(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Alessia Proietti

Closure: June 21 - Sept. 5

Sylvan Lake’s Lakeshore Drive transforming into a summer sidewalk hub

May 12, 2022 | 1:43 PM

Summers in Sylvan Lake may be a central Alberta staple, and this year has something extra special.

Town council approved at Monday’s meeting the closure of Lakeshore Drive for the 2022 summer season with the implementation of a downtown patio program.

“I’m just excited to have created a space for more culture, more entertainment, another place to hang out aside from the beach,” said Mayor Megan Hanson.

From June 21 to September 5, Lakeshore Drive from 50 Street to 46 Street will be closed full-time.

The “Temporary Sidewalk Café Program” will allow businesses along the designated strip to apply to expand onto the sidewalk directly in front, either by building at a patio structure or a clearly marked bordering at their own cost.

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An initial budget of $15,000 from the 2022 Operating Budget was proposed for the project. Council approved $18,500, with $3,500 allocated for activities one night per week and $15,000 for implementation costs such as signage, pedestrian ramps, labor and equipment, beautification, painting, and other unanticipated expenses. Any funds remaining would be allocated for other cultural programs throughout the summer season.

While more details are to come for the kinds of activities taking place, Mayor Hanson said buskers are at the top of the list for entertainment.

“We just want to see the space activated. We want it to be an event to come down more than just a Saturday but we want to entice people on a Tuesday or a Wednesday,” she said.

“To come down and enjoy it and support a business down there but stay for a while. Not just pop in quickly but make an evening of it.”

Lakeshore Drive Road Closure and Detour Map 2022 (Town of Sylvan Lake council meeting agenda May 9)

The program was first established in 2020 as a response to the pandemic, with only weekend closures of Lakeshore Drive for the season. While the town says businesses surveyed gave overall positive feedback, one critique was the labor required to put up and take down their sidewalk patios each weekend, suggesting the need for a permanent closure in the summer.

The closure did not take place in 2021 due to road construction in the area.

As road construction will also be taking place this year, concerns were discussed regarding traffic congestion and disruptions in Emergency Services. In response, administration recommended various modifications to the intersection of 50 street and Lakeshore Drive, listed in the meeting agenda. Mayor Hanson also confirmed that Emergency Services were in favor of a permanent road closure, rather than temporary, for consistency and predictability.

Administration estimates $33,000 in lost revenue from paid parking in the closed area.

Mayor Hanson also says that while excited for this year’s plans for Lakeshore Drive, the summer closures will be decided on a yearly basis to adjust for changing circumstances. She hopes the decision will be made each year in the winter season to give a larger notice to businesses before the summer.