Welcome

Area Overview

TOWN OF LACOMBE MUNICIPAL OFFICE 
5432 56th Avenue
Lacombe, AB, Canada  T4L 1E9
403-782-6666
403-782-5655 fax
mail@lacombe.ca
www.lacombe.ca

LOCATION

• Intersection of Highways 2, 12 and 2A
• 25 kilometres north of Red Deer
• 160 klilometres north of Calgary
• 120 kilometres south of Edmonton
• Surrounding Rural Municipality: Lacombe County
• Elevation – 853 metres
• Latitude/Longitude: 52 degrees/28 minutes North; 113 degrees/44 minutes West
  

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

Nestled in one of Central Alberta's most fertile valleys, Lacombe is a fast-growing community that welcomes innovation and enterprise while honouring its vibrant heritage.

Lacombe's attractive quality of life combines with economic momentum generated by its advantageous location in the heart of the bustling Calgary-Edmonton corridor. Years of steady population and economic growth demonstrate that it's truly a community on the move.

Living in Lacombe is comfortable and convenient, offering all the services and amenities necessary for a growing population of 12,000 residents. Lacombe prides itself on being a community that takes care of people. The town has excellent schools, including Canadian University College, a hospital, library, arena, curling rink, indoor pool, spray park and an extensive trails network, plus top-notch parks, playgrounds, playing fields and natural areas.

Situated on highways 2 and 12, Lacombe is a regional transportation hub that includes convenient rail access and a municipal airport serving light aircraft. A number of prime industrial lots are currently available at affordable prices, with even more recently annexed lands in the early development stages. The town's proximity to large petro-chemical facilities at Joffre and Prentiss presents numerous opportunities for related businesses.

Lacombe's carefully restored Edwardian-style downtown district provides excellent niche shopping and dining experiences, plus tourism opportunities in the Flatiron Building's interpretive centre, Michener House Museum and and working Blacksmith Shop.

Location

A picturesque but fast-growing community of 12,000 residents, Lacombe offers modern subdivisions, a full range of schools, including Canadian University College, a hospital and first-class recreation facilities. Lacombe's high quality of life makes it an ideal location for focusing your personal and professional energies.

Lacombe is one of Central Alberta's most appealing and progressive communities, with a strong local government emphasis on sustainability. Volunteerism and participation in local activities, programs and organizations is high.

Living in Lacombe is comfortable and convenient, offering all the urban services and amenities necessary for a growing population. Lacombe prides itself on being a community that takes care of people. The town has excellent schools, including Canadian University College, a fully-accredited, degree-granting post-secondary institution with century-old connection roots in the community. You'll also find a hospital, library, arena, curling rink, indoor pool, spray park and an extensive trails network, plus top-notch parks, playgrounds, playing fields and natural areas.

Beyond the attractive Edwardian-style architecture which characterizes much of the downtown district, the community's charm is enhanced by dozens of beautiful heritage homes located on avenues shaded by massive trees. Parks and green spaces and natural areas abound in Lacombe, many of them linked to a chain of small lakes by an extensive network of woodland trails. Golfers know that Lacombe is the perfect place stay and play, with over 30 golf courses located within a 75 kilometre radius of the town. Dozens of other recreational opportunities can be found on Lacombe's doorstep and throughout the Central Alberta region. In 2007, a new, state-of-the-art Lacombe Memorial Centre and Public Library opened its doors downtown to serve as a hub of community activity.

Lacombe's central location makes it one of Alberta's most accessible towns. Red Deer is just 25 kilometres to the south, while both Calgary (160 kilometres) and Edmonton (120 kilometres) lie within easy driving distance. Lacombe is also in close proximity to Alberta's Rocky Mountain playground (150 kilometres), and a number of lakes are much closer to home (Gull Lake, 12 kilometres; Alix Lake, 45 kilometres; Sylvan Lake, Buffalo Lake, Pine Lake).

As home to federal and provincial research stations, Lacombe has long been a leader in the agricultural industry. Lacombe's economy includes a growing oilfield service and manufacturing sector. The town's largest employer is Alberta Financial Services Corporation, with over 400 full-time staff serving the needs of Alberta farmers.

