Sylvan Lake Community Information

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Welcome to Sylvan Lake

Long before its present name was adopted in 1903 with the establishment of the first Post Office, Sylvan Lake had been given a succession of names by Cree and Stoney Indians and by map-makers such as David Thompson and the Palliser Expedition.

Heavy timber around the lake made it inaccessible and discouraged early settlement, and it was not until 1899 that Alexander Loiselle and his son Louis came from Michigan with their sawmill to settle at what was then called Snake Lake. By 1902, the District had attracted other settlers and Loiselle built a store and hotel to accommodate the new residents.

Construction of the Alberta Central Railway (1910 - 1914) linking Red Deer and Rocky Mountain House helped to develop the Sylvan Lake area, which by 1923 had 185 residents. As many tourist attractions and facilities were added, the community grew from Village to Town status by 1946.

Residents of Sylvan Lake have always taken an environmentally-conscious approach to development in the community and have always worked towards preserving the lake's natural beauty.

Today, the Town of Sylvan Lake has a permanent population of approximately 10,000 and hosts nearly one million visitors each year, and prides itself on being "A Town For All Seasons" with year-round events, attractions, and facilities for visitors.

The Town of Sylvan Lake is a dynamic community which is experiencing significant growth. In fact, Statistics Canada has rated the Town as one of the fastest growing communities in Canada as well as one of Canada's youngest communities.

Sylvan Lake is considered one of the major tourism destination resorts in Alberta. The Town has the second largest marina in the Province and as such is considered as a preferred recreation destination by provincial residents.

Business opportunities abound and the forecasts from Provincial and Federal agencies show a continuing trend toward the increased growth and development of the Town.

Given its central location, tourism is the major economic base for the Town of Sylvan Lake. The community welcomes well over a million visitors year-round and hosts a variety of summer and winter events, making Sylvan Lake one of Alberta's premier recreation destinations.

Economic Base of Lacombe

Given its central location, tourism is the major economic base for the Town of Sylvan Lake. The community welcomes well over a million visitors year-round and hosts a variety of summer and winter events, making Sylvan Lake one of Alberta's premier recreation destinations.

In addition to a strong tourism economy, Sylvan Lake benefits from its strategic location in the heart of the Edmonton - Calgary Corridor, one of Canada's strongest and most productive economies.

Sylvan Lake's Central Alberta location also means we're home to some of the most prominent oilfield construction, development, and safety companies. As an ever-growing community, we are continuously welcoming new businesses to the community. Wal-Mart, Sobeys and Shoppers Drug Mart have joined Sylvan Lake's business community in 2008

The Community Lifestyle of Lacombe

Recreation

Sylvan Lake is the perfect destination spot for the entire family at any time of year. The Lake is one of Canada’s ten best beaches and offers a seasonal playground.

Residents and visitors enjoy winter sports like skating, fishing and snowmobiling. All of the possibilities make the long winter season a treat.

There are a wide variety of accommodations ranging from motels to clean, rustic campgrounds. Restaurants offer everything from quick beach food, to quiet, romantic steak dinners.

Sylvan Lake is definitely a summer family destination with our Wild Rapids Waterslide, go-karts, lake cruises, golf courses, water sports and campgrounds. Hockey camps, summer camps, paint-balling and swimming in our award winning Aquatic Center are also excellent reasons to live or visit this town.

You choose the season, and this town will supply the fun. Why not swing into Sylvan Lake in the spring to watch the waterfowl migrate and the lake burst into life? If it’s the summer you love, come take advantage of the lakeshore where there is no end to the possibilities.

Walk along the water’s edge in the fall and experience the sunsets; and if you have the opportunity to drive into town on a crisp, winter day, you’ll see the picturesque view of our frozen lake covered with young families skating, playing shinny and snowmobiling. Sylvan lake is an active town that takes advantage of the winter months in classic Canadian form!

Recreation Facilities

  • The Aquatic Centre – Is an 25 meter indoor pool with six lanes with an attached child and tot pool. It also offers a hot tub with a seating capacity of 37 people. All pools are wheel chair accessible with chairs provided by the Aquatic Centre. The swimming pool is utilized for various activities which include swimming lessons, public swimming, birthday parties, scuba diving, snorkeling and fitness classes. There are advanced Red Cross and Lifesaving Society courses such as Water Safety Instructors, National Lifeguard Services and First Aid Courses. The tot pool is brought to life with an umbrella water feature. Water cascades off the dome creating a ‘water fall’ effect. The tot pool is also complemented by a 4ft x6 ft area of bubble jets. The children’s area is enhanced by an anchor which mists water into the pool as well as a small slide for children six years of age and younger. The deep end of the main pool is boasts a 10 ft high climbing wall for added excitement and lots of fun! Basketball and volleyball nets are also set up during public and family swim.
  • Medican Multiplex – Is an incredible indoor ice arena that is home to minor hockey teams, a summer hockey camp, recreational hockey and skating club. Other programs include Public Skating programs which including parent & tot skating lessons designed to introduce 2-5 year olds to ice skating, in a fun, relaxed, small-group environment and adult skating lessons for those adults wanting to learn how to skate in a non-judgmental small group environment. Other organized sports include Minor Football, Minor Ball and Minor Soccer
  • Lacombe Interpretive Centre (downtown in the historic Flatiron Building)
  • Historic Lacombe downtown walking tour
  • Downtown Lacombe murals
  • Michener House Museum
  • Lacombe Blacksmith Shop
  • Lacombe trails system (trailhead at Cranna Lake)
  • Lacombe Trout Pond
  • Ellis Bird Farm
  • Lacombe Corn Maze
  • Lacombe Farmer's Market (seasonal)
  • Double Dimple Mini-Golf
  • Aspen Beach Provincial Park (Gull Lake)
  • Alix Lake Beach & Campground
  • Medicine Lodge Ski Club
  • Central Alberta Sailing Club
  • J.J. Collett Natural Area
  • Xtreme Raceways

Details about these and other local attractions and events can be found on the Lacombe Regional Tourism website. Community Services

Lacombe enjoys a complete retail and service sector, including professional and medical services, a tertiary hospital and numerous places of worship. The municipality operates its own police, fire and ambulance services.

For more information on local community services, visit the Business section of the Town of Lacombe website at www.lacombe.ca or the Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce website

Health Care

Front-line health care services in Lacombe are provided by:

  • Lacombe Community Health Care Centre (70 acute care and long-term care beds)
  • Lacombe Public Health Dept.
  • Lacombe Ambulance Service
  • Two medical clinics
  • Walk-in clinic
  • Numerous practitioners in dentistry, chiropractic and optometry

 Advanced medical services are delivered via the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, which is located 25 kilometers from Lacombe. Education

Education in Lacombe

Public Schools

Private Schools

Post-secondary Schools

Burman University

At Burman University they believe in the complete university college experience. They provide an environment where academic, physical and spiritual growth is encouraged.

Over twenty fully accredited bachelor degree programs in Business, Education, Music, Religious Studies, Science and more...You can complete your degree right here in Lacombe, Alberta.

Red Deer College

Red Deer College, located in Red Deer, offers programs including 1-year certificate programs, 2-year diplomas, university transfer, apprenticeship and training in technological areas, academic upgrading and continuing education. RDC also has an outstanding arts program which puts on many impressive and professional performances throughout the year.

Sources: Information in this profile has been provided from a variety of sources including AlbertaFirst.com Ltd. and each community’s website. If you find inaccuracies or information you feel needs changing, please contact us directly stating the correction and the source of your information. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, currency and reliability of the content and data, it is not warranted to be correct.