A PRAIRIE JEWEL LETHBRIDGE A L B E R T A WWW.LETHBRIDGE.CA
LETHBRIDGE, AB A PRAIRIE JEWEL AT A GLANCE LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA WHAT: A charming rural city, with continued growth on the horizon WHERE: Southern Alberta, Canada WEBSITE: www.lethbridge.ca A HUB OF EDUCATION, OPPORTUNITY AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT MEETING FUTURE GROWTH 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
Located in the heart of southern Alberta, Lethbridge is a welcoming city that easily combines the charm of rural life with the convenience of urban amenities. With a population of approximately 110,000, this dynamic municipality is becoming a sought-after destination for new residents and businesses, while also hosting a vibrant student population. Photo Credit: Tourism Lethbridge 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
“One of the things that we’re pretty proud of is, for a community our size, we have three post-secondary institutions: the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College (soon-to-be Lethbridge Polytechnic) and Red Crow College.This creates an amazing energy in our city with vibrancy and innovation,” describes Mayor Blaine Hyggen. Michelle Helstein, Provost and Vice President Academic at the University of Lethbridge, echoes this sentiment She underscores the impact the institution has on the city. “Seventy percent of University of Lethbridge students come from away, so we’re also a piece of bringing students and community members to the city. They are citizens while they’re here, and we are doing work with the City to help more of those folks choose to live and work in Lethbridge once they graduate,” she asserts. The iconic architecture of University Hall, designed by renowned architect Arthur Erickson, alongside the modern Science Commons, further cements the university’s place in Lethbridge’s identity. Both the University and College campuses sit on the top of the river valley coulees with a view of the Oldman River and an extensive trail network below. Mayor Hyggen showcases Lethbridge’s vast parks and pathways, boasting,“We have more parks per capita than any other community our size within Canada,” he says. “We are particularly proud of our three phenomenal regional parks, including the newly developed Legacy Park.” With 73 acres of space to explore, Legacy Park is home to many features including a skate park, spray park, discovery playground, amphitheater, community pavilion, basketball, tennis and pickleball courts and a unique ninja-style challenge course. A WALKABLE, WELCOMING DOWNTOWN CORE The city’s downtown area, with its walkable streets and historical charm, is a bustling centre of activity, enjoyed by residents and visitors. Joel Sanchez, Director of Infrastructure Services, elaborates on recent revitalization efforts in the heart of the community. “We received Federal 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 LETHBRIDGE, AB
funding to add bike lane connections to Downtown Lethbridge,” he shares. This now links Downtown with the regional bike path system and is designed to attract more people to the area and offer safe, alternative transportation options. Sanchez further highlights the establishment of a central transit terminal downtown, which serves as an important connection to various parts of the city, including the post-secondary campuses. It also serves as a connection to the region and across Alberta with Red Arrow and FlixBus services. Lethbridge has also invested, through Provincial economic stimulus funding, in Festival Square. “That is an area in the centre of downtown that is designed specifically for festivals and markets,” says Mayor Hyggen. “There is a permanent stage in place with signage on both ends, and traffic calming along that particular street. Last year was the first year that it was open for the entire season, and we saw 73 unique events held in that space.” This community gathering spot was made possible through additional partnerships with the Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone and the Heart of Our City Committee. Another contribution to the renewed vibrancy is the recent collaborative update to parking, adding more flexibility and convenience for visitors.