Tourism Partnership Program News | January - March 2024

Share Your Feedback | Quarterly Survey is now open!

Your feedback is so important to us and is used to shape future projects, initiatives, and direction for Town staff, Council, and for the Tourism Development Committee. Let us know how your business is being impacted by taking the Quarterly Survey, open now until January 24. Take the survey here

Business Involvement Opportunities

• Exclusively for Tourism Partners: Tourism Experience Development (TED) program – launches in March!

A 3-day workshop program intensive for businesses to develop new tourism experiences and generate more revenue, led by industry expert Deneen Allen of The Firecircle, is launching in March! Discover your opportunity to build onto your business with tourism experiences. Limited to 30 participants – send us a reply email to nbhola@sylvanlake.ca to let us know you’re interested and we’ll follow up with more information and an application shortly.

• Pass-the-Poutine Contest and Cocktail Trail – February 16-19

Enter your restaurant's most creative deliciousness-on-top-of-fries creation into the Pass-the-Poutine contest! Event guests will follow the poutine route, tasting and voting for their favorite! Your restaurant could be crowned winner of the Best Poutine in Town! On the Cocktail Trail, event guests will be encouraged to try out specialty winter cocktail from each restaurant, pub-craw style. Advertised as part of the Ice Dragon Boat Festival

Register your poutine or cocktail by February 9 at visitsylvanlake.ca/poutinecontest (use one form to enter both your poutines and cocktails at the same time). Submissions will be on the menu at visitsylvanlake.ca/icedragonboats

• Share Your Event to the Visit Sylvan Lake events calendar

Add your event to the Visit Sylvan Lake events calendar and tag us in your event posts @visitsylvanlake to be reshared! Submit event details through the online form at visitsylvanlake.ca/shareevent anytime

• Event Sponsorships

Want to be involved in sponsoring events? Get in touch with Channelle at cbrooker@sylvanlake.ca for sponsorship opportunities to advertise your business!

 

Upcoming Town of Sylvan Lake Special Events

Check the event calendar for full event details at visitylvanlake.ca/events

• The BIG JIG

Sylvan Lake’s popular ice fishing derby returns on January 19 – 21 with a $3,000 grand prize! More cash prizes to be won. Derby is catch and release only. visitsylvanlake.ca/bigjig

• Ice Dragon Boat Festival

Western Canada’s only ice dragon boat festival is back on Family Day long weekend February 16-18! Along with the races, winter favorites like the polar dip, fireworks, and Pass-the-Poutine contest will also be happening. visitsylvanlake.ca/icedragonboats

• The Meltdown

A celebration of Spring’s arrival and closing the cycle of Winter through colorful activities of color throwing, kite flying, music, escape rooms, and outdoor activities on March 23. Details to come at visitsylvanlake.ca/events

Join the TDC! Limited spots still available

The Tourism Development Committee is an advisory committee of Town Council made up of tourism businesses and industry advisors. Work on tourism solutions with the group and Town of Sylvan Lake staff at a monthly meeting on the last Wednesday of the month from 10am-noon. Apply with a brief letter of interest here

Travel Alberta released their Tourism Development Zone Discovery Reports

Sylvan Lake sits within the Olds-Lacombe Tourism Development Zone (TDZ). Travel Alberta’s TDZ plans for the province take a regional approach to product development with the goal of doubling tourism revenue by 2035. Read the Old-Lacombe TDZ Report here.

The Travel Alberta Cooperative Investment Grant Program opens up soon!

Travel Alberta offers tourism grant funding in two annual intakes in spring and fall. For more information and to apply see here. If you have an idea you’d like to run by the municipality, or to request a letter or support or partnership from the municipality, feel free to reach out and have a conversation with our team anytime.

Posted 2024-01-18

Santa Claus Parade Registration is Open!

Join in the fun of the holiday season and register your float, vehicle, or walking group to take part in the annual Santa Claus Parade.

Register online here by November 29.

Posted 2023-10-19

BRC Tickets available for Giveaway!

The Town of Sylvan Lake has a limited number of BRC ticket pairs for businesses to run giveaways over their social channels.

If you’d like to run a Bull Riders Canada Season Finals ticket giveaway on your socials, please email nbhola@sylvanlake.ca. First come first served. Must have a minimum of 500 social media followers per channel.

Posted 2023-10-19

Q3 2023 Survey Now Open!

Your feedback is so important to us and is used to shape future projects, initiatives, and direction for Town staff and for the Tourism Development Committee. Let us know how your business is being impacted by taking the Quarterly Survey, open now until October 27 at noon.

Take the survey here

We’re asking you about pay parking, e-scooters, events, social media, public art, construction and more in the survey. This is your opportunity to provide us with regular feedback – provide as much or as little as you would like via the survey!

Posted 2023-10-19

Register for Downtown Trick of Treat

Businesses can participate in downtown trick or treat on October 28 from 1-4pm. Hand out candy in your establishment to the kiddos! Volunteer costume characters will also be on the Pier as Alice in Wonderland characters.

Businesses can email nbhola@sylvanlake.ca to be added to the online treat map at visitsylvanlake.ca/trickortreat by October 25, 2023.

Businesses and organizations located outside of downtown, or without a brick and mortar location are invited to stand along the beachfront and Centennial Street and hand out candy!

Download and print and event poster for your window

Posted 2023-10-11

Tourism Partnership Program Newsletter - September 2023

Click here to read the newsletter

Posted 2023-08-11

Alberta Rural Renewal Stream Program

This program supports businesses in attracting and retaining immigrated employees. Find out more information for employees and employers at Sylvan Lake Rural Renewal Stream - Town of Sylvan Lake

Posted 2023-08-11

Flannel and Feast Sponsorships

Flannel & Feast is full of arts, music, food, and entertainment that celebrates the laidback cabin lifestyle that is quintessentially Sylvan Lake.

Part of Alberta Culture Days, this one-day event celebrates the 3 F’s. Flannel, Facial Hair and Fall!

