Current News Releases

September is just around the corner, meaning harvest season will be in full swing soon. Lacombe County wants to remind those travelling on local roads keep safety at the forefront during fall harvest operations.

Road Safety

Road safety is a big concern during harvest season. With the start of the school year, roads will be busy with harvest operations coinciding with increased numbers of busses and commuters who are returning to regular schedules as summer holidays end. Since starting this campaign in 2014, we have heard stories from both producers and drivers alike of unsafe driving during harvest season.

“Lacombe County is an agricultural community, and producers have a short window to complete the annual harvest, even more so this year with the challenging growing season and threat of an early winter,” emphasized Mark Sproule, Manager of Community Peace Officer Services. “That said, road courtesy is important, no matter where you are driving, and we ask everyone to practice patience on our local roads.”

On June 18, Lacombe County officially opened the Kuhnen Natural Area to the public. Located on the eastern side of Lacombe County, the public space features 65 acres of land running along the north side of the Red Deer River.

“The gift of this land from the Kuhnen Family exemplifies the importance community residents place on managing green space for the betterment of current and future generations,” said Reeve Paula Law. “We appreciate this priceless gift from the Kuhnens, and are proud to protect these lands, for everyone to come out and spend time in nature.”

Local long-time residents, Frank and Rosalie Kuhnen, generously donated this land to Lacombe County, who will ensure the area remains in a natural state for the public to use for passive recreational purposes.

With Canada Day celebrations approaching, Lacombe County reminds all residents that a fireworks permit is required if you wish to sell, purchase or set off fireworks within the province of Alberta.

“Although there has been some changes to the Alberta Fire Code, Lacombe County continues to regulate the use of fireworks through a permitting system,” says Drayton Bussiere Lacombe County Fire Chief. “Canada Day is a popular occasion to set off fireworks, but regardless of the time of the year, a permit is required within Lacombe County if you plan on shooting off fireworks.”

Lacombe County invites the public and media to celebrate the grand opening of Kuhnen Natural Area.

Date: June 18, 2019

Time: 12 - 2 PM

Features: FREE barbecue and tours of the area.

Location: The Kuhnen Natural Area is located south of Alix and is accessed off of Range Road 23-0, south of Highway 11.

Municipal property tax notices were recently mailed out to Lacombe County ratepayers and should be appearing in mailboxes in the coming week. If you do not receive your 2019 tax notice by the end of June, please contact Lacombe County’s Assessment Department at 403-782-6601.

“We encourage ratepayers to be proactive and make sure their tax notice was received,” said Michael Minchin, Manager of Corporate Services. “To avoid all penalties, tax payments must be received by last business day in August.”

(Lacombe, Alberta, June 5, 2019) –

The Lacombe Regional Waste Services Commission (LRWSC) is pleased to announce the purchase of two new pieces of equipment to enhance our operations that will greatly reduce atmospheric emissions and costs.

The first piece of equipment LRWSC has purchased is an Air Burner S-220 (Figure 1).  This equipment will be used to replace the current practice of “open-pit burning” of wood waste at the Prentiss Landfill Site.

With some major renovations successfully completed, the Lacombe Regional Airport officially re-opened its doors. Today’s event included the unveiling of a unique new sign, which was designed to celebrate the airport’s bright future and successful partnership with the City of Lacombe and Lacombe County.

“From day one, the Lacombe Airport has relied on partnerships to ensure its success – from its dedicated and committed Flying Club volunteers to the recent collaboration with the City of Lacombe and Lacombe County through the 25-year operating agreement signed in 2017,” said Jon From, Lacombe Flying Club President. “Today’s unveiling ceremony is a reflection of strong partnerships at all levels and of the bright future of our organization.” 

“Today’s celebration – and the official renaming of the facility to the Lacombe Regional Airport – solidifies the commitment between the Flying Club and our municipalities,” explained Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law. “Together, we will ensure the airport continues to build on a solid foundation, allowing it to provide services and be an economic driver for the region for years to come.” 

The North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Services Commission (NRDRWWSC) is pleased to announce that the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater System received the Project Achievement Award at the 2019 Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) Summit Awards, held in Calgary on April 25, 2019.

The Project Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding engineering or geoscience project that represents a substantial contribution to technological progress and the betterment of society. This award was last presented in 2016.

Designed by Stantec, the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater System promises a cleaner future for communities in central Alberta. Completed on time and under budget, the system incorporates innovative approaches and leading-edge technologies to provide a modern wastewater solution while protecting a sensitive watershed.

