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Lacombe County Council has adopted the County’s 2020 interim operating and capital budgets. Following the priorities set out in the County’s Strategic Plan, its long-range road construction, and capital equipment replacement plans, the budget supports the maintenance of existing service levels while managing the County’s spending in a responsible manner that reflects the current economic situation.

“Lacombe County was faced with a tough budget year because of unique challenges facing our economy, including a significant loss in revenue from shallow gas well taxes,” said Tim Timmons, County Manager. “We recognize the importance of planning for rainy days – or rainy years, as it seems. Council voted to approve an interim budget for 2020 that recognizes the challenges and uncertainty in our province. Still, we were able to mitigate some of the challenges through our use of reserve transfers.”

Interim operating and capital budgets are approved in December of each year, and are the first stage of a two-stage process that authorizes the County to spend on approved projects and conduct operations as of January 1, 2020. Stage 2 is the approval of the final budgets and tax rates, and takes place in the following spring when the Province sets the property tax levy for education purposes, and when property assessment values have been confirmed.

November 18-22 is Bullying Awareness Week, and Lacombe County’s School Resources Officers (SROs) are visiting several Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) locations to promote anti-bullying messages to students. Their presentation will be targeted to all ages of students – from Kindergarten to Grade 12 – to educate them on what bullying is, and the impacts bullying has on their peers.

“Creating a safe and welcoming learning environment is of great importance for WCPS. We know that when students feel safe, they have better outcomes and experiences in school,” said Jayson Lovell, WCPS Superintendent. “We are proud of the partnership we have with Lacombe County and the school resource officers that serve our students and schools. We know the value that comes with talking about bullying, that it is not okay, and with working together to find solutions.”

Lacombe County is seeking feedback from the public on participation and communication in Lacombe County. A survey was inserted in each issue of the County News, and stakeholders can also access the online format via the website and social media channels. The online survey will run from November 15 – December 5, 2019 and can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CountyEngagementWebsite. 

“Through the survey, we want to hear how the public would prefer Lacombe County engage with them, and what methods of participation appeal best to them,” said Tim Timmons, County Manager for Lacombe County. “An informed and engaged public is key to a successful municipality, and we are committed to ensuring the work we are doing to inform and involve the people of Lacombe County is done in a way that resonates with them.”

Residents are advised that C&E Trail will be closed from Aab Street (72 Avenue) to Highway 2A on Monday, November 18, 2019, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for stormwater line construction (Click Read More to view the map).

Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. Please obey posted traffic signs and flag persons.

Environmental constraints require this stormwater line to be constructed in cold weather conditions. When complete, a temporary patch of asphalt will be used to cover the work during the winter months. The patched area, as well as 100 meters of C&E Trail, will be repaved in the spring of 2020.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this construction period.

Lacombe County and Ponoka County are currently developing an Intermunicipal Development Plan This plan, at a very broad scale, guides future growth for both municipalities and provides a forum for intermunicipal discussion and collaboration.

Lacombe County Council gave First Reading to Bylaw 1309/19 on November 7, 2019 to adopt the Ponoka County/Lacombe County IDP (IDP).
The Modernized Municipal Government Act requires that all municipalities with common boundaries must adopt an IDP. The purpose of plan is to provide high-level policy guidance for development within the plan boundary including the provision of such things as infrastructure, recreation and environmental protection. The draft IDP may be viewed on the County’s website at www.lacombecounty.com

Public Hearing
December 12, 2019
9:00AM
Lacombe County Office - Council Chambers

If you are unable to attend the open house or wish to provide comments, please contact Peter Duke, Planner/Development Officer with Lacombe County at 403-782-8389 or .

pdf Ponoka County Lacombe County IDP 2019 Draft (3.34 MB)

Lacombe County gave First Reading to Bylaw 1310/19 on November 7, 2019 and scheduled the Public Hearing. The draft IDP proposes a number of changes in order to clarify and update the document but especially to meet the new requirements as per Bill 21, the Modernized Municipal Government Act (MMGA). The overall intent of the plan has not changed and may be viewed on the County’s website at www.lacombecounty.com

Lacombe County is holding a Public Hearing on December 12, 2019, at 9:15.

Public Hearing
December 12, 2019
9:15AM
Lacombe County Office - Council Chambers

Click "read more" to see the site map and attachments

The public is invited to a drop-in style open house to provide input on the final draft of the Sylvan Lake Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP). The public open house is set for November 20, 2019, at the NexSource Centre – Seniors Centre in Sylvan Lake from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Sylvan Lake Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is a collaborative effort between the eight municipalities surrounding Sylvan Lake: Lacombe County, Red Deer County, Summer Village of Birchcliff, Summer Village of Half Moon Bay, Summer Village of Jarvis Bay, Summer Village of Norglenwold, the Summer Village of Sunbreaker Cove, and the Town of Sylvan Lake.

Sean McIntyre, Mayor of Sylvan Lake and chairperson of the Sylvan Lake IDP Steering Committee, says that he looks forward to seeing as many community members at the open house as possible.

“The partners have been working diligently at charting a path forward for the region, which will ensure continued health for our lake and high quality of life for our residents. We listened to and incorporated the public’s feedback in phases one and two, and we now need to hear if the plan hits the mark,” said McIntyre. “It is important to get feedback from the residents during this final stage of the project.”