Sylvan Lake council signed off on its half of an agreement that would see the province transfer possession of the Sylvan Lake Provincial Park to the town.

The deal does not become official until an Order in Council is granted by the province.

Mayor Sean McIntyre said the park will remain used for public recreation and maintenance will be done to municipal standards.

"We're very excited to take it on, to do the maintenance that ... needs to occur, the capital upgrades that ... needs to occur and use it to best serve the people of this region," McIntyre said.

Those capital upgrades would include restoring the trail system and fixing tripping hazards that currently exist.

The deal includes a $1.94 million grant from the province for those upgrades and to cover operating costs for the next 10 years.

Town administration had been negotiating with the province since receiving council direction last December.

A report from staff reads that the town is "continuing to expand on the importance of public recreation and tourism as a community economic driver."

McIntyre said the park acquisition fits into a greater downtown plan that also encompasses Lakefront Park, the pier, Lakeshore Drive, 50 Street, the business district and downtown residences.

"We need a vision that encompasses all of those and we're excited to get to work on that once the new council is elected," he said.