Following months of meetings and negotiations, the Town of Blackfalds and Lacombe County are pleased to announce the recent signing of an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) Master Agreement. This ICF will help the municipalities to plan and deliver shared programs and services effectively, efficiently and economically to the residents of both communities.
“Although the negotiation process was long, our respect for each other provided us with a better understanding of each other's unique challenges and perspectives,” said Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law. “There is no question that this ICF agreement will serve both of our communities well.”
Lacombe County staff encourage you to Help Prevent the Spread this World Health Day (April 7, 2020)! We all have a role to play to prevent the spread of COVID-19, to save lives and to flatten the curve.
At their regular council meeting on March 26, 2020, Council approved to waive the 2% late payment penalty applied on unpaid utility bills between April 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020. Council made this decision in response to the financial strain some ratepayers are facing due to the COVID-19 public health crisis and economic repercussions that have followed.
Utility accounts must be paid in full as of March 31 to participate in the program, and utility customers must apply to participate in the program (ONLINE APPLICATION FORM HERE).
Effective April 2, 2020, Lacombe County is taking an additional measure for the protection of our residents, as well as for County staff maintaining these facilities, by closing our public washroom facilities and playgrounds. These closures are due to COVID-19 concerns and follow the recommendations from Alberta Health Services and the Government of Alberta.
While we respect these spaces are valued by residents, we believe it is a necessary and responsible precaution at this time. Closure signs will be placed at the following public washroom facilities and playground areas:
Lacombe County in partnership with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry will be selling 2% Liquid Strychnine for the control of Richardson Ground Squirrels.
Producers can purchase the product on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. by calling 403-782-6601 or 403-782-8959. There is a minimum purchase of 6 bottles/customer (and a maximum purchase of 2 cases, 24 bottles/case). Each bottle costs $12.00 (and a case is $288 / 24 bottles)
Lacombe County’s Emergency Coordination Centre continues to monitor COVID-19 public health risk for any new developments. At this time, we are following protocols laid out by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, and the Government of Alberta.
“We recognize this is a difficult time for ratepayers, and that there is an extraordinary amount of uncertainty and fear caused by COVID-19 and the economy,” said Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law. “Lacombe County is committed to you, and we are taking measures to ensure municipal services aren’t interrupted. We thank all of you for your support and adherence to the provincial measures during this current situation.”
Lacombe County has asked staff in essential roles, such as Utility Operators, Equipment Operators, and Community Peace Officers, to take extra precautions both at work and at home, in the hopes of ensuring minimal disruption in services. We will continue to update the public should changes to service levels occur.
As of Wednesday, March 25 the Lacombe County administration building and shops will be open by appointment only.
This morning, Lacombe County officially activated its’ Emergency Coordination Centre in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are carefully monitoring COVID-19 public health risk for any new developments and will follow protocols laid out by Alberta Health Services’ (AHS). Lacombe County recommends people in the county and urban centres take the same respiratory illness precautions as with every cold and influenza season. There is currently no widespread transmission of COVID-19 in Canada, and the risk of contracting the virus is low, but this risk could increase in the coming weeks.
Actions at the Lacombe County Office
For the protection of staff and visitors, we have added hand sanitizing stations at our office to help limit the spread of the virus and other germs. At this time, our office is open for business, however, we do have some alternative options for service available and ask that you use the options below if you have recently travelled or are feeling unwell:
In light of the Government of Alberta’s updated response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Lacombe & District FCSS has made the difficult decision to discontinue most services and only operate essential services until further notice. Our office staff will be answering phone calls and responding to community inquiries during this time.
“The decision was not taken lightly; however the health and safety of our community is of the utmost importance,” said FCSS Director Susan MacDonald. “I realize this is a very stressful time for all of us, especially our seniors and those with limited resources and supports.”
FCSS staff will be contacting all clients to provide them with the following changes to services, effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020:
Lacombe County officially activated its’ Emergency Coordination Centre in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are carefully monitoring COVID-19 public health risk for any new developments and will follow protocols laid out by Alberta Health Services’ (AHS).
