Articles
Media Releases
 | $1.5
million Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre fundraising
campaign launches public phase -
(Town of Lacombe Press
Release, February 14, 2006) |
| Contract
awarded for $7 million community hall renovation project -
(Town of Lacombe
Press release, February 14, 2006) |
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| Weidner Motors supports Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre project with $50,000 donation | ||||
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| CIBC supports Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre project with $7,500 donation | ||
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The
"Building On Our Story" fundraising campaign is pleased to
announce that the Lacombe branch of the Canadian Imperial Bank of
Commerce has contributed $7,500 to the Lacombe Regional Centennial
Centre project.
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| DB Bobcat Services Ltd. supports project with donation | |
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September
15, 2006 - The Building
On Our Story campaign is pleased to announce that a longstanding
local company, DB Bobcat Services Ltd., is the latest Lacombe business
to commit strong financial support for the new Lacombe Regional
Centennial Centre project. Last
week, owners Danny and Edie Beach presented Mayor Judy Gordon with a
significant contribution that moves the campaign a big step closer to
its $1.5 million fundraising target. “There’s
a real need for a larger community centre and a bigger library,”
said Edie Beach. “The new Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre will
serve the whole community for virtually any type of function. Everyone
will use or attend events at the LRCC at one time or another –
it’ll be a cornerstone of our community.” Because
the blue-and-white fleet of DB Bobcat Services vehicles is spotted so
frequently on the streets of Lacombe, it’s hard to imagine the
company starting as a one-man, one-machine operation. But both the
town and Danny and Edie’s business venture have grown steadily over
time, and now the Beach family, their company and its 25 employees are
stepping forward to help support the project that will serve Lacombe
residents well into the future. “Lacombe
has been good to us for 20 years; it’s where we’ve made our home
and our living,” said Edie. “The community has given greatly to
us, and now we want to give something back to it.” |
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| RBC Foundation boosts Centennial Centre project with $20,000 donation | |
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August
8, 2006 - The Building On Our Story campaign is pleased
to announce that RBC Financial Group has joined the growing list of
local businesses that are committing strong financial support for
the new Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre project. Last
week, co-managers Shirley Mackenzie and Roseanna Miller presented
fundraising campaign chair Corey Gish with a $20,000 contribution
from the RBC Foundation targeted toward development of children's
programming at the Lacombe Public Library, which will form an
important component of the new community centre. |
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Shirley Mackenzie (left) and Roseanna Miller (centre), co-managers of the RBC Financial Group Lacombe branch, present Lacombe Regional centennial Centre fundraising committee chair Corey Gish with a $20,000 donation to the new community centre. |
"We're
hoping that this will become an ongoing financial commitment,"
said Shirley MacKenzie, who will retire in December and turn
management of the Lacombe branch over to Roseanna Miller, a
colleague who has been with the branch since 1994. "Our 15 staff
members are all very excited about being able to directly benefit
our community in this way." The two managers noted the revitalizing effect a new facility which incorporates an expanded meeting hall, larger library, Family & Community Support Services offices next to an attractive park will have on the entire downtown district. "It will make a huge impact on downtown Lacombe and really boost community involvement," said Roseanna Miller. "This will be a fantastic facility." |
| Scotiabank donates $10,000 to Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre | |
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July 11, 2006 - Ian Foster, Branch Manager for Scotiabank in Lacombe presented a cheque for $10,000 to Corey Gish Fundraising Chair of the Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre Project. The donation for $10,000 is directed to the capital costs of the new Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre Project, Lacombe's largest capital undertaking that will more than triple the size of the old Lacombe Memorial Centre. "Scotiabank wanted to give something back to
the community," says Foster. "We've been in Lacombe for
more than 25 years and we intend to be here for a long time yet. That
is primarily the reason that we wanted to make this donation.
