October 2026 Mayor's Column

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving long weekend surrounded by family, friends and food. It is always important to enjoy these occasions to celebrate the past and present while also looking towards the future.

On that note, the first item I want to get into this month is the biggest proposal that came out of the recent Community Issues Committee (CIC) meeting. Our Council members heard a proposal for advancing an innovative $287-million regional water and wastewater expansion project that could help unlock the next phase of transformative regional growth.

This potential water and wastewater infrastructure could support the next wave of housing, jobs and economic development in southern Alberta, including:

• Supporting up to 22,000 new homes 
• Creating more than 44,000 jobs across Alberta 
• Opening approximately 4,000 hectares, or nearly 10,000 acres, of land in southeast Lethbridge for future homes, businesses and jobs, including areas around the Lethbridge Airport that currently have constrained water and wastewater services 

Securing funding, while helping manage costs for residents, includes a proposed model involving a three-way partnership between the City, Province and Government of Canada. The business case includes a funding request of $95.6 million from the Government of Alberta, with a provincial commitment allowing this region-shaping project to begin construction in 2027 and be completed by 2030.

Back in May, City Council approved $285 million for an accelerated expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This additional $287 million of upgrades will be needed to support growth in Lethbridge and nearby communities. Simply put: we need the infrastructure to make it possible. Read the full story on our website.

Also at the recent CIC meeting, Council members heard presentations on proposed projects for the 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).  The CIP identifies one-time costs for the planning and construction of items such as roads, recreation facilities, parks, buildings/facilities and utility projects, as well as providing a planning schedule and financing plan.

The CIP project presentations included proposed items relating to Transportation & Transit, Community Services, Corporate Services, Excite Lethbridge, Lethbridge Police Service and Lethbridge Public Library.

The Capital Budget will include a four-year (2027-2030) approved budget within a 10-year (2027-2036) Capital plan. While no final decisions were made during these CIC meetings, the information accompanying the 2027-2036 Draft CIP will form the basis of the discussion and debate at the CIC meeting during the week of November 16-20. Recommendations stemming from those CIP deliberations will be forwarded for City Council’s consideration at a regular meeting in December. Read the full story on our website.

This Capital Budget will be one of the milestones for this City Council – which just so happens is set to hit a year in office. On October 27, 2025, the Oath of Office was administered for the 2025-2029 Lethbridge City Council: Councillors Al Beeber, Mark Campbell, Belinda Crowson, Rajko Dodic, Rufa Doria, Ryan Parker, Jenn Schmidt-Rempel and Ryan Wolfe, as well as myself.

At the Council Swearing-In Ceremony, I spoke about re-affirming the commitment to building a stronger and more united city. 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. 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.

I’m really excited to see how our Council has worked together during this first year together.   A few of our 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

In advance of Remembrance Day on November 11 (as my next column will be after that date), I want to provide my most sincere thanks to all those who have served this country at home and abroad. I encourage residents to check out the local veterans’ banners placed around the city. Lest we forget your sacrifices.

Council also recently approved a monument modification application from the Royal Canadian Legion General Stewart Branch No. 4. This will involve the addition of the inscription “AFGHANISTAN 2001-2014” to be engraved on the rear face of the southmost wing addition of the existing Lethbridge Cenotaph. This add will recognize Canadians who served during Canada’s mission in Afghanistan and will align with wording adopted at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Everyone involved is hopeful for this to be ready ahead of November 11.

As Halloween is also coming up, I want to encourage our residents, especially the young goblins, ghosts and ghouls out trick or treating, to have a fun and safe experience.

As always, please be safe and kind to one another.