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 2020 tax notice by mid-July, 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 by Lacombe County,” said Michael Minchin, Director of Corporate Services. “This year’s property tax payment deadline has been extended to September 30, 2020 to better align with the education requisition deadline for non-residential properties.”

Lacombe County office and public works building will fully reopen to the public on Monday, June 22, 2020, after the County reduced access to its buildings in mid-March as a response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

“While COVID-19 continues to be a concern for us, we are excited to reopen our doors fully to the public in a manner that is safe for both staff and visitors to our offices,” said Tim Timmons, County Manager for Lacombe County. “We ask that everyone follows the safety measures put in place so that our staff are protected and are able to continue providing top-notch service.”

There will be several changes for visitors should be aware of:

1. Hand sanitizing stations are available upon entering our office to limit the spread of germs.
2. Physical distancing (2-metres/6 feet) must be adhered to.
3. Visitors attending meetings with staff are required to fill out a questionnaire for contact-tracing purposes.
4. Customers will be asked for their name and phone number for contact tracing purposes.
5. Protective barriers have been installed and will remain in place until the COVID-19 public health crisis has been resolved.
6. Masks will be provided for anyone who wishes to use them.

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 Lacombe County.

“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,” says Drayton Bussiere Lacombe County Fire Chief. “Lacombe County regulates the use of fireworks through a permitting system. All you have to do is fill out and submit a Fireworks Permit form.”

Despite the COVID-19 public health crisis, Lacombe County has continued to hold in-person Council meetings and has allowed the public to attend Council meetings. Under the current provincial guidelines, a maximum of 15 people are allowed to participate in Council meetings, including Council and staff, in addition to physical distancing requirements. To allow for more accessible public involvement and attendance, Council recently voted in favour of live streaming all Council meetings and associated public hearings through Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Physical distancing restrictions won’t be lifted anytime soon, which limits the number of people allowed in Council Chambers. We know there will be meeting topics or public hearings that the public will want to have a voice in,” said Reeve Paula Law. “We have tried a few options, like having a spill-out space in our lobby for times when we might be over-capacity. However, Council felt that a safer solution is to open up Council meetings and public hearings through Zoom video conferencing.”

Until COVID-19 restrictions have lifted, Zoom technology will allow for the public to comment on matters that concern them, if permitted by the Chair.