Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen is providing his initial thoughts on the 2026 Alberta Budget. (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge mayor encouraged by local investments in Alberta budget

Feb 27, 2026 | 9:17 AM

The mayor of Lethbridge says he will need more time to comb through the 2026 Alberta Budget, but there are some positives.

Premier Danielle Smith unveiled the budget on Thursday, Feb. 26.

It includes a $9.4 billion deficit and increased investments in healthcare and education.

READ MORE: Big spending, big deficit and fee hikes: Highlights from the Alberta budget

Mayor Blaine Hyggen says he was pleased to attend the budget announcement in Edmonton on behalf of Lethbridge City Council.

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“We are excited at the announcement of $59 million across the next three years dedicated for developing a catheterization laboratory and enhancing intensive care unit (ICU) capacity at Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital,” says Hyggen.

He adds, “We are also encouraged by the Provincial Government keeping the other existing commitments to Lethbridge and the region, such as the Southern Alberta Medical Program at the University of Lethbridge.”

Some items in the budget that specifically impact southern Alberta are:

• $59 million over three years toward a catheterization lab at Chinook Regional Hospital, as well as intensive care unit (ICU) capacity at Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.
• $35 million for the development of the University of Lethbridge’s Rural Medical Teaching School.
• $10 million over three years for an expansion to the Renal Dialysis unit at Chinook Regional Hospital
• $74 million over three years for the Cardston Health Centre Replacement Project, replacing one of Alberta’s oldest standing hospitals.
• $2 million for planning for the Centre for Community Wellness at Medicine Hat College.
• $61 million over three years for the twinning of Highway 3 from Taber to Burdett.
• $152 million over three years for the twinning of Highway 3 from Seven Persons to Medicine Hat.

“It will take some time to review the entire scope of the 2026 provincial budget, including discussions with our Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, to see the full picture for our city,” says Hyggen. “We look forward to working with the provincial government in the coming weeks and months to learn more about what this proposed budget means specifically for Lethbridge.”

More details on the 2026 Alberta Budget can be found here.