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 178 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
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