We respectfully acknowledge the traditional and ancestral lands of the First Nations peoples of Treaty 6, Treaty 8 and Treaty 10 territories and the Homeland of the Métis people. Lac La Biche County continues to be home to Indigenous peoples since time immemorial, and we recognize the vital contributions of Indigenous culture, history and perspectives in our shared past, present and future.
Mandate for change history.
Dedicated focus points for moving forward.
"STATUS QUO IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH." Seeds of Change. Roots of Progress.
• Jan–May 2022: Series of planning and training sessions, including:
▫ Council Priorities Meeting
▫ Strategic Planning with Bloom Centre
▫ Procurement and Engagement Workshops
▫ Strategic Communications Roundtable
• May 2022: Strategic Plan reviewed and updated: 2022–2032 Strategic Plan: “Crafting a Community of Choice”
• Jan–Mar 2023: Further workshops and strategy sessions.
• July 4, 2023: Council approved a full E ciency Review of all County departments after recruiting a Chief Administrative O cer.
• Oct 2023: Manny Deol hired as Chief Administrative O cer - appointed to carry out Council’s mandate for change.
• Oct 10, 2023: E ciency Review RFP and update presented to Council.
• Jan 2024: Strategic workshops and interviews held with Council.
• July 2024: E ciency Review Results Report presented as information.
• July 2024: Motion made that Council authorizes administration to use the E ciency Report as a guiding framework to streamline processes, optimize operations and enhance customer service, and further that administration publish the summary report to the Lac La Biche County website provided by the consultant.
• October 2024: Presentation of E ciency Review Outcomes.
• December 2024: Comprehensive Report on Financial and Operational Status Request from Council to CAO O ce.
• January 2025: CAO provided the Comprehensive Report and Operational Status to Council.
Mandate
Vision and Mission
In 2021, Council set a clear direction: meaningful change was the number one priority. Through focused planning, decisive leadership, and collaboration with experts and the community, that vision has moved o the page and into reality. From strategy development to the launch of a County-wide E ciency Review, every step has been driven by purpose. The result: a mission actively delivered, not just discussed.
FROM DIRECTION TO DELIVERY — THE OUTCOMES SO FAR.
Operational savings of $5 million in 2023 and 2024, totalling $10 million dollars.
No operational budgetary increases in 2024 and 2025 while maintaining service levels and improving operational e cency.
Dedication to ensuring complaints are addressed promptly and resolved e ectively.
Commitment to excellence in customer service across all operations.
Improved 14 positions in ranking for crime rates from 2023 - making significant progress towards the goal for a safer community.
Vandalism in downtown and industrial areas is now negligible.
Economic development strategy resulted in 15 Council resolutions advancing strategic priorities.
Trust and Inspire
In 2024, Council and Administration achieved many significant milestones, including the successful implementation of the e ciency study, which has reshaped operations.
This transformation has led to a more responsive, customer-focused organization that embraces innovation and out-of-the-box thinking.
Thanks to this new approach, Lac La Biche County has managed to maintain a 0% tax increase, while many other municipalities have faced the need to raise taxes.
Residents of Lac La Biche County benefit from one of the lowest residential tax rates in all of Alberta.
It should be noted that the municipal mill rates are only one part of the overall tax formula. If your 2025 tax bill was higher than it was in 2024, it is likely due to higher property values (as determined by an independent assessor) and increased provincial costs for education and seniors’ lodges. Lac La Biche County collects and remits these payments to the Province.
TURNING VISION INTO ACTION
Success
In line with Council’s vision, the County has implemented a new organizational structure to eliminate silos and streamline operations, while also embracing a “Trust and Inspire” leadership philosophy, which marks a departure from traditional top-down management. This approach focuses on purpose, collaboration, and accountability, allowing individuals to thrive and unlocking the full potential of our team to deliver superior services. The positive impact of this shift is already evident with improved communication, enhanced collaboration, a significant reduction in red tape, prioritizing follow-up actions and increased service levels. Administration is committed to delivering on Council’s priorities with urgency and responsiveness, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are invested wisely in our community.
Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, Lac La Biche County has 62 capital projects and major purchases underway with significant initiatives nearing completion, including:
• Main Street Revitalization
• Enhancements to McArthur Park
• Golf Course Upgrades
• Development of Plamondon Village Square
• Regional Healthcare Approach
• Water Tower Improvements
• Social Development Planning
• Housing Initiatives Progress
• Railway Crossing Improvements
• Cemetery Development
• Continuation of Key Infrastructure Upgrades
15 Resolutions for Succe ss and Economic Growth
Stabilize and secure the existing clinic infrastructure while developing a longterm plan to enhance regional healthcare services, including options for a modernized facility.
Develop a Safe Community Plan leveraging technology, tools, training, and education, in collaboration with Portage College, to enhance applied research through new technological innovations.
Collaborate with Portage College in meeting the needs of the students/community housing.
Conduct a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities in a ordable rental housing, including multi-unit developments, and to work with development industry to address the needs.
Develop a detailed plan for expanding sports tourism and events, in collaboration with tourism partners, and to create a comprehensive marketing package to promote the region as a sports tourism destination.
Collaborate with a third-party consultant to develop a long-term Rail Transport Strategy, exploring opportunities for freight, commuter, and tourism connectivity and economic development.
Conduct a feasibility study for the development of a lagoon, evaluating potential locations, economic benefits, and environmental impacts.
Conduct a feasibility study for industrial recycling operations to support a circular economy and job creation, in collaboration with Indigenous communities, private businesses, and industry stakeholders.
Explore and pursue viable options for a conference center/hotel, including potential locations, business partners, and economic feasibility.
Develop a Work and Live Strategy to attract and retain workers in Lac La Biche County by promoting key benefits such as transportation accessibility, education opportunities, and quality of life.
Procure water transport options for emergency response and tourism within Lac La Biche County, including identifying suitable vessels and an implementation strategy.
Provide a report on shovel-ready and development ready lands inventory for industrial, commercial, and residential development.
Guided by community priorities and economic growth, Council committed a budget of $350,000 to advance the resolution initiatives including engagement with investment partners, feasibility studies, expert consultation, relationship building, and lobbying e orts.
Develop a streamlined system to enhance engagement with the Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Industrial Committee for more e ective collaboration and decision-making.
Develop a growth strategy to support public and private campground facilities, including streamlining permitting processes and identifying potential bylaw amendments.
Work collaboratively with Portage College to identify, zone and subdivide lands required for both the trades lab and housing projects and furthermore to have agreements in place for both sections of land to be acquired by the college with a targeted completion date of January 2026.
PRODUCING RESULTS
15 Resolutions For Success
The creation and execution of the 15 Resolutions For Success.
Development is Happening
Significant projects are underway including the arrival of major chain restaurants, aquatic centre construction, acquisition and revitalizion of the health clinic, and the transformation of Main Street.
Pursuing Progress
Pursuing circular economy practices, state-of-the-art recycling facility, power generation, and the establishment of a data centre and other energy related opportunities.
Transformational Investment
Approximately $142 million being invested into capital projects.
INDUSTRY AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES
BIG PLANS
TAKING SHAPE
HEALTHCARE AND SENIOR SUPPORT EDUCATION
TOURISM
WHAT THE COUNTY IS PASSIONATE ABOUT ENHANCING
Carrying out capital projects is about more than just investments. They are also a reflection of our collective vision for a thriving Lac La Biche County. Each project represents meaningful progress, grounded in the values that matter most to our residents and guided by the County’s Strategic Priorities:
ECONOMIC GROWTH
SERVICE EXCELLENCE
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
SOCIAL WELLNESS
TOURISM & RECREATION
ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE
QUALITY OF LIFE
Creating vibrant public spaces, recreational facilities, and services that support health, connection, and well-being
DRIVING LOCAL
JOB CREATION
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Supporting economic growth and employment opportunities through construction, development, and long-term community benefits
Upgrading core infrastructure with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and smart growth
COMMITMENT
Administration remains firmly committed to Council’s vision and mandate, working diligently to turn priorities into action.
Through strategic planning and strong execution, administration has delivered meaningful results across key initiatives and continues to drive progress on major projects that align with Council’s goals.
This dedication ensures that the community continues to see tangible outcomes from its leadership’s direction.
By investing in essential services, supporting innovation, and creating opportunities for all stages of life, we’re making Lac La Biche County a destination of choice.
