Current News Releases

Lacombe County Council has adopted the County’s 2020 interim operating and capital budgets. Following the priorities set out in the County’s Strategic Plan, its long-range road construction, and capital equipment replacement plans, the budget supports the maintenance of existing service levels while managing the County’s spending in a responsible manner that reflects the current economic situation.

“Lacombe County was faced with a tough budget year because of unique challenges facing our economy, including a significant loss in revenue from shallow gas well taxes,” said Tim Timmons, County Manager. “We recognize the importance of planning for rainy days – or rainy years, as it seems. Council voted to approve an interim budget for 2020 that recognizes the challenges and uncertainty in our province. Still, we were able to mitigate some of the challenges through our use of reserve transfers.”

Interim operating and capital budgets are approved in December of each year, and are the first stage of a two-stage process that authorizes the County to spend on approved projects and conduct operations as of January 1, 2020. Stage 2 is the approval of the final budgets and tax rates, and takes place in the following spring when the Province sets the property tax levy for education purposes, and when property assessment values have been confirmed.

November 18-22 is Bullying Awareness Week, and Lacombe County’s School Resources Officers (SROs) are visiting several Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) locations to promote anti-bullying messages to students. Their presentation will be targeted to all ages of students – from Kindergarten to Grade 12 – to educate them on what bullying is, and the impacts bullying has on their peers.

“Creating a safe and welcoming learning environment is of great importance for WCPS. We know that when students feel safe, they have better outcomes and experiences in school,” said Jayson Lovell, WCPS Superintendent. “We are proud of the partnership we have with Lacombe County and the school resource officers that serve our students and schools. We know the value that comes with talking about bullying, that it is not okay, and with working together to find solutions.”

Lacombe County is seeking feedback from the public on participation and communication in Lacombe County. A survey was inserted in each issue of the County News, and stakeholders can also access the online format via the website and social media channels. The online survey will run from November 15 – December 5, 2019 and can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CountyEngagementWebsite. 

“Through the survey, we want to hear how the public would prefer Lacombe County engage with them, and what methods of participation appeal best to them,” said Tim Timmons, County Manager for Lacombe County. “An informed and engaged public is key to a successful municipality, and we are committed to ensuring the work we are doing to inform and involve the people of Lacombe County is done in a way that resonates with them.”

Residents are advised that C&E Trail will be closed from Aab Street (72 Avenue) to Highway 2A on Monday, November 18, 2019, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for stormwater line construction (Click Read More to view the map).

Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. Please obey posted traffic signs and flag persons.

Environmental constraints require this stormwater line to be constructed in cold weather conditions. When complete, a temporary patch of asphalt will be used to cover the work during the winter months. The patched area, as well as 100 meters of C&E Trail, will be repaved in the spring of 2020.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this construction period.

The public is invited to a drop-in style open house to provide input on the final draft of the Sylvan Lake Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP). The public open house is set for November 20, 2019, at the NexSource Centre – Seniors Centre in Sylvan Lake from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Sylvan Lake Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is a collaborative effort between the eight municipalities surrounding Sylvan Lake: Lacombe County, Red Deer County, Summer Village of Birchcliff, Summer Village of Half Moon Bay, Summer Village of Jarvis Bay, Summer Village of Norglenwold, the Summer Village of Sunbreaker Cove, and the Town of Sylvan Lake.

Sean McIntyre, Mayor of Sylvan Lake and chairperson of the Sylvan Lake IDP Steering Committee, says that he looks forward to seeing as many community members at the open house as possible.

“The partners have been working diligently at charting a path forward for the region, which will ensure continued health for our lake and high quality of life for our residents. We listened to and incorporated the public’s feedback in phases one and two, and we now need to hear if the plan hits the mark,” said McIntyre. “It is important to get feedback from the residents during this final stage of the project.”

PLEASE NOTE:  A maintenance contractor is in place to maintain ALL NUMBERED HIGHWAYS in Lacombe County on behalf of Alberta Transportation.

If you see any issues or have any concerns, please contact: Mainroad Alberta Contracting LP at 1-877-875-3263

Lacombe County has priorities for paved, gravel and subdivision roads, to determine which roads are dealt with first. For full details, please visit the Winter Maintenance section of the website.

During the October 22, 2019, Organizational Meeting, Lacombe County Council re-elected Division 4 Councillor Paula Law as Reeve for a seventh one-year term. Councillor Law assumed the Reeve’s Chair after taking the Oath of Office from County Manager, Tim Timmons, and expressed thanks to the members of Council for their continuing support. 

