CITY COUNCIL MEETING - City of Lethbridge
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - City of Lethbridge
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - City of Lethbridge
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<strong>CITY</strong> <strong>COUNCIL</strong> <strong>MEETING</strong><br />
DATE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2009<br />
TIME: 1:30 P.M.<br />
PLACE: <strong>COUNCIL</strong> CHAMBERS<br />
A G E N D A<br />
CALL TO ORDER<br />
1:30 p.m.<br />
Invocation<br />
Bouquets<br />
Announcements<br />
Consent Agenda<br />
Adoption <strong>of</strong> Agenda<br />
Note: Agenda and all Communications, Bylaws and Reports for Regular Council<br />
Meetings are available from the <strong>City</strong> Clerk’s Office prior to the meeting, as well as<br />
through the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Website @ http://www.lethbridge.ca
ANNOUNCEMENTS:<br />
1. CONSENT AGENDA:<br />
B.A.L.<br />
1.1 Adoption <strong>of</strong> Minutes<br />
1.2 Robert McKay, Community Planner, re Your <strong>City</strong> Ideas Book<br />
1.3 Garth Sherwin, <strong>City</strong> Manager, re S-09-89; Request for Proposal -<br />
Mechanical Contractors – Protective Plumbing Program<br />
1.4 Garth Sherwin, <strong>City</strong> Manager, re Tender Summary Report –<br />
November, 2009<br />
1.5 Follow-up Action List<br />
2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA:<br />
2
3. SUBMISSIONS WITH PRESENTATIONS:<br />
1:45 P.M. R.K.P. 3.1 Rudy Friesen, General Manager, Exhibition Park, re<br />
Family Fest 2009<br />
2:00 P.M.<br />
2:15 P.M.<br />
S.G.W<br />
.<br />
S.G.W<br />
.<br />
3.2 Kevin Kvame, Chair, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Sports Bid<br />
Committee and Mervin Orr, Acting Chairperson for<br />
the Junior Canadian Championships and Vice-<br />
President <strong>of</strong> Little League District #1, re Letter <strong>of</strong><br />
Support and Financial Assistance for a Bid to Host the<br />
Junior Little League Canadian Championships in 2010<br />
with an option <strong>of</strong> two additional years<br />
3.3 Doug Kaupp, General Manager, Water and<br />
Wastewater, re Picture Butte Water Pipeline Project<br />
2:30 P.M. BREAK<br />
2:45 P.M. K.E.T. 3.4 Neil Evans, Water and Wastewater Engineering<br />
Manager, re Overland Flooding Report<br />
3:30 P.M. T.H.W. 3.5 Brian Cornforth, Chief <strong>of</strong> Fire and Emergency<br />
Services, re Bylaw 5542; Authorization for the<br />
Establishment and Operation <strong>of</strong> a Fire and Emergency<br />
Services Department<br />
3:45 P.M. R.D. 3.6 Duane Ens, Regulatory Services Manager, Unsightly<br />
Property Bylaw Review<br />
4:00 P.M.<br />
J.H.C. 3.7 HEARING: Unsightly Property at 513 – 19 Street North<br />
4:05 P.M. BREAK<br />
4:20 P.M.<br />
R.D. 3.8 Ken Ikle, Spokesperson for Committee on<br />
Government Affairs, re Bylaw 5625 and email<br />
communications sent to <strong>City</strong> Council<br />
4. SUBMISSIONS WITHOUT PRESENTATION:<br />
3
5. OFFICIAL BUSINESS:<br />
M.A.S. 5.1 Communications Initiative Committee Communications Plan<br />
M.A.S. 5.2 Communications Initiative Committee Terms <strong>of</strong> Reference<br />
Revisions<br />
R.D. 5.3 Financial Reporting<br />
6. BYLAWS:<br />
6.1 FOR SECOND AND THIRD READING:<br />
T.H.W. 6.1.1 BYLAW 5542 – Authorization for the Establishment<br />
and Operation <strong>of</strong> a Fire and Emergency Services<br />
Department<br />
T.H.W. 6.1.2 BYLAW 5610 – Amendment to Bylaw 5544, the Waste<br />
Services Bylaw<br />
B.A.L. 6.1.3 BYLAW 5619 – Proposed Road Closure Plan<br />
0914112, Extra Road Area “A” (Mayor Magrath Drive<br />
and 3 rd Avenue North)<br />
B.A.L. 6.1.4 BYLAW 5622 – Designation <strong>of</strong> the Vendome Hotel at<br />
110 – 8 Street South as a Municipal Historic Resource<br />
J.H.C. 6.1.5 BYLAW 5624 – Building Permit Bylaw<br />
INCAMERA REPORTS:<br />
� Advice from Officials (FOIP Section 24)<br />
� Committee Appointments (FOIP Section 23)<br />
4
<strong>City</strong> Circles<br />
IDEAS<br />
BOOK<br />
2009
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
0112-318-00<br />
Executive Summary<br />
First and foremost we wish to extend a warm thank you on behalf <strong>of</strong> the Plan<br />
Your <strong>City</strong> Development Team to everyone who has made the <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
process such a resounding success. When this phase <strong>of</strong> the Plan Your <strong>City</strong><br />
Municipal Development Plan / Integrated Community Sustainability Plan<br />
(MDP/ICSP) was in development the Team had a clear vision <strong>of</strong> what we<br />
wanted <strong>City</strong> Circles to be – a direct dialogue with the residents <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
The principle was simple, we had to try to convince people throughout the <strong>City</strong><br />
to talk about how to make <strong>Lethbridge</strong> a better place AND write it down.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> Circles process began on May 1, 2009, with the first print run <strong>of</strong> 200<br />
pamphlets, and culminated with the Ideas Fair held on October 17, 2009. Over<br />
the course <strong>of</strong> five and a half months an estimated five hundred* residents from<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> and the surrounding region participated in a <strong>City</strong> Circle, providing<br />
their insight into this <strong>City</strong> and what it would take to make <strong>Lethbridge</strong> an even<br />
better place to live into the year 2050.<br />
This Ideas Book is a collection <strong>of</strong> that insight. In all there were 48 <strong>City</strong> Circles<br />
who made a total <strong>of</strong> 55 submissions. These submissions have been analysed<br />
by Urban Planners at both AECOM and the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> and have been<br />
used to identify and refine Policies and Actions contained within the Potential<br />
Policy Directions Document, a precursor to the first Draft <strong>of</strong> the Plan Your <strong>City</strong><br />
MDP/ICSP.<br />
As the Plan Your <strong>City</strong> process moves forward, the visions and hopes contained<br />
in this Ideas Book will become THE point <strong>of</strong> reference for community direction<br />
as the Plan evolves into the guiding document for all <strong>of</strong> Council’s decision<br />
making for the next 40 years.<br />
Thank you for all <strong>of</strong> your hard work and effort.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Robert McKay, MCIP, ACP<br />
Senior Community Planner, <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Project Manager<br />
Brian Conger, BA<br />
Planner, Community Infrastructure, AECOM<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles Coordinator<br />
* Approximately 10 participants per <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
AECOM<br />
514 Stafford Drive North 403 329 4822 tel<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>, AB, Canada T1H 2B2 403 329 1678 fax<br />
www.aecom.com
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Table <strong>of</strong> Contents<br />
Executive Summary<br />
CCID<br />
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks A**!! Facebook Group <strong>City</strong> Circle.............................................. 1<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle on Diversity: Celebrating Diversity Group .......................................................................... 2<br />
Youth Advisory Council <strong>City</strong> Circle........................................................................................................ 3<br />
Hey <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Facebook Group .................................................................................. 4<br />
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> ................................................................................... 5<br />
GEOG 2535............................................................................................................................................... 6<br />
Hamilton Neighbourhood........................................................................................................................ 7<br />
Seniors Community Forum..................................................................................................................... 8<br />
SADAT <strong>City</strong> Circle ................................................................................................................................... 9<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Public Library <strong>City</strong> Circle................................................................................................ ... 10<br />
Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> Revitalization Committee Parts 1 & 2 ...................................................................... 11<br />
Developing <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Using Ecological Principles: An Ecosystems Approach............................. 12<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Living Circle........................................................................................................................ 13<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle................................................................................................................. 14<br />
Affordable Housing Committee ............................................................................................................ 15<br />
Sports Council Circle ............................................................................................................................ 16<br />
AECOM <strong>City</strong> Circle ................................................................................................................................ 17<br />
Community Inclusion <strong>City</strong> Circle.......................................................................................................... 18<br />
Enhanced Seniors Transit Service....................................................................................................... 19<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle for Business ........................................................................................................................ 20<br />
Allied Arts Council Board <strong>City</strong> Circle Parts 1 & 2 ................................................................................ 21<br />
Allied Arts Council Staff <strong>City</strong> Circle ..................................................................................................... 22<br />
UDI <strong>City</strong> Circle ....................................................................................................................................... 23<br />
Natural Horsemanship and the Coulees in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>....................................................................... 24<br />
Working and Playing in Beautiful Neighbourhoods, Building Meaningful Relationships................ 25<br />
Kirby’s C<strong>of</strong>fee Chat Parts 1 & 2............................................................................................................. 26<br />
Moving Up <strong>Lethbridge</strong>........................................................................................................................... 27<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Communities in Bloom ...................................................................................................... 28<br />
6 Avenue A Neighbourhood Society <strong>City</strong> Circle.................................................................................. 29<br />
Vox Musica Choral Society................................................................................................................... 30<br />
Family Village Parts 1 & 2 ...................................................................................................................... 31<br />
Canadian Home Builder’s Association – <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Region Parts 1 & 2........................................... 32<br />
SAGE <strong>City</strong> Circle Parts 1 & 2 ................................................................................................................. 33<br />
Kids at Play <strong>City</strong> Circle Ideas Fair Survey Feedback ............................................................................ 34<br />
CAL <strong>City</strong> Circle ...................................................................................................................................... 35<br />
AAC Membership <strong>City</strong> Circle ................................................................................................................ 36<br />
0112-318-00
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Siever Family <strong>City</strong> Circle....................................................................................................................... 37<br />
5 th on 5 th<br />
0112-318-00<br />
Youth Services ....................................................................................................................... 38<br />
Language Supports for Newcomers in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> ............................................................................. 39<br />
Growing Food Security in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> & Area...................................................................................... 40<br />
Galt Museum & Archives Board <strong>City</strong> Circle......................................................................................... 41<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Healthy Communities......................................................................................................... 42<br />
CMARD <strong>City</strong> Circle: Building a Welcoming and Inclusive Community.............................................. 43<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Astronomy Society............................................................................................................. 44<br />
Two Ideas Circle .................................................................................................................................... 45<br />
(See Attached Disc) Video CCID<br />
Curbside Recycling in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.......................................................................................................... 1<br />
Community Gardens in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>........................................................................................................ 2<br />
Planning Our <strong>City</strong> .................................................................................................................................... 3<br />
Appendices<br />
Appendix A. <strong>City</strong> Circles Newsletters<br />
Appendix B. <strong>City</strong> Circles Pamphlet & Ideas Fair Poster
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks<br />
A**!! Facebook Group <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 1
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks A**!! Facebook Group<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
We Want <strong>Lethbridge</strong> To Be…<br />
Sustainable, Healthy and Earth Friendly<br />
Built up, not out; arrested urban sprawl<br />
• Farm (food) land preserved, not turned into urban sprawl<br />
• Limited need for inefficient infrastructure to support sprawl<br />
• Medium- and high-density housing developers rewarded<br />
• Stylish, affordable and appealing medium- and high-density<br />
housing<br />
Medium density housing can be attractive.<br />
Predominance <strong>of</strong> development that supports healthy living<br />
• Designed to promote non-motorized transportation<br />
• Ready access to food in all neighbourhoods<br />
• http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/news/events/2009/creating-healthierenvironments.pdf<br />
Mixed use developments (mixed residential and commercial)<br />
• Increased opportunities to improve individual<br />
health due to walkability and nearby resources<br />
for health and wellbeing<br />
• Walkable and self-contained communities<br />
centred around resources<br />
• People can walk to the services and resources<br />
they require instead <strong>of</strong> driving<br />
• Revitalized downtown<br />
• Mixed use neighbourhoods<br />
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks A**!! Facebook Group—Page 1
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks A**!! Facebook Group<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
Best practice leader in recycling<br />
• Curbside recycling<br />
• Plentiful recycling depots<br />
• Recycling tubs larger than garbage tubs<br />
• Mandatory recycling for residents and<br />
businesses<br />
• Refundable bottles collected by an organized<br />
group <strong>of</strong> bottle collectors<br />
(http://www.unitedwecan.ca/)<br />
• http://www.ilsr.org/pubs/cuttingwaste.pdf<br />
• http://www.rcbc.bc.ca/files/u3/PPI_Zero_Waste_and_Local_Govt.pdf<br />
• http://www.zerowaste.ca/resources.html<br />
• http://www.zerowaste.co.nz/index.sm<br />
“The only reason I don’t ride<br />
my bike in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is<br />
because when I arrive at my<br />
destination, there is nowhere<br />
to park it.”—London Road<br />
resident<br />
Alternative transportation preferred because it’s easier,<br />
better, healthier and cheaper<br />
• Efficient, viable, rapid, attractive,<br />
and inexpensive public<br />
transportation<br />
• Wide sidewalks for pedestrians<br />
• A walkable city, a bicycle-friendly<br />
city<br />
• Extensive cycle routes and<br />
bicycle lanes<br />
• Bicycle racks that are solid,<br />
secure, and ubiquitous<br />
• Traffic lanes designated for<br />
bicycles<br />
• High level pedestrian/cyclist<br />
bridge from the South side<br />
to the University<br />
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks A**!! Facebook Group—Page 2<br />
“We need to change the way we see the<br />
automobile. We need to consider that oil is<br />
a finite resource. What are we doing to<br />
change the way we live so that our lifestyle<br />
is sustainable into the future?”—London<br />
road Resident
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks A**!! Facebook Group<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
Preserved river valley,<br />
coulees, wild spaces and<br />
green spaces<br />
• Non-renewable resources are<br />
valued as such<br />
• Coulees are protected as a<br />
source <strong>of</strong> beauty and part <strong>of</strong> a<br />
vital ecosystem<br />
• Dog runs with river access are<br />
preserved<br />
Parking is not a problem because…<br />
• Parkades and underground parking is readily<br />
available, especially downtown and adjacent to<br />
London Road<br />
• 2-hour parking limits to residential areas (such<br />
as London Road) are enforced<br />
• Permit parking in London Road neighbourhood<br />
for neighbourhood residents<br />
• Alternative transportation is attractive and viable<br />
(walking, cycling, transit)<br />
Food security<br />
• Community gardens throughout the city, especially for renters<br />
• Year-round farmer’s market that is centrally located<br />
• Downtown grocery store for downtown and London Road residents<br />
• Backyard husbandry is encouraged and regulated on a small scale.<br />
Local food feeds the community, saves the planet, and brings people together.<br />
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks A**!! Facebook Group—Page 3
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks A**!! Facebook Group<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
Ban on outdoor burning<br />
• Health <strong>of</strong> all residents (especially children, elderly, and individuals<br />
with respiratory issues) is protected<br />
• The environment and air quality is protected<br />
• Other ways to enjoy being outside are encouraged and promoted<br />
• http://burningissues.org/car-www/index.html<br />
• http://www.lung.ca/protect-protegez/pollution-pollution/outdoorexterior/heating-chauffage_e.php<br />
Community– and Culture–Oriented<br />
“<strong>Lethbridge</strong> could be a leader and show<br />
Calgary and Alberta as a whole a thing or<br />
two.”—London Road resident and member<br />
<strong>of</strong> the vibrant arts community<br />
Central neighbourhood streets and key<br />
intersections are safe<br />
• Flashing pedestrian lights, especially at high<br />
collision/high traffic intersections<br />
• Speed deceleration zones enforced, especially in<br />
London Road<br />
neighbourhoods which<br />
typically have high<br />
pedestrian traffic<br />
Community celebrations<br />
• Community celebrations, such as Heritage<br />
Days, are held centrally (such as in Galt<br />
Gardens)<br />
• Participation rewarded with a passport and<br />
eligibility for prizes<br />
• Alternative transportation supported to<br />
events<br />
“We need to market a new vision <strong>of</strong> medium- and highdensity<br />
housing and mixed use development. Other cities<br />
have done this with great success (such as Yaletown in<br />
Vancouver). Why not create an Upper East Side Village<br />
in the Salvation Army area?”—London Road resident<br />
“We need to stop looking to Calgary for our ideas. We<br />
need to look beyond Calgary to much more progressive<br />
cities.”—London Road resident<br />
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks A**!! Facebook Group—Page 4
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks A**!! Facebook Group<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
Community spirit promoted by the <strong>City</strong><br />
• Formal <strong>City</strong> support <strong>of</strong> neighbourhood associations<br />
• Neighbourhood celebrations supported through<br />
equipment loans and waived/reduced insurance<br />
fees for block parties and public gatherings in parks<br />
• Administrative<br />
support such as web<br />
domain hosting,<br />
provision <strong>of</strong><br />
association mailbox at <strong>City</strong> Hall, and provision <strong>of</strong><br />
meeting space<br />
• Enabled procurement <strong>of</strong> meeting space (such as a<br />
club house) for Association and neighbourhood club<br />
meetings<br />
• http://www.anhgv.org<br />
A neighbourhood association<br />
meeting house.<br />
Artists beautify <strong>Lethbridge</strong>’s common spaces<br />
• Poetry in the park, buskers, drum circles<br />
• Partnerships and collaboration with arts groups<br />
• Arts Centre that is centrally located<br />
“The Civic Field is a real<br />
treasure in the heart <strong>of</strong> our city<br />
that I really think deserves to be<br />
preserved.”<br />
—London Road resident<br />
Parks are viable, beautiful and interesting<br />
• Parks are not developed into parking lots<br />
• Civic Field<br />
• Restored and heavily used (lights, unlocked,<br />
accessible, washrooms during organized events,<br />
game posts/uprights)<br />
• Represents the heart <strong>of</strong> a vital city<br />
• Relay for Life<br />
The Civic Field park can once again be full <strong>of</strong> life.<br />
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks A**!! Facebook Group—Page 5
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks A**!! Facebook Group<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
Heritage buildings are preserved and<br />
maintained, not demolished<br />
• Rewarding restoration<br />
• Development in historical neighbourhoods (such as London<br />
Road) is aligned with local architecture<br />
• Our heritage is valued and helps define us<br />
• Thoughtful, considerate development and transparent<br />
processes<br />
“London Road residents want to steer change, not stop it.”<br />
—London Road resident<br />
Socially and Economically Strong<br />
• Home business supported through low fees<br />
• Affordable housing abundant<br />
• Revenue/rental stock not lost to market housing<br />
• Social housing units increased and dispersed<br />
throughout <strong>Lethbridge</strong> in single family home<br />
model (avoid congregating people with similar<br />
issues into large complexes)<br />
• Mixed socioeconomic neighbourhoods<br />
abound--designed for diversity<br />
• Big box stores either are<br />
multiple stories with<br />
residences above and<br />
subsidize/support downtown<br />
or are not permitted at all in<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
• Small and local businesses are supported by<br />
residents and the <strong>City</strong><br />
In <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, we are<br />
building the future<br />
together!<br />
London Road Neighbourhood Kicks A**!! Facebook Group—Page 6<br />
Social housing should be mixed in with market/<br />
regular housing, dispersed throughout the city.<br />
Home businesses contribute to the economic<br />
strength <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. Music teachers raise the<br />
next generation <strong>of</strong> aspiring artists.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle on Diversity: Celebrating<br />
Diversity Group<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 2
<strong>City</strong> Circle on Diversity<br />
A series <strong>of</strong> interviews were conducted among different city groups. The<br />
summaries <strong>of</strong> the results by question are:<br />
1. Do you think <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is a Multicultural city?<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> is not as multicultural as bigger cities such as Vancouver and<br />
Toronto; however, in recent years residents have noticed more people with<br />
diverse backgrounds living in our city.<br />
2. Are there any benefits to having different cultures represented in<br />
our city? Why?<br />
According to those working directly with immigrants, the benefits <strong>of</strong> being a<br />
multicultural city are many, such as:<br />
- Immigrants are hard working individuals that come to Canada<br />
looking for better opportunities for them and their families.<br />
- Many immigrants are highly educated individuals that bring<br />
experience and pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism to the workplace.<br />
- Having people from different backgrounds represented in our city<br />
brings awareness <strong>of</strong> global issues, as well as understanding <strong>of</strong><br />
other cultures; this, in turn, enriches the life <strong>of</strong> all citizens.<br />
For the community in general, there is not much awareness <strong>of</strong> the benefits <strong>of</strong><br />
having different cultures in our city aside from the fact that it brings “perks” like<br />
having ethnic food available. A few residents expressed that multiculturalism<br />
decreases narrow-mindness and makes society more understanding and tolerant.<br />
3. What do you thinks needs to be done to make <strong>Lethbridge</strong> a more<br />
attractive destination for new immigrants to Canada?<br />
For those individuals working with immigrants, the needs identified are:<br />
- Have a more diverse-sensitive police force and other law<br />
enforcement organizations.<br />
- Have minorities represented in Government <strong>of</strong>fices / council.<br />
- More diverse counselors and more culturally aware. There seems to<br />
be resistance to hiring immigrants for these positions.<br />
- Interpretation services available at the Hospital and other<br />
government institutions. Hotline available 24/7 if no one is available<br />
in person. 911 available in different languages.<br />
- More efficient public transport, busses available every 15 minutes<br />
and more routes.<br />
- <strong>City</strong> services brochures available in different languages (city maps,<br />
bus routes, city services / emergency phones, family violence, etc.).<br />
- Increased number <strong>of</strong> rental / low income housing.
