Lethbridge Minute: Taxi Fares, Expedited Surgeries, and a Police Action Plan

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

This Week In Lethbridge:

• The week begins with a City Council meeting on Tuesday at 1:30 pm. On the agenda are several bylaws up for second and third reading that will see the City of Lethbridge borrow money to complete upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant, as well as additional funds to complete an arterial road and underground utilities expansion on Walsh Drive from University Drive to Métis Trail.
  
  
• On Thursday, at 1:30 pm, there will be a meeting of the Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee. The meeting will feature several presentations, including a presentation by the Lethbridge Public Library regarding its Plan of Service and from the Social Services Integration Group regarding its final report. The Committee will also receive a presentation and submission related to “placemaking”.
  
  
• Lethbridge College's annual Coulee Fest is set to return on Saturday and promises to be a fun-filled event for the whole family. The event is free, including the 'Beast Feast' eating contest and live music at the 1st Choice Savings stage.

Last Week In Lethbridge:

• Alberta’s Minister of Justice, Tyler Shandro, called the Lethbridge Police Service’s action plan a “very thorough and professional document.” The plan was requested by the Ministry in 2021 due to diminishing confidence in the service. The plan sets out 52 key action items which, according to the Chair of the Lethbridge Police Commission, have all already been completed. 
  
  
• The Province announced that the Alberta Surgical Initiative will be expanded. Alberta Health Services will fund an additional 1,250 procedures in the South Zone, including hip and knee replacement and general surgeries like hernia repairs.
  
  
• A group of Lethbridge taxi companies made a submission to the Community Safety Standing Policy Committee requesting rate increases. Royal Taxi, Fifth Avenue Cabs, A-Plus Taxi, and 94 Cabs requested an 18% increase to the per kilometer rate, a 33% increase to the waiting time rate, the implementation of cancellation charges and van request surcharges, and the requirement for customers to pay upfront. Perhaps, instead, we could try a free market where a bunch of politicians don't control how many taxis are allowed in the city and what their prices must be?

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