The Revival of Galt Gardens
"Look at that couple. They're safe, they're happy. They're not even worried about it. That makes me happy. That's what this park is supposed to be."
Long-time Lethbridge resident and business owner Hunter Heggie is sitting on a bench in Galt Gardens. He has a personal connection to the park, having been part of the construction crew that poured the pathways and built the pergola many years ago.
He smiles, watching a couple walk hand-in-hand on the concrete he poured.
"We truly have taken this back,” says Heggie. “We're sitting here with them.”
Not long ago, many people avoided Galt Gardens altogether. Small levels of social disorder weren’t new in the area. But in 2023, the heart of Downtown Lethbridge faced several growing concerns, including open drug use, needle debris, encampments and a general lack of safety. And those concerns weren’t limited to the historic green space. They spilled into the downtown core, bringing negative impacts to business owners.
“We were seeing large groups of people, sometimes using drugs openly, drinking and causing disturbances,” says Sarah Amies, Executive Director of Downtown Lethbridge BRZ. “That would really put people off.”
Addressing the concerns required an all-hands-on-deck approach. Internal discussions began at the City of Lethbridge, involving several departments.
"City staff value that park,” says Carly Kleisinger, Director of Community Services. “Nobody wanted to imagine a downtown without a massive public green space to enjoy. Everyone was willing to work on their little piece."
The internal discussion evolved into a broader collaboration, aimed at restoring Galt Gardens as a community gathering space. It brought together representatives from City of Lethbridge departments, Downtown Lethbridge BRZ, Lethbridge Police Service, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services and other key stakeholders.
“It was a matter of making sure that everyone was doing something at the same time,” says Kleisinger. “There was not a single person in the room asking, 'What's the point?' Everyone had ideas. Everyone had a piece they could contribute."
The community quickly saw results. Visible changes included new signage, upgraded landscaping, open sightlines across the park, a modernized sound system and more patio furniture, to name a few.
Parks staff have played a key role in the transformation. They’re on-site every day, ensuring the green spaces and structures are clean and maintained for the public’s enjoyment. Those efforts are supported by other social supports, including regular visits from the Clean Sweep team, outreach teams and encampment response staff.
Lethbridge police also expanded the Downtown Policing Unit and increased targeted enforcement initiatives.
“Having more officers in the downtown core, and especially Galt Gardens, has made a real difference,” says Sergeant Ryan Darroch, head of the Downtown Policing Unit. “That consistent presence has helped with response times. And, on a personal level, seeing the park come back to life is something our members are really proud of. We’ll keep working with our partners to make sure it stays a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
The results of that collaboration are obvious today. On sunny days, families splash in the Rotary Centennial Fountain and enjoy the accessible playground. Downtown workers and visitors eat lunch on park benches. The community once again gathers for family-friendly events.
"The city has been phenomenal, just phenomenal, at working together to collaborate,” says Heggie.
"One group needed to know the other cared,” adds Kleisinger. “Once businesses saw the effort being made, they wanted to invest more, too."
The momentum extends beyond Galt Gardens. Nearby Festival Square has also introduced energy and positive vibes. Weekly events bring hundreds of people to the area, while murals and public art create a vibrant atmosphere. The upcoming Southern Alberta Art Gallery renovation is expected to add even more energy and activity to the neighbourhood.
It’s further proof that the collaborative effort in Galt Gardens is having a much wider impact.
"Galt Gardens is the jewel in the centre of the downtown," says Amies. "What we hope is that the rejuvenation of Galt Gardens changes the conversation from 'I have to go downtown' to 'I want to go downtown!'"
"I can honestly say this summer, we're back,” says Heggie. “Downtown is back. There's no doubt. It is pretty universal. I have yet to hear somebody say things are bad."
Still gazing across Galt Gardens with a smile on his face, he sums it up with one final thought.
"I don't think this could be more of a success story."