City officials held a gathering in downtown Lacombe Wednesday night to celebrate the completion of the Main Street makeover.

It was last year that construction commenced to replace a sanitary sewer main beneath 50th Avenue, between 53rd Street and Highway 2A, and also under 49C Street.

That pipe was failing and not renewing the infrastructure would have created a risk of sewage backups.

While sidewalks and businesses remained open during construction, roads had to be closed.

The $6.75 million project was completed in July.

“It’s certainly a project that had an impact on business owners and residents of Lacombe for some time,” said Jordan Thompson, the city’s director of planning and operations.

“It’s something that business owners especially felt the impact of, such a major project in the downtown core, and to see it complete finally I think it will express relief.”

The city also made changes to surface infrastructure.

Sidewalks were upgraded, eliminating trip points, improving accessibility and aesthetics.

As well, the designs were traffic-calming and encouraging people to walk.

“There’s just been some neat improvements to it that help the flow of traffic both foot traffic and vehicle traffic,” said Coun. Cora Hoekstra.

“There’s a little more parking, there’s a certain kind of curbing that has been done that is ensuring that people are going 30 kilometres an hour, because we want people to slow down and just enjoy and appreciate our downtown.”

Thompson’s hope is that the city will see a return on what it has spent, saying research suggests that investment into the downtown core attracts private investment.

“We are hoping to see that over a number of years and we are hoping in the short-term, people of Lacombe and the region do take the chance to come to Lacombe’s downtown and enjoy the new Main Street and shop at the local businesses here,” he said.

Hoekstra said it was important to have a celebration, to recognize the work that has been done.

“While you’re in the thick of getting the job done, you just want to get it done,” she said.

“It’s always good for communities to get together and say, job well done, let’s now enjoy what we have and support our local businesses.”