The future of a major development planned for southeast Lacombe is uncertain after a judge ordered the 156-acre site sold.
The City of Lacombe said in a release late Monday that it’s received notice the lands making up Wolf Creek Crossing subdivision have been placed on the market as the result of a mortgage default.
First proposed by Edmonton developer Richview Developments Inc. in 2011, the project was to combine commercial, light industrial and residential uses. Richview’s website said 40 to 50 acres of commercial development was planned, with potential tenants including the likes of Home Depot, Staples and Walmart.
Also proposed was 20 to 25 acres for industrial use and 50 acres for residential development, including a man-made lake.
“On behalf of council, I must say that I’m disappointed and saddened by this turn of events, as this type of retail development is important to the community,” said Lacombe Mayor Steve Christie in Monday’s release.
The release said the city had already issued the necessary permits to proceed with development, and had also approved an outline plan for the subdivision and amended Lacombe’s southeast area structure plan.
City staff were working with the developer on a development agreement and a subdivision application for the first phase, said the release.
A development agreement was already in place for a subdivision completed last year, it continued, and a development permit for a hotel had been approved.
The release said no construction completion applications have been made, and that as far as the city is concerned Wolf Creek Crossing’s infrastructure is incomplete.
It pointed out that the city holds security for municipal improvements on the site.
“The City of Lacombe is taking every action by engaging legal counsel to protect its interests as this matter proceeds through the judicial system,” said Norma MacQuarrie, Lacombe’s chief administrative officer.
The release said the city “will continue to work closely with interested parties to facilitate commercial and retail development in the community.”
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com