- Information for new immigrants on the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> website.<br />
Link to immigrant services’ agencies.<br />
- Have the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> promote and/or host events that<br />
celebrate diversity, such as World Refugee Day, Multicultural Day,<br />
Heritage Day (bigger, more representation, no cost), etc. <strong>City</strong><br />
should take the lead.<br />
- Make schools and public institutions more culturally-sensitive (more<br />
ESL funding, train doctors to treat visible minorities).<br />
- Make English as a Second Language available to working<br />
immigrants (evening / weekend classes).<br />
- Emergency services need to be adequate to meet immigrant<br />
demand (Harbour house, shelter, etc.). Larger facilities, culturally<br />
sensitive staff, interpreter services, etc. Consider promoting the<br />
creation <strong>of</strong> a shelter for men.<br />
The community in general mentioned the following:<br />
- Public transportation is a major problem across the board. Short<br />
running schedules don’t allow for night –shifts, busses don’t run<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten enough (specially rough in the winter time), shelters in poor<br />
condition.<br />
- Downtown area needs to be cleaned up; many buildings are<br />
unoccupied and represent an “eye sore”.<br />
- Build a multi-faceted leisure centre and provide more attractions for<br />
families.<br />
- <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is very “clicky”, there needs to be more involvement<br />
from the community in ethnic events.<br />
- Ethnic groups need to reach out to the community.<br />
- More ethnic restaurants, since people experience culture through<br />
food.<br />
- Get rid <strong>of</strong> prejudice / racism. Make <strong>Lethbridge</strong> a more “welcoming”<br />
place.<br />
- More employment opportunities.<br />
- Better certification process for new immigrants. (“Not because they<br />
come with a degree from their home country means they should be<br />
allowed to get work without being certified”).<br />
4. Define in one sentence what you think <strong>Lethbridge</strong> lacks to be<br />
considered a final destination for potential immigrants?<br />
- Good jobs<br />
- Higher wages<br />
- More attractive activities for young families. <strong>City</strong> too focused on<br />
retirees.<br />
- More services for young adults.
- Scholarships / grants to promote children’s well-being (sports).<br />
- More day care spots<br />
- Fun events throughout the year, especially during wintertime.<br />
SUMMARY<br />
A clear need to conduct ongoing research (focus groups, round tables) with<br />
visible minorities to discover their needs was identified. There seems to be a<br />
disconnection between the needs <strong>of</strong> new immigrants and what the community in<br />
general perceives those to be.<br />
There should be a closer relationship between the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> and<br />
organizations that serve immigrants so that once needs are identified they can<br />
be communicated to <strong>City</strong> Council and addressed appropriately.<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> should have public institutions that truly represent the diversity <strong>of</strong> the<br />
community. More opportunities have to be given to new citizens to work in public<br />
service.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> should promote and create opportunities to increase<br />
cultural awareness among public servers and the community in general. These<br />
can take the form <strong>of</strong> events, public forums and workshops that encourage<br />
cultural competency.<br />
If <strong>Lethbridge</strong> wants to become a more attractive destination for newcomers,<br />
more (and more efficient) services have to be developed, such as:<br />
- Leisure centre and other attractions for families<br />
- Better public transit<br />
- More rental / low income housing<br />
- Incentives for high pr<strong>of</strong>ile organizations and corporations to<br />
relocate / establish in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
- Promote events that bring the community together<br />
In summary, this <strong>City</strong> Circle identified a clear need for awareness from<br />
the community towards the benefits <strong>of</strong> embracing diversity as a means<br />
<strong>of</strong> making <strong>Lethbridge</strong> a better place to live.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Youth Advisory Council <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 3
Youth Advisory Council <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
The Future, Envisioning Our Future Community
Sections for Improvement<br />
� The Youth involved in YAC have<br />
highlighted 5 Important sections<br />
that affect the entire city:<br />
1. Arts & Culture<br />
2. Environment<br />
3. Community<br />
4. Transportation<br />
5. Sports
1 Arts & Culture<br />
- More spaces for performances and creation <strong>of</strong><br />
the arts<br />
- Vibrant and colourfully designed downtown<br />
spaces; murals, architecture, etc.<br />
- More parades, cultural festivals, music festivals,<br />
and similar cultural events<br />
- Improved centres for the arts and remodelled<br />
cultural centres belonging to specific nationalities<br />
- Greater connection on city’s website to relevant<br />
news events; i.e. CBC etc.
2 Environment<br />
- YIMBY or Yes in My Backyard; adoption <strong>of</strong> this policy<br />
promotes an effective use <strong>of</strong> land and resources and<br />
differs much from our current use <strong>of</strong> space<br />
- Green power sources for the whole city; geothermal,<br />
solar, wind, water and etc.<br />
- Curb side recycling to be mandatory along with<br />
composting, low water use plumbing/technology and<br />
an outlaw <strong>of</strong> landfills<br />
- Natural environment styled green spaces within and<br />
around the city, large trees and ro<strong>of</strong>top gardens<br />
- A focus on green cemeteries and more practical<br />
methods <strong>of</strong> burials<br />
- Community gardens
3 Community<br />
- More public activities that can involve all <strong>of</strong> the<br />
city or even just block parties in neighbourhood’s<br />
- Various forms <strong>of</strong> public relaxation including<br />
gardens, centres and town squares<br />
- Be a community more welcoming to our rotating<br />
student population from the university and college<br />
- Provide more industry, business, amenities and<br />
greater density building plan, to encourage growth<br />
and how many students remain after education<br />
- Better system <strong>of</strong> social safety nets; hospitals, a<br />
medical detox, ending homelessness, affordable<br />
housing<br />
- A youth centre; safe hangout for youth.
4 Transportation<br />
-The beginnings <strong>of</strong> either an aboveground or<br />
belowground train system which would grow as the<br />
city does<br />
- Elimination <strong>of</strong> aboveground parking lots; replaced by<br />
underground parking basements or multiple story<br />
parking garages<br />
- For the existing transit system a more inclusive<br />
route running at more times and using smaller<br />
busses during non-peak times will cut down on<br />
environmental damage<br />
- Both the train system and existing transit system<br />
would want to be moved to entirely energy efficient<br />
power sources
5 Sports<br />
- There needs to be leisure centre(s) on the west<br />
side <strong>of</strong> town. It is one <strong>of</strong> the fastest growing areas<br />
and has only school playgrounds/fields for sports<br />
and recreation.<br />
- All <strong>of</strong> the city’s ice rinks should have more<br />
scheduled time for public skating. The same is true<br />
<strong>of</strong> swimming pools and public swims.<br />
- Existing and new sport centres should be available<br />
to be rented by anyone for little to no fee<br />
- A facility able to accommodate numerous activities<br />
going on at the same time and for just as many<br />
uses
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Hey <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Plan Your <strong>City</strong><br />
Facebook Group<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 4
Hey <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Plan Your <strong>City</strong>- Facebook Group.<br />
This city circle started with a very broad view and many topics that came up on the facebook group<br />
discussion boards. As the group progressed it did not take the focus we had hoped, nor did the online<br />
forum generate the level <strong>of</strong> discussion we had hoped for. This is not to say that our city circle did not<br />
end up generating some good discussion. By holding in person meetings we drew out the already<br />
informed individuals to spend some time talking and thinking about these questions. This document is<br />
an outline <strong>of</strong> what was discussed at these meetings.<br />
Downtown<br />
There is a need for more development in the down town, but down town shouldn’t just mean the old<br />
downtown.<br />
-The problem with down towns in cities is that over time they lack development because the buildings<br />
get old and up keep is expensive. With current land use policies it is usually cheaper for a business/<br />
developer to move to a new area, and build an entirely new building, instead <strong>of</strong> revamping old ones. In<br />
order to get more development *policies should encourage both businesses and residential developers<br />
to “rebuild” old areas. Perhaps the land could be very inexpensive to make up for the increased building<br />
cost <strong>of</strong> working on old foundations. *Taxing structures that would allow the cost <strong>of</strong> the development to<br />
be paid back with dollars the city would normally collect on the new space. This would constitute a loss<br />
in tax revenue for the short term, but once the project debt was paid <strong>of</strong>f, formerly useless space would<br />
begin generating revenue. * In our opinion downtowns create a hub for the city in which business and<br />
residential can practically be constructed on top <strong>of</strong> each other. Traditionally families do not live in<br />
downtown spaces but a viable down town might help hold onto young pr<strong>of</strong>essionals (graduates <strong>of</strong> post<br />
secondary). At the same time a (for lack <strong>of</strong> a better concept) “trendy” down town, with plenty <strong>of</strong><br />
businesses, would be a good space within the city for students and a close bus trip to either institution.<br />
Encouraging this kind <strong>of</strong> residential development might also move students out <strong>of</strong> the older surrounding<br />
suburbs, allowing those spaces to be populated by lower income families.<br />
- More than one downtown area might also be worth developing. Creative zoning policy (excuse the lack<br />
<strong>of</strong> knowledge to define exactly what that would mean) would allow residences built in, on, and<br />
around businesses here on the west side. A re-visioning <strong>of</strong> the area from University Dr to MacMaster,<br />
between Whoop-up and McGill , could create a second downtown. Apartment buildings and condo<br />
housing already fill much <strong>of</strong> this area, and an increase in density through a projection upward would be<br />
a reasonable step. The proximity to the university would provide obvious student housing, again<br />
drawing them out from the other areas <strong>of</strong> the west side where more suburban housing should be<br />
available to families. Theoretically this would also create an area for younger working people as well,<br />
and encourage graduates to stay in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. An ideal outcome <strong>of</strong> this development would place<br />
Nicolas Sherian Park as an interactive zone between single and family (younger and older) citizens, while<br />
also creating a kind <strong>of</strong> buffer. * We have outlined this area with the understanding that on first read it<br />
may seem short sighted or misrepresentative <strong>of</strong> how different groups are dispersed throughout the city.<br />
However, we present the idea as an example <strong>of</strong> how development should be focused. The idea is that as<br />
cities become denser differences in lifestyle between demographics can cause conflict, causing people<br />
to seek “moving out <strong>of</strong> the city”. For this reason it might help to develop more demographic specific<br />
areas, that center around points <strong>of</strong> interaction such as parks. Development along this line should also<br />
create more walking traffic because people are closer to the services they need.
Suburbanization<br />
In the opinion <strong>of</strong> this city circle the bottom line on suburbanization is that it is not sustainable. Cities like<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> could expand outward for a very long time but at what cost. The development <strong>of</strong> new<br />
infrastructure outward <strong>of</strong>ten seems more efficient at the time but is simply unrealistic in the long term.<br />
The cost <strong>of</strong> materials to move up vs. out is debatable, what is not debatable is the effect <strong>of</strong><br />
transportation on people. The overall social cost <strong>of</strong> single passenger cars is extensive and crushing for<br />
lower earning brackets, effectively removing their access to involvement in the city (it also pushes<br />
affluent people further out as they seek the latest quiet neighborhood, this happens partly because, and<br />
in part causes the pushing <strong>of</strong> lower income people inward, which devalues inner city areas and<br />
eventually creates ghettos. In this case you want to encourage gentrification and vibrate density so no<br />
part <strong>of</strong> the city is avoided or seen to “house the poor”). Much <strong>of</strong> the inner city development this group<br />
has discussed would require incentive to produce. Incentive would be necessary from both ends; which<br />
means not only encouraging inner development but also discouraging outward development. *Tax<br />
policy that encourages people to seek housing that is not in new outlying developments seems harsh to<br />
the consumer (home buyer) but evaporating demand (for new suburbs) is a sure fire disincentive to<br />
developers. *Though we admittedly lack information on it there are also shifts in some cites to demand<br />
that developers planning new subdivisions move to more space friendly designs. This can be regulated<br />
by demanding a move away from the very sprawling design <strong>of</strong> current developments. Moving away from<br />
entirely private back yards and overly cul-de-sac dependent areas in favor <strong>of</strong> small grids with green belts<br />
containing small back alleys is one suggestion (the old area <strong>of</strong> the west side around McGill blvd is a good<br />
example, the change would be no back yards, only the green belt areas with bike paths).<br />
Campus housing<br />
As a final note to this city circle we have discussed the need for more students housing on the<br />
campuses. These projects will likely need help from the city but are more likely to be undertaken by the<br />
Institutions if municipal property taxes are waived for residence spaces. Housing on campus is a benefit<br />
to the availability <strong>of</strong> affordable housing throughout the city, as well as retention issues at the institutions<br />
themselves. One thing we would like to add about student housing is a mandate on the type <strong>of</strong> student<br />
housing. For example, the “New Village” project at the U <strong>of</strong> L provides a standard <strong>of</strong> living for residence<br />
that, although desirable by today’s suburban standards, is a move in the wrong direction. This area <strong>of</strong><br />
residence does not represent an effective use <strong>of</strong> space or an efficient use <strong>of</strong> building materials. The<br />
smaller conjoined town home units are preferable as are condo style apartments that go up more than<br />
out.<br />
Un-housing related<br />
This group would also like to suggest some kind <strong>of</strong> startup grant incentive to small grocery stores that<br />
can bring produce and essentials into inner city areas. Encouraging smaller venue stores that house<br />
essentials is a must for many areas within the city. The availability <strong>of</strong> produce and quality groceries<br />
within walking distance <strong>of</strong> most areas within the city and will be instrumental is creating a healthy city<br />
by increasing the quality <strong>of</strong> life (and health) for those you don’t drive and/or living in the heart(s) <strong>of</strong> the<br />
city.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
0112-318-00 CCID 5
Unitarian Universalist<br />
Fellowship <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLE<br />
PLAN YOUR <strong>CITY</strong> DISCUSSION NOTES<br />
SEPTEMBER 8, 2009
Introduction<br />
The following principles from the Canadian Unitarian<br />
Council guided our discussion.<br />
� The inherent worth and dignity <strong>of</strong> every person<br />
� Justice, equity and compassion in human relations<br />
� The right <strong>of</strong> conscience and the use <strong>of</strong> the democratic process.<br />
� Respect for the interdependent web <strong>of</strong> all existence….
