5 Street South in downtown Lethbridge, where the City is planning infrastructure upgrades. (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Upgrades planned for 5 Street South in Lethbridge, input needed

Jan 23, 2026 | 9:01 AM

You can help to shape the future of Lethbridge’s historic main street.

The City of Lethbridge has started a preliminary design plan for infrastructure upgrades to 5 Street South between 1 and 6 Ave South in the downtown core.

They say the project proposes transforming the area “into a vibrant, connected urban space that enhances both functionality and community experience.”

It is listed as item D-41 in the 2022 to 2031 Capital Improvement Program (page 159) with a budget of $1 million.

The City says a preliminary design is the first step in planning future infrastructure improvements, focusing on overall layout, feasibility, and gathering feedback from business owners and community members.

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“Once reconstructed, 5th Street would have upgraded and stable infrastructure to not only support existing development but to encourage new development, the street corridor will be better suited as a major retail and pedestrian corridor supporting a lively and vibrant urban space, and further increase modal share of pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. In addition, traffic calming measures will slow down traffic and improve safety,” reads a portion of the CIP document.

You can provide your thoughts on this project by completing the online survey, or by attending the Community Conversation, Thursday, January 29, 2026, 3-7 p.m. at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena

The early-stage plan is not final and does not authorize construction. The City explains that these elements lay the foundation for the next phases, which would only proceed after city council has given approval and funding is secured.

5 Street South Illustrative Plan, as outlined in the 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. (Image Credit: City of Lethbridge)

Concept design for the 5 Street South upgrades. (Image Credit: City of Lethbridge)