News Releases

The August County News is here!

You can read it here:  pdf County News August 2017 (4.20 MB)

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Click "read more" for more details:

(Lacombe County, Alberta, August 10, 2017) – Lacombe County invites the public to three grand opening celebrations for some new recreational areas. These new offerings are Anderson Park (east side of Gull Lake), Mary & Cliff Soper Natural Area (east of the Blackfalds Bottle Depot on South Street), and Sandy Point Beach (west side of Gull Lake).

“We are so pleased to offer these areas to people of all ages and interests, so they can enjoy the outdoors in our beautiful county,” said Reeve Paula Law. “Each location provides a different way to enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s playing a game of disc golf, enjoying nature on some quiet trails, or soaking up the sun at the beach.”

Details of these events are as follows:

The July 2017 County News is here! You can read it online, or pick up a copy at the County Administration office.

(Blackfalds, July 13, 2017) – Engine #3 is now in service.

 Lacombe County and the Town of Blackfalds celebrated the official commissioning of the new Rescue / Pumper unit, and invited the community to get a close-up look at the new fire truck.

The state-of-the-art Rescue / Pumper unit, now known as Engine #3, was built by MaxiMetal in Quebec and arrived from Wholesale Fire & Rescue LTD. out of Calgary. The total cost of the unit was $572,344, with a $350,000 Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) grant covering the majority of it. Lacombe County and the Town of Blackfalds split the outstanding amount, each paying $87,000 for the new truck.

(Lacombe, July 11, 2017) – Thanks to the cooler temperatures and recent precipitation, Lacombe County has lifted its Fire Advisory.

Fire permits are still required for all outdoor fires, excluding fires used for cooking or warming purposes and burning barrels. The public is asked to make sure all fires are completely extinguished before leaving them unattended. Fire permits can be requested through our iPhone app (myLacombeCounty), through our online Fire Permit Request form, over the phone, or in person.

Please visit our website (www.lacombecounty.com) for the most current information.

(Lacombe, July 7, 2017) – At its July 6, 2017 meeting, Lacombe County officially adopted the revised Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB) – a project that was nearly two (2) years in the making.

The MDP is one of the County’s most important documents as it provides guidance on how the County will develop over the next decade. The LUB is the regulatory document which outlines specific requirements with regard to development while supporting the policies of the MDP. Both of these documents were developed in collaboration with the public under the direction of Council.

(Lacombe, July 6, 2017) – After nearly two years of collaboration, public consultation and review, the Lacombe Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) has been adopted by both councils.

The process started in the fall of 2015, when the City of Lacombe and Lacombe County began the complete overhaul of the IDP.  Stantec Consulting was hired to coordinate the plan and to help engage the public. The IDP is a high-level document that provides policy direction, ensuring development and growth are undertaken in a sustainable and responsible manner.

“With this plan in place, the City and the County have a broad, mutually beneficial land use plan that provides a framework for long-term growth and development,” said Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law. “We are confident that this will help grow this region collaboratively as we explore future opportunities.”

A Fire Advisory has been issued for Lacombe County.

Due to forecasted weather conditions,  we are asking that only necessary burning take place and that all conditions of valid burn permits are strictly adhered to. Campfires and burning barrels are currently allowed but may be restricted if conditions worsen. The public is asked to make sure all fires are completely extinguished before leaving unattended.

If the fire hazard continues to increase, further restrictions may be implemented.

After years of planning and development, an entrepreneurial Lacombe area family and a Red Deer-raised, award-winning California architect have launched an innovative residential community in Lacombe County.

Wilson’s Beach Estates is ready to welcome homeowners to its scenic, family-friendly setting, on the southeast edge of Gull Lake.

Lacombe County Council decided to defer the further study into a potential boat launch at Anderson Park. This boat launch was considered for the east shore of Gull Lake at the County-run Anderson Park, which is located between the Wilson’s Beach and New Saratoga residential subdivisions.

At the June 22, 2017, Council meeting, Council discussed the completed portions of the background study - the Anderson Park Biophysical Assessment and Anderson Park Boat Ramp and Inland Marina Conceptual Options Report. Council has determined they will not be proceeding with the project to provide boat access to the lake, and there will be no further action at this time.

Join the festivities in celebration of Canada 150 on Saturday, July 1, 2017, around Lacombe County. You can find the full details here: on the Lacombe Regional Tourism website.

The City of Lacombe, Town of Blackfalds, Town of Bentley, Town of Eckville, Village of Alix, and Summer Villages of Gull Lake, Sunbreaker Cove, Half Moon Bay are hosting FREE family friendly events and activities.

Pursuant to Municipal Government Act M-26.1 534(1) Lacombe County hereby provides notice
to any person having an interest in land that is adjacent to lands which Lacombe County has
constructed a public road. Persons entitled to compensation from the municipality for loss of or
the permanent lessening of use of that person’s land caused by the public work are advised to
make a claim within 60 days after this notice is published.

The following roads have been completed as of June 23, 2017:

Project
Number     Description
C0321        West of 26 & 35-39-3 W5M
                Rge Rd 3-2 (from Twp Rd 39-4; 2 miles north to Twp Rd 40-0)

Want to know what's happened in Lacombe County this month? Read the June edition of the County News to find out.

pdf County News June (3.61 MB)  2017

(Lacombe County, Alberta, June 13, 2017) – 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.

 “The use of fireworks is regulated under the Alberta Fire Code, and unfortunately, there are no exceptions to the rules spelled out in the code,” says Todd Gustafson Lacombe County Fire Chief. “If you plan on shooting off fireworks, regardless of the time of the year, a fireworks permit is required within Lacombe County.”

