West area development in Lacombe takes big step forward

An agreement put in place this week between the City of Lacombe and Lacombe County should pave the way for commercial development along the QEII.

Projected for development over the next twenty or more years, the Midway Centre commercial development in Lacombe’s west area will include major commercial (ie. retail, hotels), high-density residential and a trail system around Whelp Brook.

Lacombe city council gave first reading to the plan’s rezoning requirements at their recent meeting with the County giving their blessing earlier this month as well. A public hearing and second and third readings for the rezoning are now scheduled for September 25.

“Extension of water and sewer services through the west area into county lands will help facilitate long-term economic development for our communities,” said Chief Administrative Officer Dion Pollard. “The Midway Centre development supports the establishment of Lacombe as a commercial destination centre on the QEII corridor, which will provide diverse employment opportunities and promote both new and existing business in the city.”

Extension of sewer and water to the west area and into the county is estimated to cost $11.7 million, 50 per cent of which will come from the County. With another $3.5 million tabbed for roadway improvements at Highway 12 and 76 Street, the project’s total cost comes to around $15.2 million.

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Once the County’s contribution is taken into account and the developer pays their $2.1 million in levies, the City is left to pay approximately $7.2 million, $6.6 of which will be borrowed.

Matt Goudy, City Director of Planning and Operations says that will be paid for by raising water rates by $17.50/year and sewer by $38.70/year for the average household.

What’s in it for the county is the attraction of an area west of the QEII already identified for commercial which will now be serviced by water and sewer.

“It is exciting to take this next step forward in our Joint Economic Area, which will provide for future growth and development in both Lacombe County and the City of Lacombe,” said Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law. “The Lacombe West Area Servicing Project is a great example of how rural and urban municipalities can work together in providing new opportunities that will benefit all our communities.”

More information on the rezoning proposal and the project as a whole is at Lacombe.ca.