Lacombe County reflects on 2024

Lacombe County is reflecting on collaboration, innovation, and growth in 2024.  

“The accomplishments of 2024 showcase our unwavering commitment to sustainability, infrastructure development, and delivering exceptional service to our residents,” the Lacombe County website said.   

Here are the highlights:  

Corporate Services Department  

Finance   

Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO) Project  

• In response to the ARO accounting standard introduced in 2023, Lacombe County estimated future retirement costs for capital assets requiring reclamation. These estimates were integrated into the County’s audited 2023 financial statements, ensuring compliance with provincial standards and enhancing financial transparency.  

Budget Policy Update  

• The County’s Budget Policy was updated to include the Local Government Fiscal Framework grant program, aligning funding decisions with new provincial opportunities and optimizing resources for future projects.  

Assessment  

Transition to Paperless Assessment Processes  

• For the 2025 assessment cycle, staff transitioned to a paperless process, collecting property inspection data in the field via iPads and uploading it directly into the County’s CAMA software. This innovation eliminates unnecessary data preparation, improves efficiency, and enhances accuracy. The County is also adopting electronic communication with property owners through email and online forms for streamlined interactions.  

Information technology   

Golf Cart Permitting System  

• In June, Lacombe County developed an in-house, web-based solution for golf cart permitting under Alberta’s pilot program. Using Office 365 workflows, the system automates identity verification, insurance checks, and permit generation, registering 135 golf carts in its first summer. The program was deemed a success and will be refined over the pilot’s five-year span.  

  Network Switch Updates 

• The IT team completed a major network switch upgrade, replacing and configuring key switches in the Administration Server Room, the Administration Building expansion area, and the Operations Shop. Integrated with the County’s Fortinet firewall, the new switches enhance cybersecurity through centralized management and updated security tools.  

 Community support   

Increased Funding for Programming  

• Following a review of program priorities, Council approved an additional $30,000 for FCSS programs in the 2025 budget, enhancing services for residents.  

Community Services Department  

Agriculture   

Record Agricultural Plastics Collection  

• The County rolled 260 rolls of agricultural plastics, marking its largest collection season to date and reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability.  

Vet Billet Program  

• Eight families participated in this program, hosting veterinary students during their practicums and strengthening ties between the agricultural and veterinary communities.  

Workshops and Activities  

• Lacombe County hosted 11 workshops throughout the year, providing valuable insights into sustainable agriculture and community engagement.  

Community peace officer services   

Five Years of In-House SRO Program  

• Lacombe County celebrated the fifth anniversary of its in-house School Resource Officer (SRO) program, a partnership with Wolf Creek Public Schools. Established in 2019, this program builds upon over 30 years of SRO programming and continues to provide a consistent, community-focused presence in schools.  

Policy Handbook Rollout  

• The County released its long-awaited Community Peace Officers Policy Handbook, standardizing procedures in officer safety, emergency response, communication protocols, and traffic safety planning, ensuring accountability and operational excellence.  

New Stealth Vehicle for Traffic Safety  

• A new stealth vehicle was deployed to discreetly target high-risk driving behaviours while maintaining a visible presence to encourage compliance. This initiative supports Vision Zero and the County’s Traffic Safety Plan.  

Environment   

Resident Environmental Sustainability Program  

• Since 2022, Lacombe County has subsidized different initiatives for County property owners to help them achieve their environmental goals. This year, we distributed 235 potted trees to residents, promoting environmental stewardship and enhancing green spaces in the County.  

Energy Efficiency Initiatives  

• As part of our Environmental Policy, Lacombe County strives to lead by example, focusing efforts on internal County operations in order to conserve, protect, and enhance the environment in balance with social and economic needs. This year, we completed an energy audit of the Administration Building, and energy-saving retrofits were also completed at the Lacombe County Public Works Shop.  

Fire and emergency services   

Communication Upgrades  

• The County transitioned to the Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System (AFFRCS), improving coordination with mutual aid partners, RCMP, EMS, and STARS.  

Command System Implementation  

• Lacombe County introduced a standardized command system to improve emergency response coordination across fire departments within our municipality. This system will ensure firefighter safety and member accountability at emergency scenes, as well as provide a coordinated and consistent way to deal with emergencies so that all fire departments in the county are managing scenes in the same safe and efficient manner. This means better service for our ratepayers by fire services.   

Emergency Management Tabletop Exercise  

• Lacombe County led a successful tabletop exercise as part of the Lacombe County Regional Emergency Management Partnership (LREMP), focusing on preparedness and regional collaboration. Participants identified areas for improvement and practiced coordinated response strategies to enhance resilience across the region.  Established in 2011, the Lacombe County Regional Emergency Management Partnership (LREMP) brings together Lacombe County and its regional partners, including the Towns of Bentley, Blackfalds, Eckville, and Lacombe; the Villages of Alix and Clive; and the Summer Villages of Gull Lake, Half Moon Bay, Sunbreaker Cove, Birchcliff, Jarvis Bay, and Norglenwold.  

