There has been some progress on the Midway Centre commercial district, according to the developers.

They say that three lots have been sold, to be used for a retail plaza, a restaurant franchise and a recreation facility that’s being referred to as, “Play Land.”

YFL Development’s Kanwal Sandhu adds they have also been in talks to bring Wal-Mart to Lacombe, touting market conditions.

“Our project is like a sandwich between highway and the city so we have potential from both sides. If you look into Gasoline Alley, Gasoline Alley is not in business because of Red Deer, it’s because of Highway 2. There are other Tim Horton’s, other Starbucks, other shopping plazas in Red Deer,” Sandhu said.

As well, big-box anchor tenants have set up in communities smaller than Lacombe, he said.

Increasing the city’s retail options has been a common desire in the community and has become one of council’s priorities in its Strategic Plan.

But before construction, developers will need to sign an agreement with the city laying out the terms of building the project, including the payment of off-site levies -- contributions for infrastructure needed for development.

“We’re working through the development agreement with Midway Centre right now. They have a little bit of outstanding engineering to do and then we’re hoping to get that signed right away,” said Chief Administrative Officer Matthew Goudy.

“I understand from the developer that financing has been secured and they’re in a position to go ahead right away here.”