Over 35 City of Lethbridge public services engaged with the public to gather feedback on projects and future plans. (Photo: LNN on January 18, 2023)

By Justin Goulet

Hundreds of residents share their thoughts at ‘Community Conversation’ in Lethbridge

Jan 19, 2023 | 11:46 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Residents shared their input on various City of Lethbridge services Wednesday night.

On January 18, 2023, the City of Lethbridge hosted its ‘Community Conversation’ event at the ENMAX Centre. According to officials, 650 members of the community stopped by the program.

Tara Grindle, Communications Manager with the City of Lethbridge said this was the first time they’ve hosted an in-person community feedback event since 2019.

“Online engagement is great, and we’ve had to do that for the last couple of years but there’s something to be said about just talking to somebody and being able to ask questions, and brainstorm idea,” Grindle said.

“Decisions are made based on the feedback community gives us, so the more we can out and talk to people, the more breadth of engagement we have, the better decisions council can make when it comes to deciding on things like budget and what programs and services we want to have.”

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Grindle noted that over 35 projects were on display to let residents know what kind of work is coming out of City Hall.

One of the more popular booths focused on curbside organics collection.

Earlier this month, officials noted that overall, response to the pilot program was positive.

READ MORE: Most residents in Lethbridge’s “green bin” pilot happy: survey

One resident engaging in the public feedback on public parks in Lethbridge. (Photo: LNN on January 18, 2023.)

Transportation in Lethbridge was another service residents were able to learn about.

Ahmed Ali, Transportation Engineering Manager, said, “We completed a Transportation Safety Plan last year, approved by City Council, and one of the recommendations was to harmonise school and playground zones.”

He further explained, “Lethbridge is one of the major municipalities in Alberta which hasn’t implemented this.”

“There is only one type of speed zone. All school zones have been converted to playground zones, so what that means is lower speed limits around the year between 7:30 and 9:00 p.m., so now, most municipalities have done it and there’s evidence that they provide more safety to communities, especially school-going children, so we started this initiative.”

Ali said officials are collecting feedback on implementing this change in Lethbridge.

Another initiative discussed was adding bike lanes in downtown Lethbridge along 7 Avenue South.

Ali said, “Now we want to continue that idea and build cycle lanes and cycle boulevards along 4 Avenue South and 7 Street South. Design is completed and we will be constructing this year.”

He said response from the community has mostly been positive.

For anyone who might have missed the event, feedback can still be provided through the City of Lethbridge website.

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