See the sponsorship package here and contact Channelle Brooker at cbrooker@sylvanlake.ca to sponsor

Posted 2023-08-17

BRC Sponsorships

Bull Riders Canada Finals return to Sylvan Lake this November! Get your business seen as being part of the action at this two-day event that showcases the best in national pre-professional bull riding!

See the sponsorship package here and contact Channelle Brooker at cbrooker@sylvanlake.ca to sponsor

Posted 2023-08-09

Sylvan Lake Printable Coloring Pages

The Sylvan Lake Art Society partnered with the Town of Sylvan Lake to create 7 Sylvan Lake-themed kids' coloring pages for use at local restaurants and other businesses. Featuring sail boats, mermaids, and sandcastles, each page also has a call to action to online visitor information available through visitsylvanlake.ca.

When visitors are connected to Visit Sylvan Lake, there is a greater opportunity to influence visitor behaviour and visitor spending to maximize positive impact on the community. You can help by printing and using the coloring pages in your local business!

Download printable coloring pages here

Posted 2023-06-23

Central Alberta Agritourism Study

The Central Alberta Tourism Alliance (CATA), including the Town of Sylvan Lake, has completed the regional Agritourism Strategy project it has been working on over the past year. The Strategy aims to diversify Central Alberta’s tourism offering by playing into the region’s natural strengths in agriculture and farming.

Agritourism combines agricultural production industries with education and experiences for visitors. It embraces the agricultural supply chain and food production, farm experiences, plants and animals, culinary opportunities, Albertan heritage and culture, and land stewardship with strong ties to culinary tourism, eco-tourism, and small-farm local production. It can be connected to everything from on-farm, hands-in-the-dirt experiences to elegant long table dinners cooked from curated local food products. Agritourism is incredibly flexible and broad, offering the region’s local producers a wide range of opportunity to expand their customer base and benefit from tourism.

Sylvan Lake is able to benefit from the strong agricultural resources in the surrounding area including Lacombe and Red Deer counties by connecting urban amenities like retailers and restaurants with products made by local producers which adds a depth of richness, understanding, and respect for stewardship of the land as part of the visitor experience. Diversification of the tourism offering also attracts a more responsibly minded, better spending visitor whose consumer behaviors has a lesser detrimental impact on communities than some other types of tourists.

Everybody from retailers f local food, to restaurants, to farm stays or farm experience providers can get involved and more details will come soon!

Read the full strategy here

Posted 2023-06-23

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E-Scooters in Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake now has e-scooters, expanding transportation opportunities for residents and visitors. Safety is a priority for the program with unique features like geo-fencing, age acceptability, and automatic speed control along with traditional measures like helmets. E-Scooters and support services are brought to town by Neuron Mobility.

Read more about it here

Posted 2023-04-13

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Lemonade Day comes to Sylvan Lake

Lemonade Day is a youth entrepreneurship program for youth 8-11 to create a business, hands-on. There are opportunities for youth to register for the program and for businesses to sign up to be a Sweet Spot and host a lemonade stand at their location. Lemonade Day will take place August 12, 2023

Read more here

Posted 2023-05-15

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Tourism Partner News - May/June 2023

Share Your Feedback: Q1 2023 Survey is now open until April 20

Provide feedback on Town of Sylvan Lake initiatives that are affecting your business and share your ideas with us! Your feedback is so important to helping ensure that we are developing tourism in alignment with industry needs. Take the survey here

Join the Tourism Development Committee

There are still a couple spots left for new members! Meet with the Town’s tourism team as well as a dedicated group of local business owners to help shape Sylvan Lake’s tourism future together. This is a formal Committee of Council that meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 10am-noon. Apply online with a letter of interest at sylvanlake.ca/boards.

Want to get involved in 1913 Days?

1913 Days celebrates the town’s founding! Find all details about 1913 Days from June 9-11 at visitsylvanlake.ca/1913days

• Check out sponsorship opportunities and advertise your business through the event
• Host your own 1913 Days-themed activity in your business and we’ll add it to the event’s marketing!

Destination Leadership and Management Plan

The Town of Sylvan Lake began work on a 10-year tourism strategic plan in January with public engagement taking place over the quarter. Over 800 stakeholders including both residents and visitors participated in surveys, workshops, and interviews with the project’s Consulting team! Nearly 85% of the project is grant funded through the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund. The project is in draft stage. Stay tuned at visitsylvanlake.ca/tourism-plan for updates

Posted 2023-04-13

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Sponsorship Opportunities at The Meltdown

Help us celebrate Sylvan Lake's 110th birthday under the big top! The Town of Sylvan Lake is seeking sponsors for 1913 Days. Sponsors will be tagged on social media and recognized on the event webpage. Full event details will be available soon at visitsylvanlake.ca/1913days

View available sponsorship opportunities here. For more information and to sponsor, contact cbrooker@sylvanlake

Posted 2023-03-31

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You're Invited! Agritourism Strategy Presentation

The Central Alberta Tourism Alliance  group of regional communities has been working on an Agritourism Strategy with Expedition Management Consultants, and we want to share it with you!

You are invited to attend a digital meeting on April 4^th, 2023 from 1:00pm – 2:30pm. We will present the Strategy and provide an opportunity for agritourism businesses to get to know each other.

What activities will happen at the meeting?

The meeting will include the following engaging activities:

1. Networking Activity – Show and Tell! Participants will be asked to share their favourite Central Alberta agritourism experience or agricultural product and describe why it is special to them. You are encouraged to show the actual experience/product or bring a photo with you to help bring your story to life!

2. Presentation – Highlights from the draft Agritourism Development Strategy will be shared with participants.

3. Implementation Discussion – Opportunities to become involved in implementation will be discussed and participants will be invited to describe how they see themselves contributing.

What will the meeting format be?

The meeting will take place digitally through a remote video conferencing platform. If you would rather phone into the meeting, there will be an option to do that.

