Lethbridge Minute: Student Cap, Exhibition Agreement, and a New Armoured Vehicle

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

This Week In Lethbridge:

• There will be an Assets and Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee on Thursday at 1:30 pm. During this meeting, the Committee will be presented with two submissions: one addressing the Micro-Mobility Pilot Program and the other providing an update on Water Conservation.
  
  
• Lethbridge's major post-secondary institutions are responding to Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller's announcement of a 35% reduction in new international student visas. The University of Lethbridge (U of L) said that international students are important to the institution - and the region - and that they have carefully planned their mix of domestic and international students. Lethbridge College said it’s too early yet to fully understand how the cap will impact its operations. In fall 2023, almost 15% of the students at U of L and 20% at Lethbridge College were international students.
  
  
• The City is asking Lethbridgians to complete a Water Conservation Plan Survey and share their insights on existing water conservation measures, potential enhancements, and incentives. The survey asks about current practices, including shower habits and the use of high-efficiency appliances. The gathered information, coupled with community engagement efforts, will contribute to shaping the City's Water Conservation Plan, with results scheduled for presentation on April 4th, 2024, during the Assets and Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee meeting. Residents have until February 7th, 2024, to complete the survey. It can be accessed online.

Last Week In Lethbridge:

• Lethbridge City Council has approved entering a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lethbridge & District Exhibition (LDE). The MOU establishes an interim governance structure involving administration from the City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge County, with a focus on developing a viable business model and governance for the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre. Apparently, the City also learned that the building is unsuitable to hold livestock, which may limit some of the planned agricultural uses. Mayor Blaine Hyggen said that Council’s decision serves the best interests of the entire community and protects the City’s investment.
  
  
• The recent deep freeze resulted in infrastructure challenges and water main breaks, particularly in the downtown area. The City said that aging pipes, ranging from 60 to 100 years old, coupled with freezing conditions, contributed to the breaks. The City received more than 300 calls to 3-1-1 for temperature-related issues. During the cold snap, the Alberta Emergency Centre issued a water alert, prompting the City to implement contingency plans for affected residents. Now, with warmer temperatures, the thawing of frozen ground may lead to spring potholes, and the City is proactively addressing this issue.
  
  
• Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) introduced a new armoured rescue vehicle (ARV), which cost $500,000 and is expected to serve for the next two decades. The new acquisition aims to enhance the safety of officers in tactical situations. Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh emphasized the necessity of the fully bulletproof truck, highlighting its superior protective capabilities compared to the outdated 1993 armoured carrier it replaces. The ARV is designed to handle situations involving firearms, significant risks to officers or the public, and functions such as rescues and rapid response. Mehdizadeh noted an increasing trend in the use of tactical units, with 17 deployments last year, citing armed suspects, high-risk warrants, and public protests as common scenarios.

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