Lac La Biche County Strategic Plan 2022 - 2032

STRATEGIC PLAN

2022-2032 Crafting a Community of Choice LAC LA BICHE COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN

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PHOTO DC ART STUDIO AND DESIGNS

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LAC LA BICHE COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN

Contents 04

Lac La Biche County: An Overview

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Foreword Council’s Message

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Enhancing Vibrancy Through Community Visioning 08 A Fresh Vision Built On a Strong Foundation 10 What’s in my Community’s Strategic Plan?

11 Lac La Biche County Strategic Advantages 11

Mission, Vision & Guiding Values

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Priority Focus Areas

14 Economic Growth 15 Service Excellence 16 Strategic Communication 17 Social Wellness 18

Tourism & Recreation

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Environment & Agriculture

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Lac La Biche County: An Overview

RICH IN LAKES, PARKS, AND OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES, AND HOME TO SOME OF ALBERTA’S TOP INDUSTRIES, LAC LA BICHE COUNTY IS A BEAUTIFUL, PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO VISIT, LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY. Lac La Biche County borders several provincial parks and recreational areas, including Crow Lake Provincial Park, Lakeland Provincial Park and Recreational Area, and Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park. We have more than 150 lakes and 100 beaches, camping opportunities, and an excellent hiking trail system.

Pair that with modern amenities like the Bold Center and new Aquatics Centre, and it’s no wonder that Lac La Biche County is an ideal cabin and adventure area for County residents and visitors from nearby communities and international tourists.

Lac La Biche County was formed in 2007, amalgamating the Town of Lac La Biche and Lakeland County. Geographically, we are one of the largest municipalities in Alberta, and home to more than 8,500 residents. We have excellent education, health care, and community amenities and services, providing a high quality of life for all residents and visitors.

The economic foundation of the County is its energy sector, forestry, agriculture, and tourism. We are the gateway to one of the world’s largest oil reserves, and the energy sector is a major source of employment in northeastern Alberta. This economic driver places Lac La Biche County in the fortunate position of having resources to build a high quality of life for residents, and further diversify our services and infrastructure. We are wellpositioned to provide a home that is welcoming by nature for our residents both today, and into the future.

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DEPARTMENTS • • • • • •

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Communications Economic Development Enforcement Services Engineering Services Environmental Services Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) and Community Development Finance & Grants Fleet Services General Administration Human Resources & Health and Safety Information & Technology Services Legislative Services Parks & Facilities Planning & Development Protective Services Recreation, Aquatics and Fitness Transportation Services Utility Services LAC LA BICHE COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN

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FOREWORD

Council’s Message Council has come together to prepare this Strategic Plan for Lac La Biche County with the goal to build on our success and plan for a sustainable future for our residents. Lac La Biche County is in the fortunate position of having resources to create a high quality of life for our residents. We believe that we can build from a position of strength to best take advantage of current opportunities and to find a thoughtful approach to our current challenges. The resulting Strategic Plan and community vision identify values and priorities in support of our future success and long-term sustainability.

Our vision is to foster a high quality of life in the County that welcomes new residents and allows businesses to thrive. We will achieve this by thinking about today as well as the long-term, to foster economic growth, provide service excellence, and promote social wellness to make Lac La Biche County a connected, livable community. We will develop strategic communications to market Lac La Biche County as a community of choice for new residents, new businesses, and tourists. We will balance our development and growth with sustainability to protect our natural resources, so our beautiful environment remains safe, usable, and protected today and into the future.

This Strategic Plan is just that: a plan. This plan will serve as guiding direction prompting administration to develop a more detailed action plan that aligns with Council’s vision and priorities. Council is committed to putting this Strategic Plan into action and being accountable to our residents. We have a vision for a vibrant, welcoming, and prosperous community that makes Lac La Biche County a destination of choice for residents and visitors. This plan will help us bring that vision to life.

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Our next step is to consider action plans in the pursuit of our six priority focus areas:

ECONOMIC GROWTH SERVICE EXCELLENCE STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION SOCIAL WELLNESS TOURISM & RECREATION ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE We are immensely proud as your Council to be delivering this Lac La Biche County Strategic Plan 2022 -2032 to you, the citizens of Lac La Biche County.

WE BELIEVE THAT WE CAN BUILD FROM A POSITION OF STRENGTH TO BEST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES AND TO FIND A THOUGHTFUL APPROACH TO OUR CURRENT CHALLENGES.