It's nice to have an opportunity to participate in the Lacombe
Regional Centennial Centre and be a part of the legacy." |
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Ian Foster, Manager of Scotiabank in Lacombe presents a cheque for $10,000 to Corey Gish, Fundraising Chair for the Building On Our Story Fundraising Campaign for the Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre Project. |
Scotiabank is a
Canadian-based bank that offers financial products and services
in 50 countries. It is committed to corporate social
responsibility and helping build the communities in which
it does business. "Scotiabank's Lacombe Branch is a very
busy retail branch focusing on mortgages, loans, credit,
deposits and investments," according to Foster.
Foster who has lived in this community for 15 years has seen the Town change. "We were a small town and now we are city status and we need to have a facility that can handle our size and our growth." He encourages others to consider making a contribution. "Everyone in the community needs to step up to the plate. Both the business community and individuals who work here." |
" My wife and I are planning to make a personal donation and we hope others will too. Pride in your own community...that's what it's all about." The new Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre will utilize existing foundation walls of the old Memorial Centre, as they are structurally sound. The expansion will mean the community will have a main hall that is 25% larger (now 650 people seated), plus three other smaller halls that can accommodate smaller groups ranging from 70 to 250 people. The kitchen will be upgraded to commercial quality and be able to serve all banquet areas at once. In addition the Lacombe Public Library will be housed in the new facility and will be double the size of the existing library. For more information on the Building On Our Story Fundraising Campaign or the Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre Project call Chris at 782-1266 at the Town of Lacombe or visit www.town.lacombe.ab.ca/lrcc. |
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| Agricore United donates $1,250 to the Regional Centennial Centre | |
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June 22, 2006 - Ken Rollheiser, Agricore United's General Manager of Operations Lacombe East HTP, presented a cheque for $1,250 to Fundraising Chair, Corey Gish on Thursday, June 22, 2006. The donation will go directly towards the Building On Our Story Fundraising Campaign for the Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre Project. "I learned about the campaign through Corey (Gish) and from reading articles in the papers," says, Rollheiser. After submitting the request to Agricore United's Head Office in Winnipeg, the donation was approved for the Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre Project."Having the support of the corporate community is really
important to our campaign, says Gish. We want to be a Town that
offers quality services to its families and businesses alike...
and it takes a little bit from everyone." |
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"As a corporation that deals directly with Lacombe citizens and Lacombe's farming group, we have to give something back. Obviously we are profit oriented," says Rollheiser, "but we also have to give something back to the community. I would recommend that to any of the businesses in Lacombe." Agricore United is committed to health, prosperity and quality of life in the communities in which they operate. The organization's commitment to community donations is handled through a community fund for charitable projects such as this. Lacombe's Agricore United outlet serves farmers in approximately a 200 km radius. Agricore United is a prairie-based farmer-directed agribusiness that handles a full range of agronomic inputs, supplies and services through more than 200 retail outlets across Western Canada. It is one of Canada's largest grain handling and marketing businesses. |
Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre fundraising committee chair Corey Gish (left) receives a cheque for $1,250 from Ken Rollheiser, Agricore United's General Manager of Operations Lacombe East HTP. |
| Sinking their claws in | |
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Lacombe Globe, June 13, 2006 - Over 600 lobsters were boiled up and ready to feed 550 people at the annual Lacombe Rotary Club steak and lobster dinner Friday night. The goal was to raise $30,000 for the new Lacombe Memorial Centre and organizers say they believe they met that target. Bill Noordhof (left) and Ivor Bernatski play chef for the evening. - Lacombe Globe/LORI CREECH |
Kids' freezie sales help support Regional Centennial Centre project
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Lacombe Globe, June 13, 2006 -- Lacombe Upper Elementary School Grade 5 students present Lacombe Mayor Judy Gordon with $175.14 through freezie sales to go towards the new Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre project. - Lacombe Globe/ALISTER McINNES |
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Fundraising campaign already at halfway mark
by Bryan Alary
Lacombe Globe Editor
May 23, 2006
A community effort to raise funds for the Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre (LRCC) project has surpassed the halfway mark, well on its way to reaching the final tally of $1.5 million.
