New Sylvan Lake signage (Town of Sylvan Lake)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Phase 1: Five out of eight signs

Town of Sylvan Lake installs new signage

Feb 17, 2023 | 1:51 PM

The Town of Sylvan Lake is adding new welcome signage at five locations this year with installation beginning this week.

Signs included in the first phase of installation are:

• Highway 11A Roundabout at Highway 20
• Highway 11 Westbound
• Township Road 390

The Town says the next phase will take place later this year and includes:

• Highway 11 Eastbound
• 50 Street near Highway 11
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Officials say new welcome signage is a goal of several of their municipal guiding documents, such as the Transportation Master Plan, the Wayfinding Strategy and Visitor Friendliness Assessment, to create more distinct and memorable gateways at points of entry around the town.

“Welcome signs define the borders of a community. They encourage people to slow down and stop into the community. They help our community stand out and are the first thing that visitors see when they come to our community. They also improve brand awareness which helps people to remember us and hopefully return. Businesses also benefit from welcome signs as they help suppliers and customers from out of town find their way,” said Amanda Mercer, Economic Development Officer for the Town.

In 2017, officials say the Town’s community wayfinding program identified a need for updated welcome signage to improve Sylvan Lake’s visibility and to help the town stay “Brilliant All Year” by positioning themselves as an all-season destination.

On July 17, 2020, the Province announced their plans to twin Highway 11 from Sylvan Lake to Rocky Mountain House. To get the project done more efficiently, the Town says they aligned their signage project with Alberta Transportation’s Highway 11 project. They say they worked to get signage approval from the Province and get location and design approvals with Fortis and Red Deer County.

READ: First phase of twinning Highway 11 project complete

In 2021, the capital project was allocated a budget of $350,000 to cover design, building, delivery, and installation of all eight signs in five locations. In the fall that year, the Town issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) where Edmonton’s PM Signs was awarded the contract.

“The new signs intend to make a positive visual impact that enhances our brand and contributes to community pride,” the Town said in a release.

Four signs are to be illuminated, with two signs located at the Highway 20 and Highway 11A roundabout, one sign at Highway 11 adjacent to the eastbound lane from Eckville, and one sign at Highway 11 adjacent to the westbound lane from Red Deer.

Four signs are to be reflective and shine when vehicles drive past, much like typical highway signage.

The town confirms the old signs are being dismantled carefully to repurpose the materials for future use.

Residents and motorists are being encouraged to use caution in areas where crews are working. Upon completion, they say three locations will have fully powered light-up signs and two signs will be reflective.