I am pleased to share this status update on City of Lacombe projects undertaken during my tenure as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). I would also like to announce the adoption of a succession plan by council, with acting positions confirmed for CAO, Director of Planning & Operations and Manager of Planning and Development.
These acting positions will take effect from Dec. 23rd to March 24th, 2017.
During this time, a competitive process to hire a permanent CAO will be undertaken. Once a permanent CAO is selected, steps will be taken to fill all affected positions.
As I depart, I believe it important to share with you highlights achieved during my service, helping to lay the groundwork that will serve the community well into the future.
Completed initiatives include:
• Updated municipal plans (Municipal Sustainability Plan, Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan, Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw, Transportation Master Plan, Cemetery Master Plan, Trails Master Plan, Off Site Levy Bylaw and Cemetery Master Plan)
• Implemented strategic planning framework that ties our corporate business plans and budget to Council’s strategic plan which is reviewed and updated annually.
• Delivered affordable housing in Lacombe that leveraged private sector contributions.
• Completed planning and design development for downtown infrastructure improvements enabling construction in 2017.
• Interim facility use plan for the provincial building and the vacated police building.
• Acquired land for a new public works shop in Len Thompson Industrial Park and a new civic centre in downtown Lacombe.
• Hosted a successful fund development program, raising $591,750 toward the Arena project.
• Obtained funding approval for the regional wastewater line with an approved plan that will see the City of Lacombe connected to this regional service by 2018.
• Established Echo Lacombe Association to serve as a community economic development engine, with its inaugural project providing funding to the community stage in Lest We Forget Park.
• Adopted the Heritage Management Plan for effective stewardship and focus on the preservation of historical resources in the community.
• Instituted a corporate brand that focuses our marketing efforts and showcases City of Lacombe brand identity.
• Introduced BOLT (a regional transit system) that promotes sustainable transportation alternatives.
• Coordinated new and expanded community festivals encouraging community development and participation. (Light Up The Night, Encore Art Sale and Celebration, Culture and Harvest Festival, Canada Day celebrations, Music in the Park)
• Enhanced comprehensive training program for the Lacombe Fire Department members to achieve professional competencies defined by the National Fire Protection Association (FFPA).
• Developed a draft regional emergency management social services plan that will serve as a template for the City’s plan.
• Formalized budget process and policies incorporating capital and operating plans.
• Improved media relations inclusive of City of Lacombe sponsored social media sites.
• Facilitated public engagement opportunities resulting in resident’s actively influencing public policy.
• Completed Wolf Creek/Whelp Brook Master Drainage Plan and performed updates to Storm Water Management Plan
Initiatives in progress include:
• Performing final updates to the Inter-municipal Development Plan with Lacombe County.
• Near-completion of the Gary Moe Sportsplex renovation project in the third week of January, 2017. Final facility improvements to the existing dressing room area are scheduled for completion in the spring/summer of 2017.
• Ongoing discussion with Lacombe County to extend municipal services to the west area of the City, under Hwy. 2 into the county.
Additionally, we are starting to see outcomes of the 1% for Art Policy with public art decorating designated locations throughout the City, adding another unique effect to our urban landscape.
I offer my congratulations to the Lacombe Police Service and the Lacombe Police Commission on the grand opening of the new police facility on Dec. 8th. This modernization of our municipal police force will allow us to focus efforts on keeping our City safe now and well into the future.
Two industrial lots in the Len Thompson Industrial Park have been purchased, with the sale scheduled to close in January 2017. It is my hope that this will serve as the catalyst to kick-start additional industrial land sales in the community.
The 2016 Year in Review publication is also now being compiled, and will be circulated publicly early in the New Year.
This serves as my last communiqué, and I commend all who contributed and shared in the myriad successful outcomes realized during my tenure as CAO. It is my hope that the City and the community continue to encourage boundary-spanning dialogue that will help to shape the future of Lacombe.
During my time here, there was remarkable progress in both the City organization and the talent and capabilities of our employees. I have also seen measurable growth in the breadth and quality of the programs and services offered, and corresponding resident participation in the civic process.
In bidding you farewell, I want to wish the community continued success in all future endeavours, and I thank residents for giving me the opportunity to serve.
My best wishes to you and yours for a safe and happy holiday season.
Norma MacQuarrie is the outgoing Chief Administrative Officer for Lacombe.