Protecting our Staff
AS OF MARCH 25, 2020, OUR OFFICE WILL BE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
For the protection of staff and visitors, we have added hand sanitizing stations at our office to help limit the spread of the virus and other germs. At this time, we ask the public to first use alternative options for service available and ask that you use the options below if you have recently travelled or are feeling unwell:
We ask that you keep a safe distance from our staff when at the office as a precautionary measure.
Public Washroom Facilities and Playgrounds
As of April 2, 2020, Lacombe County is taking an additional measure for the protection of our residents, as well as for County staff maintaining these facilities, by closing ourpublic washroom facilities and playgrounds. While we respect these spaces are valued by residents, we believe it is a necessary and responsible precaution at this time. Closure signs will be placed at the closed public washroom facilities and playground areas.
These closures do not include County trail systems; however, we ask that you protect yourself and others by:
Staying home if you are sick
Practicing physical distancing (at least 2 metres)
Practice good hygiene (i.e. wash hands often for at least 20 seconds, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching your face.)
These decisions are difficult and we appreciate your support in helping Lacombe County make these public safety measures be as effective as possible.
The most current and accurate information about COVID-19 can be found at the Government of Alberta’s website: www.alberta.ca/covid19
The Government of Alberta provides daily updates, outlining actions to protect Albertans and prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you are looking for the following information, we encourage you to visit www.alberta.ca/covid19:
Daily updates from Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health
Cases in Alberta
Prevent and Prepare
Symptoms and Risks, and
General info for Albertans
You can submit a complaint to Alberta Health Services public health inspectors if you are concerned an establishment is not following public health orders, or if you know someone who is not self-isolating when they are legally required to.
Wash your hands often and well. Wash with warm water and soap to remove both visible dirt and invisible germs. Ensure you wash all parts of your hands, including under fingernails. This should take at least 20 seconds.
Wash your hands before preparing or eating food, after using the washroom, blowing your nose, handling garbage, or touching shared objects.
Avoid touching your face or mouth with unwashed hands.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of the tissue into a plastic-lined garbage bin. Wash your hands afterwards. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into a flexed elbow.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
If you have symptoms and recently travelled outside Canada or were exposed to someone who has COVID-19, stay home and call Health Link 811 for instructions. Do not go to the ER. If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and inform them that you may have COVID-19.
The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Here are some links which might help you or someone you know.
During a crisis, misinformation will circulate. The most current and accurate information about COVID-19 can be found at www.alberta.ca/covid19, or from the following resources:
In recent weeks, Lacombe County Council signed three separate Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICF) with Red Deer County, County of Stettler, and Camrose County. Following discussions, the municipalities worked out details for the ICF document, which specifies what and how services are funded and delivered, ensuring they are working together efficiently and economically for their ratepayers.
“The signing of these Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks demonstrates the positive, collaborative relationships that we have with our municipal neighbours in Stettler County, Camrose County and Red Deer County,” said Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law.
(Lacombe, Alberta, Friday, February 14, 2020) – The Town of Blackfalds is completing a stormwater line crossing through Range Road 27-0, 1.5 miles south of the Lakeside/Sargent Road (Township Road 40-0), as part of their East Area Storm Project.
PLEASE NOTE: Range Road 27-0 will be closed from March 11-21, 2020 for the construction of this crossing (**Updated road closure dates on MARCH 9, 2020).
Traffic will be detoured along local roads during the closure; watch for signs indicating the detour routes.
CN Rail has notified Lacombe County that they are closing Range Road 25-2, .5 miles north of Township Road 39-0, in order to conduct repairs. Range Road 25-2 will be closed on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 from approximately 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Traffic will be detoured along local roads during the closure. Please watch for signs indicating the detour routes and drive with caution in this area.
The City of Lacombe and Lacombe County are pleased to announce the signing of an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) Master Agreement to plan and deliver shared programs and services effectively, efficiently and economically to the residents of both communities.
