Applications open for Lethbridge City Council’s Boards, Commissions and Committees

Westerson said, “They may undertake some various research initiatives; they might be tasked by City Council to work with administration on various topics and to bring forward ideas to help council in achieving a well-balanced decision on a topic or issue at hand.”

The Office of the City Clerk oversees board-member recruitment, appointments and training, in addition to the establishment and classification of new committees and assisting Council in developing guidelines for the BCCs. As far as qualifications are concerned, Westerson said each of the BCCs have a ‘skills matrix’ that will be relied upon during the recruitment process.

He noted that the application process is open to everyone.

“We want as many residents as possible to apply, to get out and to support the work that City Council is undertaking,” Westerson said.

“The voice of our community is important in how council will move forward and how administration supports council in making their decisions.”

Westerson added that BCC recruitment is done every year, but in 2022, the City of Lethbridge is aiming to “ramp up” its recruitment efforts coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will have approximately 40 vacancies that will be upcoming this year,” he stated.

After the August 28, 2022 deadline, the selection committee will go through all of the applications and create a short list for positions before beginning an interview process to choose members for the BCCs. Westerson added that each BCC has a varying term length.

“You could see a term of two years; you could see a term of three years. Most of our bodies have a maximum term length of six years. Council will determine the minimum term length at the beginning and can exceed that six-year term maximum as well.”

Responsibilities and hours of work will vary per BCC. Westerson said, “So something like the [Lethbridge] Police Commission is going to be much more intensive. Individuals can expect three to five hours of work at minimum on the Police Commission whereas something like the Youth Advisory Council may have three to five to 10 hours a month.”

“The commitment that residents can expect on each of these bodies might be different on each of the bodies that they apply to,” he said.

Westerson added that the BCC positions will be finalized at the October 25, 2022 organizational meeting of City Council and roles will come into effect on January 1, 2023.

“So, if someone is appointed for a two-year term on January 1 of 2023, it will be coming to an end at the end of 2024,” Westerson explained.

As part of the recruitment campaign, the City of Lethbridge has released a video focused on the BCCs.

An overview video focused on Lethbridge City Council’s Boards, Commissions and Committees. (Video: CityofLethbridge on YouTube)

In a news release, Acting Mayor Belinda Crowson said, “Lethbridge City Council values the input of residents and sitting on a Board, Commission or Committee is one important way to provide your voice in Council’s decisions.”

“Your voice, your opinions, your hopes and goals for our city are important and this is a great way for people to become involved. Check out the various opportunities and apply,” Crowson stated.

More information on applying, as well as a list of BCCs, is available at the City of Lethbridge website. Those interested in volunteering can contact the Office of the City Clerk through 311 or by email at committee@lethbridge.ca.

by Justin Goulet

Applications open for Lethbridge City Council’s Boards, Commissions and Committees

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