(Lacombe County, Alberta, June 6, 2017) – 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 2017 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 Chief Assessor Larry Riep. “To avoid all penalties, tax payments must be received by last business day in August.” Property owners who miss the tax payment deadline will have a 6% penalty applied on September 1, 2017, on the outstanding taxes owing. An additional 10% penalty will be added on December 1 for all taxes remaining unpaid after November 30.

(Lacombe, Alberta, Thursday, May 25, 2017) – CP Rail has notified Lacombe County that they are planning a number of closures of roads at crossings throughout the County over the next couple weeks to facilitate upgrades and repairs to their rail line. 

Traffic will be detoured along local roads during the closure; watch for signs indicating the detour routes. 

Below is a list of roads and tentative dates and times for these closures:

May 30, 2017          Rge. Rd. 27-1 south of Hwy 12              6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

May 31, 2017          Rge. Rd. 27-3 south of Hwy 12              6:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

                            Twp. Rd. 40-2 west of Rge. Rd. 27-3      12:00 noon  -6:00 p.m.

June 1, 2017           Rge. Rd. 27-4 south of Hwy 12              6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

June 2, 2017           Twp. Rd. 40-2 east of Rge. Rd. 27-4      6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.         

June 3, 2017           Rge. Rd. 27-5 south of Hwy 12              6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

June 4, 2017           Rge. Rd. 28-4 south of Hwy 12              6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

(Mirror, Alberta – May 19, 2017) The Highway 12/21 Regional Water Services Commission held a groundbreaking ceremony at the Mirror Community Hall today to celebrate the Mirror to Bashaw portion of the Highway 12/21 Regional Water Line.

The Mirror to Bashaw waterline represents the fifth phase of the Commission’s system, which will be 84-kilometers in length once construction is complete. It will also ensure the communities along it have a safe and secure water supply available to sustain their existing populations and enable their continued economic viability and growth for decades to come.

The May 2017 County News is here! Read it online (click here), or pick up a copy today from the Lacombe County Office!

Lacombe County wants you to know about an upcoming Bylaw Change.

AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAW REGARDING WORK IN ROADS.

The draft bylaw prohibits a utility from constructing a facility within or on a road without first entering into a Master Road Access agreement via a form prescribed by Lacombe County.

The bylaw distinguishes between works in or on a travelled portion of a road and the placement of works within the ditch or back slope. Bylaw No. 1241/17 received first reading on May 11, 2017, and will be considered for second and third reading on June 8, 2017.

Please review these documents for further details:

pdf Bylaw 1241-17 Utilities in Road Right of Way (72 KB)

pdf Master Road Access Agreement TEMPLATE (59 KB)

For more information, please contact the County Commissioner at 403-782-8378.

The Highway 12/21 Regional Water Services Commission will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Mirror - Bashaw water line on May 19, 2017, commencing at 2:00 p.m. in Mirror. Refreshments will follow.

Mirror - Bashaw Water Transmission Line Ground Breaking Ceremony
Friday, May 19, 2017
Mirror Community Hall – Mirror, Alberta
Time:  2:00 p.m.

Dignitaries attending the event include:

• Blaine Calkins, MP, Red Deer-Lacombe
• Ron Orr, MLA, Lacombe-Ponoka
• Brenda Knight, Highway 12/21 Commission Chairperson
• Todd Simenson, Stantec Consulting Ltd.

(Lacombe, Alberta, May 15, 2017) – At its May 11^th meeting, Council approved the Lacombe County 2017 operating and capital budgets and tax rate bylaw. As indicated in the interim budget, municipal tax rates for 2017 will increase by 1% for residential, farmland and non-residential properties over 2016 rates.

“Council’s commitment to minimize tax increases reflects the current economic climate in Alberta and despite the 1% increase, Lacombe County ratepayers continue to enjoy one of the lowest tax rates in the province,” commented Commissioner Terry Hager.

The 2017 operating budget of $65,795,590 includes $11,519,020 for the Alberta School Foundation Fund requisition and $403,440 for the Lacombe Foundation requisition. The budget increase of $6.16 million from 2016 is largely due to a $5.8 million commitment to the West QEII Water/Wastewater Servicing project. In addition, the 2017 capital budget of $19,536,550 has increased by $1.5 million from last year.

Lacombe County will be hosting a two-day voluntary farm vehicle safety check at our new public works shops located on 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.

Date:  May 30 (West Remote County Shop) / May 31 (East Remote County Shop)

Time:  9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Locations:  May 30 – West Remote County Shop located on Rainy Creek Road near RR3-0.
                 May 31 – East Remote County Shop located on Hwy 12 and Hwy 821, Tees.

RSVP:  Deadline to book a spot is May 29. Drop ins are welcome, but priority will be given to those who booked an inspection spot.

The City of Lacombe is working with Expedition Management Consulting to evaluate the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre to optimize space, service levels, efficiency of operations, safety of citizens and mechanical infrastructure.  They invite Lacombe County pool users to participate in the public survey and/or a focus group to discuss ways to continue to improve Lacombe's Kinsmen Aquatic Centre.

Share your ideas and get involved by answering a few short questions through the online pool survey.  If you prefer a hard copy of the survey, it is available at the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre or Lacombe City Hall.  Survey closes May 26, 2017.

The focus groups are scheduled to take place (in half hour intervals) on May 19th (Friday) from 8:00am – 12:00pm at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex.  If you are interested in attending a focus group, please sign up for a time that is convenient for you. Please note that registration will be done on a “first come first served” basis.

CN Rail has notified Lacombe County that they are planning to close the Lakeside/Sargent Road (Township Road 40-0) ¼ Mile East of Range Road 27-0 between: 

8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Traffic will be detoured along local roads during the closure; watch for signs indicating the detour routes.

For more information contact:

Kevin Beavis
CN Rail
403-304-4114