Enhancing Vibrancy Through Community Visioning THE VIBRANCY, VITALITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE AVAILABLE IN LAC LA BICHE COUNTY IS OUR UTMOST PRIORITY. As representatives of the residents and business owners in our municipality, it is our job to listen to the wants and needs of our people and translate those into effective and achievable policies, projects, services and future goals.

Council is here to serve the community and is responsible for leading the charge on any changes and fiscal decisions that are required to allow the County to prosper and move forward to a better tomorrow for all of us. We are in the business of providing quality of life through service provision in our community.

By appropriately planning for the maintenance and provision of existing or novel services, the Strategic Plan can directly impact quality of life in a community. Dedicated municipal staff deliver valuable and essential services such as road maintenance, water utility, fire protection, tourism, business services, cemeteries and more via adequate and strategic management of all assets within a community.

Our Strategic Plan provides a long-range view of our vision of Lac La Biche County over the many years to come. The plan outlines how we will foster quality of life and wellness amongst our residents, neighbours, families and businesses.

THE MUNICIPAL EQUATION

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A Fresh Vision Built on a Strong Foundation “A work, live, and play community.”

In Lac La Biche County, our residents already enjoy many amenities and services that make our County an excellent place to live, work, raise a family, and play. With this Strategic Plan, Council wants to take this a step further, focusing on the elements of a “livable community.”

A livable community provides a well-rounded lifestyle that considers multiple factors of personal, professional, and social wellness. Ideally, Lac La Biche County would provide affordable and accessible essentials and added services and amenities that allow our residents of all ages and backgrounds to flourish.

As representatives of the residents and business owners in our municipality, Council is responsible for listening to the wants and needs of our people and translating those into effective and achievable policies, projects, services, and future goals. This Strategic Plan will guide Council in making decisions so the County can grow and prosper.

With our strong industrial, agricultural, and timber industries, supported by growing local commercial business, our local economy is poised to flourish.

Balanced with our lake and parks system and the Bold Center, our residents have a wide range of options for recreation in their free time. The County’s dedicated staff already delivers hundreds of services every day to provide essential services, maintain our capital assets, and improve residents’ quality of life. Our Strategic Plan builds on these advantages making them even more attractive to our current and future residents and tourists.

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“A DESTINATION OF CHOICE FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS.” Council has developed short, medium, and long-term goals and vision for the community in this Strategic Plan. We believe this approach is critical for the longterm success of the County. To truly make Lac La Biche County a self-sufficient municipality, we need to continue to attract new industries and commercial businesses to provide the products and services that our residents and tourists need.

We will develop strategic communication based on data and local public engagement to market the advantages of Lac La Biche County to new businesses and industries. Council will prioritize infrastructure and service excellence to revitalize the downtown core and the business park. Our “Buy in Lac La Biche County” campaign will promote the benefits of shopping local.

When money is spent locally, it continues to benefit local businesses and residents, multiplying its value. To sustain and promote this growth, Council will advocate for change while also being mindful of protecting the natural, recreational, and cultural aspects that make our community unique and attractive.

“EVERYTHING I NEED IS RIGHT HERE AT HOME.” When we look to the future, we hope to see Lac La Biche County thriving with a flourishing economy. We want the County to be a self-sufficient community that provides residents of all ages a place to live, grow-up, work, and raise families. This includes providing the programs, services, and amenities that make Lac La Biche County a safe, healthy, and connected community. We believe a focus on social wellness is not only good for our residents, but it also attracts economic opportunities for local business and residents.

By creating a Strategic Plan that looks 10 or even 20 years into the future, Council is laying the groundwork for future growth. Exploring economic opportunities now helps Council plan for infrastructure. Developing strategic partnerships with regional municipalities and other levels of government can help Council advocate for Lac La Biche County and build relationships that benefit all regional partners.

With the long-term planning outlined in this Strategic Plan, Council will be able to anticipate and mitigate or prevent challenges. We believe that the decisions Council makes today will support healthy, intentional growth, not just today but 10 years from now and beyond.

“A PLACE WITH VALUE THAT SERVES ALL GENERATIONS.” This growth cannot come at the expense of the culture and community spirit that makes Lac La Biche County a welcoming place to live and work. While planning to attract new residents and businesses, Council is committed to maintaining Lac La Biche County’s reputation as an affordable, fun, and safe community.

