The Town of Sylvan Lake is getting a better idea of what its residents want in a redeveloped waterfront.

Concept drawings were presented to the public earlier this month, after consultation and a community design workshop.

According to a draft of the plan, Sylvan Lakers wanted things to do and places to go, with activities and public spaces emerging as key themes.

Indeed, making the town a year-round destination has been a long-standing desire of the community, said communications officer Joanne Gaudet.

“To expand beyond our summer months and attract visitors to our community, that tourism industry throughout the year,” Gaudet said. “Certainly there’s an economic value in that but the residents value having activities and a destination to go to throughout the winter.”

Other themes that came out of the community design workshop included complete streets, trail connectivity, heritage preservation, transit and returning basic retail like grocery stores.

Several amenities are proposed such as: an events centre, plaza, natural amphitheatre and park space for programmed and free play.

For an alternative plan for the former waterslide grounds, there’s also a zip line proposed.

However, the project -- which the town has branded as “REIMAGINE SYLVAN” -- isn’t just about having fun. Economic development is also a goal and Gaudet said plans like this one give investors certainty.

“They like knowing the direction of the town and seeing how we have a vision and how they can contribute to that vision,” she said.

“Once we have this plan in place and we start working on what we can as a municipality, hopefully that draws interest.”

Gaudet said the town is still taking feedback on the plan, and hopes to approve it at the end of the year.