Areas <strong>of</strong> Focus<br />
� Environmental Issues and Sustainability<br />
� Social Issues<br />
� Transportation<br />
� Community Engagement
Environment<br />
� Adhere to “Cautionary Principle”:<br />
- above all do no harm<br />
Review current herbicide and pesticide use policies.<br />
Many cities have gone pesticide free with no ill<br />
effects<br />
� Encourage low maintenance landscaping<br />
� Potable water should not be used for watering lawns<br />
� Promote clean energy use through solar and wind
Transportation<br />
� Make walking and cycling easier. Clean sidewalks in<br />
winter.<br />
� Promote city transit use by making it more accessible and<br />
affordable.<br />
� Use the village model when planning neighbourhoods –<br />
walkable access to services – i.e. neighbourhood grocery<br />
stores<br />
� When planning future growth, consider energy<br />
consumption – “peak oil”.<br />
� Plan future developments before planning a new bridge.<br />
We don’t want a bridge to nowhere.<br />
� Actively promote walking and bicycling.
Social Needs / Community Engagement<br />
� Continue to develop affordable housing<br />
� Do not create ghettos for the rich – mixed<br />
neighbourhoods promote social inclusion<br />
� Celebrate diversity<br />
� Strong neighbourhoods create a sense <strong>of</strong> security, safety<br />
and inclusiveness<br />
� Promoting acceptance and tolerance <strong>of</strong> all citizens<br />
regardless <strong>of</strong> race, religion, disabilities, sexual<br />
orientation should be a high priority<br />
� Strengthen community associations<br />
� Provide opportunities for citizens to engage in open<br />
discussion regarding community issues.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
GEOG 2535<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 6
<strong>City</strong> Circle: GEOG 2535<br />
Interest/Issue: Mass Transit & Transportation<br />
Current Reality Solutions<br />
Trip Time<br />
Coverage<br />
Easier Access<br />
Big Empty Buses<br />
Walkability<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> is a good size<br />
for innovative<br />
transportation options<br />
Sensors on traffic lights<br />
Increase speed limits<br />
More Direct Bus Routes<br />
Dial-a-Bus<br />
Flex Routes<br />
Rent a Bus: Old People Wagons or Party Buses<br />
Late night routes<br />
Smaller Buses<br />
More Frequent Routes to increase ridership<br />
Increase Density/ Mixed-use Developments<br />
Stop approving supercentres on the edge <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong><br />
Make a level bridge across the coulees<br />
Remove road controls and signage, (make drivers think for themselves)<br />
Hydrogen Gas Stations<br />
Tram/Trolley system
<strong>City</strong> Circle: GEOG 2535<br />
Interest/Issue: West Side Commerce<br />
Current Reality Solutions<br />
Only One Grocery Store<br />
New Westside residential<br />
development is far from<br />
existing commercial<br />
Entice/Attract Commercial<br />
Enterprises<br />
Business can’t survive<br />
only 8 months <strong>of</strong> the year<br />
Smaller Retail<br />
Opportunities<br />
Create incentives to bring back a store in the Super Sam location<br />
Develop a commercial node on the Westside (The Crossings)<br />
Weekly summer market<br />
<strong>City</strong> initiated entrepreneurial fund<br />
Temporary Servicing<br />
Incentives/discounts to keep stores pr<strong>of</strong>itable during student lull<br />
Promote smaller business<br />
Allow food wagons (mobile food) to locate<br />
Overhaul existing regulations and bylaws to encourage common markets (free them up!)
<strong>City</strong> Circle: GEOG 2535<br />
Interest/Issue: U <strong>of</strong> L Campus’ Isolation<br />
Current Reality Solutions<br />
4 lane super-collector on<br />
western edge <strong>of</strong> campus<br />
University lacks senior’s<br />
courses<br />
Feeling <strong>of</strong> Isolation “Two-<br />
Worlds”<br />
Hard for visitors to find<br />
their way around<br />
Bring people in and get<br />
students out into the<br />
community<br />
Pedestrian subway or bridge<br />
Senior gym memberships or coulees walks would promote integration<br />
between students and seniors<br />
Tie into family events @ the Sportsplex<br />
Students meet the community events<br />
More signage on campus would help visitors and first years<br />
Affordable High Quality food to bring in visitors<br />
Satellite/Downtown campus to get more students in the core<br />
Better transit connections to Eastside <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>
<strong>City</strong> Circle: GEOG 2535<br />
Interest/Issue: Reducing our Ecological Footprint<br />
Current Reality Solutions<br />
No door-to-door Recycling<br />
Reducing our footprint can<br />
be expensive<br />
Water Restrictions (we use<br />
too much)<br />
We need to live simpler<br />
lives<br />
Door-to-door recycling will increase accessibility<br />
Educate people to the benefits <strong>of</strong> the program<br />
Promote<br />
Municipal green incentive programs<br />
Free up bylaws to allow for Grey Water Recycling (it’s not a health hazard)<br />
Swap out for low-flow toilets and fixtures (incentive program)<br />
“stuff” gets accumulated (we’re all packrats); promote simpler living<br />
buy local and reduced packaging
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Hamilton Neighbourhood<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 7
Play Your <strong>City</strong>: <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
Hamilton Neighbourhood<br />
Hamilton neighbourhood as defined in this <strong>City</strong> Circle is comprised <strong>of</strong> a group <strong>of</strong> 80 to<br />
100 year old homes (delimited by 13 th and 15 th Streets and 3 rd and 6 th<br />
Avenues).<br />
This neighbourhood shares many <strong>of</strong> same the concerns and pressures as London Road,<br />
including the redevelopment <strong>of</strong> existing institutional buildings for other uses; the<br />
conversion <strong>of</strong> homes to accommodate businesses with customers; and the removal <strong>of</strong> old<br />
trees.<br />
There are two documents developed by the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> that support our results.<br />
The Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> Master Plan supports the preservation <strong>of</strong> central neighbourhoods<br />
as a population base to make the downtown core more vibrant. And the Central<br />
Neighbourhoods Survey provided the following results:<br />
Development<br />
- 57% <strong>of</strong> residents are concerned about homes being converted to businesses, over 90%<br />
greater than the average <strong>of</strong> central neighbourhoods.<br />
- 70% <strong>of</strong> Hamilton residents give the preservation <strong>of</strong> historical homes a priority, 50%<br />
more than the average <strong>of</strong> other central neighbourhoods..<br />
- 42% are concerned about the loss <strong>of</strong> historical buildings and homes, 27% more than<br />
average.<br />
- 40% <strong>of</strong> residents are concerned about redeveloping schools and churches for<br />
commercial use, almost 50% more than average.<br />
- Some <strong>of</strong> the comments regarding development specifically note the “unplanned<br />
nature <strong>of</strong> redevelopment” and that “these neighbourhoods cannot be recreated”.<br />
Aesthetics<br />
- 70% <strong>of</strong> Hamilton residents give architectural style a priority, 50% more than average.<br />
- 87% <strong>of</strong> Hamilton residents value tree-lined boulevards, 18% more than average.<br />
- 62% <strong>of</strong> Hamilton residents are concerned about boulevard tree removal, 20% greater<br />
than average, and 47% are concerned about removal <strong>of</strong> mature trees from private<br />
property, 25% more than average.<br />
Traffic<br />
- 71% have noted an increase in vehicle traffic on local streets, 18% more than average.<br />
Speed, cutting-through, and running stop signs all exceed central neighbourhood<br />
averages.<br />
Quality <strong>of</strong> Life<br />
- 96% <strong>of</strong> the residents are very satisfied or satisfied by the quality <strong>of</strong> life afforded by<br />
the neighbourhood, neighbourhood and community relations is a common reason<br />
making the neighbourhood better.
Issues that are more specific to our neighbourhood include the protection <strong>of</strong> mature trees,<br />
the preservation <strong>of</strong> historical and architectural character, and the promotion <strong>of</strong><br />
community. Most notably, the Hamilton neighbourhood has significant concerns about<br />
the conversion <strong>of</strong> institutional buildings and homes to commercial businesses. As this<br />
irreversible process has already commenced, there is some urgency for the creation <strong>of</strong> a<br />
long-term plan for this neighbourhood. The neighbourhood wants development by<br />
design, not by default.<br />
John Lorinc, in his book The New <strong>City</strong>, notes the importance <strong>of</strong> ‘historic character’ as an<br />
aspect <strong>of</strong> civic advantage in the global competition for recognition, and that “muscular<br />
heritage protection laws play a crucial role in reminding us that cities are aesthetic objects<br />
and that their appearance is an integral part <strong>of</strong> our quality <strong>of</strong> life.” Overwhelmingly,<br />
residents value the quality <strong>of</strong> life cultivated within by the Hamilton neighbourhood<br />
community – it should be our goal to perpetuate this sentiment.<br />
The following <strong>City</strong> Circle represents an informal survey independent <strong>of</strong> the Central<br />
Neighbourhoods Survey. The comments reflect the results summarized above, and<br />
provide a clear understanding <strong>of</strong> the values placed on preserving a vibrant neighbourhood<br />
community. In the long-term Municipal Development Plan, the Hamilton neighbourhood<br />
advocates for policies that recognize the specific needs <strong>of</strong> different areas <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong>, and<br />
the importance <strong>of</strong> taking more (pro-active) control <strong>of</strong> redevelopment.
SURVEY RESULTS<br />
80 Surveys distributed, 23 returned
General Information<br />
Age <strong>of</strong> home:<br />
Based on the information provided by the respondents, the age <strong>of</strong> homes in this<br />
neighbourhood ranges from 1905 to 1944.<br />
Length <strong>of</strong> time living in the home:<br />
Respondents have lived in their homes between 1 and 44 years. On average, people have<br />
lived in their homes for 19 years.<br />
Neighbourhood demographics:<br />
Within the neighbourhood, roughly 20% are children, 20% are seniors, and 60% are aged<br />
17 to 65.<br />
100<br />
90<br />
80<br />
] 70<br />
[% 60<br />
e<br />
g 50<br />
ta<br />
n 40<br />
30<br />
e<br />
r<br />
c<br />
e<br />
P<br />
20<br />
10<br />
0<br />
Demographics<br />
Children (65)
7. What do you most value about your home?<br />
- Mouldings, doors, windows, location.<br />
- The character <strong>of</strong> the home. Although we have done some upgrading, we try to<br />
keep it still in the character it has.<br />
- The fact that all the rooms are on the ground floor. The spaciousness; the wood<br />
panelling and the ‘lincrustia’ on the hall walls. The ‘sun-room’.<br />
- Style, location<br />
- Close proximity to downtown, close to schools, close to shopping, theatres.<br />
Mature trees.<br />
- Location within the city, yard size, mature neighbourhood.<br />
- Historic character, unique features, treed yard, sense <strong>of</strong> connection to the past, and<br />
supporting to preserve for future.<br />
- Character, proximity to city center.<br />
- Great location.<br />
- Our home is in a great family-oriented, quiet neighbourhood. All <strong>of</strong> the homes are<br />
old, but well maintained. I love our original floors and mouldings and our huge<br />
yard.<br />
- Large lot, large house, porch, old original features (it’s everything I dreamed <strong>of</strong><br />
when I was a child).<br />
- Its uniqueness. The library with its wood panelling and most floors are original<br />
wood. The spaces.<br />
- Our house is unique with its old world architecture and Victorian interior. We also<br />
enjoy the large yard and privacy <strong>of</strong> being next to an alley.<br />
- Three-bedroom house on a double lot. Elm trees provide park like exterior.<br />
Interior remains as architect designed.<br />
- Location, mature landscaping, boulevard with mature trees, lane, neighbourhood<br />
character.<br />
- ‘Character’ features – sun porch, hardwood floors, private yard, etc.<br />
- The character <strong>of</strong> an older home, the mature trees, closeness <strong>of</strong> downtown and all<br />
amenities, paved back alley.<br />
- Older style family bungalow – fits the neighbourhood – comfortable – well built –<br />
lawn, flower beds, fruit trees.<br />
- Architecture (doors, windows, mouldings), size and character <strong>of</strong> rooms, well<br />
preserved by previous owners, large yard, mature trees and flower gardens.<br />
- Old house feels like a member <strong>of</strong> the family, not just wood and nails. Shady<br />
backyard sanctuary. Historical feeling inside and out.<br />
- Its unique pseudo-Tudor architecture; its interior design, layout, and construction,<br />
and our 34 years <strong>of</strong> raising children here in this home – a home that they continue<br />
to love and desire to come ‘home’ to as <strong>of</strong>ten as possible. We also value the<br />
generous size <strong>of</strong> our lot (50 x 125’) and the manner in which we have been albe to<br />
landscape it to our liking.<br />
- My home was built by Dr. & Mrs. Fowler. It is an ArtDeco home – a wonderful<br />
family home. The space for so many people to stay with me: Family and friends<br />
from all over the country. The beautiful elms and my lovely back garden and<br />
wonderful neighbours.
8. What do you most value about the neighbourhood?<br />
- Lot size, trees, variety <strong>of</strong> home styles.<br />
- The character which includes the landscaping and trees.<br />
- The tree-lined boulevards and its quite atmosphere.<br />
- Close to downtown, bus route near, schools, corner store, road clearance (winter),<br />
neighbourhood keeps homes in good condition.<br />
- A lot <strong>of</strong> our neighbours have lived here for a long time (including us) so everyone<br />
knows each other pretty well.<br />
- Healthy mature trees, low traffic.<br />
- Sense <strong>of</strong> community, proximity to amenities (walking distance), green spaces<br />
(school yards), mature trees, quiet streets (evenings, weekends and holidays),<br />
terrific neighbours.<br />
- Quiet neighbourhood, older homes.<br />
- Close enough to walk to all amenities.<br />
- Friendly, mixed make-up including bigger and smaller homes, people from<br />
different backgrounds, not too busy, nor too quiet.<br />
- Its diverseness in architecture that seems to meld together so well. The<br />
neighbours. The trees and the width <strong>of</strong> the streets.<br />
- We enjoy the family atmosphere and that each house has its own style which is<br />
maintained. We cannot stand modern suburbia.<br />
- Quiet, residential. Friendly neighbours. Varying character <strong>of</strong> the houses in the<br />
neighbourhood.<br />
- Closeness to downtown, grid system, part <strong>of</strong> ‘core’ neighbourhoods <strong>of</strong> original<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>. Schools, churches, shopping nearby – hospitals and clinics adjacent.<br />
- Trees, old homes being renewed.<br />
- The friendliness, the character and diversity <strong>of</strong> homes and people who live here.<br />
- Conveniently central, walking distance to amenities. Very close to school.<br />
- Friendly and close community <strong>of</strong> neighbours. Wide streets and boulevards with<br />
mature trees. Quiet. Close to downtown amenities.<br />
- Quiet residential area. Green and leafy. Boulevards that give character to the<br />
streets. No commercial feeling. For the most part, well-kept houses and yards.<br />
- We feel a great deal <strong>of</strong> interest and respect for each other, and there is a real sense<br />
<strong>of</strong> pride in the neighbourhood.<br />
- Almost everyone does his/her best to maintain their homes to the best <strong>of</strong> their<br />
ability.<br />
- There is genuine friendliness and concern for neighbours here.<br />
- Such a wonderful mix <strong>of</strong> seniors, young families, students.
9. Home Occupation (Small businesses that do not have customers to the home).<br />
General: 35% indicated that home occupation was acceptable,<br />
55% indicated that it depends on the type <strong>of</strong> business, and<br />
10% were against any home occupation.<br />
Comments:<br />
- If it is unobtrusive it may be fine.<br />
- I would prefer to keep this neighbourhood strictly residential, free from<br />
commerce.<br />
- This [Home Occupation] would probably be okay, but it would depend on the<br />
business, i.e., noise during the hours <strong>of</strong> business (late at night). Depends on what<br />
it is.<br />
- How does business impact neighbours? Handling waste, deliveries? Hazardous<br />
materials? Storage? Signage? Employees?<br />
- How <strong>of</strong>ten are we going to have to fight the same fight?!<br />
- These have operated without intrusion.<br />
- If there were no deliveries, no traffic, or parking, no physical changes to the<br />
neighbourhood and no permanent change from residential to commercial. Also, if<br />
it was the primary residence <strong>of</strong> the business owner.<br />
- We should be careful about this one. [Note on concern over unlicensed businesses<br />
operating in the neighbourhood]<br />
- Must be a business that is ‘invisible’ in terms <strong>of</strong> sights and sounds.<br />
- When such businesses do not infringe on the rest <strong>of</strong> the neighbourhood in any<br />
way, we would not find them unacceptable. Perhaps there should be some control<br />
over the total number <strong>of</strong> such businesses in the neighbourhood, however.
10. Commercial Business (defined as small businesses that do have customers<br />
regularly coming to the home<br />
General: 0% indicated that commercial business was acceptable.<br />
25% indicated that it depended on the type <strong>of</strong> business, and<br />
75% were against any type <strong>of</strong> commercial business.<br />
Comments:<br />
- Increased traffic both vehicles and pedestrian at all times. Big gaudy signs.<br />
Depending on business, maybe, but I don’t want their customers wandering<br />
through my neighbourhood.<br />
- Due to the fact we have our share and the parking plus traffic.<br />
- There is limited parking in the area so this poses a problem. As well, traffic<br />
coming and going from the Salvation Army Church seems to have increased more<br />
traffic may pose a problem.<br />
- This neighbourhood is too near commercial areas and too fragile. Once started,<br />
where will it end? Downtown is struggling as it is, it makes no sense to develop<br />
outside <strong>of</strong> the downtown core.<br />
- Not a lot <strong>of</strong> people coming and going. There’s too much traffic already.<br />
- Business that do not make noise or create pollution or significantly increase traffic<br />
and parking.<br />
- If there is a lot <strong>of</strong> traffic the streets get too busy and the neighbourhood looks like<br />
a parking lot.<br />
- Expansion is not necessary. Downtown has space for small business.<br />
- Services such as convenience store, drycleaners, postal service fine.<br />
- Extra traffic is undesirable as it is further erosion <strong>of</strong> the neighbourhood to<br />
commercial ventures.<br />
- We are close enough to Third Avenue.<br />
- Foremost, there is no need for the commercial development <strong>of</strong> residential<br />
neighbourhoods. This neighbourhood is already stressed by businesses on third<br />
avenue and thirteenth street – further stress is not desired. Additional traffic<br />
(pedestrian and vehicular) is not desired. Finally, the erosion <strong>of</strong> the<br />
neighbourhood community is a risk with commercial development.<br />
- We have commercial and industrial areas zoned for this. Don’t take advantage <strong>of</strong><br />
the residential property prices.<br />
- Such businesses would be in violation <strong>of</strong> our neighbourhood’s present zoning<br />
bylaws, and we would not want to see the bylaws changed or challenged.
