Lac La Biche County has a strong connection to nature. The region is environmentally and ecologically significant, containing more than 150 lakes and countless wetlands, and it has been recognized as one of Alberta's Important Bird Areas. The County has many programs in place to protect and enhance the land, air and water. In keeping with our motto of "Welcoming by nature," we strive to be environmental leaders so our region is kept beautiful and clean for future generations.
Public Programs and Initiatives
Environment Week is a time to reaffirm our relationship with the natural world, centred around World Environment Day on June 5. Lac La Biche County participates in this annual public awareness campaign, and the Environmental Services department hosts a variety of events from family movie nights to informative workshops. Watch this website's [Events Calendar] and the County's Facebook page for details about Environment Week events each year.
The week typically ends with a Household Hazardous Waste Round-Up and Community Shred-It, which is an opportunity for residents to dispose of toxic, flammable or corrosive items like household cleaners safely. A secure shredder is also available so residents can recycle confidential papers.
Items for Sale
The County believes in providing residents with resources that help them to be more environmentally friendly. Composters and rain barrels are sold at a reduced price at the County Centre office (13422 Highway 881).
- Composters are ideal for turning organic waste like fruit and vegetable leftovers into nutrient-rich fertilizer. The County sells composters for $72 each, plus GST.
- Rain barrels are sold for $78.05 each, plus GST. The barrels collect rainwater, which you can then use to water your garden, wash your car and more.
Please call (780) 623-6739 to ask about item availability and specifications.
Lake and Shoreline Protection
Click here to read our pamphlet about lake and shoreline protection. Our water bodies are the source of our drinking water, home to many species of flora and fauna, and the site of numerous recreational activities, so we are committed to safeguarding them.
Our County contains a large number of riparian areas. These are areas bordering lakes, rivers and other bodies of water, so they are vital for protecting water quality, providing habitats for plants and wildlife, and more. The County uses the Riparian Setback Matrix Model to regulate development and subdivision around water bodies. This helps to ensure the local watershed's long-term health and sustainability.
Waterfront landowners may wish to add retaining walls, build docks or make other changes to the shoreline. However, shorelines are actually public lands owned by the Government of Alberta and regulated by Alberta Environment & Parks. In addition, the County may own "buffer zones" called Environmental Reserves, which must be kept in their natural states. Please call our Planning & Development department at (780) 623-1747 to find out which regulations apply to your property.
Mad About Science is a free, educational summer day camp for kids ages 9-12. Participants learn about the environment through games, experiments and other activities. This is one way we teach our younger citizens about environmental stewardship. Camps run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in different locations across the County in July and August. Pre-registration is required so please call (780) 623-6739 or e-mail email@example.com for more information or to sign up.
Corporate Green Team
One of the County's official Operating Guiding Principles is environmental sustainability. That means we aim to lead by example, and we want to consider the environment in all of our decisions and day-to-day activities. The Corporate Green Team is an internal committee of County staff members, whose goal is to make sure we practice what we preach and our operations are environmentally friendly.
Water Quality and Beach Sampling
Through a partnership with Alberta Health Services, water is tested for harmful bacteria at 10 different beaches in the area from June to August. The County also samples water quality on various lakes and at different inflow and outlow points around Lac La Biche Lake, the largest and best-known water body in the region.
All of our water quality data is compiled into summary reports at the end of each sampling year.