Ryan Mennie is running for Lethbridge City Council in the 2025 municipal election. (Photo: Ryan Mennie)

By David Opinko

Ryan Mennie running for Lethbridge City Council

May 29, 2025 | 2:22 PM

A Lethbridge man looks to become one of the city’s newest councillors.

Ryan Mennie has been certified to run in the 2025 municipal election. The election period runs from October 8-20.

He provided the following answers to an LNN questionnaire:

Why did you want to run for Lethbridge City Council?

I grew up right here in Lethbridge, served as an Air Cadet in the #11 Lethbridge Squadron, went to high school at LCI, and began my professional journey at Lethbridge College (now Lethbridge Polytechnic), receiving my radio training with honours. My wife and I returned to this community in 2014 with our young daughter and son, intending to raise our family. Now with our three children, ages 17, 12, and 10, their future in Lethbridge is my driving force. My years of connecting with countless local businesses and community organizations have shown me firsthand what makes this city thrive.

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These experiences, combined with countless conversations at doors and coffee shops, have made it crystal clear: Lethbridge is at a critical juncture, and we need action-oriented leadership now. We need people who aren’t just listening, but are ready to roll up their sleeves and get things done with a sense of purpose. I’m running to be that strong, local voice on council—a voice grounded in our community’s urgent needs. My goal is simple: to help build a Lethbridge that’s safe, thriving, and truly ready for whatever the future holds, because we can’t afford to wait.

What personal or professional experience do you have that you feel would make you a good city councillor?

My journey to Lethbridge included serving on City Council for two terms in Campbell River, B.C., where I was deeply involved in some of the very issues we face here—from revitalizing infrastructure and sparking economic growth to making tough, long-term planning decisions. This experience was about truly listening to residents and finding balanced, real-world solutions that deliver tangible results.

Beyond my council experience, my deep roots in Lethbridge and professional background give me a unique lens. I spent 7.5 years as a radio announcer here, including two as program director, which gave me an incredible opportunity to connect with countless local businesses and community organizations. My work as a Project Facilitator at Lethbridge Polytechnic also provided me with a strong understanding of our trade-related industries, such as the significant manufacturing presence, by working directly with these businesses and exploring vital training options for their teams. Combined with my background in communications, these experiences give me a boots-on-the-ground understanding of how municipal policy impacts people’s daily lives and livelihoods. I know what it means to work hard, and I understand the practical implications of decisions made at City Hall. It’s time for practical solutions from experienced leaders.

What would be a few of your top priorities if elected?

My priorities aren’t just talking points; they’re direct reflections of what I’m hearing from you, whether I’m at your door or at a community event. If elected, you can count on me to champion solutions with a clear sense of urgency:

• Keeping Taxes Affordable for Everyone: The burden of unsustainable municipal taxes on homeowners has become a critical concern. Not only have we seen steady increases each year, but these have been compounded by the skyrocketing house values in Lethbridge over the past several years. The significant investments we’ve made in our homes should not make living in Lethbridge a challenge to afford. We need an immediate review of our tax structure to ensure affordability, because our residents are feeling the pressure right now.
• Boosting Our Local Economy: I’m focused on attracting new investment and truly supporting our existing businesses, and we must act decisively. That means cutting through red tape for local entrepreneurs and actively addressing issues like the impact of tariffs on our crucial manufacturing and agriculture sectors. Recently, city council announced their Gateway to Opportunity economic incentive plan. That’s a great first step, but we need to do more in attracting diverse and sustainable industries, including a focus on manufacturing. We can’t afford to lose more businesses or jobs – let’s make Lethbridge an even better place to do business, starting today!
• Strengthening Transparency and Trust Through Communication and Creativity: Our community deserves to understand and trust the decisions made at City Hall, and this needs to be a priority. I’m committed to strengthening transparency in council proceedings, and I believe we can achieve this through better communication and creative solutions to engage residents and ensure your voice is heard and respected in every decision we make. Your trust is essential, and we must rebuild it now.

Where can people learn more about you and your platform?

Want to dive deeper into my platform or just say hello? You can visit my website at www.ryanmennie.ca to learn more or connect with me on social media. But honestly, the best way to connect is often in person! I’m regularly out at community events across Lethbridge, even picking my kids up from school, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. I genuinely want to hear your thoughts, concerns, and ideas—your voice matters, and I’m ready to listen and act.

Is there anything else I would like to add?

Beyond my aspirations for City Council, I’m incredibly proud to be involved with the “Stuff the Bus” initiative right here in Lethbridge, partnering with MyCityCare. My role is to help spread the word and encourage our community to donate backpacks and school supplies, ensuring every child, regardless of their family’s circumstances, has what they need to succeed. For me, this campaign isn’t just about talk; it’s about putting action into service. It’s a clear example of my commitment to taking concrete steps and working towards a Lethbridge where every single person has the opportunity to thrive and absolutely no one is left behind. We can build a better Lethbridge, but it requires us to work together and act with determination, starting right now.

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