Sylvan Lake residents can speak directly with Mayor Megan Hanson and town councillors during a Chatting with Council session on July 9, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Co-Operators Play Zone Spray Park. The casual drop-in gives people a chance to ask questions and share thoughts on community issues ahead of the regular council meeting set for July 14 at 4 p.m. at the Municipal Government Building on 48 Avenue.
The current council, which began its term in October 2025, has tackled several hot topics this year. In May, the town brought in a new parks bylaw that bans tents along the lakefront at Lighthouse Park, Lakefront Park, Centennial Park, and the Pier. Only single-pole umbrellas or small child shade structures are allowed now. The town also updated its smoke-free bylaw in February, making it illegal to smoke on sidewalks along Lakeshore Drive from 34 Street to 53 Street and on Centennial Street from Lakeshore Drive to 50 Avenue between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Council passed the 2026 operating budget with no increase to the municipal tax rate, but residents could still see higher property tax bills because of rising property assessments and the provincial education tax. To handle growing demand at the lakeshore, council earmarked $387,750 for more seasonal bylaw officers, extra parks staff, bigger garbage bins, and washroom upgrades. That money comes from the Visitor Pay Parking program, which recently added hourly rates and changed day rates at Lakeshore Drive lots starting June 24.
Some residents raised concerns in May about council conduct after a councillor posted comments on social media about provincial Bill 28. Mayor Hanson said council has a policy for respectful engagement among members and with the public.
The Chatting with Council event on July 9 offers a direct line to elected officials before the July 14 meeting, where decisions could be made on any issues brought forward.
