LAC LA BICHE – People driving around the Lac La Biche area in recent months have most likely noticed the amount of construction work and other projects taking place throughout the municipality.
This has meant another summer of motorists having to take detours and pedestrians navigating signage due to streets being blocked off by orange fences.
According to Manny Deol, the chief administrative officer (CAO) for Lac La Biche County, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the municipality’s busiest construction seasons yet.
“This summer reflects council’s ongoing commitment to enhancing quality of life, building for the future, and driving local job creation. We are undertaking more than 60 capital projects, supported by a $132 million capital budget,” Deol said.
The $32.5 million Main Street Revitalization Project is currently in its final year of construction, while the third phase of the McArthur Park development, which includes a new bike skills park and pump track, a skateboard park, along with improved lighting and a public square, is expected to be wrapped up by fall.
In addition to these key projects, other work that is being done over the summer months includes upgrades to the Lac La Biche golf course, the Mission Beach and North Plamondon walking trail development, upgrades to the water tower in the hamlet of Lac La Biche, as well as railway crossing signal safety upgrades, said Deol.
Also, ball diamond improvements to Venice Heritage Park, the completion of the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) track at the Lac La Biche Airport, and the Hylo and Golden Sands outdoor rink upgrades are also taking place.
Work is also being done to replace water and sewer lines along 101 Street from Churchill Drive to Veteran’s Drive in Lac La Biche.
A section of Churchill Drive is closed, while parts of adjacent streets are open to local traffic only. This work is anticipated to be wrapped up by the end of August.
According to Deol, some of the highest priority projects that are expected to be complete by this fall include resurfacing, streetscaping, and drainage upgrades on Lac La Biche’s Main Street, utilities, landscaping, and open space enhancements as part of the McArthur Park redevelopment, and the water tower infrastructure improvement.
While the County aims to complete as many projects as possible before winter, Deol explained, the sheer volume of work means that some projects will carry over into 2026.
“However, all critical infrastructure work and season-dependent elements are being prioritized for completion before freeze-up. We anticipate the majority of the capital projects being on time and within budget this year,” he explained.
As far as what the response has been from residents with so much construction taking place, according to Deol, there has been strong support from the local community.
“Residents understand that the temporary inconvenience leads to long term benefits, including improved quality of life,” he said.
The County has taken several measures to assist residents while the construction is taking place. This has meant ensuring that appropriate signage and detour notices are in place, there are in-person visits being made to businesses by municipal officials, and that onsite safety measures are instituted in all construction zones.
“We regularly monitor active sites, and our crews respond quickly to any concerns or questions raised by residents or businesses. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this busy construction season,” Deol said.
