Council Highlights May 16, 2023

Video and minutes

• Lethbridge City Council voted 7-1 to approve a new coordinated Encampment Strategy. Working in partnership with Lethbridge Police Service, City administration presented a refined Encampment Strategy with several goals including: Supporting the most vulnerable by connecting them to housing and social supports; Ensuring parks and open spaces are safe and enjoyable for everyone; Preventing entrenchment to minimize health and safety concerns; Informing residents of how to report encampments; Keeping the community informed on encampment responses. Read the full news release here
• Council voted unanimously in favour to approve the implementation of Harmonized School and Playground Zones – thus soon creating a single speed reduction zone with uniform year-round timing. The changes will require an amendment of Traffic Bylaw 5834. Fabrication and installation of signs will take place from June through August for the current 28 school zones and 41 playground zones in Lethbridge. Full implementation will start in September 2023, to coincide with the start of the 2023/24 school year. Read the full news release here
• Council voted unanimously in favour on a motion from Mayor Hyggen to second a motion from the City of Edmonton regarding regulatory and programming changes to enable the scaling up of the Clean Energy Improvement Program. The motion will be further discussed at the Alberta Municipalities Annual Convention in September
• Council voted unanimously in favour on an Administration Submission from Larry Laverty, Assessment & Taxation Manager for Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Program (TRIP) 2023 Municipal Tax Cancellations totaling $121,242.61 as per the following properties: 608 5 Ave S in the amount of $69,065.20; 316 5 St S in the amount of $28,106.99; and 1244 3 Ave S in the amount of $24,070.42
• Council voted unanimously to receive for information the Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater 2022 Annual Report
• A proposed Official Business Motion from Acting Mayor Parker, potentially asking for Administration to explore the feasibility of repurposing the Exhibition Park pavilions for recreational multipurpose opportunities, was postponed until the May 30 Council meeting