Situated on highways 2 and 12, Lacombe is a regional transportation hub that includes convenient rail access and a municipal airport serving light aircraft. A number of prime industrial lots are currently available at affordable prices, with even more recently annexed lands in the early development stages. The town's proximity to large petro-chemical facilities at Joffre and Prentiss presents numerous opportunities for related businesses.

Lacombe is proud to be known as Alberta's "Sweet Spot." We encourage you to pay a visit and discover all our community has to offer!

Economic Base

Retail

Grow with Confidence

A community that grows by at least 3% per year, Lacombe is the right place to put your business. Lacombe offers great potential for all types of retail businesses where the cost of operations are low and the rewards are great.

Harmony in Lacombe

The harmonious juxtaposition of new and old coupled with the access to the large consumer population of Red Deer just 18 km to the south, has given Lacombe a unique potential in retail marketing. Boutiques, craft shops, artistic outlets, ethnic-oriented cafes, mini-museums. The streetscape of downtown Lacombe offers a unique appeal to discriminating consumers, to tourists, and to the local residents.

Business Opportunities

The business opportunities for new store owners are very enticing. Cost of land and buildings is most reasonable. Lease space can be arranged in the $10.00 to $21.00 range - a far cry from the $12.00 -$40.00 per square foot the large cities are demanding. Please see our current list of opportunities wanted for Lacombe.

Economic Development Board

Under the auspices of town council, the EDB has set itself some definite goals. Created to secure existing business and to promote new commercial and industrial ventures, the board has drawn up ambitious objectives. Land and buildings inventories have been set up, industrial parks are in place, new residential developments are being added every year. Enjoy the success that comes with confident growth.

Alberta Main Street Program

Lacombe was selected by Heritage Canada and Alberta Culture for this project. It was a program geared to downtown revitalization within a "heritage" framework. Lacombe's historical character was ideally suited for the program and after six years saw the refurbishing of 35 buildings, new street lights, trees and downtown landscaping.

Chamber of Commerce

Lacombe can truly say it has an active Chamber. The business community has a legacy of lasting projects sponsored by the Chamber.

Industrial

Our Light and Heavy Industrial properties are priced to sell, based on a strict cost recovery of lands held by the Town of Lacombe. The price of Lacombe's serviced industrial property is $110,000.00 per acre.  Compared to other communities on the Highway #2 corridor, where prices range from $50,000 to $250,000 per acre, Lacombe's prices are very competitive.

It's an exciting time to be doing business in Lacombe. With the announcement of the construction of Canadian Premium Meats - Bison, Elk and Beef processing facility - over $22 million in construction was completed between 2006 and 2008. Meanwhile, Lacombe's close proximity to oil, gas and petrochemical facilities makes it a great place to base your petroleum focused operations.

We are serious about welcoming your industrial development to our community - please email Wendy Kalkan - Economic & Community Development Officer, or phone 403-782.1263 to arrange an opportunity to discuss how you can join the industrial expansion in our growing community.

Economic Development Plan

Web: http://www.town.lacombe.ab.ca/11/Policies/62/2004plandfinal080904.htm

Town of Lacombe Strategic Plan

Web: http://www.town.lacombe.ab.ca/11/Policies/11/11_911_02.htm

Economic Facts

Population and Dwelling Counts	Lacombe, Town	Alberta
	Total	Total
Population in 2006	10,742	3,290350
Population in 2001	9,384	2,974,807
2001 to 2006 population change (%)	14.5	10.6
Total private dwellings	4,037	1,335,745
Population density per square kilometre	588.8	5.1
Land area (square km)	18.24	640,044.57

Economic Opportunities

Buy an existing business, or build new. Lacombe has many opportunities to take advantage of. Call 403.782.1263 for information about business in Lacombe.The Town of Lacombe presently has the following commercial real estate listings) provided by the Canadian Real Estate Association):
Lacombe's Economic Development Board identifies the following as high demand new businesses based on recent Lacombe and area consumer market research:

Retail Opportunities:

Lacombe has experienced an annual growth rate of 3% or higher for more than a decade, making the community the right place to locate your retail operation.  Great potential exists for all types of businesses in this sector; the cost of operations are low while the potential rewards are great.

