Councillor Profiles and Division Map

“Serving the residents of Lacombe County continues to be a privilege. My focus remains on listening, collaborating, and helping build a strong, resilient future for the communities we call home.”

John Ireland has spent a lifetime connected to Central Alberta’s agricultural roots. Raised on a mixed farm east of Red Deer, John continues to farm in the Joffre area with family.  He brings a grounded, community-minded perspective to County Council. Since first being elected in 2017, he has been an active representative on a wide range of boards and committees, including the Agricultural Service Board, Municipal Planning Commission, Red Deer River Municipal Users Group, and the North Red Deer River Water/Wastewater Commission.

 John is proud of the positive growth happening across Lacombe County and remains committed to supporting agriculture, ensuring responsible development, and sustaining strong public services. With deep appreciation for the people and places that make this region unique, he looks forward to continuing his work on behalf of Division 1 residents.

Focus for the Next Four Years

Over the next term, John is committed to supporting the responsible growth taking place across Lacombe County while ensuring the County remains fiscally prudent and sustainable. He will continue to advocate for agriculture as the foundation of the region, strengthen water and wastewater partnerships, and ensure that residents’ concerns are heard and addressed through consistent, respectful engagement. With a strong foundation already in place, John’s focus will be on advancing long-term initiatives that support community well-being, environmental stewardship, and the continued success of Lacombe County.

403.392.3981
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A lifelong resident of Lacombe County and long-serving Division 2 Councillor, Brenda Knight brings more than 30 years of public service experience to the Council table. She and her husband, Leonard, operate a cow/calf operation north of Mirror, where they raised their four children—a background that continues to shape her dedication to agriculture and rural community life.

 Over the years, Brenda has served in several leadership roles, including Chair of the Agricultural Service Board Provincial Committee, Chair of the Buffalo Lake Intermunicipal Development Plan Committee, Chair of Synergy Alberta, and Vice-Chair of the Buffalo Lake Management Team and Chair of the Highway 12/21 Water Commission. Her priority remains ensuring residents receive responsive, transparent, and fiscally responsible municipal services. With her deep roots in the County and strong understanding of local government, Brenda continues to be a passionate advocate for both agriculture and the diverse needs of County residents.

 Focus for the Next Four Years

Brenda’s focus is to continue being a strong, steady voice for Division 2 residents while emphasizing agriculture as a priority in every land-use decision. She will work to ensure that municipal services remain efficient, accessible, and fiscally responsible, particularly as new development opportunities arise. Brenda is committed to supporting the diverse needs of the County’s residents—whether agricultural, residential, or recreational—and will continue championing collaborative regional planning, water management, and initiatives that protect the long-term health and vitality of Lacombe County’s rural communities.

403.788.2168
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Born and raised in Lacombe County, Mark Visscher has deep roots in the community. A Red Seal automotive mechanic by trade, Mark has worn many hats over the years—from business owner to community volunteer. He and his wife, Brenda, designed and built the Lacombe City Cinemas, earning multiple local awards, including Large Business of the Year. In 2009, Mark was recognized as Citizen of the Year for his leadership as chairperson of the Lacombe Days and Lacombe Skatepark committees.

Together, Mark and Brenda have been partners for nearly 30 years and are proud parents of two and grandparents of seven. The couple now operate a small farm and country store where they grow garlic and promote other local producers, makers, and bakers.

 Mark serves on the Joffre Community Advisory Panel and volunteers as a 4-H public-speaking judge. His priorities include protecting farmland, ensuring that development fits the County’s rural character, maintaining strong roads and infrastructure, and supporting the vitality of local communities.

Focus for the Next Four Years

Mark ran for County Council to listen, to represent residents fairly, and to help build a strong future for everyone who calls Lacombe County home. Mark’s goal for the coming term is to connect with residents, learn their hopes and dreams, and strengthen the ties that make each community thrive.

 He believes that our tax dollars need to be spent benefiting local residents and businesses, that we strive to protect our farmland, and that we ensure development is thoughtfully planned and fits our rural character. Roads and infrastructure need to be maintained, and we must do everything possible to help communities thrive.   

403.350.4709
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"Over the next four years, I will aim to be a good representative for the constituents of Lacombe County. I plan to focus on educating myself on crime prevention, encouraging business and development diversity, and maintaining Lacombe County's agricultural base while delivering on a responsible approach to how taxpayer money is allocated."

Dwayne West is originally from Westlock and moved to Lacombe in 1992, and then into Lacombe County with his wife, Pam, and two children in 2000. In addition to working for (and now managing) a Red Deer-based oilfield service company, Dwayne has been active in the community, with local sports associations, the Turville Community Association, and the Lacombe Fish and Game Association.

