The first draft of the City of Lacombe’s Strategic Plan is in, and public consultation will now follow for a document that outlines what council will focus on from now until 2022.

One of the top priorities will be to reduce the city’s dependence on residential tax dollars. That would be achieved through finding “alternative revenue sources” and increasing the commercial tax base.

A review of service levels across all city departments, from public works to recreation, is also being proposed.

“Certainly within each department there’s room for varying types of changes. That won’t necessarily revolve around the alternative revenue. That’s a factor but I would suggest it’s a relatively small one. That’s not to suggest finances are not a factor. They’re a huge factor,” said Mayor Grant Creasey.

“It’s basically a way for council to try and go about providing a level of service the community as a whole wants and be reasonable about providing it.”

Public transportation, including BOLT and CONNEX would also be examined for cost and how well they meet user needs.

Other high priorities include:

  • Improving council accessibility through live-stream of meetings
  • Review of the Land Use Bylaw with respect to subdivision and rezoning of larger lots
  • Completing a Social Master Plan
  • Promoting Lacombe’s existing retailers

Public feedback will be taken at the trade show in late April.

A revised draft could be presented to council for adoption as early as May 14.