Lethbridge Minute: Crime Numbers, Rice Crops, and the Petty Trespass Act

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

This Week In Lethbridge:

• A Special City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 9:00 am. Council will give third reading to the bylaw intended to establish the Ward Boundary Commission, as well as receive an administrative report on encampment response. The meeting will conclude with an in-camera discussion on a matter concerning Boards, Committees, and Commissions.
  
  
• Upside Downtown weekly concerts continue this Thursday at Rotary Square at CASA from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Concerts are free and a cash bar is available. Patrons are encouraged to check out one of the many downtown shops or restaurants afterwards!
  
  
• A researcher at the University of Lethbridge is working with Galaxy Ag Ventures and the Farming Smarter Association to examine the potential for rice growing in Southern Alberta. Canada is currently ranked 48th in exports of rice in the world, worth $17.9 million, so if the crop is found to be viable for Alberta’s growing season, the province could add another high-value resource to its roster.

Last Week In Lethbridge:

• For the second year in a row, Lethbridge had the highest Crime Severity Index score in the country. The CSI (ha!) score for Lethbridge in 2021 came in at 128.7, the highest of 35 metropolitan areas on the list. Although the city's score is trending in the right direction, down 7% from the year before, this is one list we don’t want to remain on top of.
  
  
• In response to the ongoing issue of homeless encampments in the downtown core, the City has enacted the provincial Petty Trespass Act, giving those living in the encampment near Civic Centre 24 hours to leave or face possible fines. Only time will tell if the Act will work, but it doesn't make a lot of sense to hand out fines to individuals who are struggling to afford housing.
  
  
• Jeff Cove, the manager of The Watch program has been honoured with a Blackfoot name. Cove received the name “Travelling Amongst” by Piikani Elder Morris Little Wolf. Cove said the experience was humbling beyond words. The Watch program is a volunteer-based service that acts as a visible presence in downtown Lethbridge, assisting emergency services and helping individuals connect with support agencies.

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