There are still a number of approvals left to be obtained, but that did not stop developers of the proposed Midway Centre district from holding a sod-turning ceremony yesterday in Lacombe.

Approvals are still needed for engineering designs, rezoning and a borrowing bylaw to pay for services to be extended to the area. As well, a development agreement needs to be signed.

Alberta Transportation also needs to conduct the Highway 2 Corridor Improvement Study.

Kanwal Sandhu is from YFL Development. He’s confident because of what he sees as an effective partnership between his company, the City of Lacombe and the county.

“They’ve been looking for a developer of our size who can come and develop this corner,” Sandhu said.

“We are trying our best and are developing half the property this year so we can provide enough contributions to offsite levies, which is assisting them to move forward with the development.”

The site for the proposed commercial district is a quarter section in Lacombe’s west end, near the intersection of Highway 2 and Highway 12.

Mayor Steve Christie was one of those who attended the ceremony. He’s also optimistic that work on Midway Centre will proceed.

“There’s a long ways to go but this is the furthest it’s been in a lot of years and I’m quite excited to continue to move forward,” Christie said.

Christie said YFL, which owns the property, has received permission for stripping and grading to prepare the land for the extension of underground services and construction.

From left: Kanwal Sandhu from YFL Development and former landowner Lawrence Henderson.

Lawrence Henderson, a retired dairy farmer and resident of more than 80 years, was the previous landowner.

His daughter Bev Bruner said the city annexed the property in 2000 so they knew it would be developed at some point.

Bruner said they hope Midway Centre will be a family legacy they leave behind.

“They have a vision and hopefully they succeed,” she said.