During the public launch of the Building On Our Story campaign, LRCC Fundraising Committee chair Corey Gish proudly announced that $766,290--or 51 per cent of the goal--was raised during the campaign's quiet phase, initiated late last year."It's the largest fundraising campaign this town has ever seen," said Gish to the crowd of about 100 community leaders, residents, business owners and media who attended the Thursday launch at the Kozy Korner.
"We've been very fortunate to have several citizen and business donors step up and kick-start our campaign."
When the LRCC project is complete next March, the Lacombe Memorial Centre will have nearly triple its existing floor space, with several multi-purpose and meeting rooms, a new library, fireside lounge and coffee bar and offices for Lacombe Family and Community Support Services.
Topping the list of donors who've already given to the project is Mary C. Moore, an 87-year-old retired teacher. Moore's roots in the community date back to the turn of the century; she lives in a 100-year-old residence in town.
The amount of Moore's donation remains unknown at her request. She declined media requests for interviews.
Moore, along with the other major donors, was recognized for her contribution. Donors who give more than $25,000 will qualify for naming opportunities, including a spot on the recognition donor wall, internal signage in the building and a spot on the Town's website, among other benefits.
Donation categories range from Friends of the Community Gifts, Bronze and Silver Patrons and Major Gifts Level.
Gish was enthusiastic about the prospect of reaching the final goal of $1.5 million. Tree seedlings were distributed to each person attending the launch, as a symbol of the old memorial centre and future prosperity.
"Let it remind us that what we have started here today will grow and flourish," she said.
Lacombe Mayor Judy Gordon was equally optimistic.
"Because of your generosity, we now know our fundraising goal is achievable," she said.
Gordon saved her warmest gratitude for Lacombe County, which agreed to contribute $500,000 for the project, based on the amount of County residents who will likely utilize the expanded building.
County Coun. Linda Landmark was impressed with the support the project's attracted since it was first announced.
"It's just a great project," she said. "It's going to be a real asset."
The fundraising committee and Lacombe Public Library board will be responsible for the public fundraising campaign, which will include upcoming special events and activities. For more information about Building On Our Story, visit www.town.lacombe.ab.ca/lrcc.
by Bryan Alary
Lacombe Globe Editor
May 23, 2006
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| Several dignitaries were on hand to celebrate
the official sod-turning for the Lacombe Regional Centennial
Centre (LRCC) project Friday, including: (L-R) Ann Hultink, chair
of Lacombe Family and Community Support Services, Lacombe Mayor
Judy Gordon, Dutch Burnham, chair of the Lacombe Public Library,
Corey Gish, chair of the LRCC Fundraising Committee, Mary C.
Moore, donor, Lacombe County Coun. Linda Landmark, and Mark
McFarlane of Gold Wing Construction Inc.
- Lacombe Globe/BRYAN ALARY
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Alberta Gaming Minister Gordon Graydon presented Lacombe Mayor Judy Gordon with a $1-million grant for the project, a $7-million renovation and expansion to the Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC).
Graydon chided both Gordon and Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Ray Prins, whom he claims were very diligent about lobbying the Province for more money.
"I should've show up with my arm in a sling it's been so twisted," Graydon said. He later added that the project fully qualified for Alberta Lottery Fund grant program, largely due to how well used the LMC is and the wide support for the expansion.
"The community's really stepped up to the plate. Obviously, there is a limit to how much we can give. (One million) seemed- to be the right amount for this project."
Gordon was beaming after the announcement.
"I was excited when I saw Gord walk in with a brown envelope," she said. "I was really glad our brown envelope contained good news."
Gordon stressed the grant would be used for the LRCC project, but wouldn't count toward the Town's total fundraising target of $1.5 million. The money would help cover potential cost overruns from various subcontract tenders.
"As you all know, the reality in today's world is (costs) are on the increase," she said. "It will be used for the Lacombe Memorial Centre."
Prins was equally enthusiastic about the $1-million grant.
"This is a huge event for Lacombe," he said. "It's huge support for the community. I'm very happy we've been able to come through with this."
Prins added he was aware that Graydon was making a cheque presentation, but didn't know the amount.
"I was surprised," he said. "He listened and he came through."
