The CultureLINK bus on display outside of the Galt Museum and Archives during launch day on Monday, June 27, 2022. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

City of Lethbridge declares CultureLINK pilot project a success

Sep 7, 2022 | 1:53 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge is pleased with the results of a new transportation initiative.

The CultureLINK city bus provided free fares between recreational and cultural attractions such as the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, Fort Whoop-Up, Galt Museum & Archives, Southern Alberta Art Gallery, Casa, and Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden from June 27 to September 4, 2022.

Lethbridge Transit General Manager Tim Sanderson says the bus had a total of more than 3,300 boardings or about 52 per day.

“Lethbridge Transit was happy to partner with the Galt Museum and Archives for CultureLINK this summer,” says Sanderson. “We are committed to improving mobility in the community and were happy to provide increased access to these cultural destinations.”

Galt Museum and Archives CEO Darrin Martens says CultureLINK provided a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to connect art, history, culture, and nature in one dedicated program.

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Helen Schuler Nature Centre Manager Coreen Putman was not only pleased to see increased attendance as a result of the CultureLINK bus, but for the added experience it provided.

“Some of our staff and volunteers’ favourite memories from this summer are linked to CultureLINK, as we had the opportunity to engage with residents who had never been to or cannot easily access the river valley,” says Putman. “Hearing about their experiences at the other cultural attractions gave a real sense of how CultureLINK opened doors to adventure and discovery for so many.”

The City of Lethbridge said the CultureLINK project and its costs are covered by a continuation of previous Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funding under the River Valley Accessibility Study.

The study is a way for the City of Lethbridge to explore the efficacy and feasibility of accessibility between Lethbridge’s river bottom and the city’s plateau. The River Valley Parks Master Plan also includes a goal to ensure accessibility to the river bottom.

READ MORE: New CultureLINK bus pilot launched in Lethbridge

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