The Downtown Lawlessness Reduction Task Force will consist of members from council, City of Lethbridge administration, the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services, and the Lethbridge Police Service. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Downtown Lawlessness Reduction Task Force officially operational in Lethbridge

Dec 12, 2023 | 2:39 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A task force addressing lawlessness in downtown Lethbridge is officially operational.

At its meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, Lethbridge City Council voted to approve the terms of reference for the Downtown Lawlessness Reduction (DLR) Task Force.

The group will consist of members from council, City of Lethbridge administration, the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (EMS), and the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS).

The task force’s terms of reference were developed in collaboration with group members. Council also approved creating the DLR as a sub-committee reporting through the Safety and Social Standing Policy Committee (SPC).

Lethbridge mayor Blaine Hyggen and city councillor John Middleton-Hope will represent council on the task force. With Tuesday’s approval, the task force will be active for the duration of 2024. It will be reviewed prior to December 31, 2024.

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When required, any recommendations from the group would proceed through the SPC for formal adoption by city council.

Mayor Blaine Hyggen stated, “Many people, including the Downtown BRZ, have formally expressed deep concerns and impacts regarding ongoing lawlessness.”

“Public safety for our residents will always be council’s number one priority and one of the core purposes of a municipality is to develop and maintain a safe and viable community.”

Hyggen noted that the purpose of the task force “is to tackle the issues head on”.

City of Lethbridge administration was first directed to work with the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ to develop a task force of this nature at council’s meeting on October 17.

READ MORE: Task force to tackle “lawlessness” in downtown Lethbridge

On November 8, a facilitated session was held to discuss and draft the proposed terms of reference for the task force. The session included delegates from the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ representing the small business, large business, real estate, development and administration sectors.

Members of city council, and the LPS were also in attendance, along with representatives from Lethbridge Fire and EMS, Community Social Development, Regulatory Services, Opportunity Lethbridge, and Communications and Engagement.

Councillor and acting mayor John Middleton-Hope said, “This Task Force now has a clear direction to identify the symptoms and depth of lawless behaviours and the impacts to our city.”

He added, “We will collaboratively strategize on responses and resourcing requirements, then work with stakeholders to take action on solutions.”

The City of Lethbridge said the terms of reference do not in itself have financial implications. However, financial requests could be forthcoming as the task force moves ahead with identifying and recommending initiatives to support its mandate.

READ MORE: Task force to tackle “lawlessness” in downtown Lethbridge

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