LAC LA BICHE – Lac La Biche County officials are sounding more optimistic about efforts to get the Highway 63 connector from the Plamondon area paved following a recent meeting with the province.

An update was provided during councillor reports at the Aug. 18 Lac La Biche County Council meeting.

A councillor said he and Mayor Paul Reutov recently met with Athabasca County and Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen to discuss the connector and the push to have the road paved.

“It seems like it was a pretty optimistic meeting,” he told Council.

The councillor said the project appears to have moved higher on the province’s priority list.

“We’ve definitely moved up higher on the priority list to get that road paved,” he said.

More clarity expected in 2027

While there is no provincial funding commitment yet, the councillor indicated the County could have a clearer picture of the project’s status early next year.

“We’ll probably know in February if it’s a go or what stage it’s going to be at,” he said.

The update was provided as part of councillor reports and Council did not make a funding decision or pass a motion on the project during the discussion.

For now, the meeting with the province represents progress in the County’s advocacy for the route, but a final decision on paving and provincial funding has not been announced.

More information is expected as the project moves through the province’s planning and funding process.