The City of Lacombe is proud to announce that Mayor Steve Christie has been chosen to receive the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) Award of Excellence, which recognizes outstanding civic leadership by either past or present municipal elected officials who have held office for at least three years in Alberta.
“Mayor Christie has demonstrated his dedication and outstanding leadership on many levels and many fronts,” said Chief Administrative Officer Dion Pollard in a release.
“The City has continued to progress under his tenure and has established solid principles and policies for future growth. With Mayor Christie acknowledging his intent to not participate in the upcoming municipal election, this prestigious award ensures his legacy is recognized.”
The award will be presented at the AUMA Convention Session on Nov. 22nd in Calgary.
Christie has had a long and distinguished career serving the residents of Lacombe, as a dedicated volunteer through his church, the local Rotary club, youth advisory boards, as a long-time volunteer firefighter and as an elected official.
He served as a councillor for six years before being elected mayor in 2010.
His first term in office resulted in many positive developments for Lacombe, including achieving municipal oversight on the Highway 2A twinning project. He worked tirelessly to encourage open dialogue between members of council, City administration and residents, promoted meaningful community consultation through the 2013 Citizen Satisfaction Survey, championed heritage preservation and continued investment in critical civic infrastructure.
Christie also introduced new initiatives to help the City connect directly with residents and stakeholders, such as the youth-oriented Mayor for a Day program and the Mayor’s State of the City Address, delivered annually at a joint City/Chamber of Commerce business luncheon for business professionals, political figures, service groups, and community influencers.
Christie’s second term in office yielded even more successes for the community, including the attraction of a new hotel to Lacombe along with a number of thriving businesses, which has led to Lacombe becoming an emerging foodie destination. His community boosterism has resulted in significant investment in the arts, and Lacombe is now considered as a regional culture hub.
Christie oversaw significant renovations and upgrades to the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex, the commissioning of a new municipal police station, the revitalization of Lacombe’s downtown core, and the development of an affordable housing strategy which has led to partnerships with developers and Habitat for Humanity Red Deer to provide affordable housing to local families.
He also helped to introduce residential blue box recycling, and played an integral role in the development of a safe and affordable regional public transit project (BOLT Transit) that connects the communities of Lacombe and Blackfalds with Red Deer.
Most recently, he realized a long-held dream to ensure a sustainable future for Lacombe by spearheading efforts to secure the construction of the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater System, continues the release.
“Christie believes that accountability, teamwork and passion are key ingredients for successful leadership, and that the people of Lacombe have the ideas, talents, and energy to meet their challenges head-on and build sustainable opportunities to create a strong and successful future for their City.”
-Weber