The City of Lacombe has received a $20,000 grant for the creation and implementation of its heritage plan that will allow property owners to have their homes or businesses designated a municipal heritage resource.
Heritage preservation helps retain sites of unique quality and beauty, revitalizing neighbourhoods, spurring economic activity and creating a more livable community.
The benefits of having a property designated as a municipal heritage resource include access to matching funding for conservation work from the provincial government and incentive programs.
Historic designation also usually increases property value, and once a building is designated a municipal historic resource it is protected forever unless there is an exceptional circumstance.
The grant from the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation also allows Lacombe to conduct a pilot project to help kick-start the designation process beginning on June 14.
The city, with assistance from the Alberta Municipal Heritage Partnership Program, are working to identify, evaluate and manage historic resources located with Lacombe.
The three-year program provides advisory service, tools, training, and cost sharing.
For more information about the Lacombe’s Heritage Preservation Program visit www.lacombe.ca.