DARP addresses the community’s vision for future growth and development in the downtown, outlining clear guidance to City staff and citizens about the requirements for new development and projects and has been used as a tool in many development projects over the last seven years, including:

• Various Land Use Bylaw Amendments
• The Heritage Preservation Program
• Downtown Storefront Enhancement Program
• Music in the Park at the LMC
• Improvements to 50 Avenue (Main Street Program)

The DARP Committee annually provides Lacombe City Council with an update on priority DARP projects. Most recently, the Committee presented a proposed plaza for 49C Avenue. The presentation can be viewed online:

• 49C Presentation (PDF)

The Committee conducted a survey to gather feedback from the community, culminating with in-person engagement at the City’s 2023 Coffee with Council session at the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce Tradeshow. Feedback will be gathered and brought to Council at a later date.

For a complete list of DARP priority projects, please visit:

• DARP Priority Projects List (PDF)

The 2013 Lacombe DARP outlines guiding principles for future growth and development in downtown Lacombe. The following principles are based on those currently outlined in the DARP 2013 document but are paraphrased for ease of reference.

• Walkable and accessible streets
• Unique look and vibe downtown
• Year-round outdoor gathering space
• Preserve and/or reuse heritage structures
• Inclusive housing choices downtown
• Revitalized buildings that complement our historic roots
• Expand our signature main street
• Centralize more City services
• Bring more of the Arts downtown
• Support tourism opportunities