Lease space can be arranged in the $12 to $14 range, a far cry from the $12 - $40 per square foot demand in larg urban centres.

Boutiques, craft shops, galleries, cafes and unique speciality shops all fit in well with the classic Edwardian-style architecture and streetscapes of downtown Lacombe.

Bookstore/News Stand/Artist Supplies - While Lacombe does have a used book store, a store selling new and specialty books has potential. Our Library boosts of an increased clientele reflecting an interest in reading. Add a News Stand or Artists Supplies and your business will flourish! Lacombe is the centre of a major school system, including the Canadian University College. These facilities combined with night classes and adult education programs, foster a significant interest in the arts. Currently an art supplies business is non-existent in Lacombe. What an opportunity!

Children's Wear (New) - Lacombe, with a population exceeding 8,000, currently has two junior department stores and is begging for a quality store exclusive to children's wear. A first rate entrepreneur with exceptional marketing skills and access to unique product lines would do well establishing in Lacombe.

Intimate Dining - We have wonderful restaurants here, but one with an intimate atmosphere where a couple can go out for a romantic evening and share a special meal would be ideal.

Music Store - The drug stores sell them, you might find some in our mall, but a business in Lacombe that sells CDs and tapes exclusively would be a hit. Why run to Red Deer? Settle in Lacombe and make this business venture a profitable one!

Toy Store - Kids will always love toys, will always want to look, and will always want their parents to buy. What more can be said?

Wine/Beer Making Supplies - Lacombe is ideal for this type of business. A perfect location would be in the Heart of Lacombe where Edwardian buildings create such a unique atmosphere for such a unique product.

Our Economic Development Officer is always pleased to answer any enquiries you may have and to provide you with as much detail as you require to establish yourself as a Lacombe entreprenuer. Give the ECDO a call at (403) 782-1263.

 

Utilities

• Electric Power: Epcor
• Natural Gas: Direct Energy
• Telephone: Telus
• High speed internet: Telus
• Cable TV: Shaw Cable
• Recycling facilities located on Wolf Creek Drive
• Municipal Utilities Services Water
• Regional Water Supply
• 3 Pump Stations: reservoir capacity 1.5 million gallons.
• System Capacity: 18,000 population
• Rates: $17.42/month basic charges plus $1.50 per consumed cu meter 
• SewerAerated Lagoon SystemStorage Capacity: 141,000,000 gallons
• System Capacity: 15,000 population
• Rates: 40% of water charges
• Garbage - Residential and Commercial container pickup.
• Disposal through regional solid waste authority.
• $17.00 per month, for collection, recycling, and disposal services. Non-residential based on volume and frequency.
• Bulk Water Station - $3.15 per cu meter

More details: www.lacombe.ca

Taxation

MUNICIPAL TAXATION

Property taxes are based on the market value of the land plus buildings, multiplied by the mill rate established by the local government authority. Assessments, and the resulting tax, reflect a 12-month period (January 1 - December 31). Tax notices are mailed in May and must be paid prior to June 30 to avoid late payment penalties. 2008 mill rates: residential 13.876, non-residential 15.91.

For more information, please contact:

Michael Minchin
Town of Lacombe Corporate Services Director
5432 56th  Avenue
Lacombe, Alberta  T4L 1E9
403-782-6666
403-782-5655 fax
mail@lacombe.ca
www.lacombe.ca

PROVINCIAL & FEDERAL CORPORATE TAXATION

All corporate residents in Canada are subject to income tax levied upon income earned within the taxation year from all sources, worldwide. The owners of proprietorships and partnerships are required to record earnings as self-employed income in their personal income tax return. Corporations are required to file a return separate from the owner’s personal tax return. Corporations located in Alberta must submit separate income tax returns to the federal government and to the Alberta government. Foreign companies with individual or branches operating in Canada are liable for Canadian income tax on profits derived from their Canadian business operations.

