Tents could be banned from lakefront as Sylvan Lake council passes first reading of bylaw

Instead, the use of single-pole umbrellas will be permitted.

Council is, however, considering the use of canopy-style structures with no walls in Centennial Park.

This option is being considered as part of second and third readings of the bylaw. This doesn’t mean it’s going to happen, but it is an option for consideration.

As per the bylaw, if passed, a park attendant or officer may order the immediate removal of any structure that violates the section. If a person fails to remove the structure, a park attendant will be able to remove it, and the person may be charged disposal or clean-up fees.

Councillor Teej Johannesson said after talking with residents, he’s strongly in favour of banning tents everywhere to avoid potential confusion, including in Centennial Park.

“The other concerns I have with tents are the ability to hide alcohol, drugs, and whatever it might be in those tents. Even when they’re in the legal spots, illegal things can happen in those tents,” Johannesson said.

“Most people are trying to avoid the beach in the summer for various reasons. Let’s get people in Sylvan Lake to want to come back to the beach and show up at the beach where there’s not a single tent. Tents take up space even in Centennial Park… If we don’t allow tenting on the lakeshore but everybody brings their tents and every single one sets up a tent in Centennial, then Centennial is done.”

While some councillors said they didn’t hear problems with allowing tents in Centennial Park from residents, Johannesson said he’s heard the opposite, including concerns that if enough tents are moved off the beach to the park, it could kill the grass.

Meanwhile, Councillor Ian Oostindie said his stance is that tents should only be used as shade structures and nothing else. He added that it’s all about compromise and that he’s in favour of tents.

Councillor Tim Mearns said when they first allowed tents approximately six years ago, he said they knew it would be a work in progress. Since then, he believes they’ve progressed significantly.

He said some people have expressed their hatred for tents, while others don’t mind them. However, Mearns explained, members of the public see moving tents onto the grass and off the lakeshore as a good compromise.

He would like to allow tents in Centennial Park and not on the beach.

“Signage can be put up. We’ve committed to more enforcement, we’ve committed to more town employees to be down along the beach to provide guidance to people, and so this is a good compromise for those individuals that need shelter for whatever reason,” Mearns said.

Councillor Jas Payne said what he’s heard from the public is they don’t want tents anywhere north of the sidewalk along the lakeshore.

“I don’t have an issue with canopy tents being in Centennial because even on our busiest days, you have two or three in there,” Payne said. “I’m not quite to councillor Johanesson’s perspective yet that I don’t want tents anywhere because I understand there are situations where a church group wants to have a picnic in Centennial. I do think there’s a place for it, it’s just not anywhere north of the sidewalk.”

Mayor Megan Hanson said she’s never had a conversation with people who oppose tents in Centennial Park, but has had pushback in allowing them on the beach.

“I also think having an area where some of those tents could be would solve some of the challenges. You’re right, lots of people who come into town don’t check the bylaws ahead of time,” Hanson said. “I would imagine if I were a bylaw officer, it would be an easier conversation to say I’m sorry, you’re not allowed to be here, but you could go a block or two this way, and you could still set up, have a good day with your family, and now you know for next time… It’s not saying you can’t be here, it’s saying here’s the one reasonable, very large but contained space that makes sense.”

Also part of the proposed bylaw, no one will be allowed to make a place of residence in or upon any park, green space or environmental reserve. Camping will only be allowed in designated campgrounds.

As well, no person will be allowed to skate or attempt to create, modify or maintain a skating rink on a storm pond or any stormwater management facility in the town.

The parks bylaw will return to Sylvan Lake town council at their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12.

by Ian Gustafson

Tents could be banned from lakefront as Sylvan Lake council passes first reading of bylaw

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