more clear minded people can make the decisions around this city ?

    JPB asked 3 months ago

    Hi JPB, 

    The Ask & Answered is only for asking questions about the OHV Bylaw, so please make sure to complete the survey if you haven’t already. That way your thoughts will be formally included in the report to Council. The survey is now open until October 1, 2024. 

    Sincerely, 
    Ron Lebsack, Director of Parks & Protective Services 

Page last updated: 02 Dec 2024, 02:27 PM