For further information on Alberta Corporate Tax, contact:

Alberta Treasury
Tax and Revenue Administration
Sir Frederick W. Haultain Building
9811 109th Street
Edmonton, Alberta  T5K 2L5
780-427-3044
780-422-3770 fax 
www.finance.gov.ab.ca

The Income Tax Division of Revenue Canada provides free booklets to help small businesses with their taxation responsibilities. They include: Starting a New Business Books and Records Filing Requirements Taxpayer Services Taxpayer Rights and Obligations as well as supplementary guides for business income tax and Revenue Canada services. Revenue Canada also provides free seminars on varied tax topics at different times throughout the year.

For further information on federal taxes, remittances, deadlines, etc., contact:

Revenue Canada, Business Window
Main Floor, 9700 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 4C8
780-495-3200 or 1-800-959-5525
www.cra-arc.gc.ca

2008

Levy	Residential	Non- Residential	Machinery & Equipment
Municipal General	6.135	8.571	8.571
Street Renewal	0.300	0.300	0.300
Lacombe Foundation	0	0	0
Education	2.344	4.181	N/A
TOTAL	8.779	13.052	8.871

Transportation

HIGHWAYS

For information on major or secondary routes and connections throughout Alberta, contact:

Regional Transportation Office
Alberta Transportation & Utilities
4th Floor, Provincial Building
4920 - 51 Street
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6K8
Phone: (403) 340-5166
Fax: (403) 340-4876
E-mail: weditor@tugov.ab.ca
Web Site: http://www.tu.gov.ab.ca

RAILWAYS - FREIGHT SERVICES

A complete package of freight services to anywhere in the world is provided in Red Deer by CP Rail and CN Rail. For further information, please contact:

CP Rail Systems
Carload Rate: 1-888-406-5347
Carload Freight: (403) 346-2189
Yard Office: (403) 346-2182
Roadmaster: (403) 347-6102
CN RailCarload Rate: 1-888-668-4626
Customer Service Line: 1-866-9-CN-RAIL (1-866-926-7245)
Roadmaster: (403) 346-4015

AIRPORT

The Town of Lacombe owns the airport. The Lacombe Airport is located north-east of town on highway 2A. Facilities include: terminal, club house, non-directional beacon (NBD), medium intensity lights, Avgas 100LL, ARCAL -122.8 Unicom and asphalt runways.

Runway - #16/34 north-south – 3,000 feet Elevation 2,783 feet A.S.L.

The Calgary International Airport is located 165 km. south of Lacombe via Highway #2.

The Edmonton International Airport is located 100 km north of Lacombe via Highway #2.

Community Lifestyle

RECREATION

Lacombe is a commumity that offers residents a wide variety of first-class recreational amemnites. Municipal facilities include a Sports & Leisure Complex incorporating an arena, curling rink, indoor pool and outdoor spray park. Outdoor venues include 16 ball diamonds, eight soccer pitches, a running track, campground and seasonal skating rinks. Lacombe's multiple lakes and natural areas are the perfect setting for an extensive network of trails and pathways for walking, jogging and cycling.

The town's premiere public facility is the new Lacombe Memorial Centre, a large multi-use community centre and library located within the downtown commercial district. The state-of-the-art Memorial Centre features multiple rooms and options for banquets, meetings and large public events and private functions. A large atrium and coffee bar overlooks the attractive gardens and Lawns of Lest We Forget Park next door. The creative efforts of local artists are displayed throughout the building.

Other recreational options in Lacombe include a stocked fishing pond, a two-screen movie theatre, a bowling alley and numerous restaurants, lounges and bistros.

Recreation Services:  403-782-1272

Parks & Facility Superintendent:  403-782-5621

Lacombe Memorial Centre:  403-782-1222

ATTRACTIONS

Lacombe and the surrounding Lacombe County area abound with places to experience and explore. Details about these and other local attractions and events can be found on the Lacombe Regional Tourism website at www.lacombetourism.com. A Visitor Information Centre is located in the Chamber of Commerce building on Highway 12 near Michener Park.

