project details

client:

Town of Sylvan Lake

location:

Sylvan Lake, Alberta

team:

Planning: ParioPlan
Landscape Architecture: EIDOS Consultants Inc.

project website:

www.sylvanlake.ca

completion date:

2006

Sylvan Lake Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan

The lakeside community of Sylvan Lake is one of Canada's fastest growing communities and is home to Alberta's second largest marina. In 2005 the Town initiated an Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) to guide future development of its downtown and lakeshore areas. The goal was to achieve social and economic benefits while maintaining the environmental integrity of town's unique natural setting. A challenge was to balance the needs of a diverse population base, which includes year-round and seasonal residents, local businesses and tourists. After consulting with the community, ParioPlan and EIDOS Consultants developed concepts for expanding the marina, redeveloping Centennial Park and transforming Lakeshore Drive from a provincial highway to an attractive, functional urban street.

Key planning principles were an enhanced pedestrian environment, integration with the lakeshore and compatible intensification and development. Following the completion of the Waterfront ARP, the Town prepared a conceptual redesign of Centennial Park, Lakeshore Drive and the pier, in order to create a year-round pedestrian oriented and walkable environment. The Province of Alberta has recently transferred jurisdiction of Lakeshore Drive (Highway 11A) to the Town, which is a key component to increasing public access and park space within the ARP area. The Province has also committed to the transfer of Centennial Park - a major green space along the lakefront. Implementation of the Plan is currently underway and the Town is now completing detailed design plans for the area.

Awards:

• Award of Merit Alberta Association of Canadian Institute of Planners 2009