Lacombe City council endorsed an updated plan to redevelop 49C Ave. into a pedestrian plaza in the centre of Lacombe’s downtown.
The updated plan will be completed in one phase and includes street lighting, paving stones, accessible seating, and modifications to the Highway 2A parking lot to permit access from 49B Ave.
“Lacombe City council is excited to see the redevelopment of this underutilized space move forward,” Mayor Grant Creasey said. “Credit should be given to the DARP committee for recognizing barriers to the original vision and pivoting accordingly. The updated 49C Pedestrian Plaza will surely bring community together for years to come.”
The updated plaza will increase the 2025 budget by $600K, while removing this amount from the 2027 and 2028 allotment. Plans to permanently close 49C Ave. have been deferred and are not included in the project budget.
In 2024, council allocated $850K for Phase 1 and $600K for Phase 2. These have been combined for the amended plan, with work on the single-phase plan to be completed in 2025. The budget includes a $200K grant from the Provincial Northern and Regional Economic Development Program.
Highlights of the updated plan for 49C include:
• crosswalk Improvements
• concrete paving stones
• decorative street lighting
• additional seating options
• parking lot reconfiguration
• 15 additional parking stalls
• improved access for local businesses
Construction is scheduled to begin and be completed in 2025. For more on DARP Priority projects, visit Lacombe.ca/DARP.
