City Council was provided an update from administration on the limited funding available in the next Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the planning challenges that lie ahead.

The City of Lethbridge was pleased last week to learn about a specific area of the 2025 Alberta Budget: the restoration of Grants in Place of Taxes (GIPOT). Properties belonging to the Government of Alberta are exempt from municipal taxation. To account for this, municipalities are paid a GIPOT on eligible properties within their boundaries. Starting in 2025-26, GIPOT funding will be paid to municipalities at 75 per cent of the property tax amount that would be owed, equal to $55 million. Next year it will increase to 100 per cent.  

I was pleased to attend yesterday’s budget announcement in Edmonton, on behalf of Lethbridge City Council. One of our biggest priorities remains the need for future expansion plans for water and wastewater, so it was encouraging to see that Budget 2025 allocates $520 million across three years to support small and mid-sized municipalities in building or enhancing drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.  

Highlights from the February 25, 2025, meeting of Lethbridge City Council.

Seniors, women, children, families, vulnerable individuals and new immigrants looking for housing may soon have more options in Lethbridge. Through the Affordable and Social Housing Capital Fund, Lethbridge City Council on Tuesday conditionally approved several capital funding requests that would result in the development of 112 housing units, 82 of which would be held at affordable rates. 

Lethbridge City Council has re-committed its opposition to any and all coal developments that risk damage to the Oldman Watershed.

Lethbridge City Council is continuing to advocate in support of our local economy, specifically with recent actions regarding the potential impact of U.S. tariffs to the region. 

A belated Happy Family Day to everyone – a day meant to celebrate the love, support, and connection that make our families strong. Whether you spent time with your immediate family, friends, or chosen loved ones, it was a reminder to the importance of building strong, caring communities.

Highlights from the February 11, 2025, Lethbridge City Council meeting.