100<br />
90<br />
80<br />
] 70<br />
[% 60<br />
e<br />
g 50<br />
ta<br />
n 40<br />
30<br />
e<br />
r<br />
c<br />
e<br />
P<br />
20<br />
10<br />
0<br />
Businesses with Customers<br />
Acceptable Depends Not Acceptable
11. Preserved or protected by <strong>City</strong>.<br />
General: 95% desired some efforts by the <strong>City</strong> to preserve and protect the<br />
neighbourhood, and<br />
5% did not.<br />
Comments:<br />
- I am not sure about <strong>City</strong> support. If there would be involved, does that mean that<br />
the <strong>City</strong> can do what they want? But if not the <strong>City</strong>, who would help support<br />
preservation? You can’t always depend on the owners. I’m undecided.<br />
- Because <strong>of</strong> its historical significance and its architecture.<br />
- We must work together, as we have our share <strong>of</strong> businesses, churches, schools,<br />
etc.<br />
- I believe this neighbourhood should be a residential area and there have been<br />
several people applying for business licenses in the last couple <strong>of</strong> years.<br />
- Because it is a beautiful neighbourhood, with some unique homes. It is usually<br />
quiet and family friendly.<br />
- There are few historic neighbourhoods in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. A vibrant residential<br />
community near downtown is essential to the survival <strong>of</strong> a vibrant downtown<br />
core. Should development be allowed in this neighbourhood, how and where will<br />
it end?<br />
- In order that we do not become part <strong>of</strong> the downtown commercialism (read: Rot).<br />
- Old, well developed, quiet residential area.<br />
- This part <strong>of</strong> the south end <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is by far one <strong>of</strong> the best maintained older<br />
neighbourhoods. The houses, trees, and family-focused life are worth keeping.<br />
- It depends on what preservation means. We are not in favour <strong>of</strong> rigorous rules that<br />
will enforce everyone to live in a cookie-cutter home. General measures to<br />
prevent increased parking, and things such as traffic-calming devices and rules<br />
about large business are good.<br />
- We should like the city both to preserve and protect because it is worth it, quite<br />
simply.<br />
- Many <strong>of</strong> the houses are very old and this creates a characteristic neighbourhood<br />
that is become rare in the west.<br />
- This is an ‘original core’ neighbourhood representing the taste <strong>of</strong> people at a<br />
certain time. It is therefore a treasure that should be preserved.<br />
- To preserve one <strong>of</strong> the last remaining links to the past and to prevent the area<br />
becoming another ‘cookie-cutter’ neighbourhood (i.e., infill or renovating housing<br />
not considering the existing streetscape).<br />
- Preserve sense <strong>of</strong> ‘community’ – neighbours who know each other, etc.<br />
- The older homes and neighbourhoods a character and charm. The city should take<br />
pride in these older areas which represent part <strong>of</strong> the history and heritage <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
- Tendency for residential bylaws to change and ‘home’ businesses to expand to<br />
much more than ‘home & <strong>of</strong>fice’ types – a kind <strong>of</strong> creeping larger development<br />
beyond expectations <strong>of</strong> a fully residential area.
- It is important for the health <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> to preserve its character and heritage.<br />
Losing a neighbourhood to commercial business is a loss for the <strong>City</strong>. There is a<br />
mutual relationship between community and commerce – the idea <strong>of</strong> community<br />
must be preserved, and this is best done in our neighbourhoods.<br />
- This is a very special neighbourhood that must be preserved.<br />
]<br />
[%<br />
e<br />
g<br />
ta<br />
n<br />
e<br />
r<br />
c<br />
e<br />
P<br />
120<br />
100<br />
80<br />
60<br />
40<br />
20<br />
0<br />
Preservation / Protection <strong>of</strong> Neighbourhood<br />
Yes No Undecided
Percentage [%]<br />
12. What should be controlled or regulated by the <strong>City</strong>?<br />
100<br />
90<br />
80<br />
70<br />
60<br />
50<br />
40<br />
30<br />
20<br />
10<br />
0<br />
Amount <strong>of</strong> Through-traffic<br />
Type <strong>of</strong> Multifamily Homes<br />
Density <strong>of</strong> Multifamily Homes<br />
Supporting Control & Regulation<br />
Rezoning for DC or Commercial Use<br />
Noise/Light Pollution<br />
Architecture <strong>of</strong> Infill Homes<br />
Removal <strong>of</strong> Mature Trees<br />
Architectural Changes (Exterior)<br />
Types <strong>of</strong> Institutions<br />
Landscaping<br />
Number <strong>of</strong> Institutions<br />
Other
13. Any other comments?<br />
- Rental property owners should be held accountable for the condition <strong>of</strong> these<br />
properties, and is some ways, their tenants. I don’t like being ‘held hostage’ in my<br />
home because <strong>of</strong> unsavoury people who rent in the area and make me uneasy<br />
when I walk or have no consideration for my home and privacy.<br />
- I think certain renovations should be regulated, i.e., someone extending structure<br />
upward (2 nd<br />
story) where it would block someone’s view. Also, multi-family<br />
homes would mean more vehicles in our area where parking is already a problem.<br />
- This neighbourhood has be revitalizing in the past 12 years we’ve live here. Many<br />
families have invested in homes here, renovated them, and raised families –<br />
turning this small neighbourhood into a strong vibrant community. A shared pride<br />
in preserving a significant part <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>’s history has brought many <strong>of</strong> us<br />
together and formed lasting friendships. Commercialization in this historic<br />
neighbourhood is unnecessarily inappropriate.<br />
- Business should stay downtown. Parking is a problem already an narrow lots and<br />
lots <strong>of</strong> vehicles.<br />
- Our vision for our neighbourhood is a quiet community for single-family<br />
residential housing where the occupants take pride and keep up their character<br />
homes.<br />
- What would in our opinion improve our neighbourhood and increase its<br />
coherence are: a local public grade school that children can walk to, a<br />
neighbourhood grocery store, some small parks / playgrounds, traffic calming to<br />
avoid cars cutting through 4 th Ave/ 14 th St to avoid the 13 th St./3 rd<br />
Ave<br />
intersection, better control <strong>of</strong> overflow parking from First Choice Bank and<br />
Salvation Army Church, closing <strong>of</strong>f <strong>of</strong> back lanes to through-traffic, control <strong>of</strong><br />
dogs (the dangerous and loud ones only, <strong>of</strong> course).<br />
- Communities such as ours have wonderful histories and people have pride in that.<br />
Usually it is only when threatened that residents come together and express their<br />
views. We have problems/concerns at the moment with aggressive dogs.<br />
- Improvement permits should consider the nearby homes and not occlude<br />
windows. Permits for extra-large garages should be giveN if they are indeed<br />
garages – lot sizes should be correct.<br />
- The establishment <strong>of</strong> a board to reference, review, and appeal development<br />
applications in conjunction with the existing planning and development appeal<br />
structures should be established. The intent <strong>of</strong> this board is not to stifle<br />
development, but to ensure that future development reflects the historic character<br />
<strong>of</strong> the city core. We feel the Hamilton Neighbourhood boundaries should be<br />
revised and expanded to include the 3 rd Ave to 8 th<br />
Ave and from 13 St. to 17St.<br />
South.<br />
- Would love to have alley paved to cut down on dust. Would like to see the<br />
derelict properties in the area cleaned up.<br />
- The area between 13 th to 16 th St. South <strong>of</strong> the east/west alley behind the business<br />
<strong>of</strong> 3 rd Ave South should be protected from commercial development. If we lived<br />
in Fairmont Park, Ridgewood, Heritage, etc., we would not have to worry about<br />
our next door neighbour having their home rezoned commercial property and<br />
opening a business in their homes. It is discriminatory for us to live under this
threat just because <strong>of</strong> the location <strong>of</strong> our property in relation to existing<br />
commercial ventures and the downtown core.<br />
- Seemingly interminable meetings at School District 51 <strong>of</strong>fice frequently plugs<br />
parking space on 5 th<br />
Ave South. [Complaint about noise from unlicensed<br />
business]<br />
- Previous rezoning (i.e., Salvation Army Citadel) haS caused substantive changes<br />
in traffic, parking, noise. All changes should be more strictly monitored and<br />
regulated.
Hamilton Neighbourhood Association<br />
(13 th Street to 15 th Street, 3 rd Avenue to 6 th<br />
Avenue South)<br />
Vision Survey<br />
The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has initiated a process to develop a Municipal Development Plan.<br />
The Plan Your <strong>City</strong> process will likely establish the guidelines the <strong>City</strong> will use for the<br />
next number <strong>of</strong> years to direct both residential expansion, and the protection or<br />
redevelopment <strong>of</strong> established neighbourhoods.<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> this process, we would like to be proactive with the <strong>City</strong> and provide a vision<br />
<strong>of</strong> our neighbourhood for the future – so ask yourself: “What do I want my<br />
neighbourhood to look like in 10 years? 30 years?” We will compile all <strong>of</strong> the comments<br />
in a document, and summarize them as a vision statement to be presented to the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> as a <strong>City</strong> Circle. We will not attach any names to your comments – please be<br />
candid.<br />
We hope that you will take a few moments to share your vision. Please do not hesitate to<br />
attach other comments you might have that are not included in this informal survey.<br />
1. Name:<br />
2. Address:<br />
3. Age <strong>of</strong> home: ______________<br />
4. How long have you lived in this home? ______________<br />
5. Owner occupied ___________ or Rental property ______________<br />
6. Number <strong>of</strong> people in each age group living in the home:<br />
Children (up to 12 years old) ______________<br />
Youth (13 to 16 years old) ______________<br />
Adults (17 to 65) ______________<br />
Seniors (over 65) ______________
7. What do you most value about your home (features, etc.)?<br />
_______________________________________________________________________<br />
_______________________________________________________________________<br />
_______________________________________________________________________<br />
8. What do you most value about the neighbourhood?<br />
_______________________________________________________________________<br />
_______________________________________________________________________<br />
_______________________________________________________________________<br />
9. What is your opinion about Home Occupations operating in the neighbourhood (small<br />
businesses that do not have customers to the home)?<br />
Acceptable Depends on the business Not acceptable<br />
Comments? ____________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________<br />
10. What is your opinion about commercial businesses operating in the neighbourhood<br />
(small businesses that do have customers regularly coming to the home)?<br />
Acceptable Depends on the business Not acceptable<br />
Comments? ____________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________<br />
11. Do you think this neighbourhood should be preserved or protected by the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>?<br />
Yes No<br />
Why?___________________________________________________________________<br />
_______________________________________________________________________<br />
_______________________________________________________________________
12. What (if anything) should be regulated?<br />
� Architectural changes to homes (outside)<br />
� Landscaping<br />
� Removal <strong>of</strong> mature trees<br />
� Amount <strong>of</strong> through-traffic<br />
� Noise and light pollution<br />
� Types and architecture <strong>of</strong> infill housing<br />
� Density <strong>of</strong> multi-family homes (i.e. the number <strong>of</strong> multifamily dwellings)<br />
� Type <strong>of</strong> multi-family homes (i.e. duplex, threeplex, row housing)<br />
� Number <strong>of</strong> institutions (churches, schools)<br />
� Other types <strong>of</strong> institutions (senior homes, day care homes)<br />
� Rezoning for direct control or commercial use.<br />
� Other(s) __________________________________<br />
13. Any other comments?<br />
_______________________________________________________________________<br />
_______________________________________________________________________<br />
_______________________________________________________________________<br />
_______________________________________________________________________<br />
_______________________________________________________________________<br />
_______________________________________________________________________
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Seniors Community Forum<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 8
Seniors Community Forum<br />
Shaping Our Community
Seniors Community Forum<br />
Started in 2000 by <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
agencies dedicated to advocating<br />
for the needs <strong>of</strong> seniors in order to<br />
continually improve their quality <strong>of</strong><br />
life.
What we do<br />
� Create resources to assist people in<br />
making the right decisions in<br />
choosing a<br />
facility that<br />
meets their<br />
needs (ex.<br />
Supportive<br />
Housing<br />
Guide).
What we do<br />
� Work closely with LA transit to<br />
improve the accessibility <strong>of</strong> transit<br />
through route consultation and the<br />
purchase <strong>of</strong> low ride vehicles.
What we do<br />
� Host community conferences to<br />
provide education and awareness<br />
for seniors, caregivers and service<br />
providers.
What we do<br />
� Develop partnerships and enhance<br />
communication with the community<br />
in order to coordinate services.
What we do<br />
� Work closely with Community LINKS<br />
Information Referral Source to<br />
provide up-to-date information<br />
regarding available senior’s<br />
services.
What we see for the<br />
future <strong>of</strong> our city
Transportation/Accessibility<br />
� An accessible city core for seniors<br />
by monitoring transit routes and<br />
providing concrete pads, benches<br />
and shelters for transit users.<br />
� Improve Access a Ride services.<br />
� Provide wider parking stalls to<br />
create ease <strong>of</strong> mobility in and out <strong>of</strong><br />
vehicles.
Transportation/Accessibility cont.<br />
� Create a drop-<strong>of</strong>f lane at<br />
department stores for seniors and<br />
those with reduced mobility.<br />
� Develop a Transportation Hub that<br />
will allow more direct route<br />
transportation to key locations.
Transportation/Accessibility cont.<br />
� Work with AMA and other groups to<br />
develop alternate transportation<br />
models for seniors no longer able to<br />
drive.<br />
� Increase building accessibility for<br />
people with disabilities (ex.<br />
uncluttered shopping aisles, seating<br />
areas, railings, automatic doors and<br />
ramps).
Transportation/Accessibility cont.<br />
� A convenient proximity <strong>of</strong> services<br />
in all neighbourhoods and the<br />
development <strong>of</strong> small retail areas in<br />
transit areas.<br />
� Improved public transit to<br />
recreation facilities (ex. Indian<br />
Battle Park, sports and cultural<br />
facilities)
Inclusiveness<br />
� Embrace diversity by building a<br />
strong city core – vibrant and<br />
inviting to all age groups and<br />
cultures.
Inclusiveness cont.<br />
� Encourage volunteerism to provide<br />
support in the aid <strong>of</strong> seniors and<br />
caregivers.
Inclusiveness cont.<br />
� Develop ongoing partnerships with<br />
schools to further enhance youth<br />
and senior interaction.
Inclusiveness cont.<br />
� Utilize facilities after hours for<br />
community events (ex. Schools,<br />
community centres)<br />
� Abundant green spaces and<br />
gathering areas<br />
� Plan square grid community<br />
developments to promote<br />
pedestrian friendly neighbourhoods.
Inclusiveness cont.<br />
� Build multi-functional facilities that<br />
cater to all ages (ex. Talisman<br />
Centre, Calgary)<br />
� Combine senior facilities and<br />
daycares to promote interaction<br />
among different age groups.
Housing<br />
� Provide a wide variety <strong>of</strong> choice in<br />
housing options so individuals can<br />
maintain their independence in a<br />
way that best suits their needs (ex.<br />
cottages, condos, houses).<br />
� Redevelop buildings within the city<br />
rather than expanding to the<br />
outskirts.
Education<br />
� Provide alternate forms <strong>of</strong> learning<br />
and learning opportunities (ex.<br />
computers, webinars, etc).
Education<br />
� Interaction between age groups to<br />
promote learning (ex. computers,<br />
cell phones,<br />
knitting and<br />
woodworking).
Wellness<br />
� A holistic wellness approach that<br />
facilitates quality <strong>of</strong> life in later years<br />
through:<br />
� Opportunities to keep active and healthy.<br />
� Partnership with community agencies to<br />
promote healthier living (ex. Building Healthy<br />
Lifestyles program)<br />
� Innovative sport and leisure programs to<br />
engage individuals with a wide range <strong>of</strong><br />
abilities.
Conclusion<br />
The Senior Community Forum sees<br />
a continuing need for adjustments<br />
in society, both in the way we live<br />
and how our <strong>City</strong> is planned.<br />
It is important that each<br />
neighbourhood contains services<br />
that all generations require.
The Seniors Community Forum<br />
advocates strongly as a voice for<br />
seniors but future planning for the<br />
<strong>City</strong> based on the needs <strong>of</strong> seniors<br />
is beneficial for everyone in the<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> community.
