Lethbridge Minute: Downtown Revitalization, Ethics Training, and Ward System Reversed

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

This Week In Lethbridge:

• There will be a City Council meeting on Tuesday, starting with a Closed Session at 12.30 pm, and moving into a Public Session at 1.30 pm. (The agenda does say 9.30 pm, but we're pretty sure that's a typo). Council will be debating rescinding its previous decision to proceed with the implementation of a ward system for municipal elections. This despite a plebiscite at the last election where 55.69% voted in favour of changing to a ward system. The (unelected) City Administration claims that it would cost $300,000 and “may not produce enhanced representation, greater voter turnout, or a more effective and efficient process”. We’ll be sending out more information in the coming days to keep you up-to-date on this development.
  
  
• On Thursday, at 1:30 pm, there will be a meeting of the Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee. The Committee will receive three submissions - the Community Capital Project Grant Annual Report, the Fee Assistance Program Annual Report, and the Community Event Support Grant Annual Report.
  
  
• The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Quarterly General Meeting at the Culver City Room in Lethbridge City Hall on Thursday at 11:00 am. The meeting is an opportunity to learn what the Chamber has in store for 2023 and beyond and to meet leaders in Lethbridge’s business community.

Last Week In Lethbridge:

• Members of the Lethbridge Police Service completed new ethics training. The training was implemented after a review in 2019, undertaken after instances of police use of force. Dubbed Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE), the training gives officers insight on how to step in and prevent use of force incidents. All Community Peace Officers and 162 police officers have been trained. Next steps include annual recertification and refreshers.
  
  
• The City’s Urban Revitalization Manager gave a presentation regarding new initiatives and grants for downtown core revitalization. Much of the talk was focused on the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) program. A $50,000 investment into the program for the 2023-24 budget cycle will support businesses that have incurred extra costs due to loitering, vandalism, and theft. The program matches funds up to $5,000 for improvements to things like lighting, fences, and security systems.
  
  
• The City installed an outdoor ice rink in the Festival Square Plaza. The ice wasn't ready to go for the originally planned opening day, but skating got started over the weekend and the rink should stay open into 2023, weather permitting. Residents can lace up a pair of skates and enjoy a little skating in downtown Lethbridge between the hours of 9:00 am and 11:00 pm daily.

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