We want to continue to be a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes newcomers. Our long-term plan promotes and develops the local recreational and cultural community making it a destination for tourists and residents of all ages.

Community development includes establishing amenities, events, and traditions that provide residents with a wellrounded range of recreational and lifestyle experiences.

Being surrounded by lakes, parks, hiking trails, and essential agricultural areas, Lac La Biche County residents place a high value on protecting our natural environment. Council has provided a long-term Strategic Plan that balances economic growth with protecting the environment for future generations.

Taking a long-term approach to financial planning will help Council meet the short-term needs of residents and businesses in Lac La Biche County and invest in projects that will benefit the community in the future.

Council is proud of the creative thinking and thoughtful development of this Strategic Plan. It is an ambitious vision for Lac La Biche County but one which we believe is worth investing in. The Lac La Biche County we see in the future takes the best of who we are today and becomes the destination of choice for people to come and to stay.

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What’s in my Community’s Strategic Plan?

A STRATEGIC PLAN OUTLINES THE HIGH-LEVEL VISION OF THE FUTURE OF A MUNICIPALITY AND DESCRIBES SPECIFIC MUNICIPAL PRIORITIES IDENTIFIED BY COUNCIL.

PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS Each one represents an area of importance to the future of the municipality.

GOAL STATEMENTS A number of goals may support the achievement of one of the priority focus areas. These are the high-level aims that will help in achieving the overall vision.

OBJECTIVES Specific desired successes or outcomes that drive the action plans and financial commitments required to achieve the vision. These objectives are highlighted annually in the budget decision-making process.

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LAC LA BICHE COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN

Often, the plan will include priority focus areas which showcase the overall vision in different categories or themes.

Within each priority focus area is an overall goal statement, describing the vision for that specific focus area in the future. Affiliated with this goal statement is a list of more granular objectives or projects, which can be used to create specific action plans in order for them to be fulfilled. These plans are often described in the subsequent action and financial plans, which really bring the goal statements and focus areas to life.

The Strategic Plan provides priority-based direction for more detailed planning and budgeting of capital assets, municipal services and overall management of the municipality.

A forward-thinking, realistic and well-rounded vision provides the foundation for the effective long-term planning and provision of services that support the wellness and vitality of a community.

LAC LA BICHE COUNTY STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES “We take advantage of our advantages.”

GOVERNANCE ADVANTAGE

INFRASTRUCTURE ADVANTAGE

Our position as a specialized municipality allows Lac La Biche County to bring both our urban and rural leadership to the same table. This shared governance allows a more complete reflection of our challenges, and our Council can represent both urban and rural interests. By working together, our solutions are more collaborative and holistic.

Lac La Biche County is already a complete community. We have well-rounded infrastructure and amenities that provide residents and businesses with everything they need to live and work in the County. Our current infrastructure including water, power, and road systems are all well-maintained.

TRANSPORTATION ADVANTAGE FINANCIAL ADVANTAGE Lac La Biche County has a strong industrial base that provides a solid financial foundation for our County. This brings above-average operating budgets that provide more resources for services, capital projects, and infrastructure. Our County also has low resident and business taxes compared to other municipalities which is good incentive for new residents, businesses, and industries.

Lac La Biche County has an extensive transportation network that supports the industrial, commercial, and residential needs within the community. The network includes highways, urban and rural residential roads, commercial and industrial road networks, and a full-scale airport with mid to large scale plane landing capability. The transportation advantage positions Lac La Biche County well for future commercial and residential growth.

RESOURCE-RICH ENVIRONMENT ADVANTAGE Our resource-rich environment has attracted several key industries to Lac La Biche County including oil and gas, agriculture, and timber.

These industries have provided employment and our financial base. Our environment is also rich in recreation and beauty, including our lakes, beaches, and parks. The County is known by residents and visitors for its hiking, fishing, watersports, and outdoor recreation.

HIGH LEVELS OF SERVICES ADVANTAGE Lac La Biche County residents and businesses have a high expectation for level of service. We have been able to meet these expectations in the quality and range of our services. We can continue to improve the quality and types of services for all our residents and businesses.

