By rdnewsNOW staff

Sylvan Lake adopts Sustainable Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan

Jan 17, 2019 | 2:17 PM

A long-term plan to help guide growth and development along Sylvan Lake’s waterfront is now in place.

On Tuesday, council approved the Sustainable Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan (SWARP) – a plan to guide growth and development within the waterfront area over the next 20 years. 

According to Town officials, one of the visions of the plan is to create a Waterfront that is a year-round hub of culture and recreational activities, one which attracts people to live in and visit the area.

In addition, officials hope the environmental integrity of the lake is strengthened through stewardship and development; as the lake is identified as a key natural and recreational resource and major component of Sylvan Lake’s identity.

“REIMAGINE SYLVAN is the direct product of a collaborative, community engagement process using multiple approaches to connect with our community,” says mayor Sean McIntyre in a news release. “Together we’ve built an efficient and thoughtful plan for the future of our waterfront.”  

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Officials say various short, medium and long-term actions are identified to move the plan forward, with one of the first actions to review and amend the Land Use Bylaw to align it with the plan.

“An immediate result of the new Sustainable Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan is the elimination of the Waterfront Direct Control District,” adds Ken Kalirai, Director of Planning and Development. “Removal of such a District creates more certainty for the development community – an important step in facilitating new development in the Waterfront.”

Direct Control Districts are said to be different from other land use districts in that council issues any decisions on development permits in the area.

Town officials also point out the Sustainable Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan was created after almost a year of Sylvan Lakers “reimagining” their community’s waterfront, a plan that covers 169-hectares of downtown waterfront to adapt to a growing population and tourism industry.

It’s estimated Sylvan Lake sees more than one million visitors a year.

The plan is also anticipated to improve the town’s outdated Town of Sylvan Lake Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan from 2006.

It’s hoped the plan will help in creating an area with diverse recreational amenities, sustainable commercial development, enhanced protection of sensitive natural areas, and diversification of transportation options.

Heritage preservation of historically significant buildings, and affordable housing will also be taken into account. 
 

(With files from the Town of Sylvan Lake)