Named after a pioneer priest who first passed through this area of the parklands in 1850, and incorporated as a tiny village in 1896, the Town of Lacombe has grown to its present population of just under 12,000 in the last 100 years.

Settlement of the community started in 1883, when Ed Barnett built a log barn and house about a mile north of the present downtown Lacombe, and by the time the railway arrived in 1891 there were 19 adults and 16 children populating the area. By 1893 the present townsite had a population of about 25 persons, and by 1900 this had increased to about 100 and was considered to be larger than Red Deer. Lacombe was incorporated as a Town in 1902.

Probably the greatest growth period in Lacombe's history took place in the years just after the turn of the century. The population soared to 499 in 1901 and 1,100 by 1907. Prospects for future growth were bright, indeed. Ambitious residential and commercial developments were approved, subdivided and placed on the market, and Lacombe was touted as a "predestined city of great commercial importance."

Alas, the bubble burst with the advent of the "Great War." One thousand lots were forfeited to the town in 1915 and put up for public auction, but there were no takers. By 1921 the census showed a population of 1,133 and in 1931 it was 1,259. By 1951 the population stood at 2,277. From then 'til 1971, the growth rate crept along at about 1.3 % per annum, then jumped to 6.1 % during the 70s. Present growth is steady at 2.5 - 3 % per year.

During the past few years, Lacombe has experienced significant residential, commercial and industrial growth - including the Wolf Creek Industrial subdivision; industrial/residential developments in the south east sector of town; the allocation of more commercial space adjacent to Highway 2A; and the allotment of land along Highway 12 for residential and possibly commercial development. The recent annexation of land by the town should satisfy development needs for years to come.

We have a growing, vibrant community serving agricultural and industrial interests in the parklands of Alberta. The Town has always been supported by an enthusiastic, public spirited and loyal citizenry, which has resulted in the creation of one of the most attractive, affordable and dynamic communities in Alberta. My tenure on Town Council began in 1998, and since that time, I have been privileged to be part of this growth.

I have also witnessed first hand some of the problems associated with change in a small community. Redevelopment of the older section of Town - such as raising the residential densities, introducing more affordable housing in the form of multi family housing units, and realigning the road systems to ease traffic flow problems - are just a few of the issues we face on an ongoing basis. New policies have been incorporated to ensure that development will maintain the architectural uniqueness and beauty of the older style of housing. Special efforts have been made to rehabilitate the downtown section where the buildings are all constructed of brick or stone and have survived since the early days of the past century. Policies are in place to ensure that development in this area meets the architectural style of the surrounding buildings.

Presently the Town is involved in the "Communities in Bloom " project, which encourages people to plant and maintain more flowers, trees and shrubs to help beautify the town. As well, a centennial project to honour our veterans involved the planting of hundreds of spruce trees along a couple of town boulevards. These ongoing beautification projects should ensure that our Town remains the beauty of the parklands; an objective that I'm sure the early citizens of Lacombe had in mind.

So if you are looking for a place where heritage is preserved and honored, a place where forward looking progress is encouraged, a great place to set up your business, or the ideal community in which to build your dream home, look no further!! Friendly Lacombe will be pleased to welcome you!! Or, hey!!, just stop in for a visit and look us over!! 

All the best to you!!