Final design approved for Lacombe's Woodland Sanctuary

Lacombe City Council approved the final design for the Woodland Sanctuary, St. Andrew’s United Church’s Tree Project, during the March 24 regular meeting.  

The City of Lacombe and United Church have collaborated to transform a 1.7-acre municipal reserve on the west end of Woodland Drive into a natural forest ecosystem with 100 native trees, shrubs, and native flowering perennials.   

The initiative aims to make a positive environmental impact, promote sustainability, foster community engagement, enhance mental and spiritual health, and beautify municipal areas.  

"Council would like to thank St. Andrew's United Church for recognizing the importance of our community's natural environment," Mayor Grant Creasey said. "Lacombe is known for our natural spaces; this project will help ensure that trees remain part of our identity for years to come."  

The design was developed and approved following a public engagement design workshop conducted by Cynthia Pohl of Living Lands Landscape + Design, contracted by the St. Andrew's Green Team.   

The cost of installation, design and layout work, plant material, habitat structures, and seating is over $50,000 and will be funded by private donations and grants through the United Church.   

The estimated budget for the city is $36,000 over three years, which is covered in the current budget.  

"We are excited to be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the formation of The United Church of Canada and its ministry in Lacombe by planting this living legacy for future generations to enjoy all the benefits of trees,” said Rev. Cecile Fausak, co-chair of St. Andrew's Green Team.  

City staff will work with Living Lands Landscape + Design and St. Andrew's on the delivery and planting of all the plant material and trees, the path layout, the installation of habitat structures, and signage on site.  

The city will manage ongoing site maintenance, including watering in the first three years, mowing the path, and ongoing weeding as necessary.  

The Woodland Sanctuary is scheduled to be available for public use by June 2025.  

**With information provided by the City of Lacombe

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