Seniors Community Forum<br />
Shaping Our Community
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
SADAT <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 9
<strong>City</strong> Circle Name: SADAT <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Topic <strong>of</strong> Interest: Community Inclusion<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
What is the current situation regarding your topic?<br />
• Would like to see people with disabilities be welcomed and included in communities. Address issues <strong>of</strong> NIMBY and the<br />
stereotypes that present. The <strong>City</strong> is trying to address NIMBY but the community is not changing.<br />
• Need ongoing support to assist those in low income housing to move out <strong>of</strong> the low income housing and to assist them<br />
in addressing the issues that arise<br />
• Citizen engagement – can learn from rural communities as they are a good example <strong>of</strong> how community rises to help<br />
each other out. Would like to see that kind <strong>of</strong> mentality within the community<br />
• Accessibility and getting around the community – curbs and wheel chair ramps, road construction and accessibility to all<br />
aspects <strong>of</strong> the community.<br />
• Concerned that this initiative is giving “lip service” to those citizens that provide input when decisions and directions<br />
have already been made or set. Want to ensure voices are heard and given serious consideration<br />
• Ensure residents feel safe and secure within the community.<br />
• Believe <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has a lot to <strong>of</strong>fer and would like the city to succeed in whatever all residents do. Would like to see<br />
what others in the community to be positive influences in the community<br />
• Foster community identity and pride, promote the positive aspects <strong>of</strong> the community and hope that given the anticipated<br />
growth the positive perception <strong>of</strong> the community is maintained.<br />
• Strengthen and revitalize the Downtown – the beautification <strong>of</strong> the downtown is a start and is promoting the reclamation<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Downtown.<br />
• Need to ensure the transit is affordable – currently seniors, students, youth have access to discounted fairs however<br />
adults with developmental disabilities or those living with low income do not get the same consideration and most if not all<br />
adults with developmental disabilities are on a fixed income<br />
• Who monitors this or polices the results <strong>of</strong> the Plan Your <strong>City</strong> engagement processes?<br />
• Transportation is a big issues for persons with disabilities – access to hockey games, concerts<br />
• Health care is a glaring issue for persons with developmental disabilities.<br />
• People with disabilities are seen as de-valued within the population. The general public doesn’t see the individual but<br />
the disability. Need to start valuing people as people and appreciate all <strong>of</strong> their abilities – it’s alright to be different!<br />
• Racism within the housing industry – landlords who are corrupt and take advantage <strong>of</strong> those in the community who do<br />
not have a voice. Can the <strong>City</strong> do anything with landlords – tenant relationships? Landlords are abusive, aggressive and<br />
sometimes threatening<br />
• That the field <strong>of</strong> disability services be recognized and that the community values the work that the service providers do<br />
and the support provided to the individuals is valued and recognized. Support the initiative to make the disabilities service<br />
sector to become more <strong>of</strong> a recognized pr<strong>of</strong>ession. Community supporting the frontline staff to feel valued for the work<br />
the do to support persons with disabilities.<br />
• When promoting inclusiveness everyone has a role. How many <strong>of</strong> us know our neighbours and encourage the<br />
neighbourly connection – we don’t have the neighbourhood support system or culture <strong>of</strong> connecting individuals within the<br />
neighbourhoods. A neighbourhood connector system that promotes block parties, neighbourhood parties etc
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
What is the current situation regarding your topic? (Cont.)<br />
•when neighbours look out for each other.<br />
• Accessibility and availability <strong>of</strong> housing for those on fixed incomes.<br />
• Need to address the elitism that is becoming prevalent in the housing sector <strong>of</strong> this community.<br />
• Concerned that the decisions about the future plan <strong>of</strong> the city have already been made and this process is just lip service.<br />
• What is the quality <strong>of</strong> life for individuals living with low income in this community when all activities within the community<br />
have significant costs associated in terms <strong>of</strong> transportation, access to the event etc?<br />
• That the success <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable and disenfranchised.<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement you topic <strong>of</strong> interest?<br />
What one thing do persons with developmental disabilities need?<br />
All citizens are valued and respected. That the community is educated, gains knowledge, accepts, values and respects<br />
those who are different. When you talk about inclusion those outside <strong>of</strong> this sector don’t understand because they live it<br />
regularly.<br />
Key messages<br />
• A community without labels… Want to live without labels<br />
• Transportation, accessibility and affordability<br />
• Accessible streets, sidewalks etc<br />
• Affordable Housing
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Public Library <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 10
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Public Library <strong>City</strong> Circle June 11, 2009<br />
The <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Public Library Board and Administration met to review key proposals to target over the<br />
next 30 years. The Board and Administration reviewed the <strong>City</strong> Circles plan with <strong>City</strong> Members and<br />
created some broad approaches to the needs <strong>of</strong> the Library. Library Administration also spent an<br />
afternoon looking at the Library’s current situation, what we do well, what we need to improve on, what<br />
our key priorities are and how the <strong>City</strong> can assist the Library in meeting some <strong>of</strong> its goals.<br />
Below are the issues identified and the needs <strong>of</strong> the library which the <strong>City</strong> can support moving forward.<br />
The library has many items on its agenda including its 25 year strategic plan. Only items where the <strong>City</strong><br />
can assist are outlined:<br />
Topic 1 - Services to the Community<br />
• Teen demographic/economic development<br />
o <strong>City</strong> wide free library cards - Library administration felt that the library could attract<br />
more teenagers and public in general if library cards were free to the community.<br />
• Hard to find physically<br />
o Signage – access to library – Signage to the library is poor and far too close to be <strong>of</strong> any<br />
benefit. The building is not obvious and hidden in its design. Signs located along main<br />
arteries and along city boulevards would be <strong>of</strong> greater benefit.<br />
o The library is not included in the Tourist Information Centre information and brochures.<br />
Many tourists visiting new cities like to visit the local libraries to find out local<br />
information and in particular for computer access along with many other services the<br />
library <strong>of</strong>fers which could benefit visitors.<br />
• Centre <strong>of</strong> Community<br />
o Library needs to be part <strong>of</strong> the Downtown redevelopment and city square concepts and<br />
included in a downtown project presence – access to the library, its services, and<br />
facilities for businesses, organizations as well as individuals.<br />
Topic 2 - Strategically Locating Library Services<br />
• Future growth and the location <strong>of</strong> library services is key to the Library’s ongoing strategic<br />
development<br />
• Current library services are short <strong>of</strong> per capita targets <strong>of</strong> 0.9 persons/ft 2<br />
o There is a need for a new library on the North side (possibly Uplands)<br />
o As well as the far south <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong>, (be aware <strong>of</strong> future 3 rd river crossing bus linkages)<br />
o Both sites could be integrated into existing commercial zones<br />
• The Library Bookmobile is 24 years old and needs replacement or alternative services to meet<br />
the needs <strong>of</strong> its customers.
o Funding for a replacement in the near term<br />
• Current Library is a solid concrete building(built in 1974 and upgraded in ‘92), meaning that<br />
wireless technology is difficult to maintain and service<br />
o Potential to sell the current building and build a new central library<br />
o New central library could be integrated into a new multiplex or city centre concept<br />
• Timeline to modernization/adaptability<br />
o 1 st -Bookmobile<br />
o 2 nd north side branch<br />
o 3 rd south side branch<br />
o 4 th new central (2030)<br />
Topic 3 - Transportation to and from Library Services<br />
• Access to current (downtown) and future (Westside) library services is vital if these services are<br />
to be utilized fully<br />
• There will be severely limited access to the new west side library<br />
o Densification, walkability and new roads need to be taken into account<br />
o Sidewalks, bicycle paths, and direct access are important<br />
o <strong>City</strong> support for book delivery programs (not only volunteers) would be an asset<br />
• Existing bus routes do not provide proper access to the downtown library<br />
o The reorganization <strong>of</strong> routes will increase accessibility<br />
• Parking lot is full at peak times<br />
o Increased bicycle parking would be helpful,<br />
o Potential to create a bicycle locker at the library would be an asset<br />
o Underground/overflow parking for staff would free up space<br />
• Too many service points<br />
o Reducing service points would make the building more secure and would allow for<br />
better use <strong>of</strong> staff resources<br />
o <strong>City</strong> would need to fund a major redevelopment <strong>of</strong> the current main library building<br />
including structural as well as technology changes.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> Revitalization<br />
Committee<br />
Part 1 Submission 1<br />
Part 2 Submission 2<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 11
MINUTES <strong>of</strong> a Meeting <strong>of</strong> the HEART OF OUR <strong>CITY</strong> REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE,<br />
held on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. in the <strong>City</strong> Hall <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> with the following in attendance:<br />
CHAIRMAN: Alderman Ken Tratch<br />
MEMBERS: Mark Bellamy, Citizen-at-large<br />
Grace Duff, Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce<br />
Alderman Barbara Lacey<br />
Suzanne Lint, Allied Arts Council<br />
Ken Nakagama, Downtown Business Revitalization Zone<br />
Barry Snowden, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Historical Society<br />
Mayor Robert Tarleck<br />
OTHERS: Bary Beck, <strong>City</strong> Manager Designate<br />
Maureen Gaehring, Senior Community Planner<br />
George Kuhl, Downtown Revitalization Manager<br />
David Sarsfield, <strong>City</strong> Clerk’s Office<br />
REGRETS: Jennifer Alldred, EDL<br />
Bev Lanz, Downtown Business Revitalization Zone<br />
Ted Stilson, Business Revitalization Zone Managing Coordinator<br />
CALL TO ORDER:<br />
Ken Tratch, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.<br />
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:<br />
ROBERT TARLECK:<br />
THAT the agenda be approved as presented.<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES:<br />
CARRIED<br />
Brian Conger, AECOM, and Robert McKay, Senior Planner led the Committee through<br />
the <strong>City</strong> Circles exercise. The purpose was to provide input in the Plan Your <strong>City</strong><br />
Municipal Development Plan and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (MDP/ICSP).<br />
Four steps were outlined:<br />
• Identify Issues/Topics<br />
• Prioritize Issues<br />
• Current Reality<br />
• Solutions
The following issues were identified by the Committee:<br />
• Parking<br />
• Accessibility<br />
• Safety<br />
• Culture<br />
• Retail<br />
• Residential<br />
• Cleanliness<br />
• Inclusivity<br />
• Infill and Occupancy<br />
• Incorporating Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> Master Plan<br />
• Preserving History and Heritage<br />
• Sustainable Economics<br />
• Amenities<br />
The Committee reviewed those issues which were <strong>of</strong> highest priority in terms <strong>of</strong> the<br />
perception, the reality, and possible solutions:<br />
Safety<br />
• Perception – not safe<br />
• Conclusion is perception is most <strong>of</strong> the issue, rather than reality<br />
• Risk Avoidance<br />
• Intimidation is a factor<br />
• Media hyperbole may create the perception<br />
Solutions<br />
• Bring more people downtown<br />
• What is the reality – get the facts on crime<br />
• Marketing campaign<br />
• Beat patrols<br />
• Street cleanup<br />
• Eliminate high risk areas<br />
• Cultural awareness<br />
• Need a diversity <strong>of</strong> entertainment opportunities<br />
• Avoid large rowdy establishments in the downtown area<br />
• Study areas that work<br />
• Eyes on the street<br />
• Design <strong>of</strong> the environment is critical (second generation – CPTED)<br />
• Dealing with interconnections outside <strong>of</strong> downtown<br />
Incorporating Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> Master Plan<br />
• Centrality <strong>of</strong> downtown<br />
• Reason to come downtown (banking, county <strong>of</strong>fice, entertainment)<br />
• Downtown is not a transportation corridor; it is a destination<br />
• Synchronicity <strong>of</strong> Plan and timelines with Municipal Development Plan, Land Use<br />
Bylaw, and Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan<br />
• Need to develop policy with teeth that incorporates the pillars <strong>of</strong> the Heart <strong>of</strong> Our<br />
<strong>City</strong> Master Plan<br />
• Provide incentives for multi-family developers to build downtown<br />
• Downtown is the primary hub for <strong>Lethbridge</strong> (“Downtown Primacy”)<br />
Page 2 <strong>of</strong> 4 Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> Revitalization Committee Minutes
Infill and Occupancy<br />
• Holes in the downtown core<br />
• 85% occupancy in existing buildings<br />
• Empty lots could be used for complimentary interim uses<br />
o For instance turn 1 st<br />
Avenue lots into community garden<br />
• Vacant stores – Art Gallery using Singers<br />
• Streetscaping such as murals<br />
• Encouraging urban design guidelines<br />
• Storage sites (poor use <strong>of</strong> space)<br />
o Grandfathering allows continuation <strong>of</strong> use<br />
• Low lease rates<br />
• Out <strong>of</strong> town or absentee landlords<br />
• “Hammer or big stick” zoning to penalize landlords that do not maintain their<br />
property<br />
• minimum maintenance bylaw<br />
• financial incentives to develop vacant lots and/or buildings<br />
Parking<br />
• currently conducting a parking strategy<br />
• sufficient parking in total, but not distributed<br />
• existing parkades being used by surrounding businesses<br />
• requirement to pay for parking may dissuade some customers<br />
• question if parking is an issue because individuals will park a fair distance from<br />
big box stores<br />
• employees take up prime parking spaces<br />
• transit connectivity<br />
• every ground level parking lot is a potential site for development<br />
• future developments may require underground parking<br />
• should it be a private or public responsibility to provide parking<br />
• importance <strong>of</strong> having the Performing Arts Centre downtown<br />
Culture<br />
• Downtown is the logical spot<br />
• Cultural hub needs to be located in the downtown as it will spur retail and other<br />
development<br />
• Artistic community prefers the downtown<br />
• Public realm component is key<br />
• Targeting infrastructure investment in the downtown<br />
• Sports complex may be too large for downtown because insufficient land space<br />
o Can be a disincentive for retail and residential development to be nearby<br />
• Existing facilities such as museum, art gallery, community art centre, and library<br />
are critical to the success <strong>of</strong> the downtown<br />
• Native cultural centre that is an attraction may be an appropriate downtown use<br />
o A native activity centre may require open space and therefore not<br />
appropriate<br />
o Should be tourism oriented to be in the downtown area<br />
o Possibility <strong>of</strong> bringing the Friendship Centre downtown<br />
• Public art needs to be downtown<br />
o New kinetic piece<br />
o Encouraged in community services bylaw<br />
o Sites for public art that is designed for a specific site<br />
o Private developers stipulated to provide public art (bonusing)<br />
Page 3 <strong>of</strong> 4 Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> Revitalization Committee Minutes
o Bring artists into civic projects at the beginning<br />
Brian Conger described the process for the <strong>City</strong> Circles. The deadline for submissions is<br />
September 8, 2009. There will be a Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Idea Fair to be held October 17,<br />
2009 in <strong>City</strong> Hall. It was questioned if the Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> would be able to set up an<br />
exhibit at the Fair.<br />
The Committee decided to have another <strong>City</strong> Circle meeting on Wednesday, August 19,<br />
2009 to continue with review <strong>of</strong> the following issues: residential, retail, mixed uses, and<br />
sustainable economics. Members were asked to read the Market Analysis Overview<br />
contained in the Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> Master Plan (Part 2, Section 4.0, pages 21 – 31).<br />
Comments for the two meetings will then be forwarded.<br />
ACTION: Committee Members to review marketing study contained in the<br />
Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> Master Plan (Part 2, Section 4.0, pages 21-31)<br />
Committee to discuss residential, retail, mixed uses, and<br />
sustainable economics at August 19 th<br />
Meeting<br />
David Sarsfield to forward comments from the meetings<br />
ADJOURNMENT:<br />
SUZANNE LINT:<br />
THAT the meeting adjourn.<br />
The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.<br />
Page 4 <strong>of</strong> 4 Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> Revitalization Committee Minutes<br />
CARRIED<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
CLERK
NOTES <strong>of</strong> a Meeting <strong>of</strong> the HEART OF OUR <strong>CITY</strong> REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE,<br />
held on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. in the <strong>City</strong> Hall <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> with the following in attendance:<br />
CHAIRMAN: Alderman Ken Tratch<br />
MEMBERS: Mark Bellamy, Citizen-at-large<br />
Grace Duff, Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce<br />
OTHERS: Bary Beck, <strong>City</strong> Manager Designate<br />
George Kuhl, Downtown Revitalization Manager<br />
Ted Stilson, Business Revitalization Zone Managing Coordinator<br />
REGRETS: Jennifer Alldred, EDL<br />
Alderman Barbara Lacey<br />
Bev Lanz, Downtown Business Revitalization Zone<br />
Suzanne Lint, Allied Arts Council<br />
Ken Nakagama, Downtown Business Revitalization Zone<br />
Barry Snowden, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Historical Society<br />
CALL TO ORDER:<br />
Ken Tratch, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Quorum was not<br />
established.<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES:<br />
Brian Conger and Phil Dack, AECOM, and Robert McKay, Senior Planner, continued to<br />
lead the Committee through the <strong>City</strong> Circles exercise. The purpose was to provide input<br />
in the Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Municipal Development Plan and Integrated Community<br />
Sustainability Plan (MDP/ICSP).<br />
The Committee continued to consider the high priority issues in terms <strong>of</strong> the perception,<br />
the reality, and possible solutions:<br />
• Currently 800 to1,000 55 plus contained on the west side <strong>of</strong> downtown<br />
Residential<br />
o Scenic Drive is a pedestrian barrier<br />
o Provide shuttle throughout downtown<br />
o Pedestrian subway or overpass<br />
• Currently 250 residents contained in Assisted Living accommodation<br />
• Currently less than 50 non-seniors located in second floor conversions<br />
o Market strategy is a “complete” environment<br />
o Concentrate high density around Galt Gardens<br />
• Currently approximately 40 to 50 people in affordable housing<br />
o Anyone downtown is a bonus<br />
• Currently approximately 100 to 150 mixed (including students)<br />
o How do we get more students downtown<br />
• Opportunity to develop more second and third floor uses – “adaptive reuse” for<br />
vacant buildings<br />
o Discussion about who and how to get people to live downtown<br />
• Need downtown supermarket<br />
o threshold number needs to be established
• Need a mix <strong>of</strong> housing and income types<br />
o NIMBY issues<br />
o Find out what it would take from developer’s perspective to build housing<br />
downtown<br />
• Need downtown to be busy after the banks close<br />
o Viability threshold<br />
• Public support <strong>of</strong> adaptive reuse<br />
o Upgrading <strong>of</strong> existing non-retail space<br />
o Paramount is a good idea<br />
o “empty nester” cohort<br />
o <strong>City</strong>-owned empty sites and competing uses<br />
o Who can we attract – Medican<br />
• Need to develop complementary services (such as doctors)<br />
• Should <strong>City</strong> be more facilitative for condominium developers<br />
• Hotels<br />
Retail<br />
