Current City Council marks one year in office
The traditional first anniversary gift is something involving paper. Fitting that a year ago, Lethbridge residents used their ballots to elect our latest City Council.
On October 27, 2025, the Oath of Office was administered for the 2025-2029 Lethbridge City Council: Mayor Blaine Hyggen, plus City Councillors Al Beeber, Mark Campbell, Belinda Crowson, Rajko Dodic, Rufa Doria, Ryan Parker, Jenn Schmidt-Rempel and Ryan Wolfe – meaning today marks the official one-year milestone.
“I’m really excited to see how our Council has worked together during this first year together,” says Mayor Hyggen. “Together, we’ll move our city forward. Not just through policies and projects, but through the tone we set, the respect we show and the legacy we leave.”
A few of Council’s first-year highlights include:
- City Council approves its 2026-2029 Strategic Plan
- City Council supports new Economic Development Strategy
- City Council approves 2027 Operating Budget
Councillors Beeber, Doria and Wolfe are all on their first terms in Council, with each having some similar and different experiences thus far.
"Being elected to serve this community is a privilege and in this first year I have strived to make the best decisions possible for all members of this community,” says Councillor Beeber. “That means looking at every issue from different perspectives and voting in a way that I feel is in the best interests of this community now and for the future. We have in these first 12 months dealt with some intense matters which have generated huge public response and I know not every decision will be popular with everyone, but that is leadership."
"Serving on City Council during the past year has been both an honour and a tremendous learning experience,” says Councillor Doria. “What I have valued most is the opportunity to connect with residents, listen to their concerns and help address their needs. Navigating the complexities of municipal government has taught me the importance of balancing the competing priorities of our community with the resources available to us. As the first Filipina-Canadian to hold this seat, I am also mindful of the extra responsibility that comes with this milestone. I want to help ensure that underrepresented communities have a voice, feel heard and know that they belong at the table. As I reflect on this year, I am rolling up my sleeves for the work ahead and remain committed to serving the people of Lethbridge."
“It’s been a whirlwind year in some respects with so much orientation at the beginning, followed by all the large community issues that we didn’t anticipate,” says Councillor Wolfe. “Being a part of City Council is a huge learning curve. I’m pleased at the dedication my colleagues bring to their positions. I am also excited at the opportunities we have in the next three years to help address what we can regarding the ongoing cost of living crisis in our city.”
“At the Council Swearing-In Ceremony a year ago, I spoke about re-affirming the commitment to building a stronger and more united city,” says Hyggen. “I also focused on looking ahead by continuing to build on the momentum started, as well as leading with integrity, passion and courage. Let’s continue to make Lethbridge a place where businesses grow and where every resident feels safe, heard and valued. Let’s be bold in our vision, thoughtful in our actions and united in our purpose.”
The next big decisions from City Council will come next month when the 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) deliberations take place.
For Public Inquiries:
Call or chat with 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.