Planning Studies

In recent years, the communities around Sylvan Lake have experienced a rapid growth in population resulting in high demand for seasonal and year-round residential development. With the increase in population, there have been subsequent recreational (i.e. boating, fishing, picnicking, camping) pressures in and around the Lake.

The report reviews the existing studies, evaluates the existing and potential locations for suitable recreational lake access, and developed an Action and Implementation Plan for recreational access to the Lake. The intent of the Action and Implementation Plan is to incorporate the public's needs, safety and environmental values of the area, and develop decision-making criteria that will enable the municipalities to prioritize and justify locations for new recreational areas or provide justification for reduced recreational access at specific locations.

Sylvan Lake Boat Launch Strategic Action Plan (2016)

A review of the Sylvan Lake Management Plan (1986) was agreed to by the eight municipalities around the lake. The municipalities retained the services of a private consulting firm, IBI Group, to develop a new lake management strategy. The consultants were directed by a Steering Committee made up of elected and administrative officials from each municipality.

Based on a review of existing technical information and public input, a draft plan was prepared by the consultants for presentation at a public hearing. This initial draft was substancially changed by the Committee in response to the many public submissions made respecting the planning strategy proposed by the consultants.

The general purpose of the Sylvan Lake Management Plan (2000 Update) is to promote responsible land use and development around Sylvan Lake.

Sylvan Lake Management Plan (2000 Update)

This study by AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd. was prompted by public concern about the cumulative impacts of growing development pressures around Sylvan Lake, and the desire to know the sensitivity of the lake to further development and other land use activities in the watershed. Completed in July 2005, the study brought together representatives from the eight municipalities around the lake, as well as officials from various provincial and federal government agencies, to consider what can be done to maintain acceptable lake water quality conditions. The AXYS Report is a valuable resource document that will assist us in our decision-making responsibilities. It contains many suggestions and recommendations for responsible watershed planning and development to protect water quality.

Sylvan Lake Water Quality Assessment and Watershed Management Considerations

Prepared by recreational planning consultants, ISL, this Study investigated opportunities for improving public access to the lake. Various recommendations were made on how public access could be provided in new residential subdivisions. The County has endeavoured to apply these recommendations in its consideration of the several housing projects now being planned for Sylvan Lake.

Sylvan Lake Public Access Study

The report entitled "Sylvan Lake Regulation Study" prepared by the Planning Division was carried out to determine the desirability and need for regulating the water level of Sylvan Lake and to determine the feasibility, cost and impact of regulation. The primary purpose of regulation would be to enhance the recreational capabilities of Sylvan Lake.

The study considered several alternatives for regulation and assessed their effects on the natural and social environment of the area. The effects of supplying water from Sylvan Lake to maintain favourable water levels for waterfowl on Cygnet Lake and the effects of releasing effluent from the Town of Sylvan Lake sewage lagoon were also assessed.

1978 Sylvan Lake Regulation Study by Alberta Environment

This document is a summary report of a management plan for Sylvan Lake. It is published in summary form for ease of reference and understanding. The management plan provides direction, both general and specific, for the control of activities within the immediate environs of Sylvan Lake. This plan is conceptual. Consequently, it is more of a general overview than a detailed site-by-site description or problem-by-problem analysis. It is a sound approach to the integrated management of this vitally important, provincial and public recreation resource.

1977 Sylvan Lake Management Plan

Alberta Environment and Parks will be conducting a Red Deer River Hazard Study to assess and identify river and flood hazards along 51 km of the Red Deer River, 33 km of Waskasoo Creek and 18 km of Piper Creek, through Red Deer, Lacombe County and Red Deer County, including Penhold.

If you have questions, please contact Alberta Environment and Parks 403-355-2493.

Attachments

• Red Deer River Hazard Study
• Red Deer River Hazard Study Survey Notice

Lacombe County's planning documents provide a strong framework to ensure that stormwater management infrastructure and design is held to a high standard. These policies are based on the following documents:

• Backgrounder – Whelp Creek Water Diversion
• Wolf Whelp Master Drainage Plan

The Highway 2 Corridor between Edmonton and Calgary has been referred to as one of the fastest growing economic regions in the country. This growth creates many business opportunities. To ensure that the County is ready to take advantage of these opportunities, Council directed the preparation of the Highway 2 Corridor Economic Development Study to identify areas along the corridor that could be considered for industrial or commercial use. Completed in September 2003, the Study directs future development to the highway interchanges at Blackfalds, west of Lacombe and at Morningside. New development standards were also adopted to promote high quality, visually attractive developments.

These standards are set out in the Highways 2/2A Corridor Overlay District of the County's Land Use Bylaw.

Highway 2 Corridor Economic Development Study - Phase 1

Highway 2 Corridor Economic Development Study - Phase 2