How do I register to attend the meeting?

Follow the link below to register for the meeting. You can register right up until the meeting starts, but we encourage you sign up in advance.

RSVP Link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/agritourism-development-strategy-presentation-and-networking-opportunity-tickets-576340007477

Posted 2023-03-16

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Sponsorship Opportunities Available: The Meltdown

Sylvan Lake's spring festival is coming back to Sylvan Lake from on March 18!

Get your business' name out as part of the event and support one of the best festivals of the year by becoming an event sponsor.

Download Sponsorship Package

Posted 2023-03-03

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You're Invited! Visioning Session for the 10-Year Tourism Plan

The Town of Sylvan Lake began work on a new 10-year Tourism Plan in 2023! Over the last six weeks, the Consultants leading the project have undertaken public engagement and feedback from residents, businesses, visitors, community groups, and regional and provincial bodies.

They've received tremendous participation, and it’s clear that there is an appetite for participatory, community-centric approaches to local tourism development. In that spirit, we invite you to participate in a Public Visioning Session on March 6 to hear about key findings from the public engagement efforts, and a high-level introduction to the vision for the tourism plan as a result.

 

Public Visioning Session Dates:

• March 6 from 3pm-5pm at the NexSource Center Multipurpose Rooms. Open to all members of the public
• March 6 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the NexSource Multipurpose Rooms. Open to all members of the public

Each session will begin with a short presentation. Attendees will then have the chance to ask questions and share their feedback to help refine the vision for the DMP. Interested participants are invited to register here, or simply show up. These events are an opportunity for the community to have their say in the Plan before pen hits paper, and to exercise ownership over Sylvan Lake’s tourism economy.

Posted 2023-02-23

Town of Sylvan Lake launches new 10-Year Tourism Plan Project

The Town of Sylvan Lake is in the process of developing a new 10-year Tourism Destination Management Plan! The long term strategic plan is focused on how we can leverage tourism to be a major contributor to positive community development and how we can plan for sustainable tourism growth and management. This Plan is being developed by the community, and for the community– which means we want to hear from you!

Opportunities to participate:

• You’re Invited to Industry Night! Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m.
  People who work in the hospitality & tourism industry are invited to Industry Night at Wood Shed Axe Throwing, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. The event will include conversation, connection and fun. Only 25 tickets are available, and participation is free. Click here for more details and to register.
• Take part in the survey: Residents, business owners, and past & prospective visitors are encouraged to partake in this survey. Residents & visitors will be asked questions about perceptions of Sylvan Lake and opportunities for improvement. Business owners will have an opportunity to share insight about the local labour market. Participants will be entered to win one of six $50 gift certificates. Click here to get started.
• Sign-up to join a workshop: Are you available on Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.? Sign up here to be part of a creative workshopping exercise. Activities will inspire conversations about Sylvan Lake as a place to live, work and play – as it is now, and as you imagine it to be in the future. Lunch will be provided.
• Email your feedback: Interested in a conversation? Let us know by e-mailing tourism@sylvanlake.ca.
• Find us at a local community event! Be on the lookout for our consulting team at the Ice Dragon Boat Festival, Sat., Feb. 11, as well as Winterfest x The BIG JIG on Sat., Feb. 18. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you know who you’re looking for – Terrilyn and Brie are hoping to chat with as many people as possible throughout the days.
• Keep up to date: Updates will be regularly posted on Instagram and Facebook. You can also check-back for news by visiting the dedicated webpage. Have questions, or something to say? E-mail tourism@sylvanlake.ca.

Posted 2023-02-01

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An Ice Dragon Boast Festival is coming to town!

An Ice Dragon Boat Festival is coming to town the weekend of February 10, 2023! Having been in the works since 2019 and postponed for several years due to the pandemic, we're so excited to see an awesome shoulder season event like this take place!

There will be lots of opportunities to put together a dragon boating team, become an event sponsor, or be part of the evening activity in your own business.

The Town of Sylvan Lake is in the process of organizing the event and all Tourism Partners will be emailed directly, or can find details posted on this page, as soon as opportunities are available!

What is Ice Dragon Boating? Check it out here

Posted 2022-12-14

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Share Your Feedback: Q4 2022 Partnership Survey

Quarterly partnership surveys are available! Your feedback is so important to helping determine tourism priorities for the Town of Sylvan Lake.

Find more information here

Posted 2023-01-12

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Winter Events: Business Involvement Opportunities

> Sylvan Lake has a brand-new event: Ice Dragon Boat Races are coming to town February 10-12

• Register a team and find event details at visitsylvanlake.ca/events
• Sponsorships available at all price points! Become an Event Sponsor by contacting cbrooker@sylvanlake.ca

> Winterfest x The BIG JIG returns as the biggest winter festival of the season! February 17-20

• Event details will be posted at visitsylvanlake.ca/events
• Sponsorships available at all price points and for prizes! Become an Event Sponsor by contacting cbrooker@sylvanlake.ca

> Pass-the-Poutine Contest returns! Extended dates during winter events: Now from February 10-20

Enter your restaurant's most creative deliciousness-on-top-of-fries creation into the Pass-the-Poutine contest! Event guests will follow the poutine route, tasting poutines from each participating restaurant and vote for their favourite. Your restaurant could be crowned winner of the Best Poutine in Town! Last year’s contest generated at least $3300 in total sales for participating businesses. Congrats to last year’s winner- Lodge 43 for their Breakfast Benny Poutine! Advertised as part of the Ice Dragon Boat Festival and Winterfest x The BIG JIG

Enter the contest by February 1. Registration for the Pass-the-Poutine Contest and Cocktail Trail opens January 13 at visitsylvanlake.ca/poutinecontest (use one form to enter both your poutines and cocktails at the same time)

> New: Cocktail Trail from February 10-20

Break out your ice-cold winter cocktail creations for the curated Cocktail Trail menu! Event guests will be encouraged to try out drinks from each restaurant, pub-crawl style. Advertised as part of the Ice Dragon Boat Festival and Winterfest x The BIG JIG

Add your cocktail to the menu here by February 1. Registration for the Pass-the-Poutine Contest and Cocktail Trail opens January 13 at visitsylvanlake.ca/poutinecontest (use one form to enter both your poutines and cocktails at the same time)

> Host a Band Opportunity – for Tourism Partners Only!

