There are only a few weeks left in 2021, and we are looking back over the highlights of the past 12 months.

2021 Municipal Election Results: The most significant change at Lacombe County happened in October, with the 2021 Municipal Election. Former Reeve Paula Law did not run for re-election, as well as long-time councillors Ken Wigmore and Keith Stephenson. Following the election, Lacombe County welcomed three new councillors: Dwayne West (Division 4), Ken Weenink (Division 5), and Allan Wilson (Division 6). Following the Organizational Meeting, Lacombe County Council appointed Division 3 Councillor Barb Shepherd as Lacombe County Reeve and Division 1 Councillor John Ireland as Deputy Reeve.

Earlier this month, Lacombe County Council adopted the County’s 2022 interim operating and capital budgets. This budget supports the maintenance of existing service levels while managing the County’s spending in a responsible manner that reflects the current economic situation and follows the priorities set out in the County’s Strategic Plan, long-range road construction plan, and capital equipment replacement plan.

“We have faced a number of unique economic challenges over the last few years, including a significant loss in revenue from oil and gas well taxes and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Michael Minchin, Director of Corporate Services. “Council voted to approve an interim budget for 2022 that recognizes the challenges and uncertainty in our province while ensuring service levels remain at a high level.”

pdf Consolidated Operating Budget Interim Budget 2022 (114 KB)

pdf Consolidated Capital Budget Interim 2022 (85 KB)

Pursuant to Section 194(1)(a) of the Municipal Government Act as Reeve of Lacombe County I hereby call a special council meeting to be held virtually on January 18, 2022 commencing at 9:00 a.m. for the purpose of meeting with the City of Lacombe Council to discuss:

1. The Lacombe Athletic Park Association’s request for the City of Lacombe and Lacombe County support of Phase 2 of the Lacombe Athletic Park expansion project.

Lacombe County is no longer managing the voluntary Take It Off Program on Gull Lake and Buffalo Lake, as Alberta Environment and Parks has made it mandatory to identify all ice shelters in the province.

All ice fishing shelters that are on the ice for more than 24 hours must be labelled (2.5 cm block letters) with WiN number or name and phone number. Ice fishing shelters must be removed from the ice by March 31.

By identifying your ice shelter you help to ensure that all ice shelters are taken off the lake by the end of the ice fishing season. This helps to protect the environment and ensure the safety of anglers and boaters.

More information is in the 2021 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations at https://albertaregulations.ca/fishingregs/.