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Following a number of discussions and meetings, Lacombe County Council and Eckville Town Council have signed an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) between their municipalities. The details of the ICF document specifies what and how services are funded and delivered, and highlights the ways that the county and town can work together efficiently.

“We have enjoyed a strong relationship with the Town of Eckville for many, many years,” said Reeve Paula Law. “The signing of these ICF agreements paves a path forward for continued collaboration and communication between Lacombe County and the Town of Eckville.”

The Lacombe County / Town of Eckville ICF includes the following key points:

Lacombe County Council and the Summer Village of Gull Lake Council recently signed an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF). The agreement specifies what and how services are funded and delivered, and also highlights the ways that the municipalities can work together efficiently.

“Lacombe County has long been a believer in the importance of having excellent working relationships with our neighbours, including the Summer Village of Gull Lake,” said Reeve Paula Law. “The signing of these ICF agreements paves a path forward for continued collaboration and communication between our communities.”

Lacombe County Council and Clearwater County Council are pleased to announce the signing of an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF). Following discussions, the municipalities worked out details for the ICF document, which specifies what and how services are funded and delivered. It also highlights the ways that the two counties can work together efficiently.

“With fewer joint services and corresponding funding agreements between our counties, the discussions and ensuing agreement were far less complex than those we have experienced with the urban municipalities in the County,” said Reeve Paula Law. “That said, this ICF is a sign of the positive – and important relationship – which we share with Clearwater County, and ensures continued collaboration and communication between our municipalities in the future.”

With colder weather here, Lacombe County would like to remind people with ice fishing huts on local lakes about the Take it Off program for Gull Lake, Sylvan Lake, and Buffalo Lake.

“The Take it Off program is a great way to protect our water resources, and we remind people that they need to re-register each year to get their identification card,” said Jalene Makus, Lacombe County Agriculture Coordinator. “Most of the people on the lakes understand the importance of taking their huts and garbage out with them before spring arrives, and this program helps ensure that happens.”

Why is it important to register your ice hut?

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.”