Lethbridge Minute: Issue 221

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

📅 This Week In Lethbridge: 📅

• On Tuesday, at 12:30 pm, there will be a meeting of City Council. City Administration will respond to a previous inquiry from Councillor John Middleton-Hope, who asked about the impact of the Provincial Priorities Act on the City’s grant funding. The City expects minimal impact from the new Act on its grant activity. From 2023 to 2024, the City entered into five federal grant agreements that would have required provincial approval under the new rules. Most grant agreements, especially those under major federal infrastructure programs and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, will not be affected. In 2023, the City submitted 10 federal grant applications, resulting in four agreements over $100,000, while in 2024, there were nine applications and one agreement over $100,000. The primary anticipated impact is a potential delay in finalizing some grant agreements due to the new approval requirement.
  
  
• Council will receive a report on City Hall and Council Chamber security, following a threat risk assessment by LEA Consulting. There were over $3.2 million in security upgrades proposed in the assessment, and Administration is recommending seven of the most cost-effective. These initiatives - like Council Chamber enhancements, staff ID badges, visitor management, and a centralized security workgroup - would amount to about $300,000 in one-time funding with $50,000 in annual operating costs. If Council approves, the selected upgrades will be phased in during the 2023-2026 budget cycle, with broader recommendations considered in future capital plans.
  
  
• The Assets and Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee will meet on Thursday at 1:30 pm. The agenda includes a Status Update on Downtown Bike Lanes. The update notes that downtown protected bike lanes on 4 Avenue S and 7 Street S became operational in 2023 and 2024. No rise in collision rates was observed, and the lanes apparently contributed to lower vehicle speeds. The project resulted in the loss of 32 parking stalls, though efforts are underway to restore some spaces. Maintenance costs for the bike lanes are expected to total $90,000 in 2025, covered by existing budgets.
  
  
• Also at Thursday’s Committee meeting, there will be a presentation on the Partners for Climate Protection initiative. The City of Lethbridge participated in the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program to reduce corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, setting a target in 2020 to cut emissions by 40% below 2018 levels by 2030. Progress by 2023 showed a 16.9% reduction, but according to the City, reaching the 40% target would require significant new investment. Four options were developed, ranging from full 40% reduction plans to a 17.8% "business as usual" approach. Due to fiscal constraints, Administration is recommending lowering the target to a 20% reduction and proceeding with 14 initiatives, requiring around $20.9 million in capital and around $2.1 million in operating costs. No new funding is being requested immediately - initiatives will be brought forward individually for approval.
  
  
• The City is celebrating two years of its curbside green bin program, which has diverted nearly 13 million kilograms of organic waste from the landfill. Residents have also received over 56,000 kilograms of free compost, while about 24,500 kilograms have been used in City parks and greenspaces. The City aims to divert half of all waste by 2030 and continues to encourage better sorting to reduce contamination. Weekly green bin collection will resume the week of May 5th to accommodate increased yard waste during the warmer months.
  
  
• The City is offering rebates through the 2025 Environmental Incentive Program to encourage water conservation. The program provides rebates for purchasing rain barrels and replacing old toilets with low-flow models. The initiative, part of the City's Water Conservation Plan, aims to reduce water usage and raise awareness about conservation. Residents can receive up to two rebates each for rain barrels and toilets, with a 50% rebate on costs, up to $100 per item. The program runs until December 31st or until funds are exhausted, with $50,000 set aside. Applications require supporting documentation and approval.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

It’s Election Day! Voters from coast to coast are casting their ballots to decide who will form the next government. Make sure you take the opportunity to have your voice heard.

Need details on where to vote, what ID to bring, or who’s running in your riding? Visit the Elections Canada website for everything you need to know:

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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