At its May 9, 2019 meeting, Council approved the Lacombe County 2019 operating and capital budgets and tax rate bylaw. As indicated in the interim budget, municipal tax rates for 2019 will increase by 2.0% for residential properties, and by 3.5% for farmland and 4.5% for non-residential properties over 2018 rates.

“Lacombe County Council voted to approve a budget for 2019 that recognizes the challenges and uncertainty that Alberta has faced over the past few years,” said Reeve Paula Law. “Maintaining the services our ratepayers expect is crucial, but we have consciously focused on reduced spending and smarter spending, which will be the path we will continue down for the foreseeable future.”

The 2019 tax rate changes for Lacombe County, Alberta Education*, and the Lacombe Foundation are as follows:

2019 Tax Rate Changes

* The official 2019 Alberta Education Requisition has not been released by the Province as the education tax rate is yet to be set. The County has estimated the requisition for 2019 by using 2019 equalized assessment and the 2018 school tax rate.

May 5-11, 2019 is Emergency Preparedness Week, and Lacombe County wants to know if you are 72-Hour Ready?  When the time comes, and an emergency happens, it’s crucial to know and understand the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of being prepared because in an emergency there is no time.  A key component of being prepared is to create a 72-Hour kit for you and your family.

“It’s always best to be ready before an emergency, these steps can save time if the unexpected were to occur,” said Drayton Bussiere, Lacombe County Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management.”

Lacombe County created a video to encourage and show people how to be “72-Hour Ready”. You can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp9Y3LrAdl8&t=17s.

Lacombe County supports the use of volunteers and community groups to assist in the cleanup of road ditches and communities. Residents, community groups, and businesses are encouraged to participate in cleanup programs organized by volunteers and have several options to consider.

The Community Clean-Up Program is for an organization providing cleaning services by picking up litter within their community.

The Roadside Clean-Up Program is available for organizations to provide cleaning services by picking up garbage in the ditches along the roadway. Lacombe County shall make a donation to the organization in the form of a grant.

The Adopt-a-Highway Program concept allows a group/company/individual to adopt a minimum three-kilometre maximum five-kilometre section of the roadway by agreeing to pick the litter once a year, before the end of August. Lacombe County will provide identification signs adjacent to the highway section that will include the group/company/individual's name.

Thanks to the recent precipitation, Lacombe County has lifted its Fire Advisory.

Fire permits are still required for all outdoor fires, excluding fires used for cooking or warming purposes and burning barrels. The public is reminded that even though conditions are safer for burning, they need to familiar with the requirements included with burn permits and be diligent in following them. Fire permits can be requested through our iPhone app (myLacombeCounty), through our online Fire Permit Request form, over the phone, or in person.

“Even with the wet, cool weather, it’s important for the public to be cautious with controlled burns,” said Drayton Bussiere, Lacombe County Fire Chief.  “We also want to emphasize that any material from smoking, like cigarette butts, are disposed of responsibly, and not tossed from car windows.”

Due to windy and dry conditions, a Fire Advisory has been issued for Lacombe County.

Existing fire permits remain valid (subject to suspension or cancellation). New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis and may be restricted or require additional conditions. We ask that all conditions of valid fire permits are strictly adhered to.

What is allowed:

• Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
• Burning barrels
• Charcoal briquettes
• Portable propane fire pits
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

Lacombe County in partnership with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry will be selling 2% Liquid Strychnine for the control of Richardson Ground Squirrels.

Producers can purchase the product on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Lacombe County Administration Office. There is a minimum purchase of 6 bottles/customer, and each bottle costs $10.50.

Residents are advised of a planned double-lane closure along Highway 12/50 Avenue, from west of 76 Street/Range Road 271 to east of 58 Street (see map below) for the installation of a new water main. The lane closures begin March 28 and go until May 3, pending weather and successful installation.

Lacombe County will be hosting a two-day voluntary farm vehicle safety check at our remote public works shops located in the west (April 10) and east (April 11) sides of the County. 

“The purpose of this check is to increase both the safety and the awareness of our agricultural industry as it relates to vehicle safety,” said Mark Sproule, Senior Community Peace Officer for Lacombe County. “We want to make sure our farmers and ranchers are not going to be stuck on the side of the road because of a breakdown - or worse yet, involved in an accident because of equipment failure.”

Catch up on your Lacombe County news! You can read the March edition of the County News online here: https://www.lacombecounty.com/index.php/documents1/2019-editions/3117-march-2019-county-news/file, or pick up a copy at our office.

The Sylvan Lake Management Committee (SLMC) is urging ice hut owners to do the right thing and remove their ice fishing huts from Sylvan Lake before the spring thaw arrives.

While ice huts do not need to be legally removed from local lakes – including Sylvan Lake, Gull Lake and Buffalo Lake – until March 31, it’s important to get them off before the ice surface deteriorates.

