Sleighing the Numbers

The City of Lethbridge’s financial folks are celebrating an early Christmas gift!

From parks to hockey games to your local library, life in Lethbridge runs smoothly because the City plans ahead. That smart planning has earned the City an Award of Excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). It’s a recognition that feels like the perfect present under the community tree!

The Award of Excellence recognizes innovative ideas that support strong financial management. One example is the City’s financial reserve policy. It highlights how best practices in financial stewardship are being put into action.

The term ‘financial reserve policy’ might not sound overly exciting, but it matters to the community because it:

• Keeps essential services steady, from police and fire to transit and parks, even when unexpected costs show up.
• Cushions the blow of surprises like rising insurance premiums, inflation or sudden infrastructure repairs.
• Funds major projects (roads, utilities, recreation facilities) without putting all the pressure on taxpayers at once.
• Smooths out financial ups and downs so the operating budget stays stable and predictable.

This award-winning approach wasn’t built overnight. Back in 2020, City Council set the foundation with a smarter, more strategic way to manage resources. Since then, the policy has been fine-tuned to keep pace with community needs. In 2024, new reserves were added to support growing water and wastewater infrastructure. And in 2025, Council took the next step by asking Administration to set clear savings targets. It ensures the City’s financial stocking is always filled to the right level.

“The financial reserve policy is like a toolbox,” says Shauna Conard, the City’s Capital and Operating Budget Supervisor. “It gives us the right tools to plan ahead and keep things steady. It’s how we make sure our budgets are realistic and achievable, so services for residents stay reliable year after year.”

This award isn’t about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about peace of mind.

“It means when you call 9-1-1, visit the library or drive on City roads, you can trust that the funding behind those services is secure,” says Jennifer Jerred, the City’s Controller of Corporate Services. “The policies ensure that our reserves are healthy and can support us when the unexpected happens.”

It also means Lethbridge is setting an example for other municipalities across Canada. We’re showing how smart, simple planning today makes life better for residents tomorrow. It’s proof that when it comes to financial foresight, the City is truly sleigh-ing it!

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