The construction of the High Level Bridge, several years after the incorporation of the Town of Lethbridge in 1890. (Photo: Galt Museum & Archives)

By David Opinko

Happy 135th birthday, Lethbridge!

Nov 29, 2025 | 5:00 AM

We’re going to need more candles.

The City of Lethbridge is celebrating its 135th birthday on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.

It was first incorporated as the Town of Lethbridge on the same day in 1890. At that time, Lethbridge was part of the North-West Territories, as Alberta would not officially become a province for another 15 years.

Lethbridge, along with Medicine Hat and Wetaskwin, would go on to become the third city in Alberta on May 9, 1906. Before that, only Calgary and Edmonton existed as cities within the province.

135 years ago, the community was home to 1,478 people.

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An incorporation vote was held on Nov. 29, 1890, and out of 146 votes cast by “duly qualified residents,” 142 voted in favour.

Belinda Crowson, city councillor and local historian, said in “Lethbridge: A Centennial History” by Alex Johnston and Andy den Otter, that taxes were the biggest argument against incorporation.

However, those who supported the motion believed that a town council could introduce stability and organization to the community.

“A municipal government could build the sidewalks, sorely needed when rains transformed the dusty streets into impossible quagmires,” says Crowson. “It could rid the town of the putrid garbage, rotting carcasses and stale ashes strewn about the streets. It could provide a water distribution system, which would not only reduce the cost of water but provide fire protection and drastically reduce high insurance premiums.”

Up to 16 homes and buildings of the 255 that existed in 1890 still stand today.

Ross Kilgour, Senior Community Planner, says that Lethbridge was not named after the famed High Level Bridge, as that was constructed between 1907 and 1909.

Instead, the name comes from William Lethbridge, who was the first president of the North Western Coal and Navigation Company. The business was owned by Sir Alexander Galt, whose name served as the inspiration for the Galt Museum & Archives and Galt Gardens.

Lethbridge’s population has grown from just 1,478 during its founding year to 106,500 as of 2023, which is when the last municipal census was conducted.

Most recently, Statistics Canada estimated the city to be home to 111,400 people as of July 1, 2024, although this was not an official count.

READ MORE: Lethbridge population estimated at 111,400