Lacombe is embarking on a major project to transform its downtown.
The $6.75-million Main Street Improvement Plan will see aging sewers replaced underground.
Above ground, streetlights will be replaced, roads altered and improvements made to make the historic core more pedestrian-friendly.
Work is expected to get underway in mid-April to be completed by the end of October. Construction will be done in phases to reduce the impact on downtown businesses and residents. All sidewalks and businesses will remain open during construction.
Council trimmed the budget for the project during budget deliberations last year. Originally priced at $8.4 million, council reduced that by almost $1.7 million by making a number of changes including scaling back street furniture and tree planting.
To save money, 50th Street will remain two-way, less expensive sidewalks installed and entry features eliminated.
Once complete, the revamped downtown will see the 49th Street intersection closed, the 52nd Street and 50th Avenue intersection reconfigured, pedestrian crossings with flashing lights added and improvements to parking areas.