With regards to Lacombe County Council, Dwayne feels that aligning community, agriculture, industry and government for the continued success of one of the best counties in Alberta is a real opportunity and is excited for the chance to contribute to that. In addition to becoming an effective member of Lacombe County Council, he is interested in contributing to rural crime prevention and safety, economic diversity and conservative fiscal management.

403.660.2328
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Roger Van Haren has spent most of his life in Lacombe County. Raised on a dairy farm that later transitioned to bison ranching, agriculture has always been at the centre of his life. Today, he and his wife Katelyn are raising their five young children—three boys and two girls—on the family’s bison farm alongside his parents.
 
A graduate of Olds College, Roger holds an Alberta Land Agent License and has over 15 years of industry experience in land acquisition for utility and oil and gas projects. His background gives him valuable insight into land management, conflict resolution, and ensuring companies are accountable for their local impacts.
 
His strong sense of community is reflected in his extensive volunteer work, including leadership roles with the Bison Producers of Alberta, the Canadian Bison Association, and Redeemer United Reformed Church. In his role as Division 5 Councillor, Roger is proud to represent Lacombe County on several boards and committees, including the Agricultural Service Board (Vice Chair), Central Alberta Synergy Group, Friends of the Blindman River, and the Lacombe Regional Tourism & Marketing Association, among others. These roles allow him to collaborate on agricultural, environmental, and community initiatives that support the long-term success of Lacombe County.
 
Focus for the next four years

Roger’s vision for Lacombe County is one where families can flourish, agriculture remains strong, and recreation and environmental stewardship—particularly around Gull Lake—are preserved for future generations. With a passion for agriculture, he is committed to keeping it the backbone of our local economy and ensuring County decisions benefit future generations.
 
He will work to help family farms and local businesses thrive, promote responsible spending on core services like roads and crime prevention, and collaborate with Council and the Province of Alberta to improve highways and protect Gull Lake.  Above all, he is committed to being the voice of his constituents to County administration—not the other way around.

403.896.9931
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“I’m proud to represent a region where agriculture, community, and hard work define who we are. My commitment is to ensure Lacombe County continues to grow responsibly while protecting the land and values that make it such a great place to live.”

Allan Wilson is a long-time resident of Lacombe County, born and raised in the Bentley area, where he attended school, played hockey and was involved in 4-H. Allan came back to the family farm/ranch after attending Olds College and working as a heavy-duty mechanic. He and his son continue to farm the 4th generation ranch. Allan and his wife Candace have been involved with various organizations within the community over the past 30 years: Bentley Minor Hockey (coach), Blindman Valley 4-H Beef Club (leader), Hereford Association, and as members of the Lacombe Ag Society, Grace Lutheran Church and Bentley Curling Club.

Allan wanted to get involved in municipal government to be a voice for Division 6 residents and an advocate for the agriculture community, the environment, and rural crime prevention. He is also excited to work with Lacombe County's Agricultural Service Board (ASB) to promote agricultural events, workshops, and programs. 

403.506.3735
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“I care deeply about the citizens of Lacombe County and will continue to listen, engage, and make decisions that support responsible water use, thriving agriculture, and sustainable growth for our communities.”

Dana Kreil was first elected to Lacombe County Council in 2010 to represent Division 7. Growing up in Eckville, Dana moved into the County in 1982 after marrying her husband, Edward. Together, they raised two daughters, farmed for eight years, and co-owned Eckville Machining and Welding for 18 years—all while remaining active community volunteers. Dana’s long-standing commitment to service was recognized when she received a Certificate of Appreciation from MP Blaine Calkins for her volunteer contributions.

Before being elected to Council, Dana served 12 years on the County’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. Since joining Council, she has continued to give her time and leadership to numerous community organizations, including the Medicine River Crime Watch Society, Red Deer Regional Restorative Justice Committee, Eckville Library Board, Parkland Regional Library Board, Sylvan Lake Regional Wastewater Commission, and the Medicine River Watershed Society Board.

These roles reflect her dedication to crime prevention, responsible development, and agricultural advocacy through education and collaboration.

Focus for the Next Four Years

After several years of drought, Dana hopes to influence positive change by promoting the responsible and sustainable use of freshwater. As a board member with the Medicine River Watershed Society, she is advocating for government and industry to utilize alternative water sources for fracking.

She believes that water must be managed wisely, with residential and agricultural needs remaining a top priority. Maintaining well-kept roads and balancing the needs of both agriculture and industry remain central to her approach. Dana also recognizes that strong infrastructure and a skilled local workforce are key to attracting business and helping farmers operate efficiently—all of which contribute to Lacombe County’s vision that Success Grows Here!

403.746.3607

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