Lethbridge Minute: Election Forum, Food Trucks, and Overdose Deaths Declining

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

This Week In Lethbridge:

• The Audit Standing Policy Committee will meet on Wednesday at 1:30 pm. The Committee will receive a submission regarding updates to the Budget Appropriations Unexpended Processes and Procedures. The Committee will also discuss several confidential reports, including the 2024 City of Lethbridge Annual Report, an Internal Control Update, the Audit Findings Report, and a Meeting with the External Auditor.
  
  
• The Governance Standing Policy Committee will meet on Thursday at 1:30 pm to discuss several items, including updates to the Monuments Policy, a new Transit Citizen and Customer Administrative Committee, a new Community Requirements Appeal Board, and amendments to the Technology for Council Members Policy. The Committee will also hear a presentation from Community Futures Lethbridge Region.
  
  
• The Lethbridge Police Service is introducing its newest K9 team member, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois named Brandon. The dog and his handler joined the force to support frontline patrol units and the Critical Incident Team.

Last Week In Lethbridge:

• The City of Lethbridge has expanded its food truck program for 2025, increasing the number of approved locations from three to five. Two new westside spots - Atso Towaana Park and the Nicholas Sheran Leisure Centre - have been added to the existing locations at Indian Battle Park, Lethbridge Sports Park, and the Park ‘n’ Bark Dog Park. All five sites include designated food truck parking areas to streamline setup and operations. A new requirement this year is that all food trucks must undergo a free annual inspection by a Fire Prevention Officer before receiving approval to operate.
  
  
• Drug overdose deaths in Lethbridge dropped by 64% in 2024, falling from 119 in 2023 to just 41, according to a new provincial report. This marked the city’s lowest total since 2019 and was seen as a positive sign amid ongoing efforts to address the opioid crisis. Fentanyl was detected in 94% of cases in the South Health Zone, while methamphetamine was present in 70%. The majority of overdose victims across Alberta were men aged 30 to 35. Mayor Blaine Hyggen acknowledged the progress but emphasized that drug-related deaths remain a critical concern.
  
  
• Candidates in Lethbridge’s final federal election forum addressed affordability, US trade tensions, and the idea of strategic voting. Green Party candidate Amber Murray urged young voters to support parties aligned with their values, warning against growing American influence in Canadian politics. Clara Piedalue of the People’s Party emphasized restoring personal freedoms and reducing federal control over spending. Liberal candidate Chris Spearman focused on protecting the agri-food sector and water resources, while Christian Heritage candidate Marc Slingerland highlighted the importance of defending life and traditional values. NDP candidate Nathan Svoboda advocated for measures to ease the cost of living, including tax cuts and social program expansion. Incumbent Conservative Rachael Thomas criticized the Liberal record and promised a renewed focus on economic security and national independence. Today is the last day of Advance Voting, and Election Day is April 28th.

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