Lacombe City Council approved an initiative to explore innovative land development, partnering and sponsorship opportunities through the continued use of a public Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI).
The continuation of this process stems from the success of building Lacombe. The RFEOI, which led to multiple achievements in 2019, including the acquisition of the former Parkland Regional Library building and the sale of the two newly created commercial lots on the western edge of the community.
The proceeds allowed council to eliminate the debenture borrowing from purchasing the Provincial building. Council again used the process to seek a user for the Parkland Regional Library building. This process led to establishing a long-term lease with all utilities and maintenance covered by the tenant.
“Council is always looking for creative ways to drive investment towards Lacombe,” said Grant Creasey, mayor of Lacombe. “The RFEOI process allows the city to partner with the broader community to ensure municipal properties continue to benefit our citizens. Council looks forward to reviewing innovative proposals from interested citizens, organizations and businesses.”
Due to the initiative’s success, the city said that the RFEOI process will soon be a permanent fixture of city business, with a detailed listing of available opportunities for collaboration available via the city’s website.
In a release, the city said that the RFEOI will be a living, ongoing document. It will include land development at the Len Thompson industrial park lots, the public works site, city hall site and two vacant lots with the city. One lot is located just east of the police station, 3810 53 Avenue and between city hall to the west and Dancer’s Edge to the east, 5422 56 Avenue.
The request also includes partnership opportunities for the Michener Park campground and the Lacombe Memorial Centre Kinsmen Room. City-owned parking lots are also included in the RFEOI but does not include the Lacombe Memorial Centre and fire hall locations.
Sponsorship opportunities with the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex, dressing rooms, public art, splash park and the hall of fame are also available.
The official RFEOI page on lacombe.ca will launch in May 2022, and will showcase a series of photos, videos, maps, and other resources to prospective collaborators.