“The long-standing relationship we have with the City of Lacombe has consistently been a positive one,” said Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law. “By completing this Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework, we took the best-practices we have used over the years to help develop this formal agreement between Lacombe County and the City of Lacombe.”
“The City of Lacombe and Lacombe County share a common border and common interests, and we recognize that we both have a significant role to play in the continued success of our shared region,” said City of Lacombe Mayor Grant Creasey. “The best interests of residents and ratepayers has been our focus throughout this mutually beneficial process, and the signing of the ICF Master Agreement formalizes the ongoing collaboration and communication between our two municipalities."
Lacombe County reminds ratepayers that fire permit season starts on March 1, 2020. In recent years, spring brought drier conditions very quickly, resulting in fire bans. As the County prepares for the 2020 fire permit season, they remind residents that it’s important to practice safe burning practices throughout the year.
“Residents are encouraged to check on any controlled burns performed outside of permit season, as larger burns can smoulder through the winter and reignite as it warms up,” said Drayton Bussiere, Lacombe County Fire Chief. “By obeying with the fire permit process and using safe burning practices, Lacombe County residents can help us keep our County safe throughout the season.”
Access the online fire permit here: https://www.lacombecounty.com/index.php/fire-permits1 (please note, the online link will be accessible starting March 1, 2020). You can also apply through the myLacombeCounty app (iPhone users only) or by calling 403-782-8959.
(Lacombe, Alberta, Thursday, February 13, 2020) – CP Rail has notified Lacombe County that an emergency closure is required on the Milton Road (Township Road 41-2) at Highway 2A on February 13, 2020.
Traffic will be detoured along local roads during the closure; watch for signs indicating the detour routes.
The Sylvan Lake Intermunicipal Development Plan is nearing the final project stage. Engagement in the Fall of 2019 offered significant feedback and as a result, the revised draft Sylvan Lake Intermunicipal Development Plan will be put forward for the first stage of the approvals process (1st Reading). Each Council of the eight Partner Municipalities will consider the draft plan independently. If all Partner Municipalities approve 1st Reading, a Joint Public Hearing will be held. This is the final stage of public engagement and is the final opportunity for members of the public to share their perspective on the draft plan with all eight Councils.
An estimated $8-million project that will see water and wastewater services extended to properties on the west side of QEII received approval from Lacombe County Council on January 30, 2020. Following a comprehensive tendering process, Council voted to move forward with servicing the Wild Rose Commercial Park and then east across the QEII to the Track on 2.
Split into two projects – one to complete the underground installation of utilities and the second to construct a lift station in the Wild Rose Commercial Park – the project will be entirely funded through Lacombe County’s Water/Wastewater Reserve and Community Resource Reserve.
Following a number of discussions and meetings, Lacombe County Council and Eckville Town Council have signed an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) between their municipalities. The details of the ICF document specifies what and how services are funded and delivered, and highlights the ways that the county and town can work together efficiently.
“We have enjoyed a strong relationship with the Town of Eckville for many, many years,” said Reeve Paula Law. “The signing of these ICF agreements paves a path forward for continued collaboration and communication between Lacombe County and the Town of Eckville.”
The Lacombe County / Town of Eckville ICF includes the following key points:
Lacombe County Council and the Summer Village of Gull Lake Council recently signed an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF). The agreement specifies what and how services are funded and delivered, and also highlights the ways that the municipalities can work together efficiently.
“Lacombe County has long been a believer in the importance of having excellent working relationships with our neighbours, including the Summer Village of Gull Lake,” said Reeve Paula Law. “The signing of these ICF agreements paves a path forward for continued collaboration and communication between our communities.”
Lacombe County Council and Clearwater County Council are pleased to announce the signing of an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF). Following 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 the two counties can work together efficiently.
“With fewer joint services and corresponding funding agreements between our counties, the discussions and ensuing agreement were far less complex than those we have experienced with the urban municipalities in the County,” said Reeve Paula Law. “That said, this ICF is a sign of the positive – and important relationship – which we share with Clearwater County, and ensures continued collaboration and communication between our municipalities in the future.”
