Lacombe Research and Development Centre Closure

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has confirmed the Lacombe Research and Development Centre is among several federal research facilities slated for closure as part of a national workforce reduction. The City of Lacombe is deeply concerned about the impact this will have on affected employees and families, and on the long-term agricultural research capacity that has supported producers for generations.

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What we know right now

  • AAFC has stated the department’s workforce will be reduced by approximately 665 positions, and that notices were issued to 1,043 affected employees on January 22, 2026.
  • AAFC has indicated the wind-down of scientific operations could take up to 12 months, and that it is “too early” to provide final workforce impact details for each site.
  • The Lacombe site has been operating since the early 1900s and employs 100+ people (as reported publicly).

Note: Information is still evolving. The City will only post updates when they are confirmed and meaningful.

Why this matters to Lacombe and Central Alberta

This proposed closure has real consequences:

  • People and families: 100+ local jobs are at risk, creating uncertainty for employees and their families.
  • Local economy: fewer high-quality jobs affects local spending and can create broader “spin-off” impacts for businesses and services.

Research capacity: the Lacombe site represents decades of trials, infrastructure, and expertise that cannot simply be recreated elsewhere once disrupted. 

What the City and County are doing

The City of Lacombe and Lacombe County are taking coordinated action, including:

  • Joint advocacy: preparing a joint letter requesting the federal government pause and reconsider the decision, and consult on impacts and alternatives.
  • Engagement with elected representatives: working with our local federal and provincial representatives to support advocacy and seek direct discussions with decision-makers.
  • Requested senior-level meetings: pursuing a virtual meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and/or senior AAFC officials to seek clarity on the decision rationale, timelines, impacts, and options.
  • Seeking accurate, on-the-ground information: working to identify a reliable AAFC point of contact for confirmed updates.
  • Workforce support and transition: researching available programs that may support affected employees and the community.

How you can help

If you wish to share your concerns with the federal government, you can contact the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food:

When writing, you may wish to include:

  • how the Lacombe Centre’s work affects producers and food security,
  • the impacts on local families and the regional economy,
  • the importance of long-term trials and the specialized land base,
  • a request to pause and consult before irreversible steps are taken.

Updates

Last updated: March 4, 2026

(We will post updates here as new, confirmed information becomes available.)

Questions

Is the site closing immediately?
Public statements indicate there are no imminent site closures and that wind-down could take up to 12 months, but details remain limited.

How many people are affected?
Public reporting indicates 100+ employees at the Lacombe Centre; AAFC has reported national-level figures of 1,043 employees receiving notices.

Where can employees find federal contact information?
 AAFC general contact information is available through the Government of Canada.

Media & News Links

Contact

For media or general inquiries related to the City’s response:

Steve Loutitt
Economic Development Officer
City of Lacombe
403-782-6666
sloutitt@lacombe.ca