By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Noise not a problem on Sylvan Lake, says council

Feb 16, 2018 | 3:12 PM

Noise levels on Sylvan Lake just isn’t that big of an issue, Mayor Sean McIntyre says.

This week, McIntyre and the rest of town council voted against giving a $2,000 grant to the Sylvan Lake Quiet Enjoyment Initiative (QEI), a citizen-led group which has spent the last several years educating residents and visitors to the area about keeping it down while on the lake. It is also a sub-committee of the Sylvan Lake Watershed Stewardship Society.

“Complaints about noise on the lake are not something we hear quite a bit of from residents or visitors. Sylvan Lake is a recreational lake and we hope everyone enjoys it responsibly,” says McIntyre. “With respect to the QEI, it’s an initiative of another group and I think that if they’re moving forward with education efforts, they’re welcome to do so, but at this point, it’s not something we’re willing to commit municipal dollars to.”

In addition to the grant, the QEI was also asking council for a resolution of support, to create a staff position to provide support to the QEI, and to provide council representation on the QEI committee, which meets nine times per year. All facets of the request were denied.

“I elected to propose a motion that said let’s go forward with the funding,” McIntyre notes. “While the motion was made, it was not a motion I supported and my intention was to give a clear answer to the folks at the QEI that this is not a priority we’ll be supporting at this time.”

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QEI Chairman Kent Kyle says it’s critical all eight communities surrounding Sylvan Lake partner together to protect the lake from various types of pollution – including noise – rather than acting independently.

“It is our belief, that of the eight municipalities surrounding Sylvan Lake, the Town of Sylvan Lake should be the leader in supporting this cause as it has the most to gain from any successes QEI may achieve in reducing unreasonable noise on the lake,” says Lyle, noting the impact noise can have on tourism.

“The QEI will carry on its efforts in 2018 tailored to available financial support and likely with more guidance from Alberta Environment and Parks.”

The QEI was also turned down for grant funding earlier this month by Lacombe County council.