Lethbridge Minute: Paramedic Program, Mighty Neighbours, and Conduct Code Updates

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

This Week In Lethbridge:

• There will be a meeting of City Council on Tuesday at 12:30 pm. Council will discuss an Official Business Motion aimed at assessing Councillor workload, along with a comparison to similar Canadian municipalities with regard to elected officials' compensation, and Council budgets and staffing. Councillor Schmidt-Rempel will make two formal inquiries to Administration - one regarding the City’s liability after switching to an e-scooter and e-bike provider that does not provide helmets and another about replacement plans for damaged and dying trees. There will be a Public Hearing at 3:00 pm to address a few land use amendment proposals. A meeting of the Downtown Lawlessness Reduction Task Force, originally scheduled for Thursday, is cancelled
  
  
• The Governance Standing Policy Committee will meet on Thursday at 12:30 pm. The Committee will receive an update on the Physician Recruitment Action Plan. The Committee will discuss amendments to the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw, which include adding regular reporting on Council activities, specifying rules for using electronic devices in closed meetings, adding an Integrity Commissioner, and allowing any identifiable person to file a complaint. Currently, Lethbridge is one of the few mid-sized municipalities in the province that only allows for Councillors to make complaints about another Councillor violating the Code of Conduct.
  
  
• Lethbridgians are questioning the role of their City government. Despite rising property taxes, complaints about core services like snow removal, pothole repairs, and basic maintenance persist. That's why we started a petition calling for City Hall to prioritize essential services, such as water, sanitation, and roads, which form the backbone of a functional city. Resources should be focused on these necessities, and all non-essential projects that do not benefit the majority of residents should immediately cease. If you agree, sign the petition today demanding that City Hall accept that Lethbridge Must Get Back To Basics.

Last Week In Lethbridge:

• Lethbridge has launched a pilot project to enhance waste management with AI-equipped recycling and organics collection trucks. The city aims to decrease contamination in recycling bins by identifying improper items like batteries and garbage. AI cameras will record the waste and match it to specific households, then analyze the footage to detect contaminants. Residents will receive informational postcards if incorrect items are found, with no penalties involved. This new approach replaces manual inspections, and the City is assuring that license plates and people will be blurred out of photos. The pilot will continue until spring 2025.
  
  
• Lethbridge Polytechnic announced several new programs, including a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program. The PCP program, previously offered in partnership with NAIT, will feature simulation training, hospital practicums, and advanced life support ambulance services. Trades programming has been updated, converting pre-employment programs to certificate programs to better integrate work experience. Additionally, the school will offer new one-year certificates within the General Arts and Science program.
  
  
• The City has launched the Mighty Neighbour Initiative's Super Summer Edition to celebrate community heroes. Following the success of the Winter Warrior Edition, which received over 80 submissions, the city decided to continue the program. Characters like Lena the Litter Legend, Sonny the Spark, and Poop-Scoopin’ Penny were created by the City to highlight examples of helpful neighbours. Residents can nominate a Mighty Neighbour by visiting the City’s website and sharing their stories.

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