o Boutique hotels<br />
o New development outside core<br />
• Land is changing hands at an accelerating rate in the past 4 to 5 years<br />
o Higher percentage <strong>of</strong> business owners now own the land (generational<br />
change)<br />
� Great because it creates a commitment<br />
� Low storefront vacancy<br />
• <strong>City</strong> open to facilitate ownership<br />
o Strata title<br />
• Back Alley concept<br />
o Open up the lanes to intensify retail<br />
• No Big Box downtown<br />
• May have too many Shopping Malls downtown (2 in 3 blocks)<br />
o Downtown has gotten stronger since WalMart came to Town<br />
� Downtown shopping malls do compete with WalMart<br />
o Important role<br />
o Public/private dialogue<br />
� Establish dialogue on how the <strong>City</strong> interacts with the mall<br />
• How can the <strong>City</strong> support the Downtown malls<br />
o What is the long-term vision <strong>of</strong> the malls<br />
• Toys “R” Us – adaptive reuse<br />
• Retail spaces in disrepair<br />
o Unsightly premises<br />
o No minimum maintenance bylaw<br />
o Tax incremental financing bylaw<br />
• Work with strategic partners as part <strong>of</strong> communication strategy<br />
o Create a new, exciting downtown group<br />
o Our MLAs<br />
� Provincial building opportunities<br />
o Our municipal politicians talk to MLAs annually regarding new<br />
infrastructure investment<br />
o Our senior staff (Bary Beck) follow up<br />
• Performing Arts Centre<br />
o Pr<strong>of</strong>essional lobbying<br />
• Target specific retail<br />
• Conference Centre<br />
Page 2 <strong>of</strong> 3 Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> Revitalization Committee Minutes
• Parking strategy<br />
o Reduced parking as an incentive<br />
• Mixed Use<br />
ACTION: David Sarsfield to forward comments from the meetings<br />
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.<br />
Page 3 <strong>of</strong> 3 Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> Revitalization Committee Minutes<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
CLERK
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Developing <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Using<br />
Ecological Principles: An Ecosystems<br />
Approach<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 12
Developing <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Using Ecological Principles:<br />
An Ecosystems Approach<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Summary<br />
2-4 pm, June 23, 2009 at Helen Schuler Nature Centre<br />
Attendees: Lori Goater, Coreen Putman, Tom Hopkins, Linda Cerney, Cheryl Bradley,<br />
Laura Piersol, Shannon Frank, Andrea Vaxvick, Heather Gowland, Dana<br />
Blouin, John Nightingale, Reg Ernst, Rob McKay<br />
Facilitator: Brian Conger<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
As the <strong>City</strong>’s population grows, we recognize that development is important and<br />
necessary. How will this development happen? How will our natural areas be valued and<br />
managed in the strategic directions that will guide future development? Settled<br />
landscapes can either enhance and contribute to, or have a significantly detrimental effect<br />
on biodiversity. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, like most cities, is concentrated near a<br />
waterbody, the Oldman River. As a result, our city includes one <strong>of</strong> the richest<br />
ecosystems, in terms <strong>of</strong> biodiversity, in our region. It is the hope <strong>of</strong> this city circle to see<br />
integration and celebration <strong>of</strong> our unique, local, natural environment into city policy and<br />
city council decisions at all levels. Such ecological consideration requires long term<br />
thinking and a visionary approach.<br />
BACKGROUND<br />
The desire to create an environmental policy and plan was articulated in the 2007-2010<br />
city council strategic plan: “Towards A Sustainable Future”. As part <strong>of</strong> the “Plan Your<br />
<strong>City</strong>” process, a city circle was formed to explore environmental issues and opportunities<br />
related to the natural areas within the river valley. As the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> does not<br />
currently have a management plan specific to the river valley, there is a desire to seek<br />
clarity on the current situation as well as the possible implications <strong>of</strong> population growth<br />
on ecological integrity, biodiversity, and connectivity.<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> is home to various ecologically significant features including large strands <strong>of</strong><br />
cottonwood forest, coulees and natural wetlands, all within an urban setting. These<br />
provide critical habitat for hundreds <strong>of</strong> bird, plant and other species, including<br />
populations that are “sensitive” or may be “at risk” if human impact on the river valley is<br />
improperly managed. These natural areas also provide a unique, rich wilderness<br />
experience for residents and visitors alike. The benefits <strong>of</strong> these parks can be experienced<br />
daily; a rare opportunity for many people living within urban areas. The <strong>Lethbridge</strong> river<br />
valley has and will continue to play a significant role in this city’s development.<br />
CURRENT STRENGTHS<br />
A small population coupled with the large parks footprint (much <strong>of</strong> which includes a<br />
large floodplain and steep sloped coulees) has so far resulted in limited development<br />
within the river valley. That being said, high impact, recreational use parks (which<br />
provide opportunities such as golfing, biking, camping and manicured park space) are<br />
included in the river valley. In contrast, there are also natural areas which have limited
infrastructure and provide space for low impact opportunities (such as hiking, bird<br />
watching, photography, and outdoor classrooms). A group <strong>of</strong> committed and visionary<br />
individuals has championed the strategic development <strong>of</strong> this river valley park system. As<br />
a result, the river valley boasts a wide range <strong>of</strong> parks, pathways and cultural centres<br />
which are used daily. Other strengths listed by city circle participants include: a strong<br />
regional scientific community, a city staff and city council who are seen as cooperative<br />
and receptive to sustainability, consistent park visitation, and an increasing culture <strong>of</strong><br />
environmental awareness.<br />
CURRENT WEAKNESSES<br />
However, a lack <strong>of</strong> environmental policy to guide the process <strong>of</strong> future planning and<br />
development within the <strong>City</strong> has led to the weakening <strong>of</strong> the ecological integrity <strong>of</strong> the<br />
river valley. Specific policies, for example wetland policy and floodplain policy have<br />
been adopted by other Alberta communities which provide clear and transparent<br />
expectations for future growth and development. Within <strong>Lethbridge</strong> there has been a lack<br />
<strong>of</strong> clear and well defined guiding principles to assess and monitor the ecological integrity<br />
<strong>of</strong> the river valley. As a result, there is insufficient data to guide city planners and<br />
developers in making ecologically considerate decisions. A lack <strong>of</strong> accountability and<br />
coordination within the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has compounded this problem. Some <strong>of</strong> the<br />
resulting issues that were discussed in the city circle include:<br />
• increased housing development which has encroached on sensitive natural<br />
areas and species<br />
• the suppression <strong>of</strong> natural disturbances and processes (such as fire and<br />
grazing) which have resulted in a loss <strong>of</strong> biodiversity<br />
• the lack <strong>of</strong> a system to define critical natural areas which has resulted in<br />
the fragmentation <strong>of</strong> habitat<br />
• outdated management practices which have led to the degradation <strong>of</strong><br />
natural areas by invasive plant species<br />
• inadequate by-law enforcement within natural areas<br />
• the lack <strong>of</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> past environmental plans<br />
• none <strong>of</strong> the river valley parks are classified as “Preservation Areas”<br />
within the current Parks Master Plan<br />
• the lack <strong>of</strong> protected space for prairie species<br />
RECOMMENDATIONS<br />
To build on past strengths, and to emphasize the important role that these natural areas<br />
(and the biodiversity contained within them) play in the overall quality <strong>of</strong> life within the<br />
city, we wish to make the following recommendations:<br />
1. Development strategies and planning policy should include biodiversity in<br />
their stated objectives. A broad vision or aim <strong>of</strong> the plan would state that<br />
planning, construction, development and regeneration should have minimal<br />
impacts on biodiversity and enhance it where ever possible. Objectives that<br />
fit with this vision may include:
• To promote sustainable development by ensuring that biological diversity<br />
is conserved and enhanced as an integral part <strong>of</strong> social, environmental and<br />
economic development.<br />
• To conserve, enhance and restore the diversity <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> and area’s<br />
wildlife by sustaining and where possible improving the quality and extent<br />
<strong>of</strong> natural habitat and natural physical processes.<br />
• To contribute to urban renewal by enhancing biodiversity in green spaces<br />
and in development so that they are used by wildlife and valued by people,<br />
recognizing that healthy functioning ecosystems contribute to a better<br />
quality <strong>of</strong> life and to people’s sense <strong>of</strong> well-being.<br />
2. The ecological integrity <strong>of</strong> the river valley and natural areas are recognized<br />
as an important part <strong>of</strong> a healthy and vibrant <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
i. REQUIRED ACTIVITIES<br />
• Develop an ecological inventory<br />
• Identify and map boundaries <strong>of</strong> critical areas for preservation.<br />
• Define thresholds, subsequent monitoring programs and the creation <strong>of</strong><br />
action plans for when thresholds (regarding ecological integrity) are<br />
comprised<br />
• Create a baseline for performance measures and indicators <strong>of</strong> success.<br />
• Identify clear roles, responsibilities and accountabilities for the city.<br />
• Identify opportunities for the city to set precedent and demonstrate, for<br />
example North-side Regional Park could be a demonstration project.<br />
• Promote and demonstrate water conservation through drought resistant<br />
landscaping practices (planting <strong>of</strong> native species), incentives and<br />
continued public education.<br />
• Draw on best practices from other communities.<br />
• Development <strong>of</strong> formal policy that addresses the building <strong>of</strong> new<br />
parkland infrastructure.<br />
3. The dedication <strong>of</strong> resources to a <strong>City</strong> administrator accountable to<br />
sustainability.<br />
• Assist the community in working within the newly created conservation plan<br />
and policy.<br />
• Cross collaboration <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, nature organizations and<br />
advocacy groups is essential to address environmental concerns.<br />
• To celebrate and communicate success in terms <strong>of</strong> environmental initiatives.<br />
• To create more opportunities for groups to advise and address city council on<br />
issues related to biodiversity and the environment.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Living Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 13
Put in a bridge path in the coulees. It got blown out during a flood about 15 years ago and they<br />
never replaced it. Now, hikers, bikers, joggers can no longer go from the path near Tudor with<br />
the stairway up the coulee to the Helen Schuler Coulee Centre paths. You just hit a dead end.<br />
Indoor Tennis. All major cities and many cities our size have an indoor tennis court facility. We<br />
used to have 1 court behind the skating rink at the Enmax centre. We now have nothing. There<br />
are many tennis players in all age brackets who would steadly use and contribute to the facility.<br />
You could purchase or rent an empty building such as the empty "Linen and Things" building<br />
and put in a carpet/tile flooring. It would allow the seniors to keep playing all year. It would<br />
allow the Junior players to compete with Edmonton and Calgary kids.<br />
Parking downtown is terrible. There needs to be more free parking, more meter parking, and<br />
more parking lot space - either that or less ferocious parking service attendants. Plus, with all the<br />
businesses for sale or rent downtown, a new apartment building downtown might not be all that's<br />
needed to revitalize the core.<br />
An alternate road from the West side <strong>of</strong> town, over to the Costco area - is still needed. It's been<br />
talked about for years, but we need it now more than ever.<br />
Come wintertime, the city should really do something about its street plowing services - at the<br />
very least, close down certain roads for a period, in order to clear the snow, so that residents <strong>of</strong><br />
this city can actually park within metres <strong>of</strong> their own homes.<br />
Speaking <strong>of</strong> roads, it seems that the same stretch <strong>of</strong> highway gets repaired every year, causing<br />
inconvenience and bottleneck traffic for everybody. Why not fix other roads too? Or other parts<br />
<strong>of</strong> the highway at least. Or at the very least, make it well-publicized and clearly marked that<br />
construction will be ongoing for _____ period <strong>of</strong> time - marked clearly before turning on to the<br />
highway.<br />
The Sanitation services seem to have a policy that garbage truck drivers do not get out <strong>of</strong> their<br />
trucks for any reason. This means, and I have witnessed this recently again, that if trash falls out<br />
<strong>of</strong> the dumpster onto the ground while being picked up, or if there is overflowing garbage around<br />
the dumpster beforehand, it all remains left behind around the dumpster as the truck rolls away.<br />
Can't we supply some gloves and ask for 60 seconds <strong>of</strong> consideration to pick up the mess?<br />
The loitering habits <strong>of</strong> certain street kids on a certain downtown street corner is a concern.<br />
A recycling initiative like in Calgary would be nice.<br />
Transit service stopping at 6 pm on Sundays can be incredibly inconvenient.<br />
There should be some investing into the youth <strong>of</strong> our city with brand new recreation facilities<br />
that house double ice facilities with attached pool, gymnasium, etc. that most other areas, even<br />
those smaller than <strong>Lethbridge</strong> seem to have. This can also bring tourism into the city by enabling<br />
these venues to host varied tournaments, provinicials, and national level competitions.
For a city with a university that has a Fine Arts program, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has a lackluster arts<br />
community. Good venues need to be made available to artists for theatre, dance, music, etc. If<br />
they are available, they need to be advertised more. Bring back Shakespeare in the Park or look<br />
to create a festival (fringe, busker, or even a large, Southern Alberta Arts Festival which could<br />
include visual and performance-based) in order to support and nurture the local community and<br />
also draw in tourists.<br />
I would like to see <strong>Lethbridge</strong> operate more as part <strong>of</strong> the 'region' in terms <strong>of</strong> economic<br />
development, tourism and education. I think that the tourist initiatives in the region would benefit<br />
enormously from building on our place in confederation (only place in Canada founded by a<br />
Father <strong>of</strong> Confederation) and our relationship to both the Red Coat Trail (Macleod etc.) I would<br />
like to see errors on the city website and tourist literature corrected. For example: Sir Alexander<br />
Galt did not buy "Nicholas Sheran's mine". He and Elliott made a trip out here (Elliott met his<br />
father on the way as he was already stationed here by the federal government in his work with<br />
the Indian Commissioner. This work incidentally is a great way <strong>of</strong> introducing the region's links<br />
to the original treaties. Elliott's job was to meet with First Nations and he travelled extensively<br />
with the NWMP..) Back to the founding <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. The two Galt's toured the Northwest<br />
Territories District <strong>of</strong> Alberta and staked out five claims, which were granted over the winter by<br />
Macdonald's government. The next year, they chose to set up on a claim near the east side <strong>of</strong> the<br />
River. (Nicholas Sheran and Elliott knew each other, but Sheran downed the year before the Galt<br />
mine set up.) I really think getting rid <strong>of</strong> the myths would help the region develop a marketing<br />
plan that would bring researchers, tourists and historians to the regions from all parts <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Commonwealth. The founding <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> was very much part <strong>of</strong> the original vision Sir<br />
Alexander had for the both British North American and the transformation <strong>of</strong> the British Empire<br />
into the a federation <strong>of</strong> Nations. In essence, foreswaw the creation <strong>of</strong> the Commonwealth a good<br />
80 years before it happened. If Macleod gets tourists from the UK , Australia, Europe, Japan --<br />
all seeking to gobble up their history <strong>of</strong> the British Empire, why can't <strong>Lethbridge</strong>? (Why don't we<br />
embrace our heritage? Francophone Canadians would be thrilled to know that the MP from<br />
Sherbrooke founded <strong>Lethbridge</strong> and that in the 1880s, the city had several Quebec families<br />
(French and English speaking) running businesses. The founding <strong>of</strong> towns like Raymond,<br />
Magrath, Cardston all ties in to this. Charles Magrath was a major figure in the creation <strong>of</strong> Water<br />
treaties between Canada and the US. (He also became Elliott's brother in law).<br />
Forgot to mention that Guelph (Wellington and Dufferin counties) in Ontario are directly tied to<br />
the settlement <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. Lots <strong>of</strong> potential visitors from both Guelph and Aryshire, Scotland.<br />
Guelph, founded by the poet John Galt,father <strong>of</strong> Sir Alexander Galt, <strong>of</strong> Aryshire (Town <strong>of</strong><br />
Irving.) Scotland. Galt was a great friend <strong>of</strong> Mohawk Chief, John Brant (son <strong>of</strong> Joseph). He<br />
helped both white and First Nations Canadians get their promised lands and money from the<br />
British Treasury after the War <strong>of</strong> 1812. (Sir Alexander was a published writer at fourteen.)<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> and Sherbrooke streetplans are modelled on Guelph. Many colonial<br />
settlers (including my ancestors) <strong>of</strong> Wellington and Dufferin Counties, came from Aryshire<br />
to Guelph (probably through family contacts.) And many pioneers in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, including J.D,<br />
Higgenbotham, came from Guelph and Wellington Counties. (My Galt book was recently<br />
reviewed in two Wellington County newspapers and since then I've noticed a teeny spike in<br />
sales.) I noticed a great deal <strong>of</strong> interest in Alberta history.
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> would be wise to gain ground in the 'green' evolution for our health and that <strong>of</strong> the<br />
planet: encourage wildflower growth in the boulevards, incentives for xerioscaping, innovative<br />
control <strong>of</strong> water consumption...most especially that used for watering lawns ( perhaps this needs<br />
to be banned), incentives for household composting. And <strong>Lethbridge</strong> needs to hang on to its<br />
'small town(city)' appeal through more downtown events and gatherings. Wouldn't it be great to<br />
see the Galt Gardens used each weekend <strong>of</strong> the warm season for outdoor plays, music,etc. And I<br />
want to congratulate the city for placing the water park there as it is a delight to sit under a tree<br />
and watch as generational and cross cultural mixes enjoy it.<br />
Our city really lacks in the ‘green’ area. The recycling centres around the city are ridiculously<br />
over-used. Why not embrace a program such as that in Kelowna. They pay lower taxes than we<br />
do and still seem to have better services. They have three bins – black for regular garbage, blue<br />
for recycling and green for yard waste. This would eliminate people from having to drive gasguzzling<br />
trucks to the recycling centres to unload. And it might encourage people to recycle<br />
more. Kelowna also provides its citizens with a yearly wall-type calendar listing area garbage<br />
pick-up days and other city service information including what can/cannot be recycled, listings<br />
for local bottle depots, and city service phone numbers.<br />
Sometimes it feels like the city planners have forgotten how hard others in the older communities<br />
have worked for and on their homes and neighbourhoods. I’ve seen a few instances where a<br />
well-taken care <strong>of</strong> low-density neighbourhood has had a duplex or fourplex dropped right into<br />
the middle <strong>of</strong> it and that property stops being taken care <strong>of</strong> because it’s now become a rental<br />
property, but the city has approved the zoning for it. This lowers the property values for all the<br />
homes in the neighbourhood. If the city feels it can do this, then they also need to reassess all the<br />
taxes for the homes in that area and lower those taxes. I also question the city’s gung-ho push on<br />
low-income/rental properties in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. One look at the Herald shows you tones <strong>of</strong> rental<br />
properties are available!
