(Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

City awards grants for downtown events, new applications open

Apr 8, 2022 | 1:41 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge is providing funds that they hope will make the downtown core a more lively, vibrant place.

They have announced the latest recipients of Re-Imagine Downtown Activation grants, while also opening applications for the next round.

Urban Revitalization Manager Andrew Malcolm says there were several great projects that simply needed a little support in getting off the ground.

“During intake 2, we received 15 applications with funding requests totaling in excess of $250,000. Although we did not have adequate funds to meet the demand, this is a great sign for overall interest in the future of Downtown Lethbridge.”

The grant recipients are as follows:

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• NineBar Indoor Skate Facility and Summer Downtown Pop-Up Skate Park – $25,000
  • Transformation of an existing vacant downtown space into an indoor space for youth to skateboard, which will provide a year-round, safe space for them to exercise and find community. Additionally, a pop-up skate parks in specified locations downtown with movable features during the summer months.
• Horses in the Park – $15,000
  • The Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association will bring therapeutic horses to Galt Gardens to provide the benefits of equine facilitated wellness therapies in the core and to create an environment through interaction with horses for vulnerable people to connect meaningfully with existing medical and social service providers working to address issues of homelessness, addiction and mental health.
• Lethbridge Pride Festival – $8,000
  • To be held in June 2022 to engage not only the 2SLGBTQIA+ but Lethbridge and surrounding areas in celebration.
• Word on the Street Festival – $8,000
  • An outdoor literary event comprised of author readings for kids, teens and adults, workshops and panels, live music and activities, and exhibitor marketplace, in a street fair setting
• Hootenanny! – $8,000
  • A free outdoor theatrical production for all ages presented in downtown Lethbridge at Galt Gardens throughout July. Hootenanny’s productions include diverse theatrical styles such as clown, puppetry, and physical theatre and embraces themes of inclusivity and diversity. This year’s production’s themes will centre around Indigenous ways of knowing and environmental awareness.
• ARTcade – $5,638
  • The ARTcade concept is meant to bring the interest and joy of everyone’s favourite midway and arcade games to Lethbridge’s downtown. ‘Scaled-up’ versions of classic games like skee ball and plinko will bring interest and curiosity to the downtown, including the outside spaces around CASA and local businesses.
• Jazz & Blues 2022 Event Series – $5,000
  • Lethbridge Jazz Society is hosting local and national artists in a series of live events in downtown Lethbridge, across a variety of venues.

With most COVID restrictions having been lifted, Heart of Our City Committee Chair Lorien Johansen says it is exciting to see outdoor events making their grand return.

“We are thrilled at the continued interest this program has received and we look forward to more events in 2022.”

Applications are now open for the next round of funding under the Re-Imagine Downtown Activation Grant.

Organizations are eligible for up to $25,000 from the Downtown Redevelopment Fund. The current intake of applications has been extended to April 22.

For more details, including how to apply, go to the City of Lethbridge’s website.