Lacombe County announces upcoming changes to Paid Parking Program for County ratepayers

Lacombe County is expanding its Paid Parking Program to include free parking for Lacombe County ratepayers. Beginning May 15, 2026, eligible Lacombe County ratepayers will be able to park at no cost at Sandy Point Beach & Boat Launch and Sunbreaker Cove Boat Launch AFTER registering through the HotSpot Parking system.

Each property tax account will be eligible to register three (3) different license plates. This must be done at least 24 hours before parking at Sandy Point or Sunbreaker Cove, to ensure they are properly verified. This update follows Council direction from the February 12, 2026 Council Meeting, where Council approved creating a parking exemption for Lacombe County ratepayers.

“Since launching the Paid Parking Program, we have heard from ratepayers who felt they should not have to pay for parking at facilities supported by their municipal taxes. This update reflects that feedback and recognizes the ongoing contributions of Lacombe County ratepayers,” said Lacombe County Reeve John Ireland. “We encourage ratepayers to register early so they can enjoy a smooth and positive start to the season.”

Who is eligible?

This exemption is available only to Lacombe County ratepayers who:
✔ Own property in Lacombe County, and
✔ Pay municipal property taxes on that property, and
✔ Provide proof of:

• Ownership — their tax notice
• Residency — a government issued ID or a utility bill

Please note:

• Permits are issued per tax roll account, not per individual.
• Seasonal lot renters are not eligible, as they do not pay municipal taxes on the property.

Registration is scheduled to open in April 2026. We will provide step-by-step instructions and registration information before the Paid Parking Program begins in May 2026.

Keep an eye on the County website, County News, and our social media pages for updates and more details as the launch approaches.