Host a band in your venue on the weekends of the winter events and the Town of Sylvan Lake will reimburse 50% of the cost up to $400! Last year’s hosts had great feedback about hosting bands. Spaces are limited, first come first served.

Apply by February 1. Registration for the Host a Band Opportunity opens 10am January 13 at visitsylvanlake.ca/bandhost

> Host your own event

Want to host your own winter-themed event during the festivities? Let us know the details and it will be advertised as part of the weekend’s activities! Share your event information to our calendar here

Posted 2023-01-12

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Join the Tourism Development Committee

The Tourism Development Committee is a brand new Committee of Council for 2023!

Work in partnership with the Town and community stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that will support community-beneficial tourism and contribute to the strong and vibrant growth of the destination through tourism industry development, tourism product development, and destination development initiative.

Members of the committee are not required to have a residence in Sylvan Lake.

Members will be appointed in staggered one to two year terms.

Find more information here

Posted 2023-01-05

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2023 Discover Sylvan Lake Visitor's Guide

BIG NEWS: the Town of Sylvan Lake has partnered with the Sylvan Lake News to produce the 2023 summer edition of the Discover Sylvan Lake visitor’s guide!

In response to requests from Tourism Partners about different kinds of printed materials they’d like to see circulated, we’re so excited to join forces with the News and be able to connect Discover Sylvan Lake with Visit Sylvan Lake’s visitor information services to collectively promote it as Sylvan Lake’s official visitor’s guide and a must-read for any traveller!

This is your chance to be involved in the process and help let us know what kind of content might be most valuable to visitors and to your business. Sylvan Lake’s business community is on the front lines of interacting with visitors and able to hear from visitors directly. We’re looking for really interesting stories and experiences that can build the depth of understanding of what’s so special about Sylvan Lake. Don’t be afraid to share ideas! The pool of ideas will be sifted through for fit and narrowed down afterwards.

If you have ideas for stories either directly related to your business, or any general ideas, please use the link here to submit ideas by December 13.

Keep an eye out in the coming months for ad rates in the 2023 summer edition of Discover Sylvan Lake. To book ad space for your business in the visitor’s guide, reach out to the Sylvan Lake News directly.

Posted 2022-12-05

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Travel Alberta Tourism Town Hall - in Sylvan Lake!

Travel Alberta is hosting their annual regional Tourism Town Hall in Sylvan Lake this year!

Join David Goldstein, CEO, Travel Alberta; Darren Reeder, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Alberta (TIAA); and Shae Bird, CEO, Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) for an insightful panel discussion about the power of partnerships and collaboration in the tourism industry.

Learn more about:

• How Travel Alberta, ITA and TIAA are working together to create success for the province’s visitor economy
• How tourism, as a key driver for social and economic development, has the power to improve communities, create jobs, preserve nature and culture, and enhance residents' quality of life.
• Alberta’s new Tourism Development Zones and how they will help shape the future of tourism in this province
• Local opportunities for growth, challenges, and nuances in your area.

Free, spaces are limited and pre-registration is required. More information and register here

Posted 2022-11-17

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What is Agritourism?

Agritourism provides the opportunity for those farther removed from farm and food production to experience, understand, and immerse themselves in discovering the agriculture and culinary experiences of a region. Farm tours, markets, country fairs, and local food production are all part of understanding places and deepening connection to culture and environment.

Who’s involved in the project?

The Town of Sylvan Lake is working with a collective of other Central Alberta regional communities as well as Expedition Management Consulting to develop a roadmap for maximizing agritourism’s potential in our region. Businesses like yours are invited to participate in providing feedback so that industry needs and insights guide the project.

How can YOU be involved?

Consider yourself invited to take part in the development of the Agritourism Strategy and learn how agritourism can benefit your business. Learn more and take the survey here and feel free to forward the link onto any other Central Alberta vendors or partners you may have in the agricultural or culinary sector.

Posted 2022-11-01

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Santa Claus Parade Registration Now Open!

Show off your community spirit by entering the Santa Claus Parade with a decorated vehicle, float, or walking group!

Registration open until November 23 at 4pm. Register online here

Posted 2022-10-20

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Share Your Feedback: Q3 Tourism Partnership Survey July - September 2022

Quarterly Tourism Partnership Surveys are available! Survey closes October 27.

Take the survey here

Posted 2022-10-21

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BRC Window Painting | Registration Opens Oct 24 at 9am

Bull Riders Canada Season Finals and concert series is coming to Sylvan Lake November 17-19!

Get your business' window painted in a Western theme and celebrate BRC across Sylvan Lake! Event guests will be encouraged to visit shops and restaurants like yours throughout the weekend.

Window painting takes place from November 2-4. First come first served, limited spots available. Open to businesses located in the Town of Sylvan Lake only. Registration opens October 24 at 9am. Register via online form here

Posted 2022-10-20

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Downtown Trick or Treat | October 29

Downtown Trick or Treat will be held from 1-4pm pm on Saturday, October 29. Businesses along the 50 Street, Lakeshore Drive, 46 Street, and 50 Avenue route are encouraged to participate!

Get your candy ready for the spooktacular trick-or-treaters that are sure to be stopping by!

The decision to move Downtown Trick or Treat to the Saturday was made by the Waterfront Commercial district Committee in the hopes that more businesses would be open than on Monday, October 31. The Committee has also allocated funds for roving entertainment to add some more pizzazz to this year's event!

