Council Advocacy

Our Goal:

Phase 1: Secure capital funding to increase the capacity of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant by 6 ML/day (to 45 ML/day from 39 ML/day).
Phase 2: Secure additional capital funding to increase capacity by a further 15 ML/day (to 60 ML/day from 45 ML/day).

The Facts:

• On peak days the wastewater demand exceeds 90% of the current design capacity of the system.
• Future growth and economic development opportunities depend on Lethbridge increasing its wastewater treatment capacity. 
• Opportunities in the agri-food sector have exceptionally high demands for wastewater.
• The City’s wastewater system supports regional economic growth with 20% of the wastewater received at the plant coming from regional partners.

Our Goal:

Phase 1: Secure capital funding to increase the capacity of the City’s Water Treatment Plant by 30 ML/day (to 180 ML/day).
Phase 2: Secure additional capital funding to increase capacity by a further 70 ML/day (to 250 ML/day from 180 ML/day).

The Facts:

• On peak days, water demand exceeds 90% of the current design capacity of the system.
• Future growth and economic development opportunities depend on Lethbridge increasing its water treatment capacity. 
• Opportunities in the agri-food sector have exceptionally high demands for water.
• The City’s water system supports regional economic growth with 20% of our treated water going to regional partners.

Our Goal:

Have the Government of Alberta replace the existing 2-lane eastbound Highway 3 bridge over the Oldman River with a 4-lane bridge (to enable 3-lane divided traffic in each direction) and improve the interchanges at Highway 3 and Bridge Drive.

The Facts:

• Highway 3 is owned and maintained by the province, and we acknowledge the planning work that continues.  
• We urge Alberta Transportation to act upon the recommendations in the 2009 AECOM report.
• The Highway 3 bridge corridor is a vital component of the Alberta agri-food corridor.
• The Highway 3 Bridge serves Lethbridge and regional commuters, as well as other travelers.
• The frequency of collisions along the Highway 3 bridge corridor is more than double the frequency along the Whoop-Up Drive crossing.
• Highway 3 is a key connector in case of emergencies on the west side of Lethbridge, and implementing improvements will improve safety and access for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Our Goal:

Work with the Government of Alberta to address the issue of cuts to provincial funding offsets.  

The Facts:

• Traffic Fine Revenue: The City of Lethbridge has had to continually increase property taxes to cover budget pressures related to the $1.2-million decrease in the municipal share of traffic fine revenues.
• Bill 20: The changes brought by the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, such as the full exemption of non-profit subsidized affordable housing from property taxation, will have an estimated ongoing annual impact to the City of more than $270,000.   

Our Goal:

To seek an increase of capital grant funding for infrastructure through the Local Government Fiscal Framework provincial program.

The Facts:

• The City of Lethbridge continues to face budget pressures for capital investment in the community. The City’s 10-year capital plan includes more than $259-million of unfunded capital projects. They include projects such as a new Fire Station and a twin arena.
• The City also needs to expand its Water and Wastewater systems to meet growing demands in the city and surrounding region.
• From 2022-2031, Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI)/Basic Municipal Transportation Grant (BMTG) and LGFF funding for Lethbridge is projected to average $13.9-million/year, which is 34% less than the previous decade.

Our Goal:

Seek additional funding and/or resources for addressing issues arising from increased social disorder in public spaces.

The Facts:

• The City of Lethbridge believes in supporting a clean and safe environment for all community members in all public spaces.
• Provincially and municipally-funded programs that keep our community clean and safe support our local economy. 
• The operational capacity of existing programs that address cleanliness or safety concerns is often insufficient to meet high demand for such services.

Our Goal:

Advocate for the increased provision of both capital and operational funding for the development of additional supportive housing units in Lethbridge, with appropriate supports for high acuity individuals and needs.

The Facts:

• The housing continuum in Lethbridge has critical gaps, the most dire being shortages of capacity and options for supportive housing.
• Increased investment in supportive housing can support individuals with the highest needs with a pathway out of homelessness and emergency shelters.
• Investing in supportive housing produces a return on investment by reducing the use of emergency services.

Our Goal:

To extend and secure ongoing provincial funding for low-income transit passes.

The Facts:

• Low-income transit funding enables affordable and accessible transit, which removes economic and social barriers for individuals.
• This funding makes it affordable for program users to access jobs, education, health care, community resources and government services.
• The City of Lethbridge faces growing financial pressure to sustain a low-income transit pass program and requires an ongoing funding commitment from the province.