By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Public surveyed on Lethbridge’s Smart Cities entry

Mar 8, 2018 | 10:45 AM

LETHBRIDGE – The City of Lethbridge wants to know how you feel the city could benefit from a $10 million innovation prize.

Lethbridge is entering the federal government’s “Smart Cities” challenge, which seeks to help communities improve their citizens’ lives through innovation, data, and connected technology. As part of the process, it’s opened an online survey asking people for comments, and to choose an area of focus.

“The real thing we want is community participation,” Mayor Chris Spearman said Thursday, March 8. “We know we’ve got bright people in the city, people who work in technology, people who are attending our university and our college, and we want the best ideas.”

Spearman said he thinks about connection, and wonders if an app could be developed that provided information on community events. But he added that’s just an example of the use of technology.

The areas of focus listed on the survey are safety, a good living, mobility, environmental sustainability, empowerment and inclusion, and active and healthy lifestyle. Spearman said to be considered as a finalist, Lethbridge will have to put forth a good concept.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

“If the city was selected as one of the (winners) it would enhance our image,” Spearman said. “It just adds to the city as a place where people want to live and invest. It demonstrates that we’re innovative.”

Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge, agreed.

“It’s always good to have exposure on the national stage and get us into the running,” he said, adding all the submitted ideas will be added to a database that could be useful.

“Technology continues to be a more and more important part of our lives,” he said. “But we’ve got to make sure we don’t leave anybody behind. So digital inclusion, making sure we’re building capacity, teaching people how to use those technologies, is critically important as well.”

The top prize is $50 million, but Spearman expects large cities to compete for that award. Lethbridge has chosen to pursue one of two $10 million prizes aimed at cities of fewer than 500,000 people.

The survey is open until March 14. The city must submit its application by April 24.

by Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Public surveyed on Lethbridge’s Smart Cities entry

What's Happening