Lacombe County Council Approves Road Construction Program, Addresses Fire Suppression Fees at October 9 Meeting
Lacombe County Council convened on October 9th, 2025, and made several significant decisions impacting county residents. Key actions included approving a long-term road construction program, addressing fire suppression fees, and allocating funding to community support services.
Infrastructure Investments Approved
Council approved the 2026-2030 Long-Term Road Construction Program. This ambitious plan includes 10 new projects, adding 23.5 miles to the schedule and bringing the total to 55.5 miles of road construction over the next five years. The program prioritizes projects based on public safety, road condition, traffic volume, and maintenance concerns. According to meeting documents, a total of 28 projects were evaluated. Approving the revised OP(2) Road Construction Programs policy creates a more consistent method of establishing the construction program. This policy update also adjusted timelines for council presentations.
Fire Suppression Fees Addressed
A significant decision was made regarding fire suppression response fees. Council approved Bylaw No. 1444/25, amending the Lacombe County 2025 Rates and Fees Bylaw. The amendment introduces a maximum fire suppression response fee cap of $10,000 for residential and farmland properties. However, some are excluded from the cap, including fire ban violations and unpermitted fires. The cap does not apply to responses involving non-County residents, ratepayers, or businesses. A resolution to retroactively reimburse invoices exceeding the $10,000 cap, retroactive to January 1, 2021, did not receive approval.
The meeting also saw discussion of year-round fire permitting. Council deferred further discussion, pending a review of fire permit conditions.
Community Support Funding Allocated
Council approved the allocation of $98,070 in additional FCSS funding to various community agencies. Recipient agencies include Alix Family and Community Support Society, Alix Mirror Wellness Supports Society, Bentley Community Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe and District, Town of Blackfalds Abbey Centre Camp Curious, Town of Blackfalds FCSS – Seniors Programs, BGC Wolf Creek Lacombe, Eckville Recreation Board – Summer Camp, Eckville and Community Youth Society, Eckville & Area Children’s Playgroup, Friends of Mirror Library Society, Lacombe and District FCSS, Lacombe FCSS (Clive, Mirror, Tees Playground), and Youth Unlimited Central Alberta. This funding supports a wide range of community programs, from youth programming to senior services.
Other Decisions
* Council approved a South Sylvan Lake Area Off-Site Levy, recouping costs for upgrading roadways.
* A request for property tax penalty cancellation was denied.
* A letter of support will be sent to the Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors requesting funding for Bridge File 01423 in 2026.
* Council approved revisions to the Town of Blackfalds and Lacombe County Intermunicipal Development Plan / Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Committee Terms of Reference.
The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for October 30, 2025.
For full details and documentation, residents are encouraged to refer to the official meeting minutes available on the Lacombe County website.