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 14
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
Recommendations to Encourage Bicycle Use in <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
For: submission to the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, <strong>City</strong> Circles<br />
Topic <strong>of</strong> Interest: planning considerations for encouraging cycling as a relevant urban<br />
transportation choice in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. The identification <strong>of</strong> what are perceived to be barriers to the<br />
expanded use <strong>of</strong> bicycles as a means <strong>of</strong> transportation; and some suggestions for inclusion in a<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Municipal Development Plan that might aid in removing those barriers.<br />
By: The Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
bikebridge@shaw.ca<br />
Submitted: August 23, 2009<br />
This report is also available on the internet, comments and suggestions are welcomed there:<br />
http://sites.google.com/site/bikebridgecc/
Introduction<br />
The primary purpose <strong>of</strong> the Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle 1 (Bikebridge) is to encourage more use<br />
<strong>of</strong> bicycles in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. To do this, Bikebridge has identified what are believed to be at least<br />
some <strong>of</strong> the reasons why bicycles are not more in use within our city. With these reasons in<br />
mind, we captured some ideas that might aid in countering these barriers and encourage more<br />
citizens to become cyclists. Bikebridge has combined many <strong>of</strong> these ideas into a set <strong>of</strong><br />
recommendations. This review is undertaken with the hope that the recommendations, in some<br />
form, might be included in a <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Municipal Development Plan. 2<br />
It should be noted that, although Bikebridge would not discourage any bicycle use, our view is<br />
focused on the bicycle as a means <strong>of</strong> urban transportation, a vehicular alternative to the<br />
automobile. This would include the use <strong>of</strong> a bicycle for utilitarian purposes as a supplement to<br />
the private automobile or to public transit. It is the use <strong>of</strong> a bicycle, at least some <strong>of</strong> the time, for<br />
commuting to and from one's place <strong>of</strong> employment or learning, running errands, attending<br />
events, or visiting with friends and family.<br />
Within the context <strong>of</strong> this review a bicycle is defined as: a self powered ridden vehicle including<br />
two-wheeled cycles, tricycles, quad-wheeled cycles and trailers attachable to any <strong>of</strong> these. Issues<br />
and recommendations may also be relevant for E-bikes 3 and even inline skate users but<br />
Bikebridge has not looked specifically at issues or <strong>of</strong>fered recommendations for these.<br />
Within the Barriers to Cycling section (Part 2), Bikebridge provides a list or a "brainstorm” 4 <strong>of</strong><br />
what are considered barriers to bicycle use in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. This list is provided within the context<br />
<strong>of</strong> what are believed to be the primary barriers at issue: safety, security and physical.<br />
Within the Removing Barriers to Cycling section (Part 3), Bikebridge provides a list <strong>of</strong> ideas that<br />
form the basis for its recommendations the essence <strong>of</strong> which might, in some form, be<br />
incorporated into a longer-term Municipal Plan. As with the barriers, these ideas (and resulting<br />
recommendations) may well address a combination <strong>of</strong> issues: from safety, to security to the<br />
physical.<br />
The Summary Report (Part 1) which follows is Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle recommendations<br />
for potentially lessening barriers to cycling and encouraging bicycle use. These are actions we<br />
believe, if adopted, can facilitate the use <strong>of</strong> bicycles for utilitarian purposes in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 3
Part 1: Summary Report<br />
The Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle wants to encourage more bicycle use in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. Why?<br />
Simply put, the bicycle <strong>of</strong>fers us all opportunities at improved wellbeing. Riding a bike can be<br />
exhilarating; it slows us down and awakes our awareness to our connection to the earth and each<br />
other. From a bicycle's more human scale we see, smell, hear and feel the neighbourhood's real<br />
beauty. Cycling builds and maintains fitness, for the cyclist and the community.<br />
Bikebridge holds the premise that if, as a community, we can reduce or remove barriers that keep<br />
us from first exploring the use <strong>of</strong> a bicycle and then actually using one, we can improve our lives<br />
and those <strong>of</strong> our neighbours. We think that is what community is all about.<br />
The Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle has identified what are considered barriers to bicycle use and a<br />
list <strong>of</strong> ideas that might serve to remove or at least reduce those barriers. Based on our list <strong>of</strong><br />
ideas we have created recommendations that we hope, at least in their essence, can be integrated<br />
into a <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Municipal Development Plan.<br />
We believe the barriers to using bicycles in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> have mostly to do with our safety, our<br />
security and demands on fitness. When we consider making a trip on a bike our first<br />
consideration might be whether or not there is a safe route to and from our destination. Our<br />
attention might then shift to our ability to physically make the trip, the difficulty <strong>of</strong> the route.<br />
And we wonder, once we arrive, will there be a place to secure our bike and the things we will<br />
take with us or acquire en route. How will I feel, how will I look when I get there?<br />
At the outset, Bikebridge recognizes that the community has limited ability to apply resources to<br />
any public activity, whether for infrastructure or services, but we also believe that significant<br />
investments are almost always necessary if real improvement, actual change can be expected.<br />
Put another way, Bikebridge believes once the essence <strong>of</strong> our recommendations are given<br />
consideration, their merits will be evident.<br />
Here are our recommendations:<br />
1. Create a Bicycle Advisory Group<br />
Facilitate the creation and ongoing operation <strong>of</strong> a community bicycling advisory group that<br />
would provide input and advice to <strong>City</strong> administrators, <strong>City</strong> Council, businesses and<br />
individuals. The primary roll <strong>of</strong> the group would be to provide the cyclist’s perspective on <strong>City</strong><br />
infrastructure projects including bikeway 5 , bike route 6 , bike lane location 7 and standards. It<br />
would have input into the development and maintenance <strong>of</strong> bicycling security standards, and<br />
cycling related bylaws. Input provided by the group would be on an advisory basis only. The<br />
group could provide suggestions to businesses wishing to <strong>of</strong>fer better services to cyclists as well<br />
as directly to cyclists.<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 4
Bikebridge believes that the need to reduce barriers to cycling in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> will be ongoing.<br />
New ideas to mitigate barriers will evolve both as a result <strong>of</strong> changes to the way the community<br />
approaches developments and by the growth in the number <strong>of</strong> people cycling as a transportation<br />
alternative. The bicycle users’ perspective is essential to the elimination <strong>of</strong> barriers to cycling<br />
and the growth <strong>of</strong> bicycle use in our community. More thoughts on a Bicycle Advisory Group<br />
(BAG) are explored in the notes 8 .<br />
In the context <strong>of</strong> Municipal Planning, the Bicycle Advisory Group could provide a key link<br />
between planners and cyclists ensuring that municipal projects and programs contain the<br />
elements that will continue the growth <strong>of</strong> bicycle use in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
2. Establish Cycling Route criteria<br />
Establish criteria for selecting a network <strong>of</strong> recommended cycling routes throughout the city.<br />
Criteria would be developed and maintained in the context <strong>of</strong> established safety, security and<br />
physical standards and would provide a means for the selection <strong>of</strong> the best overall routes for<br />
cyclists to get about the city. Considerable input from cyclists would be required on an ongoing<br />
basis to ensure the network <strong>of</strong> routes provides city wide coverage.<br />
In the context <strong>of</strong> Municipal Planning, the cycling route criteria should be an important element in<br />
planning roadways, development areas and the placement <strong>of</strong> public facilities. Routing criteria<br />
would form the basis for determining the location <strong>of</strong> bikeways 5 and bike lanes 7 .<br />
3. Establish Bicycle Security Standards<br />
Establish a set <strong>of</strong> requirements for providing parking facilities for bicycles and minimum<br />
standards for bike racks. Undertake to establish both by-law requirements for the provision <strong>of</strong><br />
adequate parking for cyclists and an ongoing public awareness initiative emphasizing the need to<br />
provide and use bike racks. A program <strong>of</strong> replacing all existing sub-standard bike rack<br />
installations at all public facilities should be undertaken with immediacy. 25<br />
In the context <strong>of</strong> Municipal Planning, the security <strong>of</strong> bicycles, cyclists and their possessions<br />
should be included as an important element <strong>of</strong> any new public facility and should form part <strong>of</strong><br />
the approval mechanism for private developments.<br />
4. Establish Cycling Information Program<br />
Implement ongoing public awareness programs explaining the rights and responsibilities <strong>of</strong><br />
both cyclists and motorists as vehicle operators. The program should include periodic<br />
campaigns on the value <strong>of</strong> using a bicycle, using bicycle routes and bicycle security. Programs<br />
could be extended to include in-school education and public workshops on bicycle operating and<br />
maintenance skills.<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 5
In the context <strong>of</strong> Municipal Planning, the impact on the value to cyclists should be included<br />
when soliciting public input for proposed developments or projects. Announcements and public<br />
information (websites, mail-outs) with respect to new developments should include reference to<br />
considerations included to encourage use <strong>of</strong> bicycles.<br />
5. Build an East-West Connector Bikeway<br />
Construct a minimum grade bikeway providing a direct cycling link between the University <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> and Downtown <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. The bikeway could make use <strong>of</strong> the existing bikepedestrian<br />
causeway and make the climb on either side <strong>of</strong> the valley based on either switchback<br />
construction or a long gradual accent to the east side <strong>of</strong> the University and to downtown access<br />
point west <strong>of</strong> Galt Gardens.<br />
Existing grades on all routes through the river valley <strong>of</strong>fer the cyclist a considerable challenge in<br />
terms <strong>of</strong> the overall grade and there are some very steep sections which are a direct barrier to<br />
making full use <strong>of</strong> a bicycle in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. 29<br />
In the context <strong>of</strong> Municipal Planning, the East-West Connector should be addressed early on, as<br />
a high priority. A close second priority would be for a North <strong>Lethbridge</strong>-Downtown bikeway<br />
connector and a North <strong>Lethbridge</strong>-Southeast <strong>Lethbridge</strong> connector.<br />
Bikebridge believes that this project would serve to assemble and bring to light all the elements<br />
necessary to bring about a reduction to the barriers keeping us from making the bicycle a serious<br />
transportation choice in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. 9<br />
1 David Cieslewicz, Mayor, Madison, Wisconsin<br />
“A city that’s good to bike in<br />
is a city that’s good to live in” 1<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 6
Part 2: Barriers to Cycling<br />
For this review, the reasons individuals do not choose the bicycle for at least some <strong>of</strong> their<br />
transportation requirements are referred to as barriers to cycling.<br />
Of course the primary barrier to cycling, for most citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, is simply that the<br />
private automobile is synonymous with transportation. <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has abundant efficient<br />
roadways, "free" parking and until recently cheap fuel, making the car the obvious choice. And<br />
relative to other urban areas, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is widely dispersed 10 making services, recreation<br />
facilities, shopping and employment areas, for the most part, far removed from where we live.<br />
Frequent daily auto trips are the prevailing strategy <strong>of</strong> many if not most.<br />
It is not the intent <strong>of</strong> this review to discredit the automobile, but it is important to recognize that<br />
there is an emerging awareness <strong>of</strong> the negatives <strong>of</strong> the overuse <strong>of</strong> the car, both for individuals<br />
and the community. These negatives include reduced overall personal health and obesity, traffic<br />
congestion, noise, reduced personal safety, air and water pollution, greenhouse gases, and a<br />
spiralling personal and community indebtedness. 11 An awareness <strong>of</strong> these externalities points to<br />
a need to find the means to reduce car use.<br />
The negatives <strong>of</strong> automobile use will eventually become a reality for many. That is, more and<br />
more we will seek alternatives for at least some <strong>of</strong> our transportation requirements. But even in<br />
that reality, what might continue to keep people from choosing the bicycle?<br />
Assuming that use <strong>of</strong> a bicycle is an option (sufficient physical and mental capacity) Bikebridge<br />
believes there are three main reasons why <strong>Lethbridge</strong> citizens would not (or do not now) choose<br />
a bicycle for at least some <strong>of</strong> their typical transportation requirements. Safety (cycling in this<br />
city is unsafe), security (bikes are always being stolen), and physical fitness (it is just too<br />
demanding to use a bicycle). More experienced cyclists might consider some <strong>of</strong> the issues<br />
expressed around these main barriers more "urban legends" then actual barriers, but Bikebridge<br />
believes they are nevertheless substantial enough to discourage bicycle use. That is to say, once<br />
an individual becomes a "cyclist" some <strong>of</strong> what was previously considered barriers dissipates-some<br />
does not.<br />
A. Safety Barriers<br />
In the context <strong>of</strong> this review, safety refers to the perception (or reality) that riding a bicycle is a<br />
more dangerous way to get about in the city then the alternatives: the private auto, public<br />
transportation, or walking. In the extreme, use <strong>of</strong> a bicycle is believed dangerous. Bikebridge<br />
agrees that there are aspects <strong>of</strong> cycling within <strong>Lethbridge</strong> considered unsafe, but all that made<br />
our list result from either a lack <strong>of</strong> understanding about bicycle use or inadequate roadway and<br />
bikeway design and maintenance.<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 7
1. Awareness <strong>of</strong> traffic rules as they relate to the bicycle<br />
Bikebridge believes much <strong>of</strong> what may be considered unsafe stems largely from a lack <strong>of</strong><br />
awareness <strong>of</strong> how the bicycle fits within the context <strong>of</strong> our transportation infrastructure. This<br />
lack <strong>of</strong> awareness is evident both by cyclists and other roadway users.<br />
a. Bicycle as Vehicle - Many cyclists seem to be unaware that the bicycle is considered a<br />
vehicle under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act 12 or if aware, choose to operate outside the<br />
established rules. Cyclists are <strong>of</strong>ten observed riding on walkways 13 or, if on the roadway,<br />
against the traffic on the wrong side.<br />
b. Cyclists at Intersections - Roadway cyclists appear most at odds with the correct (legal)<br />
procedures at roadway intersections including where to position the bicycle when turning or<br />
proceeding through the intersection. This is likely equally true <strong>of</strong> motorists (relative to the<br />
bicycle).<br />
c. Motorists equate cyclists with pedestrians - Motorists also appear unaware <strong>of</strong> the status <strong>of</strong><br />
the bicycle operator. Bikebridge has observed many instances <strong>of</strong> motorists yielding to cyclists<br />
waiting to cross at controlled intersections (as if they were pedestrians). 22<br />
d. Bikeway intersection with roadway - Perhaps an area least understood by both cyclists and<br />
motorists, is the rules and roles <strong>of</strong> each at points where designated bikeways intersect with or<br />
converge into roadways. 14<br />
e. Off Limits to Cyclist Roadways - Bikebridge believes that designating some specific<br />
roadways as <strong>of</strong>f-limits to bicycle may serve to reinforce the view that the bicycle and<br />
automobiles do not mix - creating unsafe conditions (mainly for the cyclist) and encouraging<br />
cyclists to ride sidewalks elsewhere. 15<br />
2. Roadway and Bikeway design<br />
Much <strong>of</strong> what contributes to safety as a barrier to bicycle use is a direct result <strong>of</strong> roadway and<br />
bikeway design. All major or arterial roadways and indeed most new residential areas in<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> are designed to accommodate motorized vehicles. From turning lanes, to parking,<br />
to traffic signals, the use <strong>of</strong> a bicycle as a vehicle has received little consideration. 16<br />
a. Traffic Signal Activation - Many signalized intersections in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> are activated by the<br />
presence <strong>of</strong> a vehicle through roadway sensors. Many <strong>of</strong> these sensors do not detect the<br />
presence <strong>of</strong> a bicycle which leaves the cyclists to: wait for a larger vehicle to approach and<br />
activate the signal, dismount and attempt to activate a pedestrian signal (if one is provided),<br />
ride on the sidewalk in order to access the pedestrian signal or ride through the red light. The<br />
later two result in potentially unsafe solutions.<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 8
. Traffic Signal Timing - Many traffic signals, particularly for crossings at major roadways,<br />
once activated provide insufficient time for many cyclists to clear the intersection before<br />
traffic resumes.<br />
c. Stop signs - On many roadways which could be considered desirable cycling routes 17 , stop<br />
signs are <strong>of</strong>ten placed such that cyclists must make frequent stops. From the perspective <strong>of</strong><br />
many cyclists, momentum is valued and many are tempted to either avoid using the otherwise<br />
desirable route or not always adhering to the required complete stop.<br />
d. Narrow or non-existent cycling space - Roadways without sufficient cycling space (right<br />
shoulder area remaining after space for parked vehicles) which are otherwise the better or<br />
effectively the only cycling route, are a considerable safety challenge to the bicycle rider.<br />
This unsafe condition is worsened where an otherwise sufficient shoulder disappears as a<br />
result <strong>of</strong> the placement <strong>of</strong> a right turn lane, traffic island, construction barrier, surface damage<br />
or parked vehicles. 18<br />
h. Speed limits - Vehicle maximum speed limits on many desirable non-arterial road cycling<br />
routes, particularly where the roadway is narrow, can result in an unsafe cycling condition.<br />
Narrow residential roadways require the cyclist to take more to the road's centre in order to<br />
avoid the car "door zone" which can result in conflicts with motorists traveling at or over 50<br />
kilometres per hour.<br />
i. Bikeway intersections - Most, if not all, provided bikeways 19 run parallel to major or arterial<br />
roadways and are therefore frequently intersected with access roads. Neither the cyclist nor<br />
the motorist is advised <strong>of</strong> their responsibility at these crossings resulting in a guessing game as<br />
to who has the right <strong>of</strong> way. Also, location <strong>of</strong> bikeways so as to intersect at major roadway<br />
intersections <strong>of</strong>ten requires the cyclist to cross right and left turn lanes as well as through<br />
lanes. A particularly unsafe condition results from right turn lanes when the cyclist is<br />
traveling in the same direction as a turning vehicle.<br />
j. Bikeway curb cuts – On most bikeways, concrete curb cuts (bikeway crossing roadways)<br />
with a 2 to 5 cm concrete lip can be slippery for bicycles with narrower tires, particular when<br />
ice forms in the low spots resulting from this type <strong>of</strong> contraction. An example <strong>of</strong> this can be<br />
found all along Mayor Magrath Drive South.<br />
k. Bikeway ending (convergence) - Virtually all bikeways terminate in ways that encourage<br />
cyclists to make unsafe choices. The cyclist <strong>of</strong>ten finds herself on the opposite side <strong>of</strong> a major<br />
