Lethbridge Minute: Issue 242

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

📅 This Week In Lethbridge: 📅

• Lethbridge has launched Screen Lethbridge, a new initiative designed to attract film and television productions by making the permitting and location process more accessible for filmmakers. The program builds on Alberta’s growing film reputation, boosted by productions like The Last of Us and Ghostbusters, and highlights local landscapes such as the High Level Bridge. City officials have created a film-specific permitting process and a location database to streamline applications, replacing outdated “special event” forms that slowed down past projects. Local production companies say the initiative not only benefits outside studios but also strengthens opportunities for local creators through workshops, accreditation, and infrastructure. Economic Development Lethbridge emphasizes the significant potential of the creative industries, noting Alberta’s sector already supports tens of thousands of jobs. Combined with provincial tax incentives, lower costs, and unique settings, the City hopes to position itself as a competitive and affordable alternative to major film hubs like Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Toronto.
  
  
• The Lethbridge & District Exhibition has officially been split into two new organizations: Excite Lethbridge and the Lethbridge & District Agricultural Society. The Ag Society, which dates back to 1897, will refocus on promoting agriculture across southern Alberta and will eventually transition to a community-run board. Excite Lethbridge, the City’s first municipally controlled non-profit, will manage the newly renamed Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre and partner with the Ag Society on events like farmers’ markets, Ag Expo, and Whoop-Up Days. City officials say the new structure allows Excite Lethbridge to remain flexible while still accountable to taxpayers, with CEO Kim Gallucci leading the organization. All former Exhibition staff are now employees of Excite Lethbridge, and the City plans to explore further ways to streamline event attraction and convention opportunities in the future. 
  
  
• Council has approved a new policy to manage requests for decorative crosswalks, marking its final meeting before the upcoming municipal election. The policy was introduced following repeated public requests and a delayed proposal for a Royal Canadian Legion crosswalk, which will now move forward with unanimous support. While some Councillors raised concerns about the safety and short lifespan of decorative crosswalks, most agreed a policy was needed to provide clear direction for future requests. The Legion crosswalk, co-sponsored by the Mayor and a Councillor, will be installed near the Cenotaph in consultation with the Legion, with hopes to finish by Remembrance Day
  
  
• Council also approved the land use concept for a major new neighbourhood on the west side, located on 100 acres of University of Lethbridge South Campus Lands. The project, led by the University of Lethbridge Business Corporation, will feature about 1,088 housing units, accommodating an estimated 2,700 residents, with a focus on multi-family homes to address affordability concerns. The development will also include 10-14 acres of commercial space for shops, offices, and groceries, aiming to create a balanced community. Valued at over $200 million, the project is expected to generate $2.5 million in annual property taxes and $9.5 million in levy fees, while also providing a long-term revenue stream for the university. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with the build-out projected to take 15-20 years.
  
  
• Longtime Councillor Mark Campbell has announced he will seek a third term in the October 20th municipal election. A lifelong resident of the city, Campbell says his two terms have provided valuable experience in governance, building intergovernmental relationships, and listening to community concerns. He cites public safety, housing, business attraction and retention, water and wastewater upgrades, and airport improvements as his top priorities if re-elected. Campbell emphasized the importance of voting, noting that even if residents don’t support him directly, participating in the democratic process matters.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Nominations close at noon today - and once that happens, the list of election candidates will be final.

We’ll be sending out our survey and starting our interviews very soon after.

This is a crucial step in making sure Lethbridgians know where the candidates stand on the issues that matter most.

If you’d like to chip in a last-minute donation to help us get this work done, you can do so here:

🪙 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!