The Town of Sylvan Lake has started what will be a months-long process to create a renewed vision for the community’s waterfront.

It’s a project called, REIMAGINE Sylvan, which will culminate in an updated Sustainable Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan (SWARP).

“We’re building on the original plan that was done 10 years ago, looking for ways we can update and enhance it,” said Kim Devlin, senior planner at the town.

“As well as getting the community’s ideas for what we can do with our newly acquired park space -- so the old water slide site -- as well as the pier and provincial park area that’s been turned over to the town.”

Map of the SWARP area, courtesy Town of Sylvan Lake.

The project area spans from the golf course in the town’s west end, across to the roundabout at the entrance to town.

Members of town council and staff were taking feedback from visitors at Winterfest activities on Saturday. They wanted to know what people liked about the area, and where improvements could be made.

Downtown revitalization and sustainability are key priorities in the updated plan, Devlin said.

An online survey has already been up. Respondents are asked about when they visit the waterfront and why; to prioritize issues of importance; preferences for streetscape and building designs; and sustainability goals.

In the coming months, there will be more in-person public engagement events, like a community design workshop in May before a final presentation in June.

Devlin said the goal is to present the plan in the form of a bylaw to council in the fall.

“It’s a really exciting project and we really hope everyone comes out to give their feedback,” she said.

Some of the feedback collected during Winterfest on Saturday.