The Alberta government called for shovel-ready infrastructure projects and the City of Lacombe answered with a snow storage facility.
The City of Lacombe was allocated over $1.6 million through the Alberta Government’s Municipal Stimulus Program. Council selected to use this money to update a snow storage facility and improve Highway 12 infrastructure.
“We’re pleased Council has asked us to deliver these two projects in Lacombe. Not only do they both improve needed infrastructure for the long term – they will also support local employment when it’s needed most,” said Mathew Goudy, City of Lacombe chief administration officer.
The snow storage facility is estimated to cost $933,000. Currently, the City is not compliant with Alberta Environment and Parks Snow Disposal guidelines, the upgrade would bring the City in line with those guidelines.
This project would see a former sewage lagoon repurposed into a snow storage facility. An off-leash dog area would also be created, as well as a public access point – with parking – to a stocked urban fishing pond.
The remaining funds would be used to improve Highway 12 at an estimated cost between $1.3 and $1.8 million. The road construction would stretch along the highway from the City’s western edge to the east side of Highway 12. Construction along this road would include updating and replacing any lead pipes that are still in use.
The Municipal Stimulus Program was announced by the Alberta Government on July 28. The program will provide municipalities with $500 million to build core infrastructure. Funding is distributed on a per capita basis. Eligible projects include roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, public transit and recreation. Projects must be started in 2020/2021 to be eligible for the program.
“Council is pleased to be able to fast-track these critical infrastructure projects that will be to the benefit of our citizens,” Deputy Mayor Don Gullekson said.
The deadline for municipalities to submit their projects to the government is Oct. 1. The City said they will submit both projects by the deadline.