The provincial contribution featured a hometown element, as Graydon was born and raised in Lacombe. He told stories about using the LMC as a youth and offered to donate an old photo of the building to Gordon. The fact that he was able to give back to Lacombe decades after leaving was a special moment, he said.
"It's kind of neat, certainly nothing I'd ever envision as a 15-year-old in high school in Lacombe."
The grant was the second Lacombe received from the Province that will be used for the LRCC project. The first was a $700,000 Centennial Legacies Grant to help mark Alberta's centennial in 2005.
The Town approved a $3-million debenture borrowing bylaw for the LRCC project in February, shortly after Lacombe County agreed to contribute $500,000. The $1.5-million fundraising goal is expected to contribute 22 per cent of the total project cost. The sale of Parkland Place, the library's current home, will generate additional money for the project, as will the library's reserve grant.
When complete, the LMC will boast expanded main hall, new public library, meeting rooms and new headquarters for Lacombe Family and Community Support Services. It's expected to reopen in March 2007.
Financial Support sought for centre
by Lana Michelin
Red Deer Advocate
May 19, 2006
It's time for the public to throw its financial support behind the Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre.
A campaign to raise $1.5 million from the citizens and corporations towards the $7-million centre was launch on Thursday.
This stage of the campaign is already more than halfway towards its goal since $766,000 was already raised during a "quiet" phase begun late in 2005.
"We've been very fortunate to have several citizens and business donors step up to kick-start our campaign," said committee chair Corey Gish.
The largest single donation so far comes from Mary Moore, an 87-year old retired teacher, who still lives in the century-old house in which she was born.
Moore did not want the amount specified, but her donation will go towards a new library - a big part of the Centennial project, which is also being funded by the province and municipality.
"This level of generosity proves we are on the right track and gives us confidence that we will meet our objective," said Gish.
The Lacombe Centennial project involves the renovation of the town's memorial Centre to include a new community centre, public library and Family and Community Support Services office.
The construction is underway, with materials such as bricks and glass blocks being saved from the old centre for recycled use in the new building.
For more information on the fundraising activities and events being planned fro the Building On Our Story Campaign, go on-line at www.town.lacombe.ca/lrcc or call 782-1267.
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With the old gutted
Memorial Centre shell in the background, the foundation walls for the new
Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre are being prepared for a concrete our
over the next couple of days.
On Thursday, a number of local, regional and provincial dignitaries and guests gathered at the Kozy Korner Centre for a fundraising campaign launch that is hoped will raise $1,500,000 - approximately 22 per cent of the entire project cost - and then a sod turning ceremony on the construction site. |
LRCC just a project name: mayor
by
Bryan Alary
Lacombe Globe Editor
March 7, 2006
Council's recent approval of the $7-million project to gut, expand and renovate the LMC drew the concern of a few residents who aren't in favour of the name Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre (LRCC).
In a letter to the Globe on Feb. 28, Joyce Redekopp wrote that the LMC and Lest We Forget Park were turned over to the Town in 1955, "on the provision outlined to be called Lest We Forget Park and Lacombe Memorial Centre in perpetuity."
Redekopp pleaded to the Town to keep the LMC name.
Gordon said that no action has been taken by council to change the LMC's name to the LRCC.
"I would call that the project name," said Gordon of the LRCC label. "There hasn't been any determination as to name."
Gordon said council's attention has been focused on securing funding and finalizing debenture borrowing bylaws, not renaming the facility. She planned to address the name issue at the Lacombe Legion late last week.
"Council are well aware of the importance of the memorial centre and Lest We Forget Park and the cenotaph."
Paul Deleske, the Town's communications coordinator, said the letter writer raises an interesting point.
"It's something we are going to have to investigate on our end," said Deleske of the original agreement.
Town records indicate that the Lest We Forget Club originally owned Lest We Forget Park and a portion of land where the LMC was built.
Financial problems made it difficult for the club to maintain the park. They eventually sold the land to the Town in April 1955 for $1.
