By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

City Aims for More Feedback in Upcoming Capital Improvement Program

Sep 20, 2016 | 2:45 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The City of Lethbridge is trying a new approach as it looks for feedback into the 2018-2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
 
It will be introducing a new Mindmixer online discussion forum, an informative video and only one public open house, instead of the usual three, in the spring once projects are available to council.
 
Static displayswill also travel throughout Lethbridge with to give residents the chance to review plans in more detail.
 
The 100K+ Conversations messaging in coordination with the “Let’s Talk About Our Future” discussions will be used in order to broaden the scope for feedback. Some old methods will be returning, too, like the CIP 101 Workshop, project information shared to the City’s website and a formal, public meeting this coming fall.
 
The new tactics are in an effort to increase what is typically low participation for the CIP process.
 
“A lot of people hear CIP, they don’t know what we’re talking about. This will help them actually know what it is we’re doing, and then educate them on what the projects can be, how they can impact the community and where the dollars are coming from,” said Councillor Jeff Carlson.
 
However, Carlson added that council will need to pay special attention to its funding this year. He noted that there’s lower than usual dollars available since it’s already spent most of its Municipal Sustainability Infrastructure funding on previous projects.
 
Final CIP discussions and resolutions are expected for next May.

NOTE: This is a corrected story. The original stated that the new engagement tools would run through October and November of 2016. It also said that City Staff and Councillors will be travelling with the static displays around Lethbridge. We apologize for any misinformation.