City council to discuss adding ballot question on building third bridge

Jul 26, 2021 | 12:23 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It is something that has been talked about for decades in Lethbridge and something voters might have to consider once again.

At the regular meeting of Lethbridge City Council on Tuesday, July 27, members will discuss the possibility of adding the following election ballot question to this fall’s municipal election:

“Do you agree that city council should approve plans to construct a 3rd bridge prior to 2030 as a municipal capital project priority?”

City hall administration would also be tasked with looking into several aspects of a theoretical third bridge across the coulees, such as the expected cost, current traffic volumes including at peak and non-peak times of the day, the impact that borrowing money for this would have on municipal taxes, the impact of external grants from the provincial and federal governments, and the economic benefits both during and after construction.

The non-binding motion is set to be introduced by Mayor Chris Spearman.

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

Formally known as the Chinook Trail Crossing, preliminary design work is included in the 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Program. In 2027, the city has budgeted $4-million to be spent on this work.

The current plan is to have the bridge cross the river valley, connecting Scenic Drive South and University Drive West, tying into existing arterial roadways.

Cost estimates from 2009 were $142-million.

If the motion passes, residents of Lethbridge would answer the question at the same time they select the city’s next mayor, city councillors, and school board trustees on October 18.

A few candidates running for mayor have talked about a third bridge as one of their key campaign promises.

by David Opinko