Transparency on LDE is a key issue for council

By Lethbridge Herald on May 17, 2025.

Blaine Hyggen
For the Herald

We have reached the Victoria Day May Long Weekend! That of course means the unofficial start to summer – and rain in the forecast.

The first items I want to delve into this month are a couple of important updates to the community regarding the Lethbridge and District Exhibition (LDE).

To continue transparency with the community, Lethbridge City Council has publicly released past confidential meeting documents. The 566-page report can be found online.

As I told our local media earlier this week, we have heard loud and clear that our residents want to be fully informed on LDE decisions. We also want the public to understand the limited amount of information Council had in relation to the complexity of the decisions we had to make. We have already made some great strides in improving the operations at LDE and we look forward to more in the coming months.

Last week, our Economic and Finance Committee received a presentation on LDE governance options from City Administration and the consultant firm of Deloitte. It outlined proposed administrative changes to create two distinct entities – one to focus on agriculture promotion and one to operate the trade centre facility and event production elements currently delivered by LDE.

This move would re-align the Ag Society with its original intent of promoting agriculture in southern Alberta. If approved by Council, the trade centre facility will move to be operated by a temporary holding company (EventCo). This organization would employ all current LDE staff and allow the organization to operate the trade centre facility in the most sustainable and cost-efficient way possible, without needing to meet the criteria of an Ag Society. The City of Lethbridge will be the sole shareholder of EventCo and will be responsible for governance.

For those wanting to keep updated on LDE, I’d encourage to check the resource we have set up on Get Involved Lethbridge page.

With a direct tie-in to the 2023-2026 City of Lethbridge Operating Budget, approved in November 2022, property tax rates for 2025 have now been set and notices have been sent to property owners in the city.

Each year, property tax rates must be approved by Council. Property tax revenues fund many City operations including roads, parks, fire and ambulance, transit, community services, police, and governance. The City of Lethbridge also collects taxes on behalf of the Government of Alberta and the Green Acres Foundation. This is not additional City revenue. The City’s role is strictly billing and collection, with no control over their budgets, allocations or operations.

Of each $1 on your property tax bill, 75 cents is for the City Operating Budget, 24 cents is for Alberta Education and one cent is for Green Acres Foundation. There is a full and detailed breakdown in the brochure you will receive with your notices.

Earlier this week, it was announced that the celebration of Blackfoot culture and language in Sikóóhkotok (Lethbridge) is now proudly welcoming the community with an ‘Oki’ at four new organizations in the region. The City has partnered with the Lethbridge Airport, Helen Schuler Nature Centre, Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) and McCain Foods to create a custom Oki sign for each organization.

Now that the Federal Election has wrapped up, voters will soon shift attention to the coming 2025 Municipal Election, set for October in Lethbridge. Our City Clerks team is working with the Communications and Engagement team to plan a series of informative articles in the lead-up to October to help prepare our residents/voters. More information is available at Lethbridge.ca/election.

Earlier this week, I had the honour and pleasure of hosting Alberta Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani at City Hall. As the King’s appointed representative in Alberta, her role encompasses a variety of constitutional, ceremonial and social duties. Her story is fascinating, making her rise to this important role even more impressive. Her genuine warmth and caring came across everything she spoke about. She is truly inspirational.

I was honoured to have recently attended the local ceremony recognizing the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day. Thanks to the organizers for respecting this major world event.

On behalf of the City of Lethbridge, I extend heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for millions around the world. May his leadership inspire hope, unity, and compassion across all communities. We join in the collective prayers and well wishes from Lethbridge to the global stage.

Congratulations this month to:

• The Medicine Hat Tigers. Based on the WHL Playoffs Round 3 matchup with our Lethbridge Hurricanes, I proposed a challenge to Medicine Hat Mayor Linnsie Clark where the losing side had to wear the opposing team jersey to their next City Council meeting. Well, a bet is a bet and I did indeed sport a Tigers jersey to our Council meeting earlier this week

• The Lethbridge Hurricanes for the incredible season! And to the Hurricanes fans their amazing support at both home and away games! A special thank you to our graduating 20-year-old players: Logan McCutcheon, Brayden Edwards and Jordan Gustafson. Another big thank you to now-former head coach Bill Peters, who is off to pursue new opportunities. I wish you all the best of luck wherever your hockey careers take you. Your contributions have been invaluable, and you’ll always be a part of the Hurricanes family

• The LCI Gold Symphonic Band for their recent performance at Carnegia Hall in New York City! Their talent, dedication and passion for music have not only made Lethbridge proud but has also shown excellence in our youth on one of the world’s most prestigious stages. What an unforgettable achievement! Thank you for representing our city with such grace and brilliance. You’ve inspired us all and proven that dreams really do come true with hard work and harmony. Special thanks to band leader Samuel Yamamoto for his outstanding leadership – take a well-earned bow, Samuel!

• To all our high school, University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Polytechnic graduates!

• To the organizers and everyone involved in hosting the Canadian College Baseball World Series here in Lethbridge this weekend

A reminder that on May 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Library’s Crossings Branch, that we will be hosting the next Big Truck Petting Zoo. It will feature excavators, fire trucks, police cars and more, and is always a hit for families.

As we do get closer to summer, I want to remind our residents to be aware on our roadways. Motorists are encouraged to drive carefully and follow all posted signage to keep crews, pedestrians and other vehicles safe. Residents can find up-to-date road closures and construction details with our WebMap, a dynamic online platform designed to enhance accessibility and streamline information. Go to lethbridge.ca/roadclosures to view the map and stay one step ahead of construction season.

As always, please be safe and kind to one another – and go Oilers go!