The City of Lacombe and Lacombe County are one step closer to extending the current water and sewer system up to and across the QE11 Highway.

At council this morning, the County approved the Joint Economic Area Servicing and Capital Project Contribution Agreements along with the North Red Deer River Water Services Commission Memorandum of Understanding ensuring the County’s water allocation flows through the City’s infrastructure without affecting their water allocation.

With the approval, the County is now waiting on the City to approve the same three agreements at their council meeting on Monday.

Manager of Environmental and Protective Services Keith Boras said it’s a positive step in moving forward.

“As administration, we hope to have these agreements approved and signed sometime within the next month. We would then move ahead with a detailed design on the project and look at starting in the ground probably by spring of 2018.”

Once constructed, Boras said the extension will provide opportunities for future growth.

“Certainly along the Highway 2 corridor with the visibility from Highway 2, those are ideal places for commercial ventures because of the sight line.”

“We see it growing out that way. For industries or businesses that require bigger parcels of land, here will be a place where they’ll be able to site.”

Costs of the initial phase of the project are estimated at $11,668,800 which will be divided by both parties.