Lacombe County Council elects Reeve and Deputy Reeve

During Lacombe County’s annual Organizational Meeting, Council unanimously appointed Division 1 Councillor John Ireland as Reeve for a one-year term, and Division 4 Councillor Dwayne West as Deputy Reeve.

Reeve Ireland, who was first elected to Lacombe County Council in 2017 and served as Deputy Reeve from 2021-2025, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving in a leadership capacity.

“It’s an incredible honour to be appointed Reeve by my fellow councillors,” said Reeve John Ireland. “I’m deeply grateful to the residents of Division 1 for the trust they’ve placed in me as their councillor, and to County Council for their confidence in me to serve in this new role. Lacombe County has benefitted from strong leadership over the years—from both Council and Administration—and I look forward to building on that foundation to ensure our success continues to grow here.”

Deputy Reeve West, who has represented Division 4 since 2021, shared his appreciation for the opportunity to take on the Deputy Reeve position.

“It’s a privilege to serve Lacombe County in this role, and I am happy to support John Ireland in his new role as Lacombe County Reeve,” said Deputy Reeve Dwayne West. “I would like to express my thanks to the residents in Division 4 for their ongoing support in this past election.  Over the past few years, I’ve come to appreciate the strength of Lacombe County — our Council, our Administration, and most importantly, our residents. As our County’s Mission Statement reads, we are building a safe and vibrant community through leadership, innovation and healthy relationships; our strong organization keeps this goal attainable.”

County Manager Tim Timmons congratulated both Ireland and West on their appointments, highlighting their leadership and commitment to collaboration.

“Reeve Ireland brings a thoughtful, steady approach to leadership and a strong connection to the community,” said County Manager Tim Timmons. “His experience, along with Deputy Reeve West’s steady and practical perspective, will ensure that Council continues to work effectively together for the benefit of Lacombe County.”

About Reeve John Ireland

John Ireland’s deep-seated connection to Central Alberta began as he grew up on a mixed farm east of Red Deer. In 1986, he relocated to the Joffre area, where he continues to farm with his family. Community involvement has always been a hallmark of John’s life, enabling him to connect with residents throughout Lacombe County.

He was first elected to County Council in 2017 and served as Deputy Reeve from 2021 to 2025. Throughout his time on Council, John has actively represented the County on several boards, including: the Highway 12/21 Water Services Commission; Red Deer River Municipal Users Group; Lacombe Regional Waste Services Commission; North Red Deer River Water Services Commission; North Red Deer Wastewater Services Commission; and the Lacombe County Agricultural Service Board.

About Deputy Reeve Dwayne West

Originally from Westlock, Dwayne West relocated to Lacombe in 1992 and subsequently moved to Lacombe County with his wife, Pam, and their two children in 2000. He manages a Red Deer-based oilfield service company. He has been deeply involved in community activities through local sports associations, the Turville Community Association, and the Lacombe Fish and Game Association.

As a County Councillor, Dwayne has emphasized the importance of aligning community, agriculture, industry, and government for the continued success of Lacombe County. He is particularly passionate about supporting rural crime prevention, economic diversity, and responsible fiscal management.