By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

trio of issues

Lacombe city council briefs: Community standards, patio policy, and investor engagement

Mar 30, 2022 | 11:06 AM

Lacombe city council will review the municipality’s Community Standards Bylaw, which outlines acceptable practices and standards for visitors and residents.

This means in-depth conversations on several proposed amendments will take place, including on topics such as:

• Trees in alleys and over sidewalks
• Classification of weeds to be enforced through the Bylaw
• Length of grass/weeds
• Vegetation in sidewalks
• Noise from commercial snow clearing
• Unsightly premises enforcement

“Our Community Standards Bylaw is an important tool council has to ensure Lacombe’s quality of life remains at a high level,” Mayor Grant Creasey said. “Council looks forward to receiving community feedback in the coming weeks. The 2022 Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce Trade Show will be an opportunity for residents to discuss these changes with council in person.”

The trade show is happening April 22-23 at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex.

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The Community Standards Bylaw was initially adopted in 2019.

Feedback can also be provided to communitystandards@lacombe.ca

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Council has approved an updated on-street patio policy, allowing businesses to include bistro table sets outside their establishments.

The policy notes that businesses must not impede necessary emergency services connections, storm drainage gutters, catch basins, and adjacent building exits.

“Since its inception the On Street Patio Policy has allowed Lacombe businesses to serve customers through innovative ways that attract new investment to our community,” said Mayor Creasey. “This updated policy will allow more businesses to benefit from outdoor dining options while enhancing the look and feel of our downtown.”

The City or third-party utilities may remove portions of a patio to access infrastructure.

Under the policy, which was adopted in 2020, one bistro set for every three metres of street frontage is permitted, as long as pedestrian access isn’t impeded.

The Policy provides administration with the authority to approve patio applications where less than 15 percent of available on‐street parking per block is impacted, or alternately, to refer applications to council for a decision. Under this policy, patio season runs from May 1-October 15 each year.

Pre-amendment policy

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On March 28, city council was presented with a directive by admin on how to improve engagement with land development investors.

The City is looking to formalize its process of sharing the community’s ‘business-friendly corporate culture and regulatory environment.’

Administration’s directive intends to:

• Document a process that demonstrates the City’s commitment to creating an environment conducive for investment and development
• Build upon (and improve) the City’s reputation in the development community as an investment jurisdiction of choice
• Provide an opportunity for the municipality to participate in conceptual level discussions with the developer
• Foster creativity and innovation to remove barriers, and explore opportunities
• Promote positive relationship building between the developer and staff

“Council is pleased administration has introduced this directive, which promises to spur economic growth in our community,” the mayor said. “The consolidation of our investment strategies helps our community attract new, sustainable development to Lacombe.”

The directive includes a land development investor roadmap, which The City describes as a structured guideline for complex developments created in consultation with prospective land developers and City staff.

“The Roadmap guides developers through the municipal approval pathway, outlines any constraints, and highlights opportunities for a parcel (or area) of land within the City of Lacombe,” a release says. “Informally, administration already follows the general approach outlined in the directive. Formalizing the steps ensures a consistent, organized, and efficient response to prospective land developers who express interest in investing in the City of Lacombe.”

More information is in the March 28 agenda package.