To register your business to appear on the Downtown Trick or Treat Map by emailing nyoung@sylvanlake.ca

Find full information on Sylvan Lake's Halloween celebrations at visitsylvanlake.ca/trickortreat

Posted 2022-10-18

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Business Involvement Opportunity: Alberta Day September 3

The Alberta Government has created a new holiday and provided funding to projects around the province that celebrate Alberta. Sylvan Lake will hold its Alberta Day celebration on September 3!

If your business sells or makes Alberta-made products, get involved by running a sales promotion or hosting your own event in your business focused on what made right here at home!

Share event details with us at visitsylvanlake.ca/shareevent and it will be able to add it into the event marketing.

Posted 2022-08-25

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Tourism Partnership August/September Newsletter

Download your copy of the August/September Newsletter!

The newsletter features select upcoming information and business involvement opportunities for businesses. All information is posted to the Industry webpage at visitsylvnalake.ca/industry

Posted 2022-07-21

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Flannel & Feast | September 24

Calling all plaid enthusiasts! Get your lumberjack on with arts, music, food, and entertainment that celebrates the laidback cabin lifestyle that is quintessentially Sylvan Lake.

Live Music Sponsorship

Stage sponsors for the Flannel & Feast stage are available! Interested sponsors can contact Channelle at cbrooker@sylvanlake.ca

Hay Bale Hunt Sponsor

Kids looooove the Hay Bale Hunt! (Who doesn't love a hay bale maze filled with candy??)

Become a candy sponsor for the maze and donate goodies tot eh Hay Bale Hunt! Contact Channelle at cbrooker@sylvanlake.ca to sponsor

Posted 2022-07-21

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CulinART! | September 9 4:30-9pm

CulinART! Showcases the best of food, drink, art, and music in Sylvan Lake with a downtown walking tour experience.

Event takes place September 9 from 4:30-9pm.

The walking route takes place on 50 Street, 50 Avenue, Lakeshore Drive, and 46 Street. Non-downtown restaurants not located on that route can still participate by setting up a booth in the Off the Eaten Path area

>Downtown Restaurant Registration | Closes August 25

Showcase up to FOUR of your signature dishes, trial menu items, or mini drinks! Event guests will redeem tickets in exchange for menu items.

Register and find full details here

Tips for success:

• The sky's the limit! Showcase your best-selling signature dishes, launch something new, test out a new menu item, or create adorable mini-versions worthy of a photo moment
• Use ingredients you already have to help keep costs low
• Prepare items in advance where possible for speedy service
• Dedicate a table and staff member to collect tickets and serve banquet-style during the event
• Use disposable dishes and utensils where possible to allow guests to wander between culinary and art stops
• Keep portions small, so guests will have room to try something from each restaurant
• Price items at whole dollar amounts between $1-$7. 1 ticket = $1.
• Let your staff know that they should initial Walking Guides. Guests with fully initialed walking guides can enter to win prizes!
• Keep all the food tickets you collect; do not lose or misplace them. Redeem for reimbursement from the Town of Sylvan Lake. The Town is unable to reimburse for any tickets not presented after the event
• Connect with the event on social media and tag us in your posts @visitsylvanlake

>Non-Downtown Restaurant Registration | Closes August 20

Set up a booth in the Off the Eaten Path area downtown to take part in CulinART! Limited spaces available. A canopy tent is provided. You will bring your own table, staff, and food service tools, and culinary creations!

Register here AND email an AHS Form to Nathan at nyoung@sylvanlake.ca. Alberta Health Services approval is required to participate.

>Artist Registration | August 31

Artists can showcase, vend, or host an interactive demonstration or workshop. If vending, a $50 vendor fee applies.

Register here

>Donate a CulinART! Prize

Any business can donate a prize item of a minimum $50 value for CulinART! Event guests will fully initialed Walking Guides can enter to win great prizes at the end of the night. Walking Guides are meant to help guests try something from every restaurant. Contact Nathan at nyoung@sylvanlake.ca to donate a prize

>Music Sponsorship

Help bring live music to CulinART! Interested sponsors can contact Channelle at cbrooker@sylvanlake.ca

Posted 2022-07-21

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Sylvan Lake Souvenir Merchandise Available for Order

In response to a desire for “Sylvan Lake” souvenirs from local businesses, the Town of Sylvan Lake has created several merchandise items that are available for resale. Postcards, stickers and several other small items are available.

Images, cost, and suggested retail price of items is listed on the order form. The cost passed along to businesses only covers the cost of the product and administration time. Items will be reserved as the orders are received, as limited quantities are available.

Download the order form here

Completed order forms can be emailed to nbhola@sylvanlake.ca or drop off at the NexSource Centre reception desk at 4823 49 Avenue. Payment is due upon pickup at the NexSource Center.

Posted 2022-05-25

Updated 2022-07-21

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Visitor Information Wall and Business Pamphlets

Did you know the NexSource Centre does double duty as visitor information services? To create a greater presence for visitor services, a wall in the NexSource Centre will be dedicated to holding visitor information pamphlets. Physical materials help to reach new customer markets and also creates new opportunities for businesses to connect with potential customers.

Bring your pamphlets and promotional materials down to the NexSource Centre reception desk at anytime. They will be added to the visitor wall once installation is complete.

Posted 2022-04-27

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CATA Agritourism Strategy

The Town of Sylvan Lake is part of the Central Alberta Tourism Alliance (CATA), a group of communities that works together on destination development projects at a regional scale. For 2022, the CATA group is undertaking an agritourism study that looks at the opportunity of each community and the area in being a destination for agritourism. Agritourism focuses on local food production, farm experiences, local supply chains, and locally made food and drink.

Updates on the project will be communicated on this page at visitsylvalake.ca/industry

Posted 2022-04-27

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Window decals available | Pride Week August 7-13

A limited number of window decals are available for businesses to display during Pride Week from August 7-13, created by the Sylvan Lake Impact Youth Coalition in partnership with the Central Alberta Pride Society. Window decals consist of a pride flag heart with the slogan #lovesylvanlake and rainbow with the same slogan on it.

