Council Commits to Broader Fire Hall Site Review, Funds Consultant
Lacombe City Council voted Monday to restart the search for a new fire station location, approving up to $70,000 for an emergency services consultant to lead a broader review and public engagement process.
Fire Hall Search Relaunched
The decision comes after the previous site selection for a new fire station at 4410 Woodland Drive faced significant community concerns regarding traffic and insufficient public consultation. Council’s August 25th, 2025 meeting directed Administration to pause work on that site and explore alternative locations, including the north airport site and land near the golf course.
This new process aims for a transparent and defensible selection. The consultant will review all previous work since 2022, validate the site selection methodology, and then develop a shortlist of up to five candidate sites. This shortlist will be presented to Council for approval before public engagement begins. Residents will have opportunities to provide feedback through an open house and targeted stakeholder discussions.
Following public input, the consultant and Administration will analyze findings alongside technical data to identify two or three leading sites for operational testing, involving mock fire department deployments. A final recommendation is expected by March 2026, with a public communication campaign to follow.
Funding for the consultant, up to $70,000, will come from the City’s General Operating Reserve. This investment is intended to ensure progress on the critical project continues through the upcoming municipal election.
Electricity Fees Rise
In other key business, Council approved an increase to the 2026 electricity franchise fee for FortisAlberta, raising it from 17.63% to 19.0%. This adjustment is projected to add an estimated $1.22 to the average household’s monthly electricity bill, generating an additional $133,114 in revenue for the City.
The increase aligns Lacombe’s rate with the median among comparator municipalities, a practice the City adopted in 2019. This change requires public advertising in the local newspaper, allowing residents to comment or ask questions.
Other Council Business
* Historic Designation: Council gave second and third reading to Bylaw 532, formally designating the Owen Residence at 5210 53rd Street as a Municipal Historic Resource. The designation was supported by the property owners and the Heritage Resources Committee.
* Secondary Suite Report: Council acknowledged a report comparing Lacombe’s secondary suite regulations (size, height, parcel coverage) to other municipalities. The report indicated Lacombe's regulations fall within the middle range. A broader review of secondary suite rules is planned for the 2026 Land Use Bylaw update.
* Operating Line of Credit: Bylaw 531 received second and third reading, re-authorizing a $3.5 million operating line of credit for three years. This line of credit helps manage seasonal cash flow fluctuations, ensuring the city can cover expenses between major tax collection periods.
* Emergency Management: Council accepted the updated City of Lacombe Emergency Management Plan, outlining protocols for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. This plan ensures compliance with the Alberta Emergency Management Act.
* Emergency Appointments: Fire Chief Jason Fleming was appointed as the new Director of Emergency Management, replacing Chief Administrative Officer Matthew Goudy, who will now serve as a Deputy Director. Several other staff were appointed as Deputy Directors to ensure robust leadership during emergencies.
* Disc Golf Grant: An additional $9,000 grant was approved for the Lacombe Disc Golf Association from the Community Builder Partnership Fund, bringing the total City contribution to $18,000. This funding supports the completion of the Rosedale Valley Disc Golf Course, aligning with the City’s Recreation & Culture Master Plan.
What's Next
Work on the fire station site review will begin in September 2025, with a site shortlist expected in October. Public engagement will follow in late October/early November. The electricity franchise fee change will take effect in 2026 after public advertisement. The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.