By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

City Begins Grant Process for New Downtown Transit Terminal

Jul 11, 2016 | 6:36 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The City of Lethbridge will be applying for two grants to fund a new $17-million transit terminal in the downtown.

They’re asking for $11-million from the province’s GreenTRIP program and $2-million from the Public Transportation Infrastructure Fund (PTIF). The remaining $3.6-million would come from municipal sources, which City Administration would decide upon.

The terminal would integrate city transit, and offer a centralized location for the creation of a regional transit service. Both Lethbridge and surrounding area residents would have a place to park while they travel within the region.

“Both the provincial and the federal governments are looking at regional transit services,” noted Conrad Westerson, Acting Transit Manager. “Because of long-standing issues surrounding the transit terminal downtown, where we occupy three blocks… Our customers are required to move rather rapidly… It’s creates a bit of hazards for them. This would provide us an opportunity to solve some of those issues.”

It also addresses issues along 4th Avenue, freeing up much needed parking spaces while reducing the chance for collisions.

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The project has been slated for an area along 5th Avenue South, between 7th and 8th Street, which is already a city-owned parking lot.

Westerson added that an interior, heated waiting area, washrooms, ticketing area and some leasable space may be included in the structural design. He estimates that it will take around a year for the design process to be complete, and construction should follow soon after that.

It’s anticipated that the City will know if the grants are approved by late fall or early spring.