Sylvan Lake amends parks code on dogs, sets fireworks parking-pass limits

The Sylvan Lake City Council on May 14 approved Ordinance 376 to correct duplicate entries in the Code of Ordinances regarding dogs in park areas. City staff explained the intent is not to create a new ban but to align the parks section with the previously adopted prohibition that excludes dogs from Lakeview Park and Ferndale Park while allowing dogs on Community Center grounds and a six-foot grass easement along streets for walking.

Councilmember Segal clarified that dogs remain permitted on the Community Center grounds and reiterated that the prohibition applies to Ferndale Park and Lakeview Park. City Manager Martin confirmed dogs may be walked on grass alongside streets but not in residents' yards.

Separately, council approved a traffic control order and the Community Center parking fee schedule for the July 3 fireworks. Martin said passes "sell out each year" and reported there are 70 spaces available. Councilmembers debated whether to limit how many passes one person may purchase; Segal suggested a five-pass limit while Clarke proposed 10. The council approved selling passes at $25 prior to the event and $30 the day of, with a limit of 10 passes per person.

Council discussion noted priority notification for residents with boat dock spaces and the concern that raising prices and purchase limits could disadvantage those residents; the council nevertheless approved the pricing and limit by unanimous vote. The traffic control order and fee schedule were approved as in prior years with the updated pricing and limit.