Lethbridge Minute: ENMAX Planning, Encampment Update, and a Lawlessness Task Force

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

This Week In Lethbridge:

• There will be a meeting of the Governance Standing Policy Committee at 1:30 pm on Thursday. The agenda includes updates from the City's Indigenous Relations Advisor on the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee's terms of reference and a discussion on implementing an integrity commissioner. The meeting will conclude with in-camera discussions covering the City of Lethbridge Strategic Plan and a matter concerning Boards and Committees.
  
  
• On Friday, there will be a meeting of the Advocacy Advisory Committee at 9:30 am. The Committee will discuss recommending that Council invite Lethbridge MLAs and MPs to each separately attend a Governance Standing Policy Committee meeting on a semi-annual basis. 
  
  
• The City of Lethbridge is looking for public input into the ENMAX Centre's future as part of the City’s 20-year plan. A $33.7 million renovation in 2012 expanded the facility by 41,000 square feet, adding 18 luxury suites, enhancing concessions and washrooms, and introducing a new press box and restaurant/lounge with an ice view. Public feedback collected will shape future developments, and those interested can participate in an in-person Community Conversation at the ENMAX Centre this afternoon from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. In addition to the meeting, there is also an online engagement survey.

Last Week In Lethbridge:

• Council voted unanimously to collaborate with representatives of the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) to address lawlessness and safety concerns in the downtown area. A cross-functional task force will be established to identify the depth and impact of lawless behaviors in the city, involve stakeholders to strategize responses, work collaboratively to identify and implement solutions, and create a joint communication plan. The task force will focus on the downtown core initially but may expand to other areas in the future. Thank you to everyone who took our advice and emailed in their thoughts!
  
  
• The City of Lethbridge has labelled its curbside organics collection program a success in its first year of implementation. Around 85% of residents have actively participated in the green cart program since its introduction six months ago. This initiative has already diverted nearly 4,000 tonnes of organic waste from landfills, averaging around 120 kilograms per household. The city plans to continue enhancing waste diversion efforts and reduce waste in the coming years. Green bin collections will occur less frequently starting November 6th, with collections taking place every two weeks until spring.
  
  
• The City of Lethbridge provided its monthly encampment update for October. Since June 19th, there have been 377 reported calls for encampments, with 202 confirmed as encampments. The City conducted 23 coordinated encampment clean-ups, removing 627 structures and 32,058 kg of debris. As winter approaches, the encampment response team will shift its focus to prepare for the colder season and evaluate the response efforts for potential adjustments in the coming spring. The team will also work with other agencies to address the issue of abandoned buildings at risk for trespassing.

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