“We want to encourage folks to come downtown, and once they’re here, to be able to park, walk around, explore and visit the unique shops in the area,” says Sanchez. He says Lethbridge also has a successful parklet program, allowing restaurants to use parking areas as outdoor patio spaces. He notes, “It creates these fun, outdoor social spaces that the community and customers really love.” EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND GROWTH Lethbridge is welcoming diversity. More people are moving to the area, looking for a quiet lifestyle, easy winters and an affordable cost of living. “We have new residents from a variety of age groups who are moving out of some of the bigger centres such as Vancouver, Toronto, etc., and coming to Lethbridge just for the cost of living,” reports Mayor Hyggen. As a city embracing diversity, Lethbridge plays a Photo Credit: Tourism Lethbridge 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
significant role in supporting recent immigrants. Hyggen points out that the city hosts a substantial Ukrainian population, the largest Bhutanese community in Canada and a noteworthy number of Syrian refugees.“We have an incredible organization called Lethbridge Family Services that works very well with these folks,” he says. Additionally, the community has attracted numerous international doctors, who appreciate the welcoming culture and vibrant diversity that Lethbridge offers. Lethbridge’s diversity also extents to its cultural relationship with Indigenous communities, specifically the Blackfoot people of the Canadian Plains and the Métis. The city neighbours the Blood Reserve, the largest First Nation Reserve in Canada. Oki, the Blackfoot word for “Hello,” became the City’s official greeting in 2019 and is displayed throughout the community. A SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION On the increasing alliance between the University of Lethbridge, City administration, Lethbridge College and other regional entities, Helstein says,“Clearly the most current and exciting opportunity is a distributed medical education piece that we’re bringing in, in collaboration with the University of Calgary, to the city of Lethbridge and the southern Alberta region.” This project, supported by local physicians, Alberta Health Services and the provincial government, aims to train physicians in rural settings to retain them in these areas. “That is going to be key to not only the city but the region. The evidence shows that if you want to have more physicians practicing in rural areas, if you recruit and train them rurally, you’re way more likely to retain them rurally,” Helstein says. 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 LETHBRIDGE, AB
Tollestrup Construction Inc., based in Southern Alberta, has been a cornerstone of the region’s infrastructure development for over 80 years. Since 1940 Tollestrup Construction has provided premium aggregates and asphalt products to Southern Alberta. In recent years we have expanded with a full-service Concrete Division as well as Underground Utility division. We are now your onestop parking lot, sub-division Contractor.Tollestrup Construction is renowned for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, ensuring that every project is completed to the highest standards. The company prides itself on its innovative approach, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to deliver superior results.Tollestrup’s services span a wide range of construction needs, from residential driveways and commercial parking lots to highway projects. Their expertise in road reclamation and recycling processes not only enhances the structural integrity of roadways but also promotes environmental sustainability by reusing existing materials. Tollestrup Construction’s success is built on the dedication and skill of its team. With a strong focus on community involvement and continuous improvement. Tollestrup Construction is committed to “Paving the way to a Brighter Future” for all of us. As a vertically integrated company, Tollestrup Construction Inc. mines and manufactures several different types of sand and rock products, providing concrete aggregates and asphalt related products and services, such as road building, paving, road reclamation and profiling. Tollestrup also offers a wide range of concrete services. COMMITTED TO QUALITY AND VALUE. Tollestrup Construction Inc. insists on 100% customer satisfaction. Box 474, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, T1J 3Z1 403-328-8196 www.tollestrup.com We take great pride in doing the job right, the first time. Tollestrup Construction Inc. has been operating within the construction industry for over 80 years.
