John Ireland - Division 1
403.392.3981
John Ireland has deep roots in Central Alberta, having grown up on a mixed farm east of Red Deer. In 1986, he moved to the Joffre area, where he and his wife, Allison, still farm today. John has always been an active community member and has enjoyed the opportunity to meet new residents of Lacombe County.
Since joining Lacombe County Council in 2017, John has been a representative on the Highway 12/21 Water Commission, the Red Deer River Municipal Users Group, the Lacombe Regional Waste Services Commission, and the Lacombe County Agricultural Service Board, to name a few. Acknowledging that he lives in a special place, John’s focus will be on continuing to make Lacombe County a sustainable community well into the future.
"My goal as County Councillor is to represent the voices of residents and bring forth their concerns. Together, we will work to address challenges and strive to find workable, sustainable solutions that benefit the entire County."
Brenda Knight
Division 2
403.788.2168
Brenda Knight was first elected as Division 2 Lacombe County Councillor in 2010, following a 20-year career in municipal government in an administrative position. Using her understanding of public service and local government, Brenda prides herself on representing Lacombe County – and the area where she was born, raised and has lived in for her entire life. Raising four kids along the way, Brenda and her husband, Leonard, continue to operate a beef cattle operation north of Mirror.
Community-focused and a supporter of agriculture in all its forms, Brenda's focus on the Lacombe County Council is to make this municipality an excellent place for a diverse population to live. Through Lacombe County Council, she is involved with many initiatives and organizations, including the Buffalo Lake Intermunicipal Development Plan committee (Chair), the Highway 12/21 Water Commissions (Chair), Synergy Alberta Board (Chair), Regional Agricultural Services Board (representative), Buffalo Lake Management Team member, and Mirror Library.
"For the next four years, my goal is to always be mindful that agriculture is the backbone of Lacombe County. Together, Council will work with developments throughout the County as per the new Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw, while ensuring the needs of our ratepayers continue to be foremost and are met in a fiscally responsible manner."
Reeve Barb Shepherd - Division 3
403.340.9724
Barb Shepherd was born and raised on a ranch in southwestern Saskatchewan and moved to Central Alberta in 1984 to advance her banking career. She moved to Lacombe County in 1989, when she married her husband, Phil Mueller. She was first elected to Council in 2013, following a nearly 40-year career in banking. Barb has always been interested in local government and is a long-time supporter of numerous organizations, including Ellis Bird Farm, the United Way of Central Alberta Board of Directors, and the Burman University School of Business Advisory Board.
Since joining Lacombe County Council, Barb has been an active representative for Lacombe County on the Lacombe Regional Waste Services Commission Board, Blackfalds Recreation and Parks Board, ALUS Community Advisory Panel, Red Deer/Lacombe Rural Crime Watch, David Thompson Health Region Foundation Board Chair, and Ellis Bird Farm Board. Recognizing the challenges facing rural Alberta, Barb continues to be passionate about issues surrounding the environment, rural crime and responsible spending of tax dollars. Collaborating with other councillors and passionate community members, Barb helped revive her local crime watch group and foster stronger relations with the local RCMP.
"During my next term in Council, I want to encourage the continued diversification of our tax base and leverage the work we have done to provide services to County land on the west side of QEII adjacent to the Town of Blackfalds and the City of Lacombe and encourage more businesses to make Lacombe County their home. In addition to this, my goal is to engage in open, transparent communication with ratepayers, promote crime prevention and community safety, and support a balance of common-sense spending with investment into our infrastructure assets, recreational offerings, and safety needs."
Dwayne West - Division 4
403.660.2328
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.
"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."
Ken Weenink - Division 5
403.350.8014
Ken Weenink grew up in Division 5 – where he lived for the majority of his life in Lacombe County and raised three children (along with his wife, Sally). Before running for Council in 2021, Ken was involved in several organizations, including the Bentley Minor Hockey Board, Lacombe County Road Use Agreement Board, and a political board, where he worked in policy, fundraising, and leadership roles.
In 2021, it became known that long-time Division 5 Councillor Ken Wigmore would not run for Lacombe County Council. Ken felt it was the right time in his life to give back to the community, using his experience and values to help him succeed in municipal government. Having grown up on a farm and operating a custom farming business for 30 years, Ken is a passionate advocate for agriculture. He also believes that there is a role for Lacombe County in addressing crime prevention and supporting measures at provincial and federal levels.
"We have a very diverse county, and together we can tackle any issue, whether it is the environment, rural crime, or tough budget decisions. I believe that to build a close community, we need strong communication, transparency, and budget-minded decisions."
Allan Wilson - Division 6
403.506.3735
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.
"As a Lacombe County Councillor, I want to encourage a balanced and responsible approach to land development while preserving farmland and natural areas."
Dana Kreil- Division 7
403.746.3607
Dana Kreil was first elected to Lacombe County Council in 2010, as Division 7 Councillor. Growing up in Eckville, Dana moved into the County in 1982 after marrying her husband, Edward. Over the years, Dana and Edward raised two girls, tried their hand at farming for eight years, co-owned Eckville Machining and Welding for 18 years, and were active volunteers in the community. Recently, Dana received a certificate of appreciation from MP Blaine Calkins in recognition of her volunteer services.
Before running for County Council, Dana sat on the County's Subdivision and Development Appeals Board for 12 years. Since joining Council, Dana has been involved with the Medicine River Crime Watch Society, the Red Deer Regional Restorative Justice Committee, the Eckville Library Board, the Parkland Regional Library Board and the Sylvan Lake Regional Wastewater Commission, and Medicine River Watershed Society Board. These organizations play into Dana's focus on crime prevention and awareness, economic development in Lacombe County, and supporting agriculture through promotion and education.
"I care about the citizens of Lacombe County and promise to continue listening and engaging with them. I am committed to focusing on crime prevention and reduction initiatives, attracting more businesses to Lacombe County, enabling producers of all sizes to succeed, and ensuring our road systems continue to be in peak condition."
Procedural Bylaw – Bylaw No. 1260/17
On December 17, 2017, Council passed this Bylaw, which regulates procedural matters in Council and public meetings.
The document may be viewed or downloaded here.