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Lac La Biche County:

Mission, Vision & Guiding Values OUR MISSION Lac La Biche County is proud to be a diverse, healthy, and safe community. Our citizens are engaged and enjoy enhanced social and recreational amenities. We are economically resilient as we continue to invest in top-quality infrastructure and services. We are environmental stewards who promote our natural assets, making Lac La Biche County the destination of choice of Northern Alberta.

VISION STATEMENT To build a region of excellence by delivering progressive, sustainable programs and services.

GUIDING VALUES These are timeless rules that guide the County’s decision-making and day-to-day activities.

COMMUNICATION: We communicate effectively and transparently within the organization and to the community.

SAFETY AND WELLNESS: We commit to working in a safe and healthy environment.

EXCELLENCE: We strive for excellence and have pride in everything we do.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: We are stewards of the environment.

LEADERSHIP: We will be proactive in addressing challenges and lead with integrity, providing clear, transparent public engagement.

ACHIEVEMENT: We will work towards achieving strategic priorities and goals, celebrating successes when we reach important milestones.

COLLABORATION: We will build a culture of collaboration within Council and Administration and with our residents, businesses, and other regional partners.

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PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS COUNCIL IDENTIFIED SIX PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS FOR LAC LA BICHE COUNTY. Council and Administration will work together to support projects and specific funding allocations that align with Lac La Biche County’s desire to promote and strengthen economic growth, strive for service excellence, communicate strategically, advocate for social wellness, tourism and recreation, and commit to protecting the environment while strengthening our agricultural identity.

Economic Growth Service Excellence Strategic Communication Social Wellness Tourism & Recreation Environment & Agriculture

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ECONOMIC GROWTH GOAL STATEMENT We will develop strategic policy that supports current businesses and attracts new businesses to diversify and strengthen our economy.

OBJECTIVES 1.

Develop a Community Profile that highlights the County’s advantages to attract new business, residents, and tourists.

9. Energize and animate the downtown core initiative to support existing and new business.

2. Complete a data analysis and census so we can make educated decisions about new economic development.

10. Proactively communicate with residents and the business community to show the value Lac La Biche County produces with our tax dollar revenue.

3. Ensure physical and technological infrastructure is in place to support current and future business, industry, and agriculture.

11. Promote current and new community events that add to economic development and attract residents and tourists to the area for shopping and recreation.

4. Investigate strategic industrial, commercial, and residential infrastructure investments which will provide quality of life or financial return on investment.

12. Create proactive policy that is responsive to evolving needs and expectations due to inevitable economic, generational, and technological shifts.

5. Develop added incentives to attract new businesses to the Business Park.

13. Develop relationships with commercial business to promote resident and tourist friendly hours for added sales opportunities.

6. Strengthen relationships with other levels of government to advocate for policy, grants, and partnerships that benefit the County.

7. Enhance support for the downtown core to energize and animate new and existing businesses in a centralized shopping area.

8. Create a “Buy in Lac La Biche County” initiative that demonstrates the multiplier effect of money spent in the region and cost of travel to other communities to shop.

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SERVICE EXCELLENCE GOAL STATEMENT We will set the standard for service delivery every day to sustain and improve quality of life of residents and attract new residents.

OBJECTIVES 1.

Complete public engagement to determine what services residents value then strive to improve or implement these services.

2. Align staff, financial, and capital resources with service priorities.

3. Create a Service Inventory and train staff so they understand available services and how to connect residents and businesses to appropriate services.

4. Provide an organizational culture and professional development that motivates and inspires our staff and makes us an employer of choice.

5. Develop service best practices to provide consistent, high-quality service experiences for residents.

6. Demonstrate how investments in staff development and service excellence provide an improved quality of life for residents.

8. Effectively maintain capital assets by employing best practices related to asset management and long-term capital planning.

9. Implement a plan to improve the aesthetics of Main Street to attract additional commercial development and shoppers.

10. Explore options to improve Internet and broadband, especially for rural areas.

11. Continually review policies and best practices to determine optimal service levels to best serve our residents.

12. Strive to effectively communicate to our residents our goals for service levels and how they positively contribute to their quality of life.

13. Continue an emphasis on safety through programming such as the County Fire Smart program.

7. Develop services that create a livable community and make Lac La Biche County a community of choice for new residents and commercial development.

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STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION GOAL STATEMENT We will develop strategic communications to build relationships, enhance our community identity, and promote our advantages.

OBJECTIVES 1.

