Ireland Stays Reeve, West Steps Up as Deputy in Lacombe County Council Reorganization
Lacombe County Council held its organizational meeting on October 29, 2025, solidifying its leadership for the term ending at the 2026 Organizational Meeting. John Ireland was unanimously re-elected as Reeve, and Dwayne West was unanimously appointed as Deputy Reeve.
The meeting, called to order at 9:00 a.m. by County Manager T. Timmons, saw all councillors complete their Oath of Office before proceeding with elections. Mrs. Knight nominated Mr. Ireland for Reeve, with nominations ceasing and Mr. Ireland being declared Reeve unanimously. Mr. Ireland then took his Oath of Office and assumed the Chair.
Following this, Mr. Wilson moved for the Deputy Reeve term to be one year, also passing unanimously. Mr. Ireland then called for nominations for Deputy Reeve, with Mr. Wilson nominating Mr. West. Nominations ceased, and Mr. West was unanimously appointed Deputy Reeve. He also completed his Oath of Office.
What This Means for Residents
These leadership roles are central to the county’s governance for the next year, guiding policy and administration. The council also approved key financial signing authorities. County Manager Timothy Timmons and Director of Corporate Services Michael Minchin are now authorized to negotiate with, deposit, or transfer funds to Servus Credit Union on behalf of the county.
Cheques from the Corporation will require digital signatures from Reeve John Ireland and County Manager Timothy Timmons, or physical signatures from either Reeve Ireland or Deputy Reeve Dwayne West, alongside either County Manager Timmons or Corporate Services Director Minchin. This outlines the financial checks and balances for county operations.
No Public Comment or Debate Recorded
No public comments or concerns were recorded during the organizational meeting. A resident, Mrs. Nicole Plewis, joined the meeting at 9:00 a.m. but withdrew at 9:25 a.m., with no statements from her included in the minutes. All decisions made by council regarding leadership and committee appointments were carried unanimously, indicating a routine procedural process rather than a contentious session.
Key Committee Appointments
Council filled numerous positions across various committees and boards vital to county operations. These appointments ensure the continued function of local services and decision-making bodies. Noteworthy appointments include:
* Subdivision & Development Appeal Board (SDAB), Local Assessment Review Board (LARB), and Composite Assessment Review Board (CARB): Terry Engen, Anita Gillard, Wayne Gustafson, Wade Martens, Linda McLevin, and Julie Schille were appointed to two-year terms commencing January 1, 2026. Terry Engen will chair both the LARB and CARB.
* Municipal Planning Commission (MPC): All seven councillors – J. Ireland, B. Knight, D. Kreil, R. Van Haren, M. Visscher, D. West, and A. Wilson – were appointed to the MPC. Mrs. Knight was appointed Chair, and Mr. West was appointed Vice-Chair.
* Lacombe County Agricultural Service Board: All seven councillors were appointed. Mr. Wilson will serve as Chair, and Mr. Van Haren as Vice-Chair.
Numerous other councillors were appointed to local and regional committees, including the Town of Sylvan Lake Pogadl Sports Park Design Advisory Committee, the Functional Element Design Committee for the New Lacombe Fire Station, Public Relations Committee, Emergency Advisory Committee, Salary & Wage Review Committee, and various intermunicipal collaboration framework committees involving neighboring municipalities.
What’s Next
With leadership and committees established, the county's operational framework for the next year is in place. Council also approved its 2026 meeting schedule, including a council tour on June 9 and 10, Agricultural Service Board meetings on January 14, April 15, and October 21, and a pre-budget meeting on August 28. The January 22, 2026, Regular Council meeting was rescheduled to January 29, 2026. Council meetings for July 23, August 13, and December 24, 2026, were cancelled. The meeting adjourned at 1:39 p.m.