Utilities   

Track On 2 Generator Project   

• A 4-cylinder 30 Kw Kohler generator and automatic transfer switch (ATS) were installed at the Track On 2 lift station to provide emergency standby power during power fail events.   

Hamlet of Mirror Water Pumphouse Project   

• The Mirror water pumphouse SCADA, Communications, and Prologic Computer equipment was upgraded. Operators can now access plant parameters remotely through iPhones and iPads.   

Hamlet of Mirror Insulation Project   

• Approximately 35 meters of 200mm sanitary sewer main and connected home services at 46 Street and 49 Ave intersection (North) were insulated.  

Operations Department  

Road maintenance   

Lacombe County maintains 2,192 km of roads, including 1,774 km of gravel roads and 418 km of paved roads. In 2024, the County:   

• Overlayed 41.31 km of paved roads,   

• Reconstructed 20.1 km,   

• Completed the gravelling of 584 km of roads.  

Major paving projects included:  

• Lakeside Sargent Road (Highway 2A to Haynes Road): 26.40 km,   

• Spruceville Road (Highway 12 to Highway 604): 12.80 km,  

• Hamlet of Joffre (access roads and internal roads): 2.11 km,   

• 49 Street in the Hamlet of Mirror.  

Bridge construction   

Lacombe County completed three bridge construction projects in 2024, carefully planned to align with future road construction initiatives. These projects include:   

• BF2499: Located at NW 29-41-26 W4, spanning Whelp Brook on Township Road 414A,   

• BF6612: Situated at NW 20-41-26 W4, crossing Whelp Brook on Range Road 265,  

• BF1454: Positioned at NE 11-41-4 W4, over Medicine River on Township Road 411A.  

These upgrades ensure safer and more reliable transportation infrastructure for residents and travelers.  

Parks and trails   

Trail Maintenance and Facility Enhancements  

Lacombe County maintains 20 km of trails, ensuring they remain safe and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike. Regular maintenance includes audits and inspections of playgrounds, spring sweeping, brushing, mowing, painting, landscaping, and sign installation. This year, the County also focused on enhancing community recreational spaces with several key projects:  

• Mirror Ball Diamond Upgrade: Partnered with the Mirror Association of Ball Diamonds, Campground, and Skating Society to relocate and improve the ball diamond, making it more functional for community use.    

• Sandy Point Beach Accessibility Improvements: Installed a mobi-mat and a beach-accessible wheelchair (Mobi-Chair) to enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.  

• Emergency Access Construction: Built an emergency access road between Blissful Beach and Sunbreaker Cove to improve community safety and emergency preparedness.  

These initiatives reflect Lacombe County’s commitment to creating inclusive, safe, and well-maintained recreational spaces for all.  

Lacombe County shop  

Custom Equipment Projects  

• Lacombe County’s shop staff remained busy in 2024 with the arrival of new equipment. Each unit required customization to ensure it met specific operational needs. This year’s rig-up projects included tractors, pickup trucks, and scrapers, demonstrating the team’s dedication to maintaining a versatile and efficient fleet.  

Planning and Economic Development  

Planning achievements   

Development Activity  

• Processed 36 subdivision applications and 155 development permits, representing $35 million in construction value.  

Awards and Recognition  

• Earned the Minister’s Award of Municipal Excellence in Red Tape Reduction and the Alberta Professional Planners Institute Planning Award of Merit for Implementation Success, recognizing the County’s innovative approach to annual planning reviews.  

Major planning initiatives   

• Adopted the QEII West Area Structure Plan, promoting economic growth while protecting agricultural lands.   

• Amended bylaws to allow second dwellings on agricultural parcels of 10+ acres.   

• Approved the DOW railyard expansion development.   

• Amended the Land Use Bylaw to consider the Gadsby Lake Recovery Centre development as a special discretionary use on the N1/2 22-41-23-W4M.    

• Updated the Village of Alix/Lacombe County Intermunicipal Development Plan.  

Economic development   

Ambassador Tour  

• Lacombe County was proud to serve as an Alberta destination during a prestigious diplomatic and economic mission. As part of the Ambassador Tour, international delegates explored the County’s thriving agricultural sector, innovative economic development initiatives, and rich cultural heritage. This recognition underscores Lacombe County’s growing reputation as a hub for collaboration and innovation, highlighting its leadership in fostering sustainable growth and strengthening ties on a global scale.  

• Conducted 120+ business visits.  

• Launched a business recognition program and an online directory (launching soon).  

• Completed the Business Retention & Expansion survey to identify growth opportunities.  

 

**With information provided by Lacombe County   

 

Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon. 

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@centralalbertaonline.com.

CentralAlbertaOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CentralAlbertaOnline app.