“It is my honour and privilege to serve another term as Reeve of Lacombe County, and to continue advocating for our residents and for Central Alberta on regional, provincial and federal issues,” said Reeve Law. “I appreciate the trust and confidence my fellow Councilors have in me, and I’m committed to working with this passionate group of individuals to serve Lacombe County.”

Lacombe County Council and Alix Village Council are pleased to announce the signing of an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF). Following months of meetings and discussions, the municipalities worked out details for the ICF document, which specifies what and how services are funded and delivered. It also highlights the ways that Lacombe County and the Village of Alix can work together efficiently.

“Lacombe County has long been a believer in the importance of having excellent working relationships with our urban partners,” said Reeve Paula Law. “The signing of these ICF agreements paves a path forward for continued collaboration and communication between Lacombe County and the Village of Alix.”

Since 2018, Lacombe County Council and Clive Village Council have been meeting to discuss and negotiate an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) agreement between the two municipalities. Recently, both municipalities officially signed the ICF agreement, finalizing the process.

“Because the county and village already had agreements in place for many of the required services, the ICF process proved to be an exercise that highlighted the successful relationship between our municipalities,” said Reeve Paula Law. “The signing of this ICF agreement paves a path forward for continued collaboration and communication between Lacombe County and the Village of Clive.”

Following months of meetings and discussions, Lacombe County Council and Bentley Town Council signed an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF). This document specifies what and how services are funded and delivered and highlights the ways that Lacombe County and the Town of Bentley can work together efficiently.

“For some municipalities, an ICF would be a new process, but the work completed by Lacombe County and the Town of Bentley reinforced agreements already in place. The ICF also ensures equal access to facilities, programs and services for the residents of both municipalities,” said Reeve Paula Law. “The signing of this ICF agreement paves a path forward for continued collaboration and communication between our municipalities.”

The Lacombe County / Town of Bentley ICF includes the following key points:

The North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Services Commission (NRDRWWSC) is pleased to announce that the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater System received the American Public Works Association (APWA) Alberta Chapter’s Project of the Year Award, for Projects over $10 Million, at the 2019 APWA Excellence in Public Works Conference and Tradeshow, held in Red Deer from October 7- 9, 2019.

“The APWA Alberta Chapter was pleased to present the project of the year award to the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Services Commission. It is always great to see commissions like this work collaboratively together to tackle a big project like this. Congratulations,” said Peter McDowell, Past President, American Public Works Association Alberta Chapter.

Lacombe County welcomed more than 600 local students to its inaugural Traffic Safety Day on September 19, 2019. By bringing local safety and enforcement presenters, the County gave students an up-close look at the many aspects of traffic safety, such as dangerous driving, bus safety, speeding, emergency response, and railway safety.

“Traffic safety is important for kids of all ages, whether they are taking the bus for the first time, or taking their car for a drive,” explained Dave Lahucik, Lacombe County School Resource Officer. “Equally as important are the relationships that the kids make with our local partners.”

The September County News is here! Click on the image below to read this month's paper online, or visit our office to pick up a copy.

Many property owners and rural communities have installed gate systems to keep their homes and businesses secure and safe. While these gates are a deterrent for rural crime, they can also impede on emergency personnel from getting to you easily, should the need arise. Lacombe County Fire Chief Drayton Bussiere says that with some pre-planning, residents can have peace of mind knowing they are accessible in emergencies.

Effective October 1, 2019, these new hours will be in effect for sites operated by the Lacombe Regional Waste Services Commission. For more information on hours of operation, locations, and types of waste collected visit the Lacombe Regional Waste Services Commission website at www.lrwsc.ca or call 403.782.8970. Click "Read more" to see the new hours.

As the school year begins, Lacombe County and Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) are proud to announce a new partnership between their organizations. This September, Lacombe County assumed the role of School Resource Officer (SRO) for schools in Alix, Bentley, Clive and Eckville. Community Peace Officer (CPO) Dave Lahucik will formally head the SRO program, under the direction of CPO Services. CPO Lahucik has been actively working in the schools developing relationships with both students and staff.

September is just around the corner, meaning harvest season will be in full swing soon. Lacombe County wants to remind those travelling on local roads keep safety at the forefront during fall harvest operations.

Road Safety

Road safety is a big concern during harvest season. With the start of the school year, roads will be busy with harvest operations coinciding with increased numbers of busses and commuters who are returning to regular schedules as summer holidays end. Since starting this campaign in 2014, we have heard stories from both producers and drivers alike of unsafe driving during harvest season.

“Lacombe County is an agricultural community, and producers have a short window to complete the annual harvest, even more so this year with the challenging growing season and threat of an early winter,” emphasized Mark Sproule, Manager of Community Peace Officer Services. “That said, road courtesy is important, no matter where you are driving, and we ask everyone to practice patience on our local roads.”

