By Geoff Smith (@smithco on Twitter)

Condos expected to give downtown Lethbridge new face

Jan 18, 2017 | 9:22 AM

LETHBRIDGE – People living downtown will help change the face of Lethbridge’s core, according to the executive director of the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ).

In an interview, Ted Stilson said there’s encouraging news on the development front, with at least 43 mid- to high-end condos projected to be built in the area, with the help of an incentive plan supported by the city through the Heart of Our City master plan. He explained it will help make it more of a neighbourhood.

“I think it’s really important because you have more people that have a vested interest in making sure that the downtown remains safe and prosperous,” Stilson said, “and the fact that all those people live in the downtown core also frequent the businesses, whether it’s a coffee shop, restaurant, retail, or walk over to the mall.”

In addition, Stilson said some of those projects could include ground floor retail, which will also help through the addition of new business.

“So I think as our downtown changes, from just not only a service and retail hub but also as a place where people actually live and work, it’s going to be an important part for our overall revitalization of the downtown core.”

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The downtown zone’s occupancy rate is between 90 and 95 per cent, which Stilson said compares well with not just Alberta communities but those across North America.

When asked what the biggest challenge is, Stilson pointed to the threat of online shopping, as well as people spending their money in larger centres like Calgary. He encouraged people to think about where they do their shopping, and helping keep the community, and the downtown in particular, vibrant by supporting local businesses.