The goal with these window decals is to encourage a welcoming and safe atmosphere for the LGBTQ2+ community in Sylvan Lake.

Businesses interested in having decals hung up in their establishment can please email Youth Services Coordinator Jordyn Bell at jbell@sylvanlake.ca.

Posted 2022-08-04

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Lakeshore Drive Pedestrian Area Reopening to Traffic

On the morning of Tuesday, August 2, 2022, the Lakeshore Drive pedestrian area is reopening to vehicle traffic.

• Read more about the Lakeshore Drive Pedestrian Area Reopening
• Learn more about the Lakeshore Drive Pedestrian Area 

Posted 2022-07-27

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Share Your Feedback: Q2 Tourism Partnership Survey April - June 2022

Quarterly Tourism Partnership Surveys are available! Survey closes July 24.

Take the survey here

Posted 2022-07-15

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NEW! Destination Positioning Strategy

The Destination Positioning Strategy was accepted by Council on June 27 and is an identity-defining differentiation strategy for the destination as well as a tourism marketing creative that pins down how Sylvan Lake can stand out and be recognizable among other top Albertan and Canadian destinations.

Destination positioning means creating a particular impression about the destination in the minds of the tourist. To ensure the vibrancy of the community, it was important for positioning to be alignment with the authentic spirit of our community.

The Strategy identifies both physical characteristics of the destination that are critical to Sylvan Lake's competitive advantage as well as the intangible feeling, or "lake town vibe," that is the primary emotional component for visitors.

Read the Destination Positioning Strategy here

Posted 2022-07-15

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Lakeshore Drive Closure June 21-September 5

Update: The resource links below have been updated. Please note the Lakeshore Drive Road Closure will be in place every day all summer from June 21 - September 5.

On May 9, 2022 Council approved a full summer road closure of Lakeshore Drive from 50 Street to 46 Street from June 21-September 5 to enhance the experience for both residents and visitors within the downtown. Businesses within the closure area have the opportunity to apply to host a temporary sidewalk cafe.

Read the news release

Read the Business Q&A Sheet

For businesses within the closure area: Download a temporary sidewalk cafe application package

Posted 2022-06-01

Updated 2022-06-02

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Participate in Alberta on the Plate

Alberta on the Plate is an externally organized event that showcases agri-tourism and culinary tourism across the province during the week of August 12-21. Restaurants, hotels, and breweries are invited to participate and list themselves as part of the event.

Find out more information below:

> Alberta on the Plate Website

> Information for Restaurants

> Information for Hotels

> Information for Breweries

Posted 2022-05-25

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Discover Sylvan Lake 2022 Visitor's Guide Now Available!

The 2022 Discover Sylvan Lake visitors guides is now available! Order copies for your business and guests and help them find the best of what Sylvan Lake has to offer. Order by contacting the Sylvan Lake News at 403 887 2331.

Posted 2022-05-16

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Indigenous Tourism Alberta Cultural Awareness Training

Indigenous Tourism Alberta is hosting cultural awareness training at Rainy Creek Ranch May 31, at no cost to attend.

This full-day immersive workshop is aimed at helping those working in the tourism industry to understand working with Indigenous communities and Indigenous tourism businesses local to the area.

The workshop touches on history and cultural understanding with a focus on Indigenous tourism and the responsibility to promote authentic experiences.

• View the agenda here
• Register here and review this video before the workshops.
• Be sure to read the preparation notes beforehand

Rainy Creek Ranch is located off Highway 20 on Rainy Creek Road near Range Road 14, and can be contacted at 403 872 2557

For any questions, reach out to renee@indigenoustourismalberta.ca or mackenzie@indegenoustourismalberta.ca for more information

Posted 2022-05-05

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Seeking sponsors for Movies at the Beach

The Town of Sylvan Lake is looking for sponsors to help bring back Movies at the Beach, the popular Thursday outdoor movie series in Centennial Park. There are eight potential movie spots available throughout the summer at a sponsor value of $1,500 each.

Businesses or groups of businesses interested in sponsoring will be given the option to have a vending spot during the sponsored movie.

For more details and to sponsor, please reach out to Special Event Coordinator Nathan Young at nyoung@sylvanlake.ca or 403 887 1192.

Posted 2022-04-29

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Short Term Rentals and Accommodations (STAR) Bylaw

On April 25, Sylvan Lake Town Council approved the Short Term Rentals and Accommodations (STAR) bylaw. The bylaw was created to:

• Address lodging shortages and contribute to the local economy
• Make sure all STARs meet safety and quality standards
• Help and guide STARs business owners
• Make the application process easier and faster
• Allow secondary suites and garage suites as STARs
• Clarify regulations
• Safeguard adjacent property owners
• Set STARs owners up for success

For more information and resources for guests and hosts, see sylvanlake.ca/star

Posted 2022-04-27

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Sylvan Lake Theatre Trails looking for locations!

The Sylvan Lake Theatre Trails group is working in partnership with the Waterfront Commercial District (WCD) Committee and Town of Sylvan Lake to bring an immersive theatre experience to town! Groups of 12-15 people will begin at the downtown trailhead, stopping at different locations to experience a short play.

Businesses can be involved as locations for one of the plays. Plays will be written to fit that location. Theatre Trails is set to debut in September 2022!

Find out more information on Theatre Trails here

Theatre Trails Facebook Page

Contact Tanya Ryga of the Theatre Trails group to be involved at theatretrail@gmail.com or 403 313 1380

Posted 2022-04-27

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1913 Days Business Involvement Opportunities

Show off your Sylvan Lake spirit by getting involved in 1913 Days! There are lots of opportunities for businesses to be a part of Sylvan Lake’s 109th birthday.

>Provide a Soap Box Derby Prize

The soap box derby is looking for kids prizes! Youngsters will compete in their homemade soap box cars for titles including top three fastest cars, driver of the future, and most creative car. Minimum $50 prize value.

