Advertising/Public Notification Bylaw (Bylaw 1433/25)

The proposed bylaw allows Lacombe County to use a broader range of advertising methods to notify residents about things like public hearings, bylaw changes, and Council meetings. These methods may include:

• Posting the notice in the Lacombe County News, the County’s official monthly newspaper publication; and/or

• Electronically posting the notice prominently on the Lacombe County official website; and/or

• Electronically posting the notice on any of Lacombe County’s official social media sites; and/or

• Mailing the notice directly to the necessary residents or businesses; and/or

• Posting the notice on the bulletin board in Lacombe County’s Administrative Office; and/or

• Placing flyers or notices on bulletin boards or displays at local establishments, community halls, recreation centres, or other venues frequented by residents; and/or

• Posting the notice on roadside signage at key intersections and in front of the Administration Building; and/or

• Posting the notice physically on a property, if required; and/or

• Sending the notice electronically via email, text, or other digital notification systems (through a subscribed database).

This bylaw enables Lacombe County to tailor its approach depending on the situation, while ensuring important information reaches as many residents as possible.

Currently, Lacombe County follows the advertising requirements outlined in Section 606(2) of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), which restricts us primarily to newspaper ads and mailouts. However, recent shifts in local newspaper availability and the potential disruption caused by mail strikes have emphasized the importance of formalizing additional communication methods.

Alongside traditional newspaper advertising and direct mailouts, this bylaw provides flexibility, allowing us to utilize communication channels that residents already rely on—such as the County News, our website, and social media—while continuing to meet provincial legislative requirements.

Not at all. The bylaw supports a hybrid approach—meaning we will continue using newspapers and mailouts when appropriate, while also incorporating digital methods and officially recognizing the County News. It simply gives the County more options to ensure timely and effective communication.

With the increasing closure of local newspapers and the possibility of mail disruptions (such as strikes), it's important that Lacombe County can continue meeting its notification requirements under the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and keep County business operating without interruption.

We understand that not all residents are online. The bylaw still allows for notices to be mailed, published in newspapers, posted on bulletin boards in municipal facilities, and shared via roadside signs. It’s about using a variety of tools to reach as many people as possible.

The bylaw will also ensure that the County News—our primary communication tool for residents—is officially recognized and can meet our notification requirements under the Municipal Government Act (MGA).