The City of Lacombe has received the 2023 Community Planning Association of Alberta (CPAA) Community Achievement Award for the Heart of Lacombe project.

The award recognizes, celebrates, and shares the success and hard work of an individual, team, or organization whose creative ideas and work have positively contributed to community building and well-being anywhere in Alberta.

The Heart of Lacombe is a signature landmark in downtown Lacombe created with the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP) Committee. It is a year-round, social media-shareable site – which captures the memorable experience of visiting Lacombe's downtown by providing a frame for photos.

"The Heart of Lacombe has fast become the symbol of our downtown core," Deputy Mayor Thalia Hibbs said. "This project is a collaborative effort that has created a brand all our residents can be proud of. This award shows what is possible when our community works together."

The Heart results from months of collaboration and planning by the DARP Committee, which led to a visually appealing, interactive piece that expresses residents' connection with their community.

The landmark is designed for social media and illuminates during darker periods for a distinctive look. The landmark installation prompted new wayfinding signs throughout the core, which use the new Heart of Lacombe branding.

The Heart is one of many projects led by the grassroots Committee committed to creating meaningful initiatives with Lacombe's downtown. The Committee includes nine members encompassing a broad range of downtown building owners, entrepreneurs, and residents

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