Email tbradshaw@sylvanlake.ca to sponsor

>Mystery Towns Scavenger Hunt

Super sleuths love this downtown scavenger hunt! Guided by clues on the app, players discover history, art, and explore the downtown core. Businesses along the game route can offer promotions embedded into the game for players to enjoy on their breaks.

Offers should be simple and concise, and must be available for the duration of the year. Limit of three offers per clue location, first come first served. Mystery Towns is available all year and is relaunching at 1913 Days.

Email nbhola@sylvanlake.ca with your business’ offer by June 1

> 1913 Days Sidewalk Sale

Put out a rack of your best product, prop your door open, and invite in passersby for a boutique shopping experience! There’s nothing like a sidewalk sale to kick off the summer. Participating businesses will be added to the event map.

Open to all businesses in all locations. Registration required. Businesses will be added to the event map and

Register at visitsylvanlake.ca/sidewalksale by June 1

> Host Your Own 1913 Days Event

Host your own 1913 Days-themed event in your business! Your event will be included in the 1913 Days event marketing, helping to drive customers to your location.

Share your event’s details at
visitsylvanlake.ca/shareevent by June 1, 2022

> Enter the 1913 Days Parade

Parade registrations are officially open! Walk or roll through town and wave to the crowds at the parade. Be sure to bring candy to hand out and do your best to pick a themed decade for your float. Awards will be given for best float!

Register at visitsylvanlake.ca/paraderegistration by June 8, 2022

Updated 2022-05-02

Posted 2022-04-27

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What We Heard | Q1 2022 Tourism Partner Survey

Here's what we heard from Tourism Partners in the Q1 2022 Quarterly Survey:

• Water safety concerns: the need for patrolling the water or volunteer/community patrol
• Town events are useful in providing activities for renters
• Extremely limited traffic on Centennial Street in the winter months. These months pose a significant challenge
• Need for façade and street improvements on Centennial Street
• Need for incentives to fill vacant storefronts, such as Win this Space
• Businesses can help each other by recommending other businesses to their customers
• Businesses enjoy seeing their events shared on the Visit Sylvan Lake website, and find great value in Visit Sylvan Lake resharing their social media posts
• Need to facilitate tourists off the beachfront and through other areas in town
• Visitor behavior concerns: use of private business restrooms without spending money, leaving trash on private property, and parking in free private lots to avoid pay parking
• Use of BBQs on the beach prevents money being spent in town. Tents block the lake view and limit the use of the beachfront from easy access for everyone
• Events hosted by businesses are bringing in traffic and are finding traction in reaching customers online
• Winterfest x The BIG JIG created increase in traffic and sales for businesses
• Desire to see more events on Centennial Street, horse and carriage rides throughout the summer, as well as bands
• Visitors are looking for quality souvenirs
• Accommodation guests may visit the Winter Village but do not come to Sylvan Lake specifically for it

2022-04-27

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Tourism HR Propel Student Work Placement Program

In partnership with the Government of Canada, Tourism HR's Propel Program offers work-integrated-education opportunities for students and up to a $7,500 wage subsidy per hire for employers.

This is a great opportunity for tourism businesses that are already hiring post-secondary students. For full information, to post jobs, and apply for the subsidy, find more information about the Tourism HR Propel Program here

Posted 2022-04-22

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Travel Alberta Grants

Travel Alberta is offering their 2022 grants under their Tourism Investment Program offering 5 grant stream opportunities:

1. Cooperative Investment Fund, Rural Development and Promotion
2. Cooperative Investment Fund, Events and Festivals
3. Product Development Fund, Growth
4. Product Development Fund, Innovation
5. Product Development Fund, Incubator

Find the grant program that best fits with your business goals here

Posted 2022-04-01

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Government of Canada Digital Adoption Program

The Government of Canada has launched the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CADP), designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises boost their e-commerce presence and digitize. The program provides funding, expertise to businesses, and training and work opportunities. Accelerated digitization is a key macroenvironmental trend affecting the tourism industry for years to come. The program offers two streams of support:

1. Grow Your Business Online
2. Boost Your Business Technology

Businesses wanting to take the first steps to go digital, or seeking out ways to maximize digital opportunities can find more information on the CDAP here

Posted 2022-03-07

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New project seeking feedback! | Destination Positioning Project

The Town of Sylvan Lake has undertaken a new Destination Positioning project focused on identifying Sylvan Lake's unique position among Alberta's top destinations and how to best communicate that, as well as identify real and ideal visitor markets and travel motivations. Provide your feedback below via online survey. Your data will remain confidential and your privacy will be protected.

Click here to access the survey

2022-01-31

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Q4 2021 Partnership Survey | What We Heard

Here's what we heard from Tourism Partners in the Q4 Quarterly Survey:

• value in recognizing niche markets​
• desire to see initiatives have more of a trickle-down effect out to other areas including Centennial Street​
• desire for shopping initiatives​
• water/watercraft enforcement concerns​
• hesitancy to travel; anticipating the desire for stay-cations to continue

2022-01-26

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Digital Economy Programs | Buisness Link

The Digital Economy Program were designed to support small businesses in Alberta with digital transformation and is supported by Business Link

1. ShopHERE

A program that provides independent small businesses and artists with a quick, easy and no-cost way to get selling online right away. Find help to configure an online store and learn how to manage it. For more information and to sign up click here

2. Digital Service Squad

Access to one-on-one assistance for small businesses across Alberta with the adoption of technology. Durate your digital storefront, set up a Google Maps listing, build a community on social, and open an online store. For more information click here

For more information on Digital Economy Programs, contact Amanda Mercer, Economic Development Officer for the Town of Sylvan Lake at 403 887 2141.

