Provincial Budget – what’s it in for Lethbridge?
LETHBRIDGE – Alberta is hoping that bad times will take a turn for the better, as its latest budget is dripping red ink. The document promises a new hospital, new schools and renewed front-line spending.
Finance Minister Joe Ceci is forecasting a $10.3-billion deficit in 2017-18 on total spending of $45 billion.
As part of the Alberta budget, the City of Lethbridge will receive over $21 million under the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI), and there is $2 million for the design of a new school in south Lethbridge.
Also in the budget, is $3.5 million over four years for the London Road Gateway Regeneration to build affordable housing units. The project is already designed and shovel-ready. Mayor Chris Spearman is very happy with the funding and hopes to see ground broken on the project later this year.