Current News Releases

Check out the May 2022 County News! You can read it online here, grab a copy from the Adminstrative Building, or call 403-782-6601 to be added to our mailing list!

Lacombe County is booming with development, with construction values increasing by 264% in 2021 over pre-pandemic levels. The trend highlights the opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed in the County, thanks to important steps Council has taken to create a business-friendly climate.

“Success grows here,” says County Reeve Barb Shepherd. “We pride ourselves in creating a proactive and competitive business climate by ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place, taxes are competitive, services meet our needs, and approval processes are business friendly”

Building on success, the County recently hired Monica Bartman as Economic Development Officer to proactively support positive economic growth and opportunities in the region. Ms. Bartman draws on years of experience working with the business community as Executive Director of the Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce. One of her first orders of business is to build an economic development strategy that focuses her efforts on the priorities of local residents and businesses. “We want to hear from residents and business leaders about emerging opportunities and key challenges so that we can work together to build a bright future here in Lacombe County,'' says Bartman.  

The economic development strategy kicks off with a pair of surveys to gather input from the community. The first is a resident survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LacombeCountyResidents) that runs until June 10 and will help shape the long-term future of the County and establish high-level goals for economic development.

At its May 12, 2022 meeting, Council approved the Lacombe County 2022 operating and capital budgets and tax rate bylaw. Following two years of no tax increases, County Council will be increasing tax rates for all property classes and tapping into reserves to balance the infrastructure and growth needs of the community responsibly.

“Maintaining the services our ratepayers expect is crucial, and Lacombe County continues to focus on responsible and smart spending,” said Lacombe County Reeve Barb Shepherd. “Thankfully, with overall assessments coming in higher than expected – specifically due to residential growth and market increases, and increased Machinery & Equipment (M&E) assessments – we were able to reduce the tax rates proposed in December when we approved the interim budget.”

2022 Municipal Tax Rates

The 2022 tax rates and tax rate changes for Lacombe County, the provincial Policing Levy, Alberta Education, and the Lacombe Foundation are as follows:

Starting May 1, 2022, visitors of Sandy Point Beach, Sandy Point Boat Launch, and Sunbreaker Cove Boat Launch will be required to pay for parking. Lacombe County is launching a quick and easy payment system for parking through HotSpot Parking Inc.

"We understand some of our residents were concerned with the paid parking program. Council reviewed the plan and, except for adding an annual pass option for frequent users, they continue to feel it is the right direction to move in,” said Tim Timmons, County Manager for Lacombe County. “The additional user fees will help to ensure the operating and capital expenses of these amenities are more sustainable. With the increasing amount of people accessing the lake via the beach and boat launches, the paid parking program will assist with the maintenance and upkeep of these facilities, while providing funds for future needs.”

Find more details about the Paid Parking Program, including frequently asked questions and how-to videos, at https://www.lacombecounty.com/index.php/hotspot-paid-parking-program.

APRIL 27, 2022 UPDATE - SOLD OUT FOR THE 2022 SEASON  

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Lacombe County will have rain barrels available for purchase for $23.50 + GST (50/50 cost share with the County). 

DETAILS

• You must be a County resident and provide proof (e.g. tax notice or utility bill).
• Limit of one/household.
• There are 96 rain barrels for sale on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Purchase yours up at the Lacombe County administration building to purchase.

Lacombe County is excited to announce the return of the Spring Tune Up: Health and Safety Fair on April 1, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lacombe Memorial Centre. Anyone interested in their health and farm safety is invited to attend this free event, which will feature a variety of health care and safety professionals.

“We like to focus on safety and health BEFORE farmers get into their fields for the season, to remind them of the importance of caring for the physical, emotional and mental health,” explained Jalene Makus, Lacombe County Agriculture Coordinator and event organizer. “By bringing in vendors that support physical and mental health/safety, we are doing our part to support this important initiative and connect attendees with relevant and useful information.”

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Highway 2A South will be closed completely at the HWY 604 (Morningside) intersection, to allow for an oversized load to be transported. A detour will be in place for southbound traffic. The work will take place on March 16 between 8:00AM and 3:00PM.

Please obey all signs and drive with caution in this area.

If you have questions, call Jason Porte, Operations Manager for Totran Transportation, 403-836-7455.

Lacombe County is hosting a two-day voluntary farm vehicle safety check at its remote public works shops located in the east and west sides of the County. The purpose of this check is to increase both the safety and the awareness of our agricultural industry as it relates to vehicle safety.

 “We want to make sure our farmers and ranchers are not going to be stuck on the side of the road because of a breakdown - or worse yet, involved in an accident because of equipment failure,” said Ray Kawai, Lacombe County Community Peace Officer. “It’s all about education and working together to promote road safety for everyone.”

