Lacombe, Alberta, is a charming city nestled in the heart of central Alberta, Canada. Approximately 25 kilometres north of Red Deer and 125 kilometres south of Edmonton, Lacombe offers a unique blend of picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Lacombe's history dates back to the late 19th century and is deeply intertwined with the life of Albert Lacombe, a French-Canadian Roman Catholic Oblate missionary. The city is named in his honour, commemorating his efforts in evangelizing the Cree and Blackfoot First Nations of western Canada and brokering peace between these nations.
The first permanent settler, Ed Barnett, a retired member of the North-West Mounted Police, arrived in 1883. He established a "stopping house" for travellers along the Calgary-Edmonton Trail, marking the beginning of the community's growth. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1891 further boosted the area's development, leading to the establishment of downtown blocks and lots by 1893.
Lacombe was officially recognized as a village in 1896, a town in 1902, and finally became Alberta's 17th city on September 5, 2010.
Lacombe is beautifully set in the rolling parkland of central Alberta, flanked by the Rocky Mountains foothills to the west and the expansive Alberta prairie to the east.
Lacombe experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
As per the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Lacombe had a population of 13,396, a 2.6% increase from its 2016 population of 13,057. The city spans a land area of 20.59 km2, resulting in a population density of 650.6/km2 in 2021.
Lacombe's architecture is a testament to its rich history. The main street, often used in films, is reminiscent of a town from the early 1900s, lined with beautifully restored Edwardian buildings.
The Flatiron Building, housing the Flatiron Museum and Interpretive Centre, is a prominent landmark. The Lacombe Blacksmith Shop Museum, touted as "the oldest operating blacksmith shop in Alberta", and the Michener House Museum and Archives, Lacombe's oldest building and birthplace of Canada's Governor General from 1967 to 1974, Rt. Hon. Roland Michener, are other notable architectural gems.
Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, Lacombe, Alberta, has something to offer everyone.
