The proposed event would take place annually in late spring from 2024-2026 at various locations in downtown Lethbridge. (Photo: 33653551 © Lukas Blazek | Dreamstime.com)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge city council votes unanimously to support street hockey tournament

May 2, 2023 | 2:35 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A national street hockey tournament could be on its way to Lethbridge.

The Lethbridge PlayOn! Canada event, which would be hosted by the Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone (DBRZ) could be an annual event in multiple areas downtown in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Lethbridge City Council voted unanimously on May 2, 2023, to prepare a letter of support and conditionally approve a request for $210,000 of cash and in-kind contributions. $70,000 ($50,000 in cash and $20,000 in-kind) will be funded annually over the three years from the Major Community Event Grant Budget.

Mayor Blaine Hyggen said, “This proposed event would lead to significant social and economic benefits not just for Downtown Lethbridge, but for the entire city and region. An event similarly sized to the one in Calgary would result in approximately $700,000 annually in direct community benefit through spending on hotels, travel, food, and shopping. City Council is happy to provide its support to this festival and we hope to see it on our streets beginning next year.”

The tournament does not require a bid and the City of Lethbridge’s funding to the DBRZ will be contingent upon PlayOn! Canada receiving its requested provincial and/or federal funding.

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Emily Chong, Marketing & Communications Manager with the DBRZ said, “It is anticipated that this event would see approximately 1,800 unique attendees come into the Downtown core during the festival. Not only would this event provide a healthy option for all ages to get involved in the community, but it would also bring activity and vibrancy to the Downtown.”

The DBRZ has received support from Tourism Lethbridge, the Lethbridge Hurricanes, the Lethbridge Lodging Association, and the Lethbridge Sport Council for their interest in the tournament.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now