Starting May 1, 2022, visitors of Sandy Point Beach, Sandy Point Boat Launch, and Sunbreaker Cove Boat Launch will be required to pay for parking. Lacombe County is launching a quick and easy payment system for parking through HotSpot Parking Inc. This affordable, convenient payment system will ensure continued maintenance of these amenities.

"With an increasing amount of people accessing the lake via the beach and boat launches, Lacombe County felt it was the time to implement a payment system for users of these amenities. This will assist with the maintenance and upkeep of these facilities, as well as help provide for future needs," said Tim Timmons, County Manager for Lacombe County. "HotSpot Parking will be convenient for users and will ensure safe, maintained lake access for all users to enjoy."

Click here for HotSpot Parking Q&A's.

Lacombe County reminds people that permit requests are free and easy to submit online, through the “myLacombeCounty” app, and in person. Fire permit season starts on March 1, 2022, and burning without a fire permit will result in a hefty fine. 

Ratepayers can submit their fire permits 24/7 online through the Lacombe County website (www.lacombecounty.com) or through the myLacombeCounty app (iPhone users only). They can also request permits in person at the Lacombe County Office during business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), or by calling the Community Services Department at 403-782-8959 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

“Fire permits are free of charge and easy to obtain,” said Bussiere. “Permits are essential to public safety and burning responsibly, and are there to ensure the safety of Lacombe County residents and their neighbours. While most controlled burns in the County are permitted, we continue to have situations where people don’t take out a permit and can be charged under the bylaw. ”

Fire Permit Information and access to fire permit portal.

We are excited to announce that Lacombe County was chosen as one of six municipalities selected to participate in the 2022 Municipal Energy Champions (MEC) program.

The Municipal Energy Champions (MEC) program is a free program put on by the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre. The program supports municipal staff in becoming Energy Champions. With the involvement of the Lacombe County Environmental Coordinator, the MEC program will identify new ways to manage municipal energy use, as well as opportunities to reduce energy consumption and save money, and ways to build and implement these programs in the future.

“Lacombe County understands the importance of being an environmental leader. Being selected as a Municipal Energy Champion will complement the many programs and initiatives that we have underway,” said Reeve Barb Shepherd.

Road Ban Listing

Road Ban Information Map

Effective Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 7AM the attached bans will be in effect on Lacombe County roads.

Changes will be on Woody Nook and Aspelund roads.

Lacombe County usually places road bans in March and they typically stay in place until June. However, because the bans are dependent on weather, the period they're in place for can change. The potential for damage and the current condition of the road dictates the percentage of the ban.

As road bans are updated regularly, we encourage all parties potentially impacted by the ban to check back often or contact the Operations Department at .

New Blackfalds High School presents an opportunity for review and public input

Wolf Creek Public Schools’ (WCPS) Board of Trustees wants to hear from stakeholders around Blackfalds and Lacombe, as a review of Attendance Boundaries and Grade Configurations in both communities gets underway.

The Alberta Government announced plans for the new 950 capacity high school for WCPS in Blackfalds in March 2020, with the school slated to be completed in September 2024. The opening of a new high school in Blackfalds will have an impact on enrolment at Lacombe Composite High School (LCHS), as currently, high school students from Blackfalds and Clive attend high school at LCHS. This change has spurred the opportunity for the review, which has to balance any potential changes in attendance boundaries with the impact that can have on enrolment and school capacities, as well as areas such as busing.

Public input will be sought online from Feb. 1 to 15. In advance of the online survey, the public can view additional details and background information at: https://letsconnect.wolfcreek.ab.ca/blackfalds-lacombe-grade-configuration-and-boundary-review 

Links will also be available at www.wolfcreek.ab.ca and on school websites.

There are only a few weeks left in 2021, and we are looking back over the highlights of the past 12 months.

2021 Municipal Election Results: The most significant change at Lacombe County happened in October, with the 2021 Municipal Election. Former Reeve Paula Law did not run for re-election, as well as long-time councillors Ken Wigmore and Keith Stephenson. Following the election, Lacombe County welcomed three new councillors: Dwayne West (Division 4), Ken Weenink (Division 5), and Allan Wilson (Division 6). Following the Organizational Meeting, Lacombe County Council appointed Division 3 Councillor Barb Shepherd as Lacombe County Reeve and Division 1 Councillor John Ireland as Deputy Reeve.

Pursuant to Section 194(1)(a) of the Municipal Government Act as Reeve of Lacombe County I hereby call a special council meeting to be held virtually on January 18, 2022 commencing at 9:00 a.m. for the purpose of meeting with the City of Lacombe Council to discuss:

1. The Lacombe Athletic Park Association’s request for the City of Lacombe and Lacombe County support of Phase 2 of the Lacombe Athletic Park expansion project.

Earlier this month, Lacombe County Council adopted the County’s 2022 interim operating and capital budgets. This budget supports the maintenance of existing service levels while managing the County’s spending in a responsible manner that reflects the current economic situation and follows the priorities set out in the County’s Strategic Plan, long-range road construction plan, and capital equipment replacement plan.

