Hyggen, Lodging Association respond to conflict of interest allegations

Hyggen was among the members of Lethbridge City Council who voted to approve the new name.

The resident who raised the question at the election forum claims that, because LLA Project Manager Shilpa Stocker is a close personal friend of Hyggen, this constitutes a conflict of interest and that Hyggen should have recused himself from the decision.

Hyggen acknowledged at Tuesday’s forum that he and Stocker are friends, but denied any wrongdoing.

He says there was a fair and open procurement process for the building’s naming rights, and that the LLA simply provided the best offer.

He adds that naming rights are important for facilities such as the VisitLethbridge.com Arena, as it helps to take costs off of taxpayers.

Hyggen says he utilizes sponsorships in other areas, like the Mayor’s Community BBQ during Whoop-Up Days. He says this is a fun community event where he gets to meet with the public face-to-face, but he does not want to add any additional costs to residents.

Mayoral candidate Ryan Mennie said that, when he used to be a councillor in Campbell River, B.C., elected officials would all partake in municipal governance training, which includes conflicts of interest, whether direct or perceived.

He believes that Hyggen and the rest of City Council should have identified the alleged conflict of interest at the time that the matter was being considered.

Mennie also claimed that the LLA had received taxpayer dollars from the City to secure naming rights.

“City Hall approved $400,000 in Destination Marketing Fees to be used to pay for the naming rights of the VisitLethbridge.com Arena; and VisitLethbridge.com is not owned by Lethbridge, it’s a private interest group representing big hotel chains,” Mennie said.

The LLA says these statements are “entirely inaccurate” and “misrepresent both the nature and purpose of the Association.”

The group explains that it is a not-for-profit organization that represents both locally-owned and branded hotels.

LLA President Bruce Primeau says, “Our members are local employers, taxpayers, and community builders who contribute directly to the city’s economic and social fabric — not outsiders or special interests.”

Hyggen states that the City of Lethbridge did not provide any money to the LLA for their naming rights bid.

“This is not a group that is funded at all – zero dollars – from the City of Lethbridge. No dollars went from the City of Lethbridge. That organization is funded by those hoteliers in the area that use these funds to create core investment and bring folks into our community.”

Voting in the 2025 municipal election began on Wednesday. You can learn more about the candidates, as well as where and how to vote, in the article linked below:

by David Opinko

Hyggen, Lodging Association respond to conflict of interest allegations

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