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New industrial lots in Lacombe

Some unused land in the middle of Lacombe will be turned into industrial lots as well as a new home for the city’s public works building.The City of Lacombe recently bought 33.97 acres, including 3.97 acres within the flood way, from a private developer.

Some unused land in the middle of Lacombe will be turned into industrial lots as well as a new home for the city’s public works building.

The City of Lacombe recently bought 33.97 acres, including 3.97 acres within the flood way, from a private developer.

The land in Wolf Creek Industrial Park is located south of 55th Avenue and bordered to the west by the Canadian Pacific Railway line, Wolf Creek to the east and CPR line to the north.

Mayor Steve Christie said the city is presently without any serviced industrial lots.

“It’s in our best interest to maintain an inventory of serviced land in order to facilitate and promote industrial growth within our corporate limits.”

Infrastructure Services director Matthew Goudy said 20 of the acres would go towards industrial use.

The lots would be about two acres in size, so in total there would be eight to 10 lots.

It’s hoped the lots will be serviced and ready to go for next year, so anyone interested in a lot is asked to contact the city.

Currently, the city has less than 10 industrial acres, all in use.

“There certainly is a need for this,” said Goudy on Friday. “We’re hoping for some quick sales. The land will be priced to move.”

The 3.97 acres would be used for the new Infrastructure Services building and storage yard.

Goudy said the existing building, located on 56th Avenue, is getting to point where it needs more upkeep. The new property would give more room for equipment and materials.

“It would also get us out of the residential area where we currently are, between two schools and near the Wolf Creek Schools bus barns,” said Goudy.

Lacombe city council has given initial approval to a 10-year capital plan, which would see the public works building constructed in about five years. Building costs are unknown at this point.

Goudy said the city has been negotiating with the developer for some time to acquire the land at a fair market price, which he said was achieved.

“They had been working on the land for some time and the city approached them,” said Goudy.

The city bought 30 acres for $55,000 per acre, totalling $1.65 million. It will also provide the seller with a tax receipt for donating 3.97 acres valued at $218,350.

In order to acquire the land, council passed a resolution this week to amend the 2012 capital budget so that the $1.65 million could come out of short-term borrowing. Council also passed bylaw 377, which authorized borrowing of the necessary funds. As well, the creation and sale of the lots will help to offset borrowing and servicing costs, according to the city.

The city will now prepare an outline plan for developing the land, and will present the cost for servicing the land during the 2013 capital budget talks.

ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com