September 2026 Mayor's Column

It was a great summer in Lethbridge and it is hard to believe that autumn begins next week already. But there is plenty to look forward to and discuss here in the final few months of 2026.

First off, I want to sincerely thank everyone who attended the fifth annual Mayor’s Barbecue outside of City Hall following the Whoop-Up Days parade last month. It was such a pleasure to walk up and down the lineup, meet people and thank them personally for coming to this community event. Thank you, as well, to all the amazing sponsors and performers, including Co-Op, VisitLethbridge.com, Trevor Panczak, and our dancers Lenn Crowshoe (Spii Holloway), Tamia Bull Bear, Alexandrea Jatziri Marybella Fox, Gracia First Rider, Charlize Shade, Oaklyn Grace Tailfeathers and Naela Thunderchief.

The event keeps growing year after year, which shows the community’s eagerness to come out and enjoy the festivities. 

I was honoured to attend the Bringing Hearts Home celebration last week, recognizing the Government of Alberta’s $445-million (which includes $320 million for Chinook Regional Hospital) commitment to the South Zone cardiac and intensive care expansion project.

This milestone would not have been possible without the incredible partnership between the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, the Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet, Alberta Health Services South Zone leadership and the more than 1,200 individual donors (including some amazing children who even collected bottles for this cause) who have helped raise more than $33 million in community support. As co-chair of the Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet, I also want to recognize Dr. Sayeh Zielke, whose vision, determination and tireless advocacy have been a driving force. Thank you to everyone who has advocated, donated, volunteered and worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality.

Earlier this week, I was pleased to attend and celebrate the official launch of the Southern Alberta Medical Program (SAMP), the newly established Rural Medical Education Training Centre at the University of Lethbridge. While the first 20 students are underway, this program also has the potential to build long-term sustainable capacity for physicians eager to work in our city and in rural and regional areas of southern Alberta. It really is gratifying to see where we are today and the promise of what’s to come. 

Are you wondering what City of Lethbridge projects are underway or are being planned right now? I invite you to join us in the City Hall foyer on Monday, September 28, from 3 to 6 p.m., for our City Showcase. This is a free, drop-in event where residents can learn about City of Lethbridge plans, projects and progress directly from the people leading the work. 

Learn about the City's Capital Budget process, progress at the airport, water and wastewater treatment upgrades, recycling program changes and other projects shaping our community.  Whether you're interested in how public funds are invested, major infrastructure projects or improvements to City services, the event offers an opportunity to learn more about the work happening across our community and what's planned. For more information and a list of projects, visit getinvolvedlethbridge.ca/CityShowcase. 

The City has also recently launched a two-phase public engagement process that will provide residents with opportunities to learn about our next Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The Strong Roots, Stronger Future campaign invites the community to participate in conversations about the investments needed to maintain essential infrastructure and support future growth.  

The campaign will inform residents about the upcoming CIP, which includes funding for the next four-year Capital Budget (2027-2030) within a 10-year Capital Plan (2027-2036). These investments include parks, recreation and community facilities, transportation improvements, utility infrastructure and other major community assets. While these investments are often less visible than new projects, they strengthen the roots that keep the community strong and resilient.  

Residents are invited to attend the October 6-8 Community Issues Committee (CIC) meetings where proposed CIP projects will be presented. CIC meetings are open to the public and residents can provide feedback as projects are discussed. Council will deliberate on the next CIP budget during deliberations from November 16-20. To learn more about the CIP and follow the Strong Roots, Stronger Future engagement process, visit getinvolvedlethbridge.ca/cip and subscribe to the City’s budget newsletter for ongoing updates.

 

For those Lethbridge residents wanting to make a difference in their community – I would encourage you to apply to be on one of City Council’s Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCCs). A recruitment campaign for a variety of positions is now underway and applications will be open until October 9.

Serving on a BCC is a worthwhile and productive experience. Each public role provides an opportunity to participate in the present and future direction of the city. Whether they are advisory, decision-making, quasi-judicial or governing roles, all of City Council values the input of residents appointed to these groups. Those interested are encouraged to refer to the BCC toolkit online for more information on eligibility, length of term, meetings times, etc.

As thousands of students return to Lethbridge Polytechnic and the University of Lethbridge, I want to extend a warm welcome to everyone beginning another year of post-secondary education in our city. Welcome also to all the local school districts across the grade system and to our amazing teachers and professors. Whether you're returning here, moving here for the first time, or starting an exciting new chapter in your academic journey, thank you for choosing Lethbridge. Our community is stronger because of the energy, ideas, talent, and diversity that students bring to our city every year.

On that note, every few months I like to remind our residents that we have many ways to stay informed. They include:

• This Mayor’s monthly column for the City website and the Lethbridge Herald that highlights the great things happening in our community
• Our City of Lethbridge website, which includes the news subscription and closures pages
• The Lethbridge Loop app for reminders on waste and recycling, as well as notifications for other planned services such as power outages, street sweeping and water main work 
• City Council and Committee meetings, which are open to the public. Agendas are published a week ahead of each meeting
• All Council news at https://www.lethbridge.ca/news/council/, which includes recaps of each Council meeting with Council Highlights
• Our City of Lethbridge engagement website at GetinvolvedLethbridge.ca, which seeks feedback and has information about coming projects
• 311, via call or chat, to have your questions answered

I look forward to the last quarter of 2026 with our City Council and City Administration continuing to work at what’s best for Lethbridge.

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