On June 18, Lacombe County officially opened the Kuhnen Natural Area to the public. Located on the eastern side of Lacombe County, the public space features 65 acres of land running along the north side of the Red Deer River.

“The gift of this land from the Kuhnen Family exemplifies the importance community residents place on managing green space for the betterment of current and future generations,” said Reeve Paula Law. “We appreciate this priceless gift from the Kuhnens, and are proud to protect these lands, for everyone to come out and spend time in nature.”

Local long-time residents, Frank and Rosalie Kuhnen, generously donated this land to Lacombe County, who will ensure the area remains in a natural state for the public to use for passive recreational purposes.

With Canada Day celebrations approaching, Lacombe County reminds all residents that a fireworks permit is required if you wish to sell, purchase or set off fireworks within the province of Alberta.

“Although there has been some changes to the Alberta Fire Code, Lacombe County continues to regulate the use of fireworks through a permitting system,” says Drayton Bussiere Lacombe County Fire Chief. “Canada Day is a popular occasion to set off fireworks, but regardless of the time of the year, a permit is required within Lacombe County if you plan on shooting off fireworks.”

Lacombe County invites the public and media to celebrate the grand opening of Kuhnen Natural Area.

Date: June 18, 2019

Time: 12 - 2 PM

Features: FREE barbecue and tours of the area.

Location: The Kuhnen Natural Area is located south of Alix and is accessed off of Range Road 23-0, south of Highway 11.

Municipal property tax notices were recently mailed out to Lacombe County ratepayers and should be appearing in mailboxes in the coming week. If you do not receive your 2019 tax notice by the end of June, please contact Lacombe County’s Assessment Department at 403-782-6601.

“We encourage ratepayers to be proactive and make sure their tax notice was received,” said Michael Minchin, Manager of Corporate Services. “To avoid all penalties, tax payments must be received by last business day in August.”

(Lacombe, Alberta, June 5, 2019) –

The Lacombe Regional Waste Services Commission (LRWSC) is pleased to announce the purchase of two new pieces of equipment to enhance our operations that will greatly reduce atmospheric emissions and costs.

The first piece of equipment LRWSC has purchased is an Air Burner S-220 (Figure 1).  This equipment will be used to replace the current practice of “open-pit burning” of wood waste at the Prentiss Landfill Site.

With some major renovations successfully completed, the Lacombe Regional Airport officially re-opened its doors. Today’s event included the unveiling of a unique new sign, which was designed to celebrate the airport’s bright future and successful partnership with the City of Lacombe and Lacombe County.

“From day one, the Lacombe Airport has relied on partnerships to ensure its success – from its dedicated and committed Flying Club volunteers to the recent collaboration with the City of Lacombe and Lacombe County through the 25-year operating agreement signed in 2017,” said Jon From, Lacombe Flying Club President. “Today’s unveiling ceremony is a reflection of strong partnerships at all levels and of the bright future of our organization.” 

“Today’s celebration – and the official renaming of the facility to the Lacombe Regional Airport – solidifies the commitment between the Flying Club and our municipalities,” explained Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law. “Together, we will ensure the airport continues to build on a solid foundation, allowing it to provide services and be an economic driver for the region for years to come.” 

The North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Services Commission (NRDRWWSC) is pleased to announce that the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater System received the Project Achievement Award at the 2019 Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) Summit Awards, held in Calgary on April 25, 2019.

The Project Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding engineering or geoscience project that represents a substantial contribution to technological progress and the betterment of society. This award was last presented in 2016.

Designed by Stantec, the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater System promises a cleaner future for communities in central Alberta. Completed on time and under budget, the system incorporates innovative approaches and leading-edge technologies to provide a modern wastewater solution while protecting a sensitive watershed.

At its May 9, 2019 meeting, Council approved the Lacombe County 2019 operating and capital budgets and tax rate bylaw. As indicated in the interim budget, municipal tax rates for 2019 will increase by 2.0% for residential properties, and by 3.5% for farmland and 4.5% for non-residential properties over 2018 rates.

“Lacombe County Council voted to approve a budget for 2019 that recognizes the challenges and uncertainty that Alberta has faced over the past few years,” said Reeve Paula Law. “Maintaining the services our ratepayers expect is crucial, but we have consciously focused on reduced spending and smarter spending, which will be the path we will continue down for the foreseeable future.”

The 2019 tax rate changes for Lacombe County, Alberta Education*, and the Lacombe Foundation are as follows:

2019 Tax Rate Changes

* The official 2019 Alberta Education Requisition has not been released by the Province as the education tax rate is yet to be set. The County has estimated the requisition for 2019 by using 2019 equalized assessment and the 2018 school tax rate.