Lacombe residents who want more retail options in their city could soon get their wish, after council gave first reading to rezone part of the west end for what is being called a major commercial development.

The area is called Midway Centre, located northeast to the intersection of Highways 2 and 12.

A report from city staff states that under Phase 1 of the project, 12 commercial lots would be created, along with one for high-density residential development. As Whelp Creek runs through the area, a trail system also would be built.

Kanwal Sandhu is from the Edmonton-based YFL development, the applicant behind the proposal.

While he names several chain restaurants, big-box stores, hotels and car dealerships as possible tenants, Sandhu says they are building something special, filling unmet demands in the city.

“Whatever is missing in the community, whatever amenities that are not here, (like) some kind of sports facility, indoor entertainment. More like a tourist destination, like a … hotel, nice restaurants and some kids play areas,” he says.

“A few things are not yet finalized and this is not the right time to disclose what we are coming up with, but it will surprise the local population and make them feel proud.”

Most of the plan area would be zoned Highway Commercial, which includes commercial recreation establishment, hotel, gas station, automotive sales and retail as some of the many permitted uses.

All those possibilities, located at the gateway to the city.

“It’s something that’s visible from Highway 2. You’re getting tens of thousands of vehicles a day that are getting a fresh view of Lacombe that maybe they didn’t get before,” says Matthew Goudy, director of operations and planning.

Council set the public hearing date for Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m.