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
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!
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
Front-line health care services in Lacombe are provided by:
Advanced medical services are delivered via the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, which is located 25 kilometers from Lacombe. Education
Education in Lacombe
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, 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.