"We just want to make sure we're respectful of the opinions of our veterans," said Deleske. "There was no intention to diminish the sacrifices that led to the creation of that park."
The LRCC project should enhance the use and appeal of Lest We Forget Park, he said, referring to large windows by a fireside lounge that will overlook the green space.
"The design of the facility will actually showcase the park."
The LRCC project name is reflective of funding sources, which include a Centennial Legacies grant funding from the Province, said Deleske. The $700,000 grant was intended to help commemorate Alberta's centennial. The regional aspect reflects usage from outside Lacombe, plus Lacombe County's $500,000 contribution, Deleske added.
"County residents comprise a large percentage of users of the facility."
With site preparation in progress and interior demolition expected to begin soon, the LRCC name "isn't carved in stone yet," said Deleske. The building is expected to open in spring 2007.
"I'm sure we won't be making any decisions in this regard for some time," said Gordon. "We weren't trying to preclude anyone."
No matter what name is attached to the community hall, it'll always be remembered by and referred to as the Lacombe Memorial Centre by residents, she said.
"That's just the way things are."
Fundraising efforts to intensify for LMC project
by Bryan Alary
Lacombe Globe Editor
February 28, 2006
"An announcement on fundraising will be pending," said Lacombe Mayor Judy Gordon, who sits on the 12-person Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre (LRCC) Fundraising Committee. The committee is expected to begin the public phase of its $1.5-million campaign soon.
Construction on the LRCC could begin within weeks.
Gordon personally thanked committee members who were in the public gallery at the Town of Lacombe office when the expansion was approved by council on Feb. 13.
"I want to thank each and every one of you for your commitment to this project," she said.
News of council's decision to award a construction management contract and give final reading to a $3-million debenture bylaw was warmly greeted by members of the committee.
"We've been really excited about the community support we've had so far," said Wendy McCormick, the Town's fundraising coordinator for the LRCC project.
Committee members will continue to work on the campaign's "quiet phase."
"It's sort of the planning stage," McCormick said.
During the quiet phase, the committee has tried to identify people who could potentially support the project. They've met every two weeks since November. McCormick was hired in the fall.
Plans are in the works for the public phase, but nothing's been finalized, said McCormick. The group will target individuals and businesses that stand to gain from the expanded facility.
"We are looking at all the surrounding regions of Lacombe."
McCormick added that the Town hopes to reach its target fundraising goal by early 2007. "By the time the building is built, we want this campaign completely wrapped up."
The committee will continue to target potential sponsors and volunteers needed for the public campaign.
"We're looking for people who're interested in helping in any way," she said. Helping could include a range of activities, from posting posters to organizing fundraising events.
She believes local organizations will step forward as well. "We expect there’ll be some community groups that will want to run fundraisers.
Any individual or group interested in assisting with fundraising efforts can contact Wendy McCormick at 782-6666, ext. 213.
Site prep begins
by Bryan Alary
Lacombe Globe Editor
February 28, 2006
Between 12 to 15 trees will be removed to make way for the expanded community centre, said Paul Deleske, the Town's legislative/communications coordinator. The trees are being marked before they're removed over the next few days. Shrubbery along the west facade of the building will also be removed.
"It's a delicate process. There's a variety of trees there, " said Deleske of the mature specimens of spruce, birch, elm, ash and other trees that are on site. Some of the trees predate the LMC.
"We are going to try and save a couple of large elm trees that are close to the street," Deleske said. A small percentage of the trees along 53rd Avenue have to be removed to make way for a new public library and Lacombe and Family Support Services offices, he explained. Lacombe council approved plans for the refurbished facility, the Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre (LRCC), last summer. Final details, including the $7-million price tag, were approved on Feb. 13.
The expansion won't affect Lest We Forget Park on the building's south end, Deleske added. "That doesn't get touched."
When complete, the LRCC block will feature even more green space, he said. "It'll actually be enhanced."
Renovations are expected to begin within weeks. In addition to tree removal, portions of the block surrounding the building will be blocked off this week. The installation of fencing is intended to keep the public safe, but will also mean finding parking alternatives for many downtown workers, acknowledged Deleske.
