Lacombe City Council approved the plan for the Downtown Pedestrian Plaza, redeveloping 49C Avenue to encourage pedestrian use.
The project was approved after collaboration and planning with the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP) Committee.
“After delivering the Heart of Lacombe, the DARP Committee has presented a future signature space for our community,” Mayor Grant Creasey said. “The redevelopment of 49C Avenue will enable it to be a vibrant public space. The new pedestrian plaza will provide our residents with a space for community, creativity, and culture.”
Screen capture courtesy of City of Lacombe website.
The project will be completed in two phases, with $850,000 committed for this year, and another $600,000 in 2025, including a $200,000 grant from the provincial government through the Northern and Regional Economic Development Program.
“The DARP Committee has worked diligently to create an engaging public space for our downtown while also being mindful of the needs and wants of our residents,” DARP Committee Chair Joe Whitbread said. “We feel this phased approach to this project allows residents to see the immense value of a new plaza on 49C Avenue while recognizing the practical needs for parking and a safe commute.”
During the first phase, traffic patterns will be changed into a one-way road heading south towards Highway 2A. The north intersection along 50 Avenue will be redesigned to include two bulb-outs, creating a shorter crosswalk heading west from the Flatiron Building.
The project also includes removing crosswalks from the intersection in front of the Campbell Block building.
The space will include 10 parking spaces on 49C Avenue. Sidewalks will be extended to encourage pedestrian use in the plaza.
To prepare for an active pedestrian-oriented space, new access to the parking lots and stores along Highway 2A will be constructed.
Phase one of construction is estimated to begin in September.