Buffalo Lake Public Access Enhancement

Buffalo Lake PAP Image 1

FINAL REPORT AVAILABLE – UNDER CONSIDERATION BY COUNTY COUNCIL

The County of Stettler No. 6 is excited to announce that the Final Report for the Buffalo Lake Public Access Enhancement Project is available for review and is in the process of being considered by County Council. The report provides recommendations to enhance the existing public access sites at Scenic Sands (1), Buffalo Lake Meadows (2) and Buffalo View Estates (3). Each site is shown on the map below.

The purpose of this project, and the report recommendations, is to enhance recreational opportunities and ensure that the needs and desires of our community members and visitors are met efficiently, creatively and sustainably. 

Buffalo Lake Map

Review the Report

A copy of the report is available HERE. Please note that the report outlines a series of improvements that may be implemented over several years.

County Administration has provided recommendations for an implementation framework for 2026 and 2027 and beyond. It involves:

 

  1. Limiting initial development in 2026 and 2027 to land under the direct control of the County to allow time for further discussions with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) regarding any improvements on the Provincial Right of Way. These discussions may result in a recreation lease for a portion of lake shore or dispositions for individual improvements. The discussions will also have to account for existing dispositions that AEPA has issued to community associations.
  2. Focusing on smaller scale improvements for 2026 and 2027 with some improvement directed at each of the three sites including:
    1. Site identification signs for the main access to each of the three locations and re-naming of BVE Marina to Rochon Sands Heights Marina.
    2. Information signs for each location outlining basic information about the site and expected etiquette.
    3. Garbage receptacles for each location.
    4. Trial use of portable toilets and related maintenance and service contract at each of the three locations.
    5. Public seasonal dock for the Rochon Sands Heights Marina location under the existing disposition for the marina.
  3. Scheduling larger scale improvements such as expanded parking areas for 2028 and beyond. 

 

Opportunity to Comment

County Council is scheduled to consider the report recommendations and the implementation framework at their April 22, 2026, Council Meeting.

Individuals wishing to comment on the report and the implementation framework can forward comments to Craig Teal. RPP MCIP, Director of Planning and Development at cteal@stettlercounty.ca by April 13, 2026.

Brief (3-5 minutes) presentations can also be made by attending the April 22, 2026 Council Meeting.

Please note that all comments received to date for earlier engagement opportunities have been shared with County Council.