Lacombe County is booming with development, with construction values increasing by 264% in 2021 over pre-pandemic levels. The trend highlights the opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed in the County, thanks to important steps Council has taken to create a business-friendly climate.

“Success grows here,” says County Reeve Barb Shepherd. “We pride ourselves in creating a proactive and competitive business climate by ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place, taxes are competitive, services meet our needs, and approval processes are business friendly”

Building on success, the County recently hired Monica Bartman as Economic Development Officer to proactively support positive economic growth and opportunities in the region. Ms. Bartman draws on years of experience working with the business community as Executive Director of the Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce. One of her first orders of business is to build an economic development strategy that focuses her efforts on the priorities of local residents and businesses. “We want to hear from residents and business leaders about emerging opportunities and key challenges so that we can work together to build a bright future here in Lacombe County,'' says Bartman.  

The economic development strategy kicks off with a pair of surveys to gather input from the community. The first is a resident survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LacombeCountyResidents) that runs until June 10 and will help shape the long-term future of the County and establish high-level goals for economic development.

Starting May 1, 2022, visitors of Sandy Point Beach, Sandy Point Boat Launch, and Sunbreaker Cove Boat Launch will be required to pay for parking. Lacombe County is launching a quick and easy payment system for parking through HotSpot Parking Inc.

"We understand some of our residents were concerned with the paid parking program. Council reviewed the plan and, except for adding an annual pass option for frequent users, they continue to feel it is the right direction to move in,” said Tim Timmons, County Manager for Lacombe County. “The additional user fees will help to ensure the operating and capital expenses of these amenities are more sustainable. With the increasing amount of people accessing the lake via the beach and boat launches, the paid parking program will assist with the maintenance and upkeep of these facilities, while providing funds for future needs.”

Find more details about the Paid Parking Program, including frequently asked questions and how-to videos, at https://www.lacombecounty.com/index.php/hotspot-paid-parking-program.

At its May 12, 2022 meeting, Council approved the Lacombe County 2022 operating and capital budgets and tax rate bylaw. Following two years of no tax increases, County Council will be increasing tax rates for all property classes and tapping into reserves to balance the infrastructure and growth needs of the community responsibly.

“Maintaining the services our ratepayers expect is crucial, and Lacombe County continues to focus on responsible and smart spending,” said Lacombe County Reeve Barb Shepherd. “Thankfully, with overall assessments coming in higher than expected – specifically due to residential growth and market increases, and increased Machinery & Equipment (M&E) assessments – we were able to reduce the tax rates proposed in December when we approved the interim budget.”

2022 Municipal Tax Rates

The 2022 tax rates and tax rate changes for Lacombe County, the provincial Policing Levy, Alberta Education, and the Lacombe Foundation are as follows:

APRIL 27, 2022 UPDATE - SOLD OUT FOR THE 2022 SEASON  

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Lacombe County will have rain barrels available for purchase for $23.50 + GST (50/50 cost share with the County). 

DETAILS

• You must be a County resident and provide proof (e.g. tax notice or utility bill).
• Limit of one/household.
• There are 96 rain barrels for sale on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Purchase yours up at the Lacombe County administration building to purchase.