Heritage Survey and Inventory Update underway in Lacombe

Officials say Lacombe has been actively evaluating sites over the years. This project is expected to allow for a more concerted effort to assess, research and document the significant heritage resources in Lacombe.

Officials say Heritage Inventories are typically developed by evaluating sites listed on the Places of Interest List. This project was funded by the City of Lacombe and in part by the Government of Alberta. The Places of Interest List (aka POIL) sits between Survey and Inventory. It is a listing of sites that have heritage potential and may require further investigation, add City officials.

Currently, Lacombe has 109 sites listed on the POIL. The current update includes reconnaissance, reviewing those 109 sites, and adding new sites to POIL. Sites are added to POIL by recommendations from historians, municipal staff or HRC members and/or specialized heritage researchers – but more importantly, heritage places are added via community engagement and input, say officials.

Officials further note that Heritage Preservation is a community-driven process, adding the community has the first and often final say on heritage preservation activities.

Engagement activities (including two open houses) are expected to run throughout Fall 2022. Residents can watch for a booth or table to pop up at various community events – including the evening of October 13 during the Farmer’s Market at the LMC.

Officials also point out that September launched the Community Survey. It is available online: Lacombe.ca or in hardcopy. Hardcopies are available at the engagement/popup events. It is a short survey but is expected to supply the project with a wealth of data and information.

This information is anticipated to guide both survey work and evaluation and assist in a better understanding of the community’s awareness, interests, and passions for heritage, which is said to be an essential part of the overall project scope.

The project scope includes:

1. Review and update Survey and Inventory – update the status of previous Heritage Survey & POIL sites; add 1950-1971 sites to the Survey; assess and add sites to the POIL; and Inventory up to 15 heritage resources.

2. Public Engagement – inform overall project outcomes and elevate public awareness and interest in Lacombe’s Heritage.

3. Incentives Review – review current and possible future sources for funding heritage preservation activities.

City officials say the overall outcome of the project scope is not only heritage preservation but also intended to assist in decision-making about historical resources. Heritage stewardship is said to be about identifying what is important and managing the evolution of these sites. Proper stewardship allows for better decisions regarding significant sites and reduced administration (‘red-tape’) when managing sites of lesser significance, add City officials.

“Lacombe takes a lot of pride in its heritage and in seeing it continue to contribute to the community,” says a City release. “Lacombe’s Heritage Survey & Inventory project will enable the City of Lacombe to manage change better while protecting Lacombe’s Heritage – intertwining the past with Lacombe’s bright future.”

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Heritage Survey and Inventory Update underway in Lacombe

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