HOUSING As with nearly every community in the country, Lethbridge is facing many demands regarding housing options. These include affordable housing and permanent supportive housing. Lethbridge Housing Authority, an organization that manages more than 800 homes and apartment complexes for affordable housing, recently received more than $10 million in provincial funding to construct permanent supportive housing. Lethbridge City Council is also committed to contingency funding of up to $1.05 million for the project. This development will provide 30 units designed to offer ongoing support for individuals in need. “Having this type of housing is very important,” Mayor Hyggen says,“So that’s 30 homes in this permanent supportive living facility that will have those additional support services. We’re pretty excited about that.”Another project is the redevelopment of a former seniors’ facility into 50 housing units located near the hospital. Supported by both provincial and municipal funds, this development will also include amenities to support the hospital community. As for other efforts, the City of Lethbridge is working to ensure property for housing developments is shovel-ready so that when opportunities arise, there is no delay. Seeking out any available funding is a priority for the City. “We’re always keeping our ear to the ground,” the Mayor says. “And our staff has been amazing in making sure that they’re watching for whatever grant opportunities become available.” INFRASTRUCTURE AND LETHBRIDGE AIRPORT Sanchez highlights the successful launch of Lethbridge’s curbside organics program, the biggest in southern Alberta. “This program is not only for residential but also for what we call the ICI sector, which is the institutions, the businesses and the industry, plus our regional customers. The program has been operating for over a year. So far, more than 12 million kilograms of organic material has been diverted from the landfill.” Leading with Science® to create a more sustainable future tetratech.com We are changing lives through science, technology, and innovation. 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 LETHBRIDGE, AB VOLUME 4, ISSUE 01
the key hub,” says Mayor Hyggen. He spotlights the city’s efforts, in partnership with Tourism Lethbridge, Economic Development Lethbridge as well as Lethbridge & District Exhibition (LDE), to promote local agriculture and food tourism. “The LDE’s new Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre is a world-class facility that aligns perfectly with the agricultural strength of our region,” says Brierley. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Advocating for infrastructure upgrades to support growth and sustainability is part of the City of Lethbridge’s vision. It is also important to foster vitality through community events like the Scotties Tournament of Hearts curling competition, which the city is bidding to host in 2026. As for what comes next, Mayor Hyggen is quick to highlight all the positives in the community while also acknowledging efforts toward successful partnerships that strengthen economic growth and improve quality of life for residents. “Our Council Investments in the Lethbridge Airport have helped modernize the passenger experience and lay the groundwork for future growth.The City of Lethbridge took on the Regional Airport operations in 2019 and celebrated a grand re-opening in 2022. With more than $23 million in funding coming from the Governments of Canada and Alberta, the City has capitalized on enhancing an economic asset for Lethbridge and surrounding regions. The improvements updated the passenger seating areas, pavement, baggage carousel and airfield lighting systems. “We are excited to explore even more ways to expand what Lethbridge Airport can offer,” says City Manager Lloyd Brierley.“By continuing to increase the airport’s offerings and opportunities, more people will be able to discover the amazing attractions our city and region have to offer.” BRANDING AND TOURISM Lethbridge is positioning itself as a major player in Canada’s food corridor. “We consider ourselves 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
Photo Credit: Tourism Lethbridge 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 LETHBRIDGE, AB
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n The Tollestrup Construction www.tollestrup.com Tollestrup Construction Inc., has partnered with the City of Lethbridge on numerous projects since 1940. A legacy few companies can achieve!! It all began with an excavator, & a dump truck, now 3 generations later Tollestrup Construction is one of the largest Family owned & operated General Contractors in Southern Alberta. n Tetra Tech www.tetratech.com Tetra Tech is a leading, global provider of highend consulting and engineering services. We are 28,000 employees dedicated to solving water, environment, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and international development challenges for our clients and communities. We use our Leading with Science® approach and leverage our Tetra Tech Delta technologies to create sustainable solutions for our projects. n Reclaim Asphalt www.reclaimasphalt.com ULTRA PORTABLE – HOT MIX ASPHALT IN JUST MINUTES. Putting you in control of WHEN and WHERE you get hot asphalt. Recycle millings or chunk asphalt any time, any where. Two models provide 7 or 10 tons per hour (as much as 100 tons or more a day). Towable with a pickup truck, mounted to a flatbed, or static setup in your yard. Safest operation portable recycling. All diesel operation, no propane, no direct flame. Plus, optional thermal containers keep your mix hot all day or night. Ideal for paving contractors, excavating companies, cities, towns, rural municipalities. BAGELA PORTABLE ASPHALT RECYCLERS WORKS FOR ALL. This is cost-saving paving with the environment in mind n YQL Lethbridge Airport www.lethbridgeairport.ca YQL Lethbridge Airport has a rich aviation history, evolving from the early 20th-century. Acquired by the City of Lethbridge in 2018, YQL underwent extensive renovations and with significant development plans, is working to position itself as a major economic driver. and Administration will continue to advocate to the Provincial and Federal governments for these important services. Lethbridge is a hidden gem in one of the most beautiful parts of our country, and we encourage people to visit and experience all we have to offer.” 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
WWW.LETHBRIDGE.CA WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN Lethbridge AB
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