With the development of the new Midway Center, located between Lacombe and the QE2, some locals are nervous after it was mentioned earlier this summer that the developers approached Walmart as a potential tenant.

Worried about what impact a big box store would have on our local economy, citizens turned to social media to express their concerns, with opinions both supporting and opposing the idea.

President of Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce Daryl Borchuk says this is the way our market works, and he believes that in the end, the additional of a store like this would only benefit the area.

“I believe the smaller markets will adjust to the big store prices, it’s necessary in a free market to be competitive. We have to be agile in this world today and in the market, so the component of growth is the most necessary item here. I believe it will grow Lacombe, it will grow our community, and it will grow our population with more jobs.”

Borchuk says conditions like this are what makes a free market economy thrive.

“I believe that the community would support our local businesses as well, it would simply give more opportunity for all business to have growth in our community. I believe the smaller markets will adjust to the big store prices, it’s necessary in a free market to be competitive.”

Y.F.L Development, the company behind the Midway Centre, said they approached Walmart earlier this year, who said a Lacombe location would depend on market conditions.

They say three lots have been sold so far, to be used for a retail plaza, a restaurant franchise, and a recreation facility that’s being referred to as a ‘play land’.