"That will mean the loss of parking spaces," he said. The fencing is expected to be in place for the majority of the project, to be complete in spring 2007. The building will occupy more than three times the space as the present LMC.
LMC given green light
by Bryan Alary
Lacombe Globe Editor
February 21, 2006
Last week town council paved the way for a $7-million renovation to the Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC). The 54-year-old building will feature an expanded main hall, new public library, meeting rooms and new headquarters for Lacombe Family and Community Support Services.
"It is unanimous. We're on our way," said Mayor Judy Gordon after council awarded a project management contract to Gold Wing Construction Inc. of Edmonton, which will oversee the expansion. The facility will be renamed the Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre (LRCC).
To help pay for the project, council also gave second and final readings to a $3-million debenture bylaw. The Town will borrow the money over a 25-year term.
Construction is expected to begin in a matter of weeks, once Gold Wing awards tenders to subcontractors. Construction could be complete by spring 2007.
Design plans that were previously approved by council call for a completely new look from the inside out. At 4,366 sq. m., the expansion will more than triple the current size of the LMC.
"We're going to have a grand lady here," said Gordon.
Final approval came after an extensive review of project management proposals. Council spent 40 minutes in a non-public session debating the merits of four short-listed proposals. Town assistant chief administrative officer Ken Kendall and Coun. Steve Christie met with each interested construction firm in January.
Gordon said she anticipates the final cost of the expansion could be between $6.4 to $6.8 million, but the impact on taxpayers is uncertain.
"We're still firming up what will totally be the cost of this project," she said. "We're saying it won't cost more than $7 million. Every member of council was adamant that we couldn't borrow any more.
"This won't be handled any differently than any other debenture borrowing."
Gordon added that council debated delaying the project, but felt rising construction costs in Central Alberta would make it too expensive in the long run. She also discounted an earlier plan to build a new $11-million facility in Lacombe's west end, adding that project would now cost between $18 to $20 million.
Delaying the project would also mean losing a $700,000 Alberta Centennial Legacies Grant, which requires the Town to contribute $1.4 million.
Fundraising will play a key role in paying for the expansion. The Town hopes to fundraise $1.5 million for the project, and has received a $500,000 funding commitment from Lacombe County. Other grants and the sale of Parkland Place are expected to help the Town pay for the project, in addition to the $3-million debenture.
"We know that we will have funds for the other $4 million," said Gordon. "We feel that $4 million is obtainable."
"We've needed an upgraded facility for some time," said Corey Gish, chair of the LRCC fundraising committee, which is working to secure individual and corporate donations from the region. "Everyone I talk to is excited about building this legacy for our community."
Council's decision was welcomed by proponents of a new public library. The library inside the LRCC will be a 969 sq. m--enough for more than 40,000 volumes, 20 public computers, archival space, a youth area and coffee bar.
"It will give us a facility that will be second to none in the province," said Dutch Burnham, chair of the Lacombe Public Library board.
An announcement regarding the sale of Parkland Place, the library's current home, could be made this week, said Gordon.
During the same meeting last week, council authorized chief administrative officer Robert Jenkins to enter into negotiations for the sale of Parkland Place with Four Flinn Holding Ltd.
Two buildings on the LMC block--a registry and a daycare--will eventually be torn down to facilitate a revamped parking lot. Council owns both buildings. Gordon said there's no immediate need for the tenants to vacate.
Once completed, the LRCC will give the downtown core a fresh look that could boost investment in Lacombe, said Gordon.
"A lot of people have commented on the uniqueness of the design," she said. "You have to spend money to hopefully, in the end result, make money."
Built in 1952, the LMC was renovated once, in the 1980s. The building is located north of 50th Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd Street.
$1.5 million Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre fundraising campaign launches public phase
May 18, 2006 -- With 51 per cent of its goal already achieved, the community campaign to raise $1.5 million to help finance construction of the new $7 million Lacombe Regional Community Centre (LRCC) entered its public phase today with a kickoff luncheon event and sod-turning ceremony.
