The town of Sylvan Lake, Alta., recently began updating its welcome signage, to help greet visitors, enhance its brand, and contribute to community pride. Photo courtesy Town of Sylvan Lake
The town of Sylvan Lake, Alta., recently began updating its welcome signage, to help greet visitors, enhance its brand, and contribute to community pride.
The scope of the project includes eight signs in five locations, consisting of four illuminated highway signs and four reflective signs. This year’s goal is to implement five of the new signs throughout the town.
The first phase of installation has already been completed and includes signage along Highway 11 and Township Road 390. The next phase will take place later in the year and will cover additional signage along and near Highway 11. PM Signs of Edmonton has been contracted to do the installations.
Sylvan Lake’s new signage is an objective in several municipal guiding documents, including its transportation master plan, which identifies the creation of more distinct and memorable gateways at points of entry around the town. The upgrades were also recommended through its wayfinding strategy and visitor friendliness assessment, to increase visibility and position the town as an all-season destination.
“Welcome signs define the borders of a community,” says Amanda Mercer, the town’s economic development officer. “They encourage people to slow down and stop, help our community stand out, and are the first thing visitors see. They also improve brand awareness, which helps people remember us and hopefully return. Businesses also benefit from welcome signs, as they help suppliers and customers from out of town find their way. Attractive welcome signs help us build brand awareness, which helps us attract business.”
