By Sheldon Spackman

Waiting For An Application

Lacombe gives Canadian Tire more time to apply for development permit

Mar 23, 2021 | 12:24 PM

Lacombe city council has extended the deadline for Canadian Tire to apply for a development permit to build a location on the city’s east side.

The 17-month extension was granted by council on March 8, with the new deadline for Canadian Tire to apply set for Dec. 22, 2022.

“It’s unfortunate that we were unable to keep on schedule with the original agreement, but given the COVID crisis that we’re all experiencing, I think we were understanding and felt that that was the best alternative at this time,” explains Mayor Grant Creasey.

He says the land, which is located just south of Highway 12 at Lacombe Market Square and already owned by Canadian Tire, is serviced and ready for development.

With a fairly large store anticipated, Creasey acknowledges a large number of jobs should be created.

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“I think it would be a welcome addition to Lacombe and area for a great number of jobs,” suggests Creasey. “Keep in mind that as that big anchor store is in place, there is lots that will follow in the outlying area that will be developed and will require additional employees. Overall, I would expect well over 100 but that remains to be seen.”

In addition to increasing the community’s commercial tax base, Creasey notes that a development such as this could also bring additional visitors and residents to Lacombe.

“There would be some impacts to some area businesses in the short term, but I’m confident that in time, those numbers will actually increase to beyond their current sales, just with the added traffic that a destination-type store like that would bring to our community.”

He says adding more retail to Lacombe has been a priority for the current council.

“Council has certainly done its best to try and create an environment that would attract those types of businesses, and unfortunately it just takes a little longer for some than what we would like,” shares Creasey. “But overall, I would suggest that we have been successful.”

Lacombe city council invested $750,000 in 2018 to help facilitate the future store’s development, approving a bylaw allowing the City to invest the money.

City officials say construction is currently scheduled to commence June 25, 2023 with completion scheduled for June 25, 2024.