(Town of Sylvan Lake)

By Ian Gustafson

Final approval in April

Town of Sylvan Lake approves interim operating budget

Dec 11, 2025 | 3:54 PM

Sylvan Lake town council unanimously has approved its 2026 interim operating budget of $20 million.

Council made the decision during its regular council meeting on Tuesday.

However, this is not the final operating budget for the new year. An interim budget must be approved before January for operating expenses such as wages, contracted services, supplies and utilities.

The town says council is expected to approve the final operating budget on April 14, 2026. The interim budget of $20 million represents approximately 30 per cent of the 2025 operating budget of just over $63 million and will cover operations until the final budget is approved.

At this time, there is no tax rate increase to report until the final 2026 operating budget is approved.

Final approval in April

Town of Sylvan Lake approves interim operating budget

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However, council pre-approved three items because they required funds before the final approval of the budget in April.

These include $15,000 for an elevator code upgrade at the NexSource Centre, which the town says is required to meet provincial safety regulations, prevent shutdowns and service disruptions, and avoid future higher costs.

They also appointed $60,500 to a full-time position as admin content coordinator for the Wellness and Community Connections department. Council approved the funds to continue the work being done by the position, which is currently grant-funded. The grant position is set to end on March 31, 2026, and without a plan to retain the position, the town said the department risked operational delays, compliance issues, and service quality. The position handles tasks such as data management, content creation and updates, and program and operational support.

Councillor Teej Johannesson raised questions about whether the position was needed or if there were other ways to go about it during the meeting. He explained he wasn’t fully comfortable supporting it.

Administration explained that out of 37 staff in the department, this is the only administrative role. They reiterated that the department cannot function without administrative staff and added the risks of not approving it, such as potentially having to re-hire and re-train the position or losing the role altogether. Administration explained that the role has been around for six years.

Councillor Ian Oostindie asked if it was possible that the grant funding could return, but administration explained that the grant specialist has been clear that the position would no longer be funded.

Councillor Joe Iwanicki raised a concern about potentially running into the same problem in the future.

“What do we do in the future if we get another position that could be created by a grant, but now we’re suddenly committing ourselves to a permanent position,” he said. “I’m not dismissing or discounting the value that this person adds, nor am I saying I’m leaning against it. I’m just worried that this role was created for this purpose, and now six years later, we’re saying I guess we have to keep it. That’s where my head goes.”

However, Mayor Megan Hanson said she was comfortable supporting the position.

Finally, council approved $30,000 for a strategic plan of consulting services for a third party to help council establish a clear vision for the community. The completion of the strategic plan will help guide future budgets, direct administration and support transparent communication with Sylvan Lakers.

Council also discussed pre-approval for $50,000 in funding to fix acoustic issues within council chambers during meetings, but put it off until final budget approval.

Capital plan

Town council also approved the 2026 capital plan of $20.8 million, as well as the 10-year capital plan.

The highlights in the plan include:

Vehicle fleet replacements

• Emergency services (Fire, Municipal Enforcement)
• Public works (beach tractor, town trucks)

Utility upgrades to Town infrastructure

• Lagoon reclamation
• Water main connections to Beacon Hill
• Additional supply wells and water mains

Parks Development and Upgrades

• Pogadl Park Development, including:
  • Synthetic turf field (football/soccer use)
  • Pickleball courts
  • Parking lot and entrance road paving
  • Ball diamond upgrades
• Centennial Park Washroom upgrades (additional stalls, upgraded for year-round use)
• Cemetery signage and beautification
• Skate Park maintenance
• Trail wayfinding signage

Recreation Enhancements

• Fitness equipment replacement at NexSource Centre
• Culture & Art projects (Art & Mural installations)

Infrastructure Upgrades

• 50 Street to 48 Avenue & 50 Avenue realignment
• Memorial Trail to 60 Street
• Final Development of Herder Drive
• Street Rehabilitation Program:
  • Wildrose neighbourhood
  • Asphalt removal
  • Curb and sidewalk repair
  • Roadway structure repair