Posted 2022-01-26

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Annual Partnership Meeting Follow-up

Thank you to everyone who joined us for last night's meeting! Find a copy of the PowerPoint slides for download here

Posted 2022-01-26

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Winterfest x The BIG JIG | Now accepting giveaways at the event grounds

Businesses or organizations wanting to be located at the event grounds who are not vending are now permitted to take part in Winterfest x The BIG JIG by placing themselves under a canopy tent at the festival grounds. This opportunity is available to organizations who:

• Are not selling; giving away items or information only
• Any giveaway items may not be in conflict with other businesses already located in the nearby festival area

To take part in this part of the event please call Nathan Young, Special Events Coordinator at 403 887 1192

2022-01-27

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Winterfest x The BIG JIG Business Involvement Opportunities

Sylvan Lake's highly successful Winterfest and The BIG JIG events are BACK! They're joining forces to become one super-charged mega-festival celebrating winter at the lake. Featuring outdoor winter activities, ice fishing tournament, Pass-the-Poutine contest, kids activity zone, ice slide, ice maze, and so much more. It's the biggest winter event of the year!

There are so many ways for businesses to get involved at any dollar amount. Leverage the event to benefit your business!

> BECOME A BIG JIG PRIZE SPONSOR

• Cash Prizes: Cash prize sponsorships are available for amounts between $300-$3000! BIG JIG cash prizes are awarded for:
  • Longest Catch Overall
  • Longest of each Species: Perch, Burbot, Whitefish, and Walleye
  • First Catch of the Day: on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
  • Cash Prize Draws
• Random Prize Draws: Ice fishing tournament participants will be randomly drawn as winners throughout the weekend. Random Prize winners will receive tangible products or gift cards of a minimum value of $50. Random Prizes help keep tournament participants engaged and encourage them to stay and fish longer throughout the weekend.

Sponsors will receive name recognition on visitsylvanlake.ca/BIGJIG and across event social media on Visit Sylvan Lake. For more information and to sponsor a cash prize or a random prize contact nyoung@sylvanlake.ca or 403 887 1192 ext 512 by January 21, 2022

> FOR RESTAURANTS: PASS-THE-POUTINE CONTEST

Enter your restaurant's most creative deliciousness-on-top-of-fries creation into the Pass-the-Poutine contest! Event guests will follow the poutine route, tasting poutines from each participating restaurant and vote for their favourite. Your restaurant could be crowned winner of the Best Poutine in Town! Congratulations to last year's winner, Bamboo Hut for their Spicy Pad Thai Poutine

Sponsors will receive name recognition on visitsylvanlake.ca/winterfest and across event social media on Visit Sylvan Lake. Enter the contest online at visitsylvanlake.ca/poutinecontest by February 11, 2022

> SPONSOR A WINTERFEST ACTIVITY

Winterfest is jam-packed with fun winter activities. Your business can get its name out there and be recognized as part of the event by sponsoring one of the Winterfest activities or an activity zone!

Sponsors will receive name recognition on visitsylvanlake.ca/winterfest and across event social media on Visit Sylvan Lake. Sponsor logos will be featured on in-person signage at the event activity. For more information and to sponsor a Winterfest activity contact nyoung@sylvanlake.ca or 403 887 1192 ext 512 by January 21, 2022

> FOR TOURISM PARTNERS ONLY: HOST A BAND

The Town of Sylvan Lake is looking for three restaurants or bars to host a band on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evenings as part of the event. Live music is a great way to finish off a day of chilly winter activities paired with a warm meal and a good drink!

The Town of Sylvan Lake will reimburse accepted restaurants up to 50% of the cost of the band up to a maximum of $400. Restaurants must be Tourism Partners before applying to host a band, and host a minimum 2 hour performance beginning between the hours of 7pm-11pm. Accepted restaurants must host a different band on a different night from other accepted restaurants. Band choice is at the option of the restaurant. First come first served. Accepted restaurants must receive a Confirmation Email specifying acceptance prior to booking a band.

Hosts will receive name recognition on visitsylvanlake.ca/winterfest and across event social media on Visit Sylvan Lake. Registration at visitsylvanlake.ca/bandhost or by calling 403 887 1192 ext 527. Closes January 21, 2022.

> HOST YOUR OWN THEMED EVENT

Host your own Winterfest x The BIG JIG-themed event in your business! Your event will be included in the Winterfest x The BIG JIG event marketing, helping to drive customers to your location. Please note that single business sales events are not eligible, this opportunity is suited for activities and experiences. Reach out if you're looking for help with your event idea at nbhola@sylvanlake.ca or 403 887 1192 ext 527.

Events will be posted on visitsylvanlake.ca/winterfest and across event social media on Visit Sylvan Lake. Submit your event online at visitsylvanlake.ca/shareevent by January 21, 2022 

Updated 2021-12-10

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ANNUAL PARTNERSHIP MEETING

Online Video Meeting | January 25, 2022 | 6:30 – 8:30pm

Mark your calendars! The first Annual Partnership meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, January 25 from 6:30 - 8:30pm and you're invited!

Thank you for being part of helping to build our community into a vibrant Alberta travel destination. We so look forward to working with our business community through the Tourism Partnership Program and gaining insights from tourism industry leaders in Sylvan Lake.

Join us for our first Annual Partnership Meeting as we recap the Tourism Partnership Program in 2021 and look forward to 2022! The Meeting will include short presentations and discussions with information from tourism, special events, and economic development provided by Town of Sylvan Lake staff.

While we hope to host Annual Partnership Meetings in-person in the future, please join us for this year’s meeting online by clicking the link below:

Click here to join the meeting

For questions or help connecting to the meeting, please contact nbhola@sylvanlake.ca

2022-01-05

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Winter and Shoulder Season  Tourism Toolkit | Tourism Industry Association of Canada

The TIAC has unveiled a Toolkit for thinking about and developing winter and shoulder season tourism products.

Alberta winters are long lasting and present an opportunity to create unique tourism products that celebrate the season.

For assistance with developing off-season activities for your business, check out the Toolkit below or get in touch with us for other resources such as personalized assistance directly from Travel Alberta.

> Winter and Shoulder Season Tourism Toolkit

2021-10-29

• 2021 Past Destination News