Create a Strategic Communication Plan identifying opportunities to market Lac La Biche County to residents, businesses, industry, developers, and tourists.

2. Create a Service Inventory that lists and describes Lac La Biche County’s advantages, amenities, and services for our residents and businesses.

3. Develop a public profile based on the Strategic Communication Plan and Service Inventory that markets Lac La Biche County.

4. Create strategic marketing that positions Lac La Biche County as a world class destination for development and business.

5. Foster collaboration and information exchange with current and potential key businesses and industries.

6. Increase advocacy with all levels of government, including our local provincial and federal representatives.

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7. Build resident awareness of our current challenges and goals, and the value they receive for taxes and fees.

8. Develop a “Buy in Lac La Biche County” campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of supporting local business.

9. Foster community pride by celebrating Lac La Biche County people, history, culture, events, and groups.

10. Seek a wide range of community feedback to obtain a holistic view of residents’ opinions by asking what Council does well and what could be improved.

11. Ask for testimonials and examples of successful service delivery and celebrate our successes.

12. Utilize technology effectively to connect and communicate with residents including utilization of the County community alert application.

SOCIAL WELLNESS GOAL STATEMENT We advocate for programs, services, and amenities that promote a healthy and connected community.

OBJECTIVES 1.

Improve and maintain our healthcare and emergency services for all residents.

2. Pursue community safety, health, and wellness initiatives (trail lighting for safety, etc.).

3. Take a proactive approach to delivering family services to support residents in need.

4. Foster partnerships with local volunteer and community organizations to strengthen the County’s ability to respond to the community’s changing needs.

5. Promote community involvement in proactive safety education.

6. Ensure access to affordable basic municipal services.

7. Provide facilities and programs that promote the diversity of our community.

8. Complete public engagement to understand the challenges that our residents face and create actions to overcome this.

9. Ensure our residents understand the range of our social programs and how they can access them.

10. Continue to strengthen our relationship with Indigenous peoples in and outside of Lac La Biche County and seek opportunities for positive dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships.

11. Create a welcoming and inclusive community for all newcomers including new immigrants through events, programs, and public spaces.

12. Support initiatives that enable Lac La Biche County to provide support and services with empathy for our residents facing challenges.

13. Prioritize mental health, affordable housing, and addiction initiatives.

14. Promote indoor and outdoor recreational activities to improve residents’ community connection, physical health, and mental health.

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TOURISM & RECREATION GOAL STATEMENT We advocate for recreational programs, services, and amenities that provide a high quality of life for our community and make Lac La Biche County a destination of choice.

OBJECTIVES 1.

Ensure that recreation opportunities are available, accessible, and affordable for both rural and urban residents.

2. Promote the natural beauty and amenities of our community that make Lac La Biche County a tourist destination for fun, recreation, and relaxation.

3. Take advantage of our lakes, beaches, and natural beauty and strive to maintain and improve its aesthetics to become a tourism destination.

4. Include new or improved infrastructure that will enhance our natural resources to the Capital Plan.

5. Foster local and non-local partnerships to deliver diverse recreational programs and activities to draw tourists.

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6. Promote key community events to draw people from within and outside of Lac La Biche County.

7. Strategically enhance our urban areas to draw tourists to shop, eat, play, and stay.

8. Promote our spontaneous use recreation to residents and tourists including hiking trails, camping, and fishing.

9. Enhance and support additional recreational amenities and programs including a pool, outdoor playgrounds, sports fields, and senior recreation.

10. Promote our celebration of inclusivity and diverse cultures, which will include highlighting our community events that support our cultural diversity.

ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE GOAL STATEMENT We commit to taking practical, balanced, sustainable actions to protect the environment for our residents today and in the future.

OBJECTIVES 1.

Embark on green infrastructure initiatives that will support natural beauty and allow sustainable use of our natural resources.

2. Ensure that our lakes, waterways, and land remain safe, healthy, and sustainable.

3. Pursue communication and education opportunities that build community support for environmental initiatives and their benefit.

4. Respect the relationship between the environment, sustainable agricultural, and the economy.

5. Encourage appropriate effective use of agricultural land to further strengthen our already diverse agricultural identity, which includes livestock, grains, and dairy production.

6. Choose environmentally sustainable operations where practical, to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability.

7. Encourage growth and development, but without compromising our natural assets.

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