Lethbridge Minute: Encampment Strategy, Community Grants, and Harmonized Speed Zones

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

This Week In Lethbridge:

• There are no meetings scheduled this week, after Thursday's meeting of the Advocacy Advisory Committee was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.
  
  
• The City's spray parks are officially open. The largest, located at the north end of Legacy Park, has three circular splash zones, each designated for different age groups. The Rotary Centennial Fountain - situated in the southeast corner of Galt Gardens - and the Gyro spray park - located behind Nicholas Sheran Arena - are also options if you’re looking to beat the heat. All spray parks are free for visitors and will remain open until Labour Day weekend or as long as the summer weather allows.
  
  
• Advance voting begins tomorrow! If you’ve already decided who to vote for, you can cast your ballot early, between May 23rd and May 27th. To find your advance polling station, use this tool from Elections Alberta.

Last Week In Lethbridge:

• Council voted to harmonize school and playground zones. Starting in September, reduced speed limits of 30 km/h will be in effect from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm every day, and existing school zones will be combined into playground zones. It makes things a little simpler as currently, there are 28 school zones in effect on school days from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm and 41 playground zones in effect from 8:30 am until one hour after sunset. This decision follows a recommendation made in the 2021 Transportation Safety Plan.
  
  
• Council approved a coordinated Encampment Strategy developed in partnership with the Lethbridge Police Service. The Strategy aims to support vulnerable individuals by connecting them to housing and social supports while addressing public safety. Funding was approved in April and includes $500,000 per year for 2023-2026 and $250,000 in one-time funding. As part of the Strategy, there will be two full-time encampment response positions, a full-time Housing Specialist, police overtime resources, and more.
  
  
• The Community Foundation of Lethbridge provided grants to two local initiatives. The Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge has received funding to expand the Co-op Community Kitchen and is planning to spend the money on more cupboard space to store small food prep appliances. The welding and fabrication department at Catholic Central High School West received $5,500 to purchase equipment for its trades program.

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