Catching Up With Council - Councillor Jenn Schmidt-Rempel

Putting your hand up to become an elected public official is not for the faint of heart. After the election campaigning is over, the real work begins. There is much more to a City Councillor role than attending weekly committee and Council meetings. The volume of information, context and legislative requirements can be daunting. 

Preparations are already underway for the next municipal election, scheduled for October 20, 2025. We invited all current Council members to share their thoughts on the first three years of this term. In the coming weeks, we’ll share their insights and priorities as we look toward the next election. 

Next is Councillor Jenn Schmidt-Rempel, who won her first Council term in her first attempt in 2021.

What are you most proud of in the first three years of your term?

Councillor Schmidt-Rempel has been impressed with Council’s desire to create spaces for everyone in the community. “Our city’s success relies on how we support the experiences of our residents through community spaces, services and businesses,” Schmidt-Rempel says. She cites efforts to recruit and retain physicians as a key piece of that success. It also includes supporting the Southern Alberta Medical Program. The program will train undergraduate medical students at the University of Lethbridge. “We know when doctors are trained locally, they tend to stay local,” notes Schmidt-Rempel. “That is part of a long-term planning strategy for doctors and doctor retention in our area.”

The Councillor also highlights the activation of downtown Lethbridge, including Festival Square, funding for festivals and events, bike lanes, and parks infrastructure. “We’re really starting to focus on areas that we may not have otherwise looked at for parks infrastructure. The Galt Gardens playground is a good example of that,” she says.

Schmidt-Rempel also notes increased housing options (including The Edwards and new supportive housing initiative from the Lethbridge Housing Authority), expanding the Lethbridge Police Service budget, exploring options for more childcare spaces, and seeking more opportunities to showcase Lethbridge in television and film productions as examples of Council’s efforts to grow resident experiences and municipal economic prosperity.

On a more personal level, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel has enjoyed representing Lethbridge on the provincial stage. She continues to serve on the Premier’s Advisory Task Force on Ukraine and was recently named to the Alberta Municipalities Economic Strategy Committee. The committee reviews matters and resolutions related to issues including labour and immigration, energy policies and market access, and advanced education. “I’m really excited about this,” she says. “With the background I have with Economic Development Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, this ties into many of the areas I’m passionate about.”

What do you still want to accomplish in your last year? 

Councillor Schmidt-Rempel believes Lethbridge is in a good position to lead the province in economic and job growth. That involves a few big priorities, including upgrades at the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants. “We need those to grow everything,” she says. “Whether that’s more housing, school investment, anything. We need the upgrades to those facilities.”

Schmidt-Rempel also emphasizes the need for continued cooperation with our neighbours. “Lethbridge is the regional hub in southern Alberta. For trucking and trade, agriculture and agri-food, logistics, health care services, culture and tourism. We need to recognize that and recognize that what’s good for our region is good for the city.” She notes improvements to the Highway 3 bridge would also improve the city’s ability to be southern Alberta’s transportation hub.

What has surprised you the most during your first term on Council?

Crediting her past volunteer experience and her experience as the owner and editor of Lethbridge Living Magazine, Schmidt-Rempel says she was ready to join Council. “I knew what I was walking into, and my expectations were met,” she says. “And I knew how I was going to do this job. I think people should be prepared and understand that it’s not a part-time job. It’s a full-time commitment to our city and its residents.”

While she prioritizes listening to residents, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel knows not every decision is going to please everyone. “Know that you’re going to disappoint some people and learn to be okay with that. Not every idea can and will be incorporated into what we’re trying to move forward. We can’t do everything, but we try to do what’s best for the city.” And when there are controversial and important decisions to be made, Schmidt-Rempel advises any Council member to stick to their convictions. “Don’t be afraid to be a disruptor. Go with it. Because that’s why you got elected.”