Lacombe County Council Lowers Speed Limit on Lakeside/Sargent Road
Lacombe County Council unanimously approved a new bylaw on October 30, 2025, lowering the speed limit on a key section of Lakeside/Sargent Road near Blackfalds.
Speed Limit Reduced for Safety
Bylaw No. 1445/25 reduces the speed limit from 100 km/hr to 80 km/hr on Lakeside/Sargent Road, specifically from 300 meters east of the C&E Trail intersection west to Highway 2A. This change aims to enhance road safety in an area with slow-moving farm equipment, school bus stops, horseback riders, and frequent crossings for children and families. The adjustment also aligns with the finalization of a train whistle cessation project in the area, avoiding the need for additional studies or changes to rail crossing signage.
Council Addresses Resident Concerns
Councillors brought forward several resident inquiries and concerns:
* Mirror Animal Limits: Councillor Knight asked about the number of animals, specifically chickens, permitted per lot in Mirror. Planning Services Director D. Freitag will confirm the limit.
* Road Conditions: Councillor Knight also raised concerns about washboard roads due to recent weather. Operations Director B. Cade committed to developing an informational article for the County News.
* Traffic Safety: Councillor Wilson inquired about safety on Township Road 400 east of Rainy Creek and requested flashing stop lights at the Highway 20 and Aspelund Road intersection. D. Cade noted the intersection is provincial jurisdiction but will follow up with Alberta Transportation.
* Joffre Road Map: Councillor Visscher highlighted the absence of a community road map in Joffre and asked for a sign. D. Cade will work with I.T. Services Manager M. Kartusch to install one.
* Range Road Speed Limits: Councillor Van Haren questioned varying speed limits on Range Road 274. D. Cade confirmed the applicable bylaw will be reviewed in May 2026, allowing Council to discuss consistency.
Road Development and Public Engagement
Council approved revisions to Policy OP(47) “Upgrading of Roads to Service Residential Developments.” The updated policy now explicitly applies to roads and alleys within hamlets and subdivisions, ensuring that developers or landowners are responsible for upgrading roads to an acceptable standard for new residential developments.
An overview of Policy AD(40) “Public Participation Policy” was received, detailing the County’s approach to public engagement through various mediums and its commitment to open decision-making.
Community Funding and Infrastructure
* Blackfalds Recreation: Council approved a contribution of up to $5,599 to the Town of Blackfalds for capital projects at the Abbey Centre, covering an aquatics chemical storage shed and HVAC unit replacements. Funding will come from the Recreation Capital Assistance Reserve.
* Athletic Park Funding Request: The Lacombe Athletic Park Association (LAPA) presented its annual report and requested $45,000 in operating funding annually for 2026-2028. Council received the request for information and directed the County Manager to prepare a report and recommendation for a future meeting.
* Mirror Infrastructure: A presentation from Stantec on the Hamlet of Mirror’s Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Mapping and Condition Assessments was received. The project successfully mapped infrastructure and identified areas needing maintenance or repair.
* Road Closure Process: Council directed the County Manager to proceed with the process to close Road Plan 6111 BM, allowing it to be consolidated into a resident’s property. Public comments will be sought, and a report will be brought back to Council.
* Library Board Appointment: Following an amendment to Policy CC(3) to include the Lacombe Library Board, Councillor R. Van Haren was appointed to the committee.
* Lakeview Estates Fluoride: Council directed the County Manager to prepare a report and recommendation regarding fluoride levels in the Lakeview Estates water system for future consideration.
Upcoming Meetings
The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will be held on December 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Lacombe County Administration Building.