Incorporation of Lethbridge set to turn 135

Southern Alberta is the traditional land of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) people who called Lethbridge ‘Sikoohkotoki,’ meaning Black Rock because of the coal they found. When the development of drift mines hit, the name Coalbanks was used. Since 1885, Lethbridge has been the official name.

On November 29, 1890, the Town of Lethbridge in the North-West Territories (Alberta became a province in 1905) was officially incorporated. As such, November 29, 2025, marks the 135th anniversary of Lethbridge.

Incorporation origin story

There were 1,478 people residing in Lethbridge in 1890. On November 29, the Territorial Assembly passed an ordinance on incorporation, which then required a poll of duly qualified residents. On December 28, 146 votes were cast, with 142 in favour and four opposed. 

Thus, Lethbridge was established as an incorporated municipality and created the origin and foundation for the modern corporation, says Belinda Crowson, present-day City Councillor and noted local historian.

The biggest argument against incorporation was – not surprisingly – taxes. Those in favour understood, however, that “only a town council could introduce stability and organization to the amorphous collection of houses and people,” states an excerpt from the book “Lethbridge: A Centennial History” by Dr. Alex Johnston and Dr. Andy den Otter.

“A municipal government could build the sidewalks, sorely needed when rains transformed the dusty streets into impossible quagmires. It could rid the town of the putrid garbage, rotting carcasses and stale ashes strewn about the streets. It could provide a water distribution system, which would not only reduce the cost of water but provide fire protection and drastically reduce high insurance premiums.”

Crowson says that in 1890, Lethbridge had 255 dwelling houses and an additional seven under construction. She believes up to 16 houses and buildings from that time still stand in the city.

History of Mayors

In its 135 years, Lethbridge has been served by 27 Mayors. On February 2, 1891, the newly incorporated town held its first municipal elections and selected four Councillors, while Charles Magrath was acclaimed as the first Mayor.

In October 2021, Blaine Hyggen was elected Mayor. He was re-elected last month.

What do 1890 and 1906 signify on the City’s official crest?

The 1890 mark signifies our incorporation as a Town. On May 9, 1906, Lethbridge became the third city in Alberta (concurrently with Medicine Hat and Wetaskiwin). Before then, only Calgary and Edmonton were cities in Alberta. The Coat of Arms of Lethbridge is an official symbol of the city. It was designed by Reverend John Stanley Chivers and adopted on September 16, 1907. A circular scroll reads City of Lethbridge • 1890 • 1906. The City did a re-branding in 2021.

Lethbridge is not named for its famous bridge

Many people assume the name Lethbridge is related to the iconic High Level Bridge that spans across the river valley. In fact, Lethbridge is named after William Lethbridge, the first president of the North Western Coal and Navigation Company, owned by Sir Alexander Galt.

“The ‘bridge’ component of our name and the fact we have the longest and highest trestle bridge in the world is purely coincidental,” says Ross Kilgour, Senior Community Planner.

Historical population marks

• 1900 – 2,072
• 1951 – 22,947
• 1971 – 41,217
• 1991 – 60,974
• 2006 – 74,637
• 2019 - 101,482
• 2023 (latest Municipal census) – 106,550

What is someone from Lethbridge called?

"Both Lethbridgite and Lethbridgian have been used for more than 100 years as the name for those of us who live in Lethbridge. However, we have never definitively decided as a city on our preferred name,” says Crowson. “Lethbians has also been proposed as a modern option. This is always an interesting discussion whenever the issue arises and it is still fascinating that we've never actually picked the name we're going to use.”

Historical buildings in Lethbridge

Lethbridge has 28 official Municipal Historic Resources, 15 Provincial Historic Resources (several sites have both Municipal and Provincial designation), four Federally-listed National Historic Events and one National Historic Person.

“We also have an inventory of other historic buildings in the city that could be added if their building owners believe they should be protected,” says Kilgour.

For Public Inquiries: 
Call or chat 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.