Current News Releases

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.

May 5-11, 2019 is Emergency Preparedness Week, and Lacombe County wants to know if you are 72-Hour Ready?  When the time comes, and an emergency happens, it’s crucial to know and understand the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of being prepared because in an emergency there is no time.  A key component of being prepared is to create a 72-Hour kit for you and your family.

“It’s always best to be ready before an emergency, these steps can save time if the unexpected were to occur,” said Drayton Bussiere, Lacombe County Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management.”

Lacombe County created a video to encourage and show people how to be “72-Hour Ready”. You can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp9Y3LrAdl8&t=17s.

Lacombe County supports the use of volunteers and community groups to assist in the cleanup of road ditches and communities. Residents, community groups, and businesses are encouraged to participate in cleanup programs organized by volunteers and have several options to consider.

The Community Clean-Up Program is for an organization providing cleaning services by picking up litter within their community.

The Roadside Clean-Up Program is available for organizations to provide cleaning services by picking up garbage in the ditches along the roadway. Lacombe County shall make a donation to the organization in the form of a grant.

The Adopt-a-Highway Program concept allows a group/company/individual to adopt a minimum three-kilometre maximum five-kilometre section of the roadway by agreeing to pick the litter once a year, before the end of August. Lacombe County will provide identification signs adjacent to the highway section that will include the group/company/individual's name.

Thanks to the 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 reminded that even though conditions are safer for burning, they need to familiar with the requirements included with burn permits and be diligent in following them. Fire permits can be requested through our iPhone app (myLacombeCounty), through our online Fire Permit Request form, over the phone, or in person.

“Even with the wet, cool weather, it’s important for the public to be cautious with controlled burns,” said Drayton Bussiere, Lacombe County Fire Chief.  “We also want to emphasize that any material from smoking, like cigarette butts, are disposed of responsibly, and not tossed from car windows.”

Due to windy and dry conditions, a Fire Advisory has been issued for Lacombe County.

Existing fire permits remain valid (subject to suspension or cancellation). New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis and may be restricted or require additional conditions. We ask that all conditions of valid fire permits are strictly adhered to.

What is allowed:

• Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
• Burning barrels
• Charcoal briquettes
• Portable propane fire pits
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

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. at the Lacombe County Administration Office. There is a minimum purchase of 6 bottles/customer, and each bottle costs $10.50.

Residents are advised of a planned double-lane closure along Highway 12/50 Avenue, from west of 76 Street/Range Road 271 to east of 58 Street (see map below) for the installation of a new water main. The lane closures begin March 28 and go until May 3, pending weather and successful installation.

Lacombe County will be hosting a two-day voluntary farm vehicle safety check at our remote public works shops located in the west (April 10) and east (April 11) 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,” said Mark Sproule, Senior Community Peace Officer for Lacombe County. “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.”