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$100,000

Lacombe combines two community grants with aim to draw larger events

Jan 10, 2023 | 10:56 AM

The City of Lacombe is combining two grants in order to give more flexibility to applicants, and minimize presentations to council for minor requests.

Mashed together are the Community Builder Partnership Grant ($50,000) and the Recreation and Culture Grant ($20,000), along with an additional $30,000 for an overall pot of $100,000.

According to the City, this move allows the Lacombe & District Recreation, Parks, and Culture Board to approve requests below $10,000 for capital projects, programming, and events. Requests above that threshold will be vetted through the Lacombe and District Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Board, with recommendations made to city council for final approval.

“Council is excited to offer new opportunities to our community through the revised Community Builder Partnership Policy,” Mayor Grant Creasey said. “By combining previous funding models and including the potential for one-time signature events, we are maximizing the investment made by our citizens back into their community.”

Events requiring financial and volunteer investment, like music festivals, major concerts, sporting events, and speaking engagements, are now eligible for funding.

The goal. the City adds, is to promote and support independent operations by allowing the applicant first to build a solid base of consistent users.

The Community Builder Partnership Policy was originally approved in June 2012 and has funded several projects including:

• 2017 – Lacombe Athletic Park Association – $43,750.00 (Basketball Courts)
• 2019 – Lacombe Performing Arts Centre – $143,937.50 (Property Acquisition)
• 2022 – Lacombe & District Historical Society – $20,398.73 (Archival Storage)
• 2023 – Lacombe Fish & Game Association – $75,000.00 (Accessible Dock)

The City says preference will be given to requests which align with council’s Strategic Plan and those that address gaps identified in the Community Needs Assessment (planned for 2023).