• Lacombe Interpretive Centre (downtown in the historic Flatiron Building)
• Historic Lacombe downtown walking tour
• Downtown Lacombe murals
• Michener House Museum
• Lacombe Blacksmith Shop
• Lacombe trails system (trailhead at Cranna Lake)
• Lacombe Trout Pond
• Ellis Bird Farm
• Lacombe Corn Maze
• Lacombe Farmer's Market (seasonal)
• Double Dimple Mini-Golf
• Aspen Beach Provincial Park (Gull Lake)
• Alix Lake Beach & Campground 
• Medicine Lodge Ski Club
• Central Alberta Sailing Club
• J.J. Collett Natural Area
• Xtreme Raceways 
   

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Lacombe enjoys a complete retail and service sector, including professional and medical services, a tertiary hospital and numerous places of worship. The municipality operates its own police, fire and ambulance services.

For more information on local community services, visit the Business section of the Town of Lacombe website at www.lacombe.ca or the Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce website at www.lacombechamber.ca.

Community Economic Development Office:  403-782-1263

Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce:  403-782-4300

Education

Public Schools:

• J.S. McCormick School - Kindergarten to grade 3 
• Father Lacombe Catholic School - Kindergarten to grade 7 
• Lacombe Upper Elementary School - Grades 4, 5 and 6 
• Lacombe Junior High School - Grades 7, 8 and 9 
• Lacombe Composite High School - Grades 10, 11 and 12 
• Terrace Ridge School - Kindergarten to grade 8 
• Lacombe Outreach School
  

Private Schools:

• Lacombe Christian School - Kindergarten to grade 9 
• Central AB Christian High School - Grades 10, 11 and 12 
• College Heights Christian School - Kindergarten to grade 7 
• Parkview Adventist Academy - Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 
• First Step Adult Education - An adult learning environment
  

Post Secondary

Canadian University College

5415 College Avenue
Lacombe AB  T4L 2E5
1-800-661-8129
www.cauc.ca

At CUC College they believe in the complete university college experience.  They provide an environment where acedemic, physical and spiritual growth is encouraged. 
Over twenty fully accredited bachelor degree programs in Business, Education, Music, Religious Studies, Science and more...
You can complete your degree right here in Lacombe Alberta.

Red Deer College

56 Avenue and 32nd Street
Red Deer AB 
403-342-3300
www.rdc.ab.ca

Health Care

Front-line health care services in Lacombe are provided by:

• Lacombe Community Health Care Centre (70 acute care and long-term care beds)
• Lacombe Public Health Dept.
• Lacombe Ambulance Service
• Two medical clinics
• Walk-in clinic
• Numerous practitioners in dentistry, chiropractic and optometry

Advanced medical services are delivered via the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, which is located 25 kilometres from Lacombe.

Emergency Services

Emergency and protective services are delivered in Lacombe through these municipal agencies:

• Lacombe Police Service
• Lacombe Municipal Ambulance Service (Advanced Life Support - paramedic)
• Lacombe Fire Department (volunteer)

Lacombe is an active participant in mutual aid agreements with neighbouring municipalities.

Community Services

Town of Lacombe Municipal Office

5432 56th Avenue
Lacombe, AB  T4L 1E9
403-782-6666
403-782-5655 fax
mail@lacombe.ca
www.lacombe.ca

Chief Administrative Officer
Kenneth Kendall
403-782-1259
kkendall@lacombe.ca

Corporate Services Director
Michael Minchin
403-782-1253
mminchin@lacombe.ca

Community Services Director
Brenda Vaughan
403-782-1295
bvaughan@lacombe.ca

Community Economic Development Officer
Wendy Kalkan
403-782-1263
wkalkan@lacombe.ca

Manager of Planning & Development Services
Carol-Lynn Gilchrist
403-782-1238
clgilchrist@lacombe.ca