Fundraising Committee Chair Corey Gish, a lifetime Lacombe resident, announced that the Building On Our Story campaign has generated $766,290 from corporate and citizen donors during a "quiet" phase begun in late 2005.
"We’ve been very fortunate to have several citizen and business donors step up to kick-start our campaign," Gish said. "Many of our donations have been directed at the new library, which is a big part of the project. This level of generosity proves that we're on the right tract and gives us confidence that we will meet our objective."
The single biggest donor to date is Mrs. Mary C. Moore, an 87-year-old retired teacher with deep family roots in Lacombe, and who still lives in the century-old Lacombe residence in which she was born. Mrs. Moore's contribution will be targeted to construction of the new Lacombe Public Library portion of the LRCC project. At her request, the value of the donation will not be specified.
The LRCC project involves an extensive renovation of the town's aging Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC), a structure built in 1953 and long since outgrown. Because the building remains structurally sound, it will form the nucleus of an expanded, state-of-the-art community centre that will also provide larger homes for both the Lacombe Public Library and Family & Community Support Services.
Local dignitaries, including Lacombe Mayor Judy Gordon and representatives from Lacombe County, the Lacombe Public Library Board, Family & Community Support Services and the Fundraising Committee wielded shovels to officially turn the sod on the LRCC site.
Construction activity is already well advanced, with the old LMC now completely gutted and foundation work for the adjacent library/office expansion in progress. Fixtures from the original facility were removed for recycling as used materials, and hundreds of bricks and glass blocks have been salvaged for use in the new building.
The Fundraising Committee and Library Board will now move into a public fundraising campaign, including numerous special events and activities. The Building On Our Story campaign website is now active at www.town.lacombe.ab.ca/lrcc.
Contract awarded for $7 million community hall renovation project
February 14, 2006 -- A plan to replace Lacombe half-century old community hall cleared two final hurdles last night when Lacombe Town Council voted to proceed with construction of the Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre (LRCC).
Councillors went into a 40-minute closed session to review details of project management proposals submitted by four Alberta construction companies. With anxious LRCC fundraising committee members looking on when the public meeting resumed, Council gave unanimous approval to a resolution to award a project management contract to Gold Wing Construction Inc. of Edmonton.
Council then proceeded to put the largest piece of the LRCC's financial plan in place by giving final readings to a $3 million long-term debenture borrowing bylaw.
With design and engineering work already complete, the two decisions clear the way for the construction to begin before spring arrives. The existing Lacombe Memorial Centre stopped taking bookings weeks ago and closed its doors in early February in anticipation of a winter start on the extensive renovation and expansion project.
LRCC fundraising committee chair Corey Gish was thrilled to witness the final green-lighting of the long-awaited LRCC project.
"I was born and raised here and Lacombe is very close to my heart," she said. "We've needed an upgraded facility for some time. Everyone I talk to is excited about building this legacy for our community. "
Lacombe Mayor Judy Gordon observed that like the existing facility, the new LRCC will be a regional centre that serves the residents of Lacombe County as well as those of the town itself.
"This is a facility that everyone will make use of and enjoy," she said, noting a $500,000 project funding commitment made by Lacombe County Council. "We're very pleased to receive such strong support and enthusiasm from our neighbours in the surrounding County area."
The Lacombe Regional Centennial Centre will transform the aging downtown facility with a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient, multi-use facility that at 4,366 square metres (48,522 square feet) is more than triple the size of the original Memorial Centre.
In addition to an expanded main hall, the project will include a spacious new home for the Lacombe Public Library, a new headquarters for Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and multiple meeting rooms that can be reconfigured to serve a variety of users and functions.
The exterior design will
reflect architectural elements of Lacombe's heritage downtown district
and include space for several murals depicting historical scenes. Multiple
large windows will flood the new library and lounge area with natural
light and offer a view of the adjacent Lest We Forget Memorial Park, an
attractive green space to be preserved on the south
side of the facility.
Construction will begin in the next few weeks and is expected to be complete by the spring of 2007.