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TRI-MUNICIPAL PROJECT

Regional recreation facility to be explored by Lacombe region, Blackfalds

Feb 7, 2025 | 3:18 PM

The City of Lacombe is exploring the possibility of creating a regional recreation facility in partnership with Lacombe County and the Town of Blackfalds.

In their regular meeting on Jan. 27, Lacombe’s city council directed administration to prepare and submit an Alberta Community Partnership Grant application with the city as the managing partner.

In 2024, all three parties’ councils passed resolutions expressing interest in pursuing the project.

The City of Lacombe council report says a tri-municipal facility located strategically in Lacombe County could provide residents in the surrounding area with a high-quality recreation facility while reducing the municipal cost burden through cost-sharing.

Some residents have expressed a desire for new recreation opportunities through the City of Lacombe Recreation and Culture Master Plan and the Town of Blackfalds Recreation, Culture, and Parks Needs Assessment and Master Plan, the report notes.

The Alberta Community Partnership program is designed to support municipalities in attaining the following outcomes:

  • New or enhanced regional municipal services.
  • Improved municipal capacity to respond to municipal and regional priorities.
  • Effective intermunicipal relations through joint and collaborative activities.

As the managing partner, the City of Lacombe is expected to submit the grant application on behalf of the partnership, enter the grant agreement, receive and manage the grant funds on behalf of the partnership and report to the ministry on project expenses and outcomes.

A feasibility assessment expected for the project will look at elements of the project including potential financial models and cost estimates, land and infrastructure considerations and social and regulatory factors.