Communications Officer
Paul Deleske 
403-782-1267
pdeleske@lacombe.ca

Community Recreation Coordinator
Sandi Stewart
403-782-1266
sstewart@lacombe.ca

___________________________________________________________________

Planning & Development Services Department
(including permits for building, gas, electrical, plumbing)
403-782-1264
permits@lacombe.ca

Lacombe Sports & Leisure Complex
5429 53rd Street
recreation@lacombe.ca
Swimming Pool Office: 403-782-1278
Swimming Pool Schedule: 403-782-1277
Arenas: 403-782-6556
Curling Rink: 403-782-6277
Campground Inquiries: 403-782-1250

Infrastructure Services Office
403-782-1261
403-782-3880 (after hours)
403-782-2234 fax

Lacombe Police Service
403-782-3279

Lacombe Fire Department
403-782-1268

Lacombe Ambulance Service
403-782-8812

Lacombe Community Health Centre (hospital)
403-782-3336

Lacombe Memorial Centre
403-782-1222

Lacombe Public Library
403-782-3433

Family & Community Support Services
403-782-6637

Neighbourhood Place
403-782-0886

Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce
403-782-4300
www.lacombechamber.ca

Wolf Creek Public Schools (division office)
403-783-3473
www.wolfcreek.ab.ca

Canadian University College
403-782-3381
www.cauc.ca

Lacombe County Municipal Office
403-782-6601

________________________________________________________

TOWN OF LACOMBE WEBSITE
www.lacombe.ca

ONLINE LACOMBE EVENTS CALENDAR
www.lacombeevents.ca

VISITOR INFORMATION
www.lacombetourism.ca

Climate

Temperature – Seasonal Averages

January: -15.5 C (4.1 F)
April: 3.1 C (37.6 F)
July: 16.1 C (60.9 F)
October: 4.7 C (40.5 F)

Annual Precipitation
Rain: 44.6 cm (17.6 in)
Snow: 1213 cm (48 in)

Frost Free Days 99

Hours of Sunshine per Year 2,125

Key Contacts

Town of Lacombe Municipal Office

5432 56th Avenue
Lacombe, AB  T4L 1E9
403-782-6666
403-782-5655 fax
mail@lacombe.ca
www.lacombe.ca

Mayor
Judy Gordon
403-782-1271
jgordon@lacombe.ca

Chief Administrative Officer
Kenneth Kendall
403-782-1259
kkendall@lacombe.ca

Corporate Services Director
Michael Minchin
403-782-1253
mminchin@lacombe.ca

Community Services Director
Brenda Vaughan
403-782-1295
bvaughan@lacombe.ca

Community Economic Development Officer
Wendy Kalkan
403-782-1263
wkalkan@lacombe.ca

Manager of Planning & Development Services
Carol-Lynn Gilchrist
403-782-1238
clgilchrist@lacombe.ca

Communications Officer
Paul Deleske 
403-782-1267
pdeleske@lacombe.ca

___________________________________________________________________

Planning & Development Services
(including permits for building, gas, electrical, plumbing)
403-782-1264
permits@lacombe.ca

Infrastructure Services Office
403-782-1261
403-782-3880 (after hours)
403-782-2234 fax

_________________________________________________________________

Provincial Government Representative

Raymond Prins (PC)
Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lacombe-Ponoka

Constituency Office
101 - 4892 46th Street 
Lacombe, AB   T4L 2B4
403-782-7725
1-800-565-6432 toll free
403-782-3307 fax
lacombe.ponoka@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office
#503 Legislature Building
10800 97th Avenue
Edmonton, AB  T5K 2B6
780-422-3353
780-422-0351 fax

Federal Government Reprepresentative 

Blaine Calkins (Conservative)
Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin

Parliamentary Office
House of Commons
Room 802 Justice Building
Ottawa, ON  K1A 0A6
613-995-8886
1-800-665-0865 toll free Alberta only
613-996-9860 fax
Calkins.B@parl.gc.ca

Constituency Office
6 - 4612 50th Street
Ponoka, AB  T4J 1S7
403-783-5530
403-783-5532 fax
calkib1@parl.gc.ca