Lac La Biche County Council has approved a series of motions intended to advance four long-term priorities that will guide future investments and decision-making across the municipality.

The motions, approved during the July 7 council meeting, focus on Social Wellness, Recreation and Tourism, Education, and Industry Growth. County officials say the initiatives are designed to strengthen economic growth, improve services and position the municipality for long-term success.

Mayor Paul Reutov said the decisions reflect Council’s commitment to looking beyond day-to-day operations.

“These priorities reflect our shared vision for the future of Lac La Biche County. They are about creating opportunities for residents, supporting local businesses, investing in our community, and ensuring we continue building a municipality that is strong, resilient, and positioned for future success.”

Social wellness initiatives

Council directed administration to begin work on several housing and childcare initiatives.

Up to $150,000 from accumulated surplus will be allocated to develop options for a seniors housing project, including potential funding, partnership and operating models, with recommendations expected by October 2026.

Council also approved up to $50,000 to examine childcare infrastructure needs, including feasibility, funding opportunities and potential grant programs.

In addition, up to $1.5 million has been approved from reserves to develop an Affordable Housing Incentive Program. Administration will return to Council with recommendations on eligibility, incentives and implementation before the program launches. The initial planning target is approximately 150 housing units.

Recreation and tourism

Council also approved the next phase of its destination development strategy.

Administration will continue work to identify tourism infrastructure, amenities, and experience-based opportunities through the Destination Development Study, with recommendations expected during the 2027 budget deliberations.

Education investments

Under the education priority, Council directed administration to continue developing an Education Foundation, including governance, partnership opportunities and eligibility criteria for consideration later this year.

Council also approved work toward expanding the Law Enforcement Training Centre by exploring options for an indoor firearms training range and additional tri-service training infrastructure as part of future budget discussions.

Supporting industry growth

To advance economic development, Council approved allocating up to $5 million from the Strategic Initiative Reserve for the next phase of the proposed Energy and Industry Hub.

The funding will support planning, due diligence, partnership development and investment-readiness activities. Further approvals, including Indigenous consultation, will return to Council as the project progresses.

Council also directed the administration to explore creating an Expert Advisory Panel to help guide the implementation of the Energy and Industry Hub.

A phased approach

Chief Administrative Officer Manny Deol said the motions provide administration with clear direction moving forward.

“Today’s decisions establish a roadmap for the work ahead. Administration will continue developing practical, evidence-based recommendations that align with Council’s priorities while ensuring responsible financial stewardship and measurable outcomes.”

County officials emphasized that the approvals mark the beginning of a phased process. Individual projects will return to Council for further consideration as planning and feasibility work is completed over the coming months.