“We have faced a number of unique economic challenges over the last few years, including a significant loss in revenue from oil and gas well taxes and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Michael Minchin, Director of Corporate Services. “Council voted to approve an interim budget for 2022 that recognizes the challenges and uncertainty in our province while ensuring service levels remain at a high level.”

pdf Consolidated Operating Budget Interim Budget 2022 (114 KB)

pdf Consolidated Capital Budget Interim 2022 (85 KB)

Lacombe County is no longer managing the voluntary Take It Off Program on Gull Lake and Buffalo Lake, as Alberta Environment and Parks has made it mandatory to identify all ice shelters in the province.

All ice fishing shelters that are on the ice for more than 24 hours must be labelled (2.5 cm block letters) with WiN number or name and phone number. Ice fishing shelters must be removed from the ice by March 31.

By identifying your ice shelter you help to ensure that all ice shelters are taken off the lake by the end of the ice fishing season. This helps to protect the environment and ensure the safety of anglers and boaters.

More information is in the 2021 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations at https://albertaregulations.ca/fishingregs/.

The Lacombe Memorial Centre played host to a Joint Meeting of Council between Lacombe County and the City of Lacombe.

The meeting – and future joint meetings – fosters collaboration and cooperation between the regional partners to achieve efficient results for the residents of both municipalities.

Community presentations from the Lacombe Athletic Park Association and the Lacombe Fish and Game Association were on the agenda at the December 1 meeting.

Lacombe County Reeve Barb Shepherd saw the importance of the two Councils working together to benefit their citizens.

Pursuant to Section 194(1)(a) of the Municipal Government Act as Reeve of Lacombe County, I hereby call a special council meeting on December 1, 2021 at the Lacombe Memorial Centre commencing at 9:00 a.m. for the purpose of meeting with the City of Lacombe Council to hear and discuss presentation from:

1. The Lacombe Athletic Park Association regarding their request for City of Lacombe and Lacombe County support of phase 2 of the Lacombe Athletic Park expansion project; and
2. The Lacombe Fish and Game Association regarding their request for the City of Lacombe and Lacombe County support of their proposal to make improvements to the Len Thompson Fish Pond in partnership with the Alberta Conservation Association and Team Jigger.

During the October 26, 2021 Organizational Meeting, Lacombe County Councillors took the Oath of Office following the Municipal Election on October 18, 2021.

Lacombe County Council appointed Division 3 Councillor Barb Shepherd as Lacombe County Reeve. Councillor Shepherd assumed the Reeve’s Chair after taking the Oath of Office from County Manager Tim Timmons.

“I want to thank my fellow councillors for appointing me as Lacombe County Reeve. There are many changes to our Council following the election, and I’m looking forward to working with both new and familiar faces to lead Lacombe County forward,” said Reeve Shepherd. “The previous Council left us with a strong foundation to build on as we tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.”

Following her appointment, Lacombe County Council appointed Division 1 Councillor John Ireland as Deputy Reeve for a two-year term.

Alberta Transportation is conducting a planning study to examine twinning the 41-kilometre section of Highway 11 between Highway 22 and Township Road 390 (east of Benalto).

Highway 11 is an important route for the movement of people, goods, and services. It connects national parks and communities with over 5,000 residents, including Red Deer, Sylvan Lake and Rocky Mountain House.

CIMA Canada Inc. (CIMA+) will conduct the functional planning study on behalf of Alberta Transportation.
For more information about the study and public information sessions where you can provide feedback on the alternatives and proposed plans, please visit:

• https://www.alberta.ca/highway-11-from-highway-22-to-township-road-390.aspx

Below are the official results of Lacombe County’s 2021 Municipal Election. The results of the referendum vote and senate election will be released on October 26, 2021 at https://www.elections.ab.ca/.

**indicates the successful candidate

For more information, please contact:

Michelle Eadie
Returning Officer
Lacombe County                                            

403-505-8133

PROPOSED LEASE AGREEMENT WITH LACOMBE FISH & GAME ASSOCIATION FOR BURBANK CAMPGROUND

For Lacombe County to enter into a 20-year lease agreement with Lacombe Fish and Game Association on Lot 2MR, Block 1, Plan 802 1368 (13-39-27-W4) and Lot 3MR, Block 1, Plan 912 2491 (13-39-27-W4) located at the Burbank Campground.

How do I comment?

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed lease agreement will have an opportunity to do so at a public hearing. If you are unable to attend the hearing, written submissions can be made to the County. You will, however, need to ensure that your comments are received by the County prior to the date of the hearing.

Polls close at 8:00 p.m. We will post the information on the website once it is available.

**indicates the successful candidate

*poll location vote counts include advance votes

ELECTION 2021 | What do you need to know for Monday's municipal election?? Visit https://www.lacombecounty.com/index.php/election-2021 for election and voter ID information and check out the poster below.