August 2022 Mayor's Column

​August is one of my favourite months of the year – and I could not be more excited to have a full Whoop-Up Days back in Lethbridge next week.

I am so thrilled, in fact, that I am hosting the Mayor's Community Barbecue on Tuesday August 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside Lethbridge City Hall on 4 Avenue, following the Whoop-Up Days parade.

The first 750 people can enjoy a free burger, hot dog, chips and pop, as well as face painting for the kids. My good friend Trevor Panczak will be performing a full concert on the steps of City Hall during the event, plus there will be a special appearance and autographs by champion chuckwagon driver Kris Molle, who won the Calgary Stampede's Dash for Cash last month.

I want thank the community and make this barbecue and concert a real celebration to focus on all the great positives we have going on in Lethbridge. I encourage you to avoid the post-parade traffic and come down to enjoy live entertainment and a free lunch.

Speaking of positives, last week we officially opened the second phase of Legacy Park and its amazing Phase 2 amenities including a spray park, discovery playground, pavilion and picnic shelter.

On behalf of the current Lethbridge City Council, I would like to thank all those who have had a part in making Legacy Park a reality, including past City Councils, our Provincial and Federal Governments – and everyone who advocated to have a regional park on the northside. This park will certainly turn into a lasting legacy for our residents and visitors.

Speaking of visitors, a recent economic report from Sport Tourism Canada's (STC) studied the economic activity generated by the 2022 Tim Hortons Brier held in March at the ENMAX Centre.

Between the out-of-town participants, staff, spectators, media and other people who visited Lethbridge during the event, in combination with the expenditures made by the event organizers, about $19.7 million in overall economic activity took place in Alberta, including almost $16.8 million of economic activity in the Lethbridge area. Read more here: https://lethbridgesportcouncil.ca/news/tim-hortons-brier-generates-over-16-8-million-in-economic-activity-for-lethbridge

As our previous Lethbridge City Council approved a contribution of $1 million to this event, this report is a great indicator of the solid return on investment for the community.

Speaking of finances, later this fall City Council will set a new four-year operating budget. Before we do that, we want to hear from you.

Until September 9, Lethbridge residents can give their two cents on how they would like to see the City budget spent. By visiting www.getinvolvedlethbridge.ca/mytwocents, participants can build their very own City operating budget and see how their spending priorities will impact property taxes. This information will be gathered and reported back to council prior to budget deliberations. Community feedback is one of the most important pieces of information Council uses in budget decisions.

Speaking of community involvement, applications for Lethbridge City Council's Boards, Commissions and Committees are still open until August 28.

Our BCCs provide City Council with information, advice and recommendations regarding important community issues and topics. Whether advisory, decision-making, quasi-judicial or governing, all provide members of the community an opportunity to participate and bring out the best in our City. Each public role provides an opportunity to participate in the present and future direction.

Please refer to the BCC toolkit, FAQ and list of Boards, Commissions and Committees for more information on eligibility, length of term, meetings times etc. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Office of the City Clerk through 311 or email: committee@lethbridge.ca. Watch the 'Bring Out The Best In Our City' video here: https://youtu.be/TF4jAPk9p3A

Last week, I donated plasma as part of a donation drive set up friends of the victim of the recent hostage situation, who were looking to raise awareness and increase donations of the much-needed fluids. Canadian Blood Services in Lethbridge is still in need of appointments and general appointments can be booked here: https://www.blood.ca/en/plasma/donating-plasma/where-donate-plasma/lethbridge-plasma-donor-centre

Congratulations this month to:

• The 19 athletes, three coaches and two managers who competed at the 2022 Canada Summer Games in the Niagara Region and the 2022 Commonwealth Games
• Ridly Greig, who is competing with Team Canada at the 2022 World Juniors in Edmonton
• Ty Penner, who signed a professional baseball contract with the Philadelphia Phillies
• Coby Iwaasa, who is off to represent Canada at the Racquetball World Championships in Mexico
• Angelina Ellis-Toddington, who is one of the 11 athletes selected by Wrestling Canada to compete at the 2022 Junior (Under-20) World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria
• Everyone involved with hosting the recent Canadian Junior Little League championships in Lethbridge

I try to keep up with community recognitions, but someone or some group will inevitably be missed. If you have a recognition to note, please contact the Mayor's Office here: https://www.lethbridge.ca/City-Government/City-Council/Mayor/Pages/default.aspx. I am always pleased to recognize all the positives in our community.

Have a great last few weeks of summer.

Please be safe and kind to one another.