A new temporary gravel road will aim to improve emergency response times to some west Lethbridge neighbourhoods. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

New gravel road to improve emergency response times in west Lethbridge

Dec 3, 2025 | 2:58 PM

Emergency crews in west Lethbridge will soon have an easier time accessing certain neighbourhoods.

Lethbridge City Council has approved up to $315,000 under the Major Capital Projects Reserve to build a temporary gravel access road, connecting Great Bear Blvd to Metis Trail.

Kevin McKeown, Deputy Chief of Communications and Strategy with Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services, says west Lethbridge is served by Fire Stations 2 and 5.

Fire Station 2, which is located just off of Whoop-Up Drive and Jerry Potts Blvd, primarily serves neighbourhoods such as Copperwood, Crossings, Garry Station and Country Meadows.

Fire Station 5 opened in 2021, and it is located along Great Bear Blvd W.

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Although the new fire hall is geographically close to the southern end of Metis Trail, it is currently disconnected.

A map showing where the temporary gravel road will be constructed. (Photo: City of Lethbridge)

McKeown explains that the new gravel road will help Fire Station 5 to provide support to Fire Station 2, especially when members from Station 2 are already out at a different call.

“If there is a call within Station 2’s area of the west side or in Copperwood, we’re currently limited by having to drive around,” says McKeown.

He adds, “What we have now is a temporary access road that is almost a shortcut into that subdivision, drastically reducing response times, which creates an increase in public safety.”

The 583 metre gravel road will be built along the existing outline plan roadway of Great Bear Blvd., although a permanent road is still at least a decade away.

Construction will likely begin in spring 2026 and be finished later that same year.

McKeown says the road will only be intended for emergency vehicle access, and not for general public use.