Juanna Thompson for Sylvan Lake Town Council
Vision for Sylvan Lake
Juanna's approach is 'Community First'.
This means Lakers should see positive benefits from tourism, work and recreate in a safe, clean and family-friendly community while enjoying a high quality of living.
Sylvan Lake is a jewel - let's keep it that way.
Details on her platform values:
Affordability
& Budget Efficiency
Do more with less - finding efficiencies in the Town's Operations Budget.
Collect more revenue from Tourism:
* Increase STARs license fees. Let's face it, visitors in our lovely AirBnBs place a strain on our water resources, infrastructure and community & health services.
* Evaluate success of increased parking fees for 2026 season and adapt from there.
Business Licenses & Lost Revenue - Crackdown on delinquents!
Seek opportunities for shared resources (and save money!).
Maximize revenue source opportunities - securing more grant funding and leveraging funds by partnering on projects.
*More revenue means less chance of property taxes spiking.*
Encouraging volunteerism in the Community.
Healthy Lake
Ensuring our lake is protected through collaboration with the Province, Counties and Summer Villages on effective local conservation initiatives.
*Update the Sylvan Lake Watershed Management Plan*
* Let's Tackle this Prussian Carp Issue HEAD ON!
Sufficient enforcement during busy summer months is needed.
Work with Province on ice-fishing activities (fires/debris/pollutants) entering our lake during spring melt.
Sylvan is known for it's crystal clear water - without blue-green algae blooms, or 'swimmer's itch'. There is a lot to lose if our community loses water quality!
Let's not forget about Aquatic Invasive species, like zebra mussels. Continued education and vigilance on this threat is key.
Sustainable development and growth in our community should always be a priority - for the benefit of our residents, our wildlife and our local businesses.
Championing Sustainable Tourism
Tourism needs to directly benefit residents - in a positive way.
We all know Sylvan Lake is a popular destination, receiving over One Million visitors each year. That is a lot of garbage to manage and water usage! It's crucial we HAVE A PLAN for social, environmental and infrastructure impacts.
More enforcement of our Bylaws and policies is key.
Education & awareness of lake ecology and conservation initiatives (i.e. Interpretive Signage) would benefit both visitors and residents - promoting responsible use and recreation.
Keep it Local!
Once a small business owner herself (music school), Juanna recognizes the importance of supporting local business owners and encouraging the community to shop local.
Sylvan Lake's business owners need our support more than ever. In economic uncertainty, rising costs (of everything!) and inflation, it is important we shop local to help local businesses survive & thrive. Let's find some creative incentives for our local business owners!
Key Strategies:
Red Tape Reduction & Approval Streamlining
Provide Low-Cost Advertising Options for new businesses
Flexible Rezoning
Resource for available grants and tax incentives
Adequate infrastructure and office space available
Why Juanna for Council?
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EXPERIENCE
Juanna is a Professional Biologist with over a decade of public service experience at provincial and federal levels.
Her skill set includes community engagement, public consultation, science/ecology background and an excellent understanding of policies and legislation.
She knows how to truly listen!
Juanna understands municipal governance and the importance of balancing diverse community interests.
Juanna will bring a FRESH PERSPECTIVE to Council. Her strong commitment to partnership and collaboration will enhance decision-making processes and create solutions-oriented outcomes.
She's a 'people person' who brings an extensive background in working with various levels of government as well as a wide range of stakeholder and community groups.
COMMITMENT
She cares about the community where she lives, works and recreates.
Living around lakes for most of her life, Juanna has a strong connection to water and lake stewardship.
She moved to Sylvan Lake for it's small town charm and to raise a family in a vibrant, safe community.
She believes in giving back to her community through volunteering.
WHAT JUANNA WILL BRING TO COUNCIL:
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Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills
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Collaborative Leadership Style
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Organizational & Time Management Skills
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Effective Voice for Community Concerns
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Understands the value of Teamwork and Partnerships
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Strong Communication Skills
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Financial and Budget Expertise
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Conflict Resolution & Negotiation Skills
For questions, concerns or to learn more about Juanna's campaign, please reach out using the form below.