Lethbridge Minute: City Manager, Childcare Desert, and Windrow Assistance Registration

Lethbridge Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Lethbridge politics

This Week In Lethbridge:

• There are no Council or Committee meetings this week on account of the Alberta Municipalities Convention taking place in Red Deer.
  
  
• The City of Lethbridge is seeking public feedback on the 10 Avenue South and 9 Avenue South Functional Planning Study. The study aims to assess existing and future transportation requirements while developing a more vibrant, functional, safe, and comprehensive street network for the area surrounding Chinook Regional Hospital and its neighboring communities. An open house will be held at City Hall on September 26th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm for residents to gather more information. A survey will be released online for those unable to attend in person.
  
  
• For residents of Lethbridge with mobility challenges, this is the last chance to register for a new Windrow Assistance Service offered by the City, launching this winter. This free service aims to clear a passage through the windrow created when snow is plowed along snow routes, allowing access to driveways or curbside parking. While the City will provide this assistance, residents are still responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks and pathways on their properties. The registration period runs until September 27th - to get registered, call 311. Following the winter season, the City will gather feedback to enhance the service for future years.

Last Week In Lethbridge:

• A recent report suggested that Lethbridge is a "childcare desert," highlighting the need for additional childcare spaces in the city. Currently, there are about 2,706 licensed childcare spaces, resulting in one space for every four children, which falls short of the recommended ratio of one space for every three children. The report indicates a deficit of approximately 620 spaces, particularly on the north and west sides, forcing many parents to travel to the south side for care.
  
  
• The new outdoor sports court has opened in Legacy Park, designed for activities such as street hockey, roller derby, and lacrosse. It features painted lines, boards, players benches, and penalty boxes, but is not intended for biking or skateboarding and will not be ice-covered in winter. This project, which was adjusted in the 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Plan to a single court to stay within budget, involved consultations with local sports organizations. The court is available for public use for pick-up games and will offer bookings starting in summer 2025 at a rate of $25 per hour.
  
  
• The City of Lethbridge has finalized a six-year contract with City Manager Lloyd Brierley, extending his leadership until at least 2030. Mayor Blaine Hyggen emphasized the importance of stability in guiding the City through upcoming challenges and opportunities. He expressed gratitude for Brierley’s dedication to improving the community and supporting City staff in delivering essential programs and services. Prior to his role in Lethbridge, he worked for the City of Toronto as Manager of Fleet Services, as well as in the private sector and provincial government.

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