Lethbridge Minute: Issue 235

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

📅 This Week In Lethbridge: 📅

• Council is on break for the month of August, so there are no meetings at City Hall. Committee meetings will resume on September 3rd.
  
  
• Tourism Lethbridge is developing a new strategic plan to replace its 2021-2025 framework and better reflect current travel trends and economic conditions. The organization is aiming to align its new strategy with its funding partners, including the City of Lethbridge and Travel Alberta, while responding to changing traveller habits and economic pressures. A new pillar - advocacy and influence - is being added to the organization’s priorities, emphasizing stronger policy engagement and support for tourism funding. The plan also aims to preserve Tourism Lethbridge’s status as a community-led organization. With Lethbridge serving as a gateway for US travellers, interest in local attractions continues to grow, supported by new tools like the "Explore Lethbridge" app. The finalized strategic plan is expected to be implemented in 2026.
  
  
• The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce is urging local exporters to ensure their products comply with the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) to avoid newly imposed US tariffs. On August 1st, President Trump enacted 35% tariffs on Canadian goods, citing Canada’s alleged failure to curb fentanyl trafficking. The Chamber warns the tariffs could significantly impact Lethbridge, which has been identified as one of the Canadian cities most vulnerable to such trade actions. To mitigate the damage, the Chamber is offering Certificates of Origin to help exporters prove CUSMA compliance and avoid the tariffs. Businesses are also being encouraged to explore other international markets and access support programs. Additionally, the Chamber is pushing for policy recommendations at the provincial and national levels to modernize trade tools, reduce red tape, and strengthen economic resilience. These include regulatory harmonization across provinces, increased export funding, and a national upskilling tax credit.
  
  
• Lethbridge police officers will soon be equipped with body-worn cameras following City Council’s recent approval of funding for the program. The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) Chief says the cameras will enhance transparency, improve evidence collection, and help address complaints by providing clear video and audio recordings. The initiative follows a 2023 provincial mandate requiring all police services in Alberta to adopt body cameras. Each officer will receive training and be assigned an individual device, which will be leased for approximately $3,000 annually per unit. The service plans to acquire around 160 cameras, with civilian staff hired to manage the additional workload related to evidence handling and court disclosure. LPS aims to roll out the cameras widely by early 2026, using both local policy and provincial guidelines to govern their use.
  
  
• Speaking of Lethbridge Police, they are warning drivers to follow traffic laws amid increased violations in the Whoop-Up Drive construction zone. The bridge rehabilitation project, which began last week and will last until the end of September, has led to a spike in illegal U-turns and speeding. On Monday alone, police stopped 67 drivers for illegal U-turns in one area and have since added a new "No U-turn" sign. Officers also issued nearly 50 speeding tickets, with many drivers going 20-30 km/h over the limit - and one exceeding it by more than 45 km/h - while workers were present. Fines are doubled for speeding in construction zones with workers on site, and illegal U-turns carry a $162 penalty. Police are reminding drivers to use posted detours, leave extra time for travel, and obey all signs to keep construction zones safe.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

With the election coming up, we’re putting the final touches on our candidate survey for Mayor and Councillor hopefuls.

This is your last chance to submit a question for the people who want to lead your city.

What do you want to know about their priorities, plans, or vision for the future?

Reply to this email and send us your questions to help shape the conversation!

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

This week's sponsor is you! We don't have big corporate backers, so if you like what you're reading, please consider making a donation or signing up as a monthly member.

Having said that, if you are a local business and are interested in being a sponsor, send us an email and we'll talk!