Provincial funding secured for Lacombe Regional Airport safety improvements

The City of Lacombe is pleased to announce it has been approved for provincial funding to support critical safety upgrades at the Lacombe Regional Airport through Alberta’s Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP).

The project includes the installation of Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lighting and an upgraded LED windsock. It has been approved for a provincial grant of up to $120,000 under the Transportation and Economic Corridors STIP - Capital program.

This initiative is a collaborative investment between multiple partners, including:

• Government of Alberta: up to $120,000
• City of Lacombe: $20,000
• Lacombe County: $10,000
• Lacombe Flying Club: $10,000

These combined contributions will support infrastructure upgrades that improve visibility and approach guidance for pilots, particularly during low-light and winter conditions.

Demand for these improvements has grown significantly in recent years. Aircraft movements at the Lacombe Regional Airport have more than doubled following the introduction of a new flight school in 2024. Enhanced lighting and modernized windsocks will help support safe operations, pilot training, and reliable access for services such as medical evacuations and charter flights.

Mayor Thalia Hibbs highlighted the importance of the investment: “This investment is about safety, reliability, and supporting the continued growth of our regional airport. With increased flight activity and expanding aviation services, these upgrades will ensure pilots have the tools they need to operate safely in all conditions, while strengthening the airport’s role as an important community asset for Lacombe and the surrounding region.”

Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen emphasized the broader impact: “Alberta’s government is proud to support these upgrades, which will improve airport safety, strengthen regional connectivity, and support important services like flight training, emergency response, and local economic activity. This investment will serve residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come.”

Jennifer Johnson, MLA for Lacombe–Ponoka, noted the long-term value of the project: “This is an important investment in the future of the Lacombe Airport. As a hub for learning and aviation, the airport is a valuable asset that serves residents, businesses, visitors, and emergency services alike, supporting the continued growth and connectivity of the region.”

Deputy Reeve Dwayne West spoke to the strength of the partnership: “Lacombe County is proud to partner in this important investment alongside the Government of Alberta, the City of Lacombe, and the Lacombe Flying Club. These upgrades highlight what can be achieved through collaboration and ensure the airport continues to safely serve residents, businesses, and visitors across our region.”

Jon From, President of the Lacombe Flying Club, highlighted the benefits for airport users: “As the only airport serving both the City and County of Lacombe, we support a wide range of users - from business aviation to flight training, critical fixed-wing medevac services and STARS. Thanks to strong collaboration between partners, this funding will help deliver important safety enhancements like the PAPI lights and new LED windsock, benefiting all of these operations.”

The Lacombe Regional Airport is a key piece of regional infrastructure, supporting recreational aviation, flight training, emergency response, and local economic activity. These upgrades will enhance safety and usability while aligning with the airport’s long-term development vision.

Lacombe Regional Airport Master Plan Survey

The City of Lacombe, in collaboration with the Lacombe Flying Club and Lacombe County, is also developing an Airport Master Plan to guide the long-term growth and use of the Lacombe Regional Airport. Residents, airport users, Flying Club members, and other stakeholders are encouraged to share their input through a survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LacombeAirport. The survey will be open until July 12.