By rdnewsNOW staff

moving forward

Lacombe approves $141K grant for performing arts centre

Sep 24, 2019 | 7:58 PM

Lifting the curtain on a new performing arts centre in Lacombe is being made easier by a grant worth nearly $141,000 for the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre Foundation (LPACF).

The funding comes through the City of Lacombe’s Community Builder Partnership Grant and is in accordance with a recommendation from the Lacombe and District Recreation, Parks and Culture Board.

“Council is pleased the Foundation has secured financing and has an agreement to purchase the Trinity Lutheran Church for a permanent arts facility,” said Mayor Grant Creasey. “One of our strategic goals is to support community groups to advance the arts in Lacombe. This grant will assist with the financial feasibility of this endeavor.”

The LPACF will use the City grant to reduce the mortgage principal, resulting in lower mortgage payments.

“We are over the moon and very excited to finally have a permanent performance space in the community, and we are grateful that City Council sees the many benefits of this initiative,” said LPACF Chair Grant Harder. “The grant money they have given us will go a long way in making the purchase of the building more affordable.”

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“The Lacombe Performing Arts Centre Foundation is long-standing in the community, offering regular performances and events, and has become a staple participant in festivals,” said Director of Community Services Deborah Juch. “Because they pay performers and stage local talent, the group directly contributes to Lacombe’s economy through the development of performers and with local purchasing. The artistic and cultural events in turn support related businesses such as restaurants, retailers, and hotels.”

The non-profit, volunteer-driven group has been working to establish a permanent arts facility in Lacombe since approximately 2010. In mid-2018, the LPACF leased the Trinity Lutheran Church on C & E Trail as a home base, and in the ensuing 12 months staged numerous performances, well attended by the wider community.

In late 2018, the property owners announced their intention to sell, and the Foundation began work to raise money, apply for grants, and seek public and private partnerships to purchase the building as their long-term home.

Following a building assessment and a commercial appraisal, the group was able to secure the property at a feasible price, and arranged for financing to carry their mortgage. The group takes possession on October 1.