May 2026 Mayor's Column

May 15, 2026

I support Lethbridge’s Integrated Fire and EMS system.

Let me be perfectly clear and repeat that: I support keeping Lethbridge’s Integrated Fire and EMS system. So do my colleagues on City Council.

Despite a false narrative some people have suggested on social media, our recent Council vote was against the unattainable contract conditions Emergency Health Services (EHS) – Alberta has put before us. We are not accepting what the Province is putting forward to us due to the significant financial impact.

As your elected representative, I have a responsibility to ensure that any agreement protecting those services is sustainable long-term so that families can continue counting on them not just today, but for years to come. This decision does not mean we don’t support and value our integrated Fire and EMS system.

This is one of the biggest challenges we have faced in my years as a Councillor and as Mayor. Public safety will always be at the heart of my political career, be it Fire, EMS or our police service.

We are still open to further discussions with our Provincial partners that would look at all options that could allow for the continuation of Lethbridge’s integrated Fire and EMS system.

I've reached out to the Province on many occasions and the deadline date is still May 31. I can respect that they'll wait until answers come in before those conversations happen. I'm going to push that they do. We'll still have that opportunity to participate in those further negotiations, I believe. I can't be more clear on that.

I also want to thank our residents for their patience and passion in this matter. But I urge you to follow proper channels and get accurate information. And furthermore, to some of the comments we have heard in the past few weeks: Lethbridge needs to be better. When you don't have all the details, it's easy to come to a conclusion. We're going to get through this. We need to be kind and kindness is not too much to ask.  

Please see this update for more information and follow further updates on our Get Involved Lethbridge page.

The largest and one of the most important infrastructure projects in Lethbridge’s history is a step closer. During our May 13 meeting, the Community Issues Committee (CIC) voted unanimously to recommend moving ahead with critical upgrades at the Lethbridge Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The recommendation includes expansion design and construction to increase capacity by 50 per cent, along with a pre-treatment facility for industrial customers.

The plant was last expanded in the 1980s, and the system is now operating close to capacity. The proposed expansion is needed to keep wastewater services reliable, reduce the risk of major failures and support the city’s future growth. Delaying the project would likely increase future costs and create greater risks for residents and businesses, costing taxpayers more in the future.

The project was originally scheduled for consideration in the 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). But this week, Councillor Rajko Dodic introduced a motion to expedite the project and proceed with the expansion now. City Administration also presented a detailed Water and Wastewater Utility Financial Analysis.

Administration recommended a rate-funded repayment approach. To support the project, the recommendation includes an average monthly wastewater rate increase of between about $4 to $7 from 2027-2030. This would be an increase to utility rates, not to your property taxes. Lethbridge currently has among the lowest wastewater rates in Alberta – about 60 per cent below the provincial average rate. Even with the recommended increases, Lethbridge’s rates would remain comparatively affordable.

Read the full news release here. Updates on future WWTP upgrades and expansions, and a detailed FAQ, can be found on the Get Involved Lethbridge page.

On Wednesday, our CIC had a workshop for the coming 2027-2036 Capital Budget, which will include one-time construction costs for items such as roads, recreation facilities, parks, buildings, facilities and utility projects.

Later this year, Council will approve a four-year (2027-2030) approved budget within a 10-year (2027-2036) financial plan, referred to as the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). We know there are already many, many more projects than there is funding, so this will be fully centred on needs rather than wants.

We want to be upfront with our residents and our community partners about this reality. Based on what we know, this City Council will be extremely limited in the CIP projects we can approve. Because of this, we won’t be going out looking for new projects but rather continue our focus to address the needs we already have lined up. Read the full news release here.

On Thursday, our CIC had a workshop for the coming 2027 Operating Budget – which includes ongoing operating costs for services or programs such as police, fire, electric, parks operations, public transit, water and wastewater, road maintenance, snow removal, libraries, arenas and swimming pools.

City Council will have a lot of key decisions to make to create sustainable long-term cost reductions, to find efficiencies to mitigate pressures while maintaining service levels, and to keep any potential increases to reflect inflation. Read the full news release here.

I want to remind our residents that we have many ways for community members to stay informed. They include:

As always, please be safe and kind to one another. Happy Victoria Day weekend!

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City Hall
910 4 Avenue South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 0P6

Phone: 311
or 403-320-3111 (if outside of Lethbridge)

 

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