City of Lacombe wins provincial award for repurposing former lagoons

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Officials say Vesta Energy uses five of the city’s decommissioned and underutilized lagoon cells to store water for its operations throughout the region.

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“Our partnership with Vesta Energy to repurpose our former lagoon site has provided immense benefits to our residents,” said Mayor Grant Creasey. “What was once a liability requiring eventual remediation by the municipality is now an asset which allows council to reinvest significant dollars back into the community.”

The City says residents financially benefit from the deal, with Vesta contributing a minimum $100,000 annual payment starting in 2023 for using the lagoon cells. They add Vesta’s long-term investment also benefits the local economy by providing ongoing jobs for the city and region.

“Congratulations to the City of Lacombe on receiving the EDA Community Award of Excellence. Vesta is proud to support the City in this project and deliver economic benefits to the local community from the use of inactive infrastructure. This project is a great model for municipalities collaboratively working with local industry partners,” said Mark Lansing, Vesta’s Vice-President of Health, Safety & Environment and Sustainability.

The City and Vesta have also collaborated on the development and expansion of the Vesta Energy Fish and Fetch Park, which sits adjacent to the former lagoons. City officials say Vesta’s contribution allowed for several amenities to the dog park, which may have otherwise gone unfunded.

“Council would like to thank Economic Developers Alberta for recognizing how valuable this partnership has become to Lacombe,” said Mayor Creasey. “This award shows economic development is best done as a collaborative and creative endeavor.”

EDA is a not-for-profit organization that aims to advance the economic development profession in the province by providing an active network of professional development, information and networking opportunities.