By LNN Staff

Government Finance Officers Association

City of Lethbridge receives Award of Excellence

Dec 23, 2025 | 1:18 PM

Officials with the City of Lethbridge say their financial folks are celebrating an early Christmas gift.

From parks to hockey games to your local library, the city says life in Lethbridge runs smoothly because the city plans ahead.

Officials say that smart planning has earned them an Award of Excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The city says it’s a recognition that feels like the perfect present under the community tree.

The Award of Excellence recognizes innovative ideas that support strong financial management. One example is said to be the city’s financial reserve policy. Officials say it highlights how best practices in financial stewardship are being put into action.

The term ‘financial reserve policy’ might not sound overly exciting, but the city says it matters to the community because it:

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• Keeps essential services steady, from police and fire to transit and parks, even when unexpected costs show up.
• Cushions the blow of surprises like rising insurance premiums, inflation or sudden infrastructure repairs.
• Funds major projects (roads, utilities, recreation facilities) without putting all the pressure on taxpayers at once.
• Smooths out financial ups and downs so the operating budget stays stable and predictable.

City officials say this award-winning approach wasn’t built overnight. Back in 2020, city council set the foundation with a smarter, more strategic way to manage resources. Since then, officials say the policy has been fine-tuned to keep pace with community needs.

In 2024, new reserves were added to support growing water and wastewater infrastructure. And in 2025, council took the next step by asking administration to set clear savings targets. The city says it ensures their financial stocking is always filled to the right level.

“The financial reserve policy is like a toolbox,” says Shauna Conard, the city’s Capital and Operating Budget Supervisor, in a press release. “It gives us the right tools to plan ahead and keep things steady. It’s how we make sure our budgets are realistic and achievable, so services for residents stay reliable year after year.”

The city says this award isn’t about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about peace of mind.

“It means when you call 9-1-1, visit the library or drive on city roads, you can trust that the funding behind those services is secure,” says Jennifer Jerred, the City’s Controller of Corporate Services. “The policies ensure that our reserves are healthy and can support us when the unexpected happens.”

Officials say it also means Lethbridge is setting an example for other municipalities across Canada. The city says it demonstrates how smart, simple planning today makes life better for residents tomorrow.