Lacombe County Council re-elects Reeve John Ireland, Deputy Reeve Dwayne West during the 2026 Organizational Meeting

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

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. He was appointed as Reeve in 2025.

“Thank you all for your continued support. It’s truly humbling to be re-elected as Reeve,” said Reeve John Ireland. “There is no doubt that the past year brought some big issues and unexpected challenges, but I feel we have met those challenges head on, while recognizing the new opportunities they present. I’m looking forward to working together with Council and am incredibly grateful for the tremendous support we receive from Lacombe County staff.”

Deputy Reeve West has represented Division 4 since 2021 and shared his appreciation for the opportunity to serve a second term as Deputy Reeve.

“It’s an honour to continue serving as Deputy Reeve, and I’m honoured to work alongside Reeve Ireland and my fellow Councillors in this role,” said Deputy Reeve Dwayne West. “The past year brought significant challenges, but it also showed how much we can accomplish by working together. I’m grateful to Council and Administration for their tremendous support throughout the year, and I look forward to continuing that teamwork in the year ahead.”

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

“Reeve Ireland and Deputy Reeve West have demonstrated steady leadership through a challenging year, and I congratulate them both on their re-election,” said County Manager Tim Timmons. “Their collaborative approach and commitment to Lacombe County will continue to serve Council, Administration and our residents well. We look forward to supporting them in the year ahead.”

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. In 2025, he was appointed Reeve of Lacombe County. 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.

Deputy Reeve West was first elected as Division 4 County Councillor in 2021. During his time on Council, he has continued to emphasize 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.