“On behalf of the committee, I urge owners to think of safety and the health of the environment when they consider their decision,” said Roger Dufresne, SLMC Chair. “We all want our lakes to remain healthy, so we can enjoy them – safely – all year round.”

Please Note: Effective Friday, March 22, 2019 at 7 AM, bans will be in effect on Lacombe County roads. In Lacombe County, the only roads affected are the Lockhart Road and Centreview Road (from Lockhart Road to Hwy 766).

Please see the Road Bans section for full details: https://www.lacombecounty.com/index.php/road-use-information 

Lacombe County is excited to announce its third annual “Spring Tune Up” event on March 28, 2019. Anyone interested in their health and in farm safety is invited to attend this free event, which will feature a variety of health care and safety professionals. New for 2019 will be several presenters, speaking on topics including fatigue management, internet safety and rural crime (see times below).

"Each year we strive to find relevant vendors to bring value to this event – ones that are relevant not just to our rural producers, but to anyone interested in their health and safety," explained Jalene Makus, Lacombe County Assistant Ag Fieldman and event organizer. "It’s our way of saying ‘thanks’."

The event will run from 10am to 3pm at the Lacombe Memorial Centre on March 28. It is open to anyone in and around Lacombe County to attend. This year’s event features:

• (NEW) Special presentations
  • 11am-12pm: Kyle Friesen, Lacombe County Community Peace Officer – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design and how it protects YOUR property!
  • 12pm-1pm: Julia Boser, Healthfitters – Exploring Root Causes of Exhaustion...When There’s Just Not Enough Caffeine!
  • 1-2pm: Ali Misner, Jo(e) Social Media – Social Media – It’s Not as Scary as You Think (how to safely use the internet)
• The Man Van (blood screening) from 12-3pm
• A variety of different booths and services
• Farm-focused First Aid training (must pre-register)
• Door prize draws for all attendees
• (NEW) Free BBQ Lunch from 11am – 2pm

You are invited to attend a public information session on Thursday, March 21, 2019, from 5PM to 7 PM to hear about the creation of the Kayton Estates ASP located northeast of Sylvan Lake, within Red Deer County.

This is your opportunity to find out more about the purpose and intent of the plan and share your thoughts. The applicant and Red Deer County will be available to discuss the Area Structure Plan and answer any questions.

"Click Read More" for full details

The Lacombe Regional Waste Services Commission (LRWSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jay Hohn as the new Commission Manager.

“The board members feel we have made a great choice from a field of very good candidates,” said LRWSC Chair, Lacombe Mayor Grant Creasey. “We look forward to Jay participating in our upcoming strategic planning sessions to help set the future direction of the commission.”

On Monday, March 11, 2019, Copperline Excavating will be completing some work in Mirror on behalf of Fortis Alberta to string new electrical cables onto existing poles, which will impact traffic on 52nd, 53rd, and 54th streets. Copperline will close each of these roads for approximately 30 minutes to complete the work. There will be signs out indicating this work and road closures during this time.

If you have any concerns, please contact:

Bill Cade
Manager of Operations
Lacombe County
403-782-8379

Lacombe County reminds ratepayers that fire permit season starts on March 1, 2019.  In 2017, permit season was moved up a month – starting March 1 rather than April 1 – in response to changing environmental conditions, including drier spring conditions. Fire permit requests are free and easy to submit online, through the “myLacombeCounty” app and in person. 

“This winter has not brought a lot of snow to Lacombe County and as a result, spring conditions will likely be drier. This was evident in 2018 as well, with an early fire ban put in place by the end of last April,” said Drayton Bussiere, Lacombe County Fire Chief. “Residents are also encouraged to check on any controlled burns performed outside of permit season, as larger burns can smoulder through the winter and reignite as it warms up. By complying with the fire permit process and by using safe burning practices, all Lacombe County residents can help us keep our County safe throughout the season.”

The ALUS Lacombe County program—which promotes sustainable agriculture through the delivery of an Alternative Land Use Services program—is looking for its next group of participants to join them for the 2019 program year.

“Since we launched ALUS, we have established some remarkable relationships and projects, and are putting out a call to producers and landowners in Lacombe County to come on board and help us grow this program even more,” explained Marilyn Sharp, chair for ALUS Lacombe County Partnership.

The ALUS program places a value on the delivery of ecosystem services and financially compensates landowners and agricultural producers a per acre rate for projects such as constructing off-site watering stations, planting trees, shelterbelts or natural vegetation, seeding grass or perennial crops around ecological sensitive areas, building hen houses, or establishing pollinator habitat – to name a few.