roadway or at a major signalized intersection with no continuation <strong>of</strong> the bikeway beyond that<br />
point. Upon reaching the top <strong>of</strong> Whoop Up Drive at Scenic Drive, the cyclist is first ushered<br />
onto a sidewalk and then left at the signalized intersection at 5 th Avenue South.<br />
l. Motor vehicle parking - Bikebridge recognizes the requirement for vehicle parking but the<br />
type <strong>of</strong> parking provided can greatly increase (or decrease) risks for cyclists. Angle parking<br />
provides an unsafe condition in locations where roadway width does not afford the cyclist a<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 9
view <strong>of</strong> backing vehicles (or the motorist a view <strong>of</strong> an approaching cyclist). Cyclist safety is<br />
also jeopardized where parallel parking on narrow roads results in inadequate space to avoid<br />
car doors (door zone). Parking <strong>of</strong> any type where there are also driveways, such as residential<br />
areas with front facing garages, can result in particularly unsafe cycling conditions.<br />
3. Roadway and Bikeway Maintenance<br />
Irrespective <strong>of</strong> road or bikeway design, the surface condition <strong>of</strong> the area available to the<br />
cyclist has a considerable impact on safety particularly when combined with rider<br />
inexperience with obstacle avoidance. These surface conditions, on roadways (shoulders) and<br />
bikeways, results in unsafe conditions mostly because the cyclist’s attention is diverted from<br />
traffic considerations.<br />
a. Debris - The presence <strong>of</strong> broken glass, sand, gravel from adjacent laneways, oil and auto<br />
parts within the cycling zone.<br />
b. Surface conditions - Pavement breaks, potholes, storm catch basins, water valves and<br />
manhole covers within cycling zones.<br />
c. Ice and snow - Ice and snow result in unsafe cycling conditions when left unplowed and an<br />
even more unsafe condition where snow is plowed into the available cycling zone.<br />
4. Other<br />
There are likely many more situations and conditions that can result in unsafe (apparent or<br />
real) conditions for cyclists including those directly related to the cyclist.<br />
a. Cycling equipment - Many cyclists choose not to use equipment that may improve the<br />
cycling safety experience including: mirrors, bells, reflectors, lights, fenders and an adequate<br />
means to carry items (baskets, panniers, carriers or backpacks).<br />
b. Mechanical condition - The condition <strong>of</strong> the cyclist’s vehicle can have a significant bearing<br />
on the degree <strong>of</strong> safety. Adequate brakes, sound tires, secure and unworn components are<br />
essential.<br />
c. Physical conditioning - Having a level <strong>of</strong> conditioning adequate to maintain a reasonable<br />
cycling pace can have considerable bearing on creating safe cycling experiences. A cyclist's<br />
ability to navigate within traffic situations is at times the greatest safety asset. Reaction and<br />
avoidance are key.<br />
B. Security Barriers<br />
Security in the context <strong>of</strong> this review refers to the view that using a bicycle does not afford an<br />
acceptable level <strong>of</strong> defence against theft or safeguards to wellbeing. “Security Barriers”,<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 10
primarily relate to issues <strong>of</strong> theft (and vandalism) <strong>of</strong> the bicycle itself and the cyclist's<br />
possessions, as well as issues <strong>of</strong> personal security.<br />
1. Security <strong>of</strong> the Bicycle and Possessions<br />
Bikebridge believes that the threat <strong>of</strong> theft and vandalism <strong>of</strong> the bicycle (and possessions)<br />
presents a considerable barrier to cycling in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. This is believed so because there are<br />
very few adequate security facilities. The absence <strong>of</strong> these facilities also misses an<br />
opportunity to signal that using a bicycle to come "here" is an option.<br />
a. Absence <strong>of</strong> Adequate Bike Racks - Perhaps the most obvious security issue is the almost<br />
complete lack <strong>of</strong> bicycle racks (for relatively short term lockup) throughout the city. This is<br />
the case at most businesses but there is an almost complete absence <strong>of</strong> adequate lockup<br />
security at public facilities including: the library, police station, city hall, pools, arenas, parks,<br />
concert halls, court house, provincial and federal buildings, hospital and public schools. 20<br />
b. Absence <strong>of</strong> security at events - The provision <strong>of</strong> secure bicycle parking, such as "coat<br />
check" compounds, at major public events including: annual fairs, farmers' markets, concerts,<br />
air shows is rare to none-existent.<br />
c. No Backpack Policy - There are several, particularly retail, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> businesses that do<br />
not allow their customers to carry a bag, bike panniers or backpacks within their store. This is<br />
a considerable issue for the cyclist with no viably secure alternative but to carry possessions<br />
(including items purchased elsewhere) with them. Leaving possessions with a clerk does not,<br />
in most cases, improve the cyclist’s perception <strong>of</strong> security.<br />
d. Bicycle Recovery Program - Bikebridge believes the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> (Police) does not<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer an adequate program for reporting and tracking bicycle theft, or for the return <strong>of</strong><br />
recovered bicycles.<br />
2. Security <strong>of</strong> Self (personal wellbeing)<br />
Bikebridge believes that one <strong>of</strong> the major attractions <strong>of</strong> the private automobile is that it <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
an enclosed, climate controlled space. Occupants <strong>of</strong> the car tend to extend this to include<br />
security from other externalities including the unwanted advances <strong>of</strong> others. As the bicycle by<br />
design is an "open" vehicle, this type <strong>of</strong> security is not possible; but there are other barriers to<br />
cycling security that could be at least partially mitigated.<br />
a. Bikeway locations and lighting - There are bikeway sections located within fairly heavily<br />
wooded and relative remote locations 21 . Other sections are located where there is a significant<br />
exposure to wind gusts and drifted snow. There are also sections <strong>of</strong> bikeways that are<br />
inadequately illuminated.<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 11
C. Physical (Fitness) Barriers<br />
The Bikebridge review <strong>of</strong> the physical barriers to cycling focuses on the perception that there is a<br />
relatively high level <strong>of</strong> personal fitness necessary to use a bicycle. For some this translates into<br />
any bicycle use while for others it is related to more specific cycling routes. There is also a<br />
prevailing view that using a bicycle lends one less attractive, sometimes referred to as the<br />
"helmet hair" syndrome, but extends to perceptions about required dress and gear.<br />
1. Physical fitness barriers<br />
While it is accurate to suggest riding a bicycle does require a degree <strong>of</strong> fitness, and although<br />
the level <strong>of</strong> that fitness is generally overestimated particularly by non-cyclists, there is<br />
geography in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> that can require a significant effort.<br />
a. River Valley grades - Traversing the river valley by bicycle requires a relatively high<br />
degree <strong>of</strong> fitness, particularly for the occasional cyclist. The river valley likely represents the<br />
single most relevant direct barrier to accommodate cycling universally throughout the city.<br />
b. Chinook winds - Gusting west winds, particular from late fall through spring can create a<br />
barrier for cycling east to west anywhere within the city but in combination with the river<br />
valley can be a deterrent to all but the best conditioned cyclist.<br />
2. Personal appearance barriers<br />
The physical requirements <strong>of</strong> some cycling routes, and the desire to improve ones security by<br />
wearing a bike helmet, have the potential to affect perceptions around physical appearance<br />
and result in barriers to cycling.<br />
a.. Change facilities - Most employers do not <strong>of</strong>fer employees, who may commute by bicycle,<br />
sufficient facilities in which to change clothing or shower. Most public buildings do not <strong>of</strong>fer<br />
the cyclist sufficient facilities to change from weather-protective clothing or to tidy up after<br />
riding to the facility.<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 12
Part 3: Removing Barriers to Cycling<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle has developed some ideas we believe may contribute toward<br />
<strong>of</strong>fsetting or even eliminating barriers to increased bicycle use in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. Bikebridge has<br />
formed this "list <strong>of</strong> ideas" relative to what we developed in Part 2, Barriers to Cycling. This list<br />
<strong>of</strong> ideas is the grounding or basis for the formation <strong>of</strong> the recommendations <strong>of</strong>fered by<br />
Bikebridge as outlined in the Summary Report, Part 1.<br />
A. Safety Ideas<br />
1. Awareness <strong>of</strong> traffic rules as relative to the bicycle<br />
Reducing barriers to cycling through improved awareness and understanding <strong>of</strong> the bicycle as<br />
a rightful and legal vehicle on community roadways is an essential and ongoing process.<br />
Bikebridge has some ideas on how this might be undertaken:<br />
a. Implement an ongoing public awareness (advertising) campaign that communicates that<br />
bicycles (operated by adults) are valid roadway vehicles both from a legal and pragmatic<br />
perspective. This could include messaging aimed specifically at cyclists and messaging aimed<br />
specifically at motorists.<br />
b. Installation <strong>of</strong> roadway signs in key locations reminding cyclists to use the road (also<br />
reminding motorists that cyclists use the road). Some communities have implemented "share<br />
the road" signage in key locations. Apply bike icon markings on turn lanes (and through<br />
lanes) indicating the correct position for cyclists at various key intersections.<br />
c. Encourage the inclusion <strong>of</strong> bicycle traffic rule education within <strong>Lethbridge</strong> schools.<br />
d. Develop and <strong>of</strong>fer bicycle riding and roadway operating courses or camps for both children<br />
and adults.<br />
e. Develop a series <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> unique and recognizable bikeway signs. Erecting signs<br />
where bikeways intersect with roadways would serve to both designate the location <strong>of</strong><br />
bikeways and highlight the rules and responsibilities <strong>of</strong> both cyclists and motorists. Further<br />
improvements would include the addition <strong>of</strong> bicycle icons within crossing points to develop<br />
and maintain an awareness <strong>of</strong> the purpose <strong>of</strong> these crossings.<br />
f. Review the rationale for designating specific roadways as <strong>of</strong>f-limits to cyclists. Consider<br />
adding bike lanes; share the road signs and roadway markings instead <strong>of</strong> separated bikeways<br />
particularly where cyclists also require access to businesses and services along both sides <strong>of</strong><br />
that roadway.<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 13
2. Roadway and Bikeway design<br />
The provision <strong>of</strong> adequate infrastructure for cycling is likely the single most effective way <strong>of</strong><br />
removing barriers and encouraging the use <strong>of</strong> bicycles. Improvements to existing roadways<br />
and bikeways as well as the creation and maintenance <strong>of</strong> high standards will improve safety<br />
for both motorists and cyclists and encourage many more citizens to use a bicycle.<br />
a. Ensure that all road surface traffic signal activation systems are sufficiently sensitive to be<br />
activated by a bicycle and/or add specific activation loops or push buttons for cyclists. Add<br />
bicycle icons in locations where the cyclist should place her bike in order to activate the<br />
signal. 22<br />
b. Ensure that the crossing phase at signalized intersections provide a sufficient interval to<br />
allow a cyclist to cross from a stopped position.<br />
c. At locations where bikeways terminate or cross at major roadways, install a specific bike<br />
crossing phase initiated by the cyclist (similar to pedestrian crossing phase).<br />
d. Where designated bike routes and bike lanes cross major roadways at un-signalized<br />
locations, install cyclist activated crossing lights (similar to pedestrian crossing corridors).<br />
Include appropriate signage to warn motorists <strong>of</strong> the designated bicycle crossing. 23<br />
e. Limit the number <strong>of</strong> stop and yield signs along designated bike routes and roadways with<br />
bike lanes.<br />
f. On roadways that provide the best or the only route for cyclists, ensure there is adequate<br />
roadway shoulder space (bike lanes). Reduce motor vehicle lane widths, expand total road<br />
width or remove vehicle parking as necessary. In conjunction, develop a standard for new<br />
roadways that includes a specified cycling travel area.<br />
g. Relocate traffic islands (right and left turn bays) to provide sufficient space for through<br />
cyclists or design (reconstruct existing) islands such that they do not form a cycling barrier.<br />
h. Where temporary traffic barriers are installed for purposes <strong>of</strong> roadway maintenance and<br />
repair and motorized traffic is still permitted, provision should also be made to allow cyclists<br />
to traverse the area without conflicting with motorized traffic.<br />
i. On non-arterial roadways designated as bike routes, particularly where the roadway is<br />
narrow, reduce the speed limit to 30 kilometres per hour or less.<br />
f. Develop criteria for establishing a series <strong>of</strong> designated bike routes throughout the city.<br />
Develop maps, brochures and websites informing cyclists <strong>of</strong> these routes.<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 14
g. Develop criteria for establishing a series <strong>of</strong> bike lanes along main or arterial roads<br />
throughout the city. Develop maps, brochures and websites informing cyclists <strong>of</strong> the location<br />
<strong>of</strong> these lanes.<br />
h. Designate school zones also as children bicycle zones with interesting signs and roadway<br />
markings.<br />
3. Roadway and Bikeway maintenance<br />
Improved standards for the maintenance <strong>of</strong> both bikeways and the cycling areas on roadways<br />
could have a considerable impact both on improving safety and on removing barriers to<br />
bicycle use.<br />
a. Develop and implement a standard for sweeping, cleaning, removing snow and repairing<br />
the surfaces <strong>of</strong> bikeways and roadway shoulders on designated bike routes and bike lanes.<br />
b. Consider the location <strong>of</strong> manholes, water valves and storm grates within the criteria for<br />
selecting designated bike routes and bike lanes.<br />
c. Include within design standards for new roadways, a cycling zone that is free <strong>of</strong> utility<br />
access points and storm drainage devices.<br />
d. Update roadway snow ploughing and removal procedures to ensure that snow is not<br />
ploughed onto designated bike route shoulders or bike lanes.<br />
4. Other Ideas<br />
Some other ideas for reducing the cycling safety barriers are:<br />
a. Implement a campaign and programs aimed at creating awareness on the proper use <strong>of</strong><br />
bicycle equipment.<br />
b. In conjunction with local bicycle shops, develop a <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Safe Cycling Pack<br />
which could include a bike bell, mirror and reflectors as well as route maps, cycling rules<br />
book, etc. The pack could sell at a nominal price or be part <strong>of</strong> a sponsor/city partnership giveaway.<br />
c. Encourage the development <strong>of</strong> bicycle maintenance and repair workshops through local<br />
High Schools, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> College and the University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. Students could be<br />
encouraged to volunteer their skills to teach others basic bicycle maintenance.<br />
d. Encourage and support development <strong>of</strong> a bike maintenance and repair cooperative where<br />
members can rent shop space, bike repair stands and tools, as well as receive onsite guidance<br />
from co-op volunteers. The co-op could also help young people gain bicycle repairs skills<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 15
and experience by reconditioning older donated bicycles for redistribution in the city or<br />
overseas.<br />
B. Security Ideas<br />
1. Security <strong>of</strong> Bicycle and Possessions<br />
Bikebridge ideas for reducing security risks to the cyclist in terms <strong>of</strong> their bicycle and<br />
possessions are:<br />
a. Establish a bylaw outlining a minimum standard for bicycle parking devices (bike racks).<br />
This bylaw should apply whether or not a business or facility is required to provide parking<br />
for cyclists. That is, if a business provides bicycle parking, whether or not it is required to do<br />
so under bylaw, it must be to the minimum standard.<br />
b. Establish a recommended standard, including build ready specifications, for bicycle parking<br />
(bike racks) that could be installed by a business wishing to attract customers on bicycles. 24<br />
c. Require the removal and replacement <strong>of</strong> any currently installed bike rack (public and<br />
private) that does not meet the minimum standard. 25<br />
d. Establish a minimum bicycle parking provision standard applicable to all public facilities<br />
and private businesses licensed within the <strong>City</strong>. Where a business or facility is required to<br />
provide a minimum number <strong>of</strong> motor vehicle parking stalls, that business should also be<br />
required to provide a minimum number <strong>of</strong> bicycle rack stalls based on a determined formula<br />
(for example, one bicycle parking rack for every ten car stalls, or at lease one bicycle rack if<br />
any other parking is required). This same standard could apply to all businesses and public<br />
facilities that provide car parking regardless <strong>of</strong> whether or not that parking is a requirement.<br />
e. Encourage organizations holding major events within the city, typically in temporary<br />
locations, to provide secure compounds for patrons who cycle to that event. Where the event<br />
requires a permit or license from the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, provision <strong>of</strong> bicycle security should<br />
be an included condition.<br />
f. Require, under a bylaw, that any business or establishment that maintains a policy<br />
disallowing patrons from carrying bags, panniers, backpacks or similar containers on their<br />
premises, must provide suitable lockers to secure carried possessions.<br />
g. Establish a bicycle registration system or participate in a national bike registration<br />
program. 26<br />
h. Establish a fine for damaging a bike rack or a bicycle or for taking a bicycle unlawfully that<br />
is at least as substantial as the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> fine for applying graffiti 27 . Post signs on or<br />
near publicly provided bike racks warning <strong>of</strong> the fine. Possibly provide a portion <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 16
proceeds <strong>of</strong> fines to citizens observing and reporting bike damage or theft. Possibly create a<br />
fund to help defer the cost <strong>of</strong> replacing stolen and damaged bicycles and damaged bike racks.<br />
2. Security <strong>of</strong> Self<br />
Ideas for lessening barriers resulting from remote or dark cycling locations are:<br />
a. As part <strong>of</strong> broader bike lane and bike route standards and initiatives, provide adequate (safe<br />
and direct) alternatives to bikeways that are less secure due to their remoteness or exposure to<br />
wind and drifting.<br />
b. Establish bike route, bikeway and bike lane lighting standards relative to their location to<br />
existing roadway lighting (or the lack there<strong>of</strong>). Where the illumination <strong>of</strong> a cycling area falls<br />
below the established standard, additional or separate lighting should be added.<br />
C. Physical Barrier Ideas<br />
1. Physical fitness<br />
Ideas for managing fitness barriers to cycling are essentially the elimination <strong>of</strong> other barriers<br />
to using a bicycle. Improved fitness is one <strong>of</strong> primary benefits <strong>of</strong> cycling.<br />
a. Promote cycling fitness by encouraging citizens to make use <strong>of</strong> a bicycle instead <strong>of</strong> a car as<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten as possible.<br />
b. Encourage cycling fitness by undertaking to eliminate barriers to using a bicycle in<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
c. Partner with schools to actively encourage children to ride a bicycle to school. 28<br />
d. Create bikeway, bike route and bike lane standards that include utilizing the existing shelter<br />
from west winds provided from trees and structures. Develop a program <strong>of</strong> planting<br />
windbreaks adjacent to exposed bikeways.<br />
e. Create bikeway, bike route and bike lane standards that include maximum allowable total<br />
and short-run grades. 29<br />
f. Establish public transit access at the low points <strong>of</strong> the river valley to allow cyclists to utilize<br />
bus racks for the uphill portion <strong>of</strong> a river valley traverse.<br />
2. Personal appearance<br />
Some ideas that may diminish barriers to cycling resulting from concerns about one’s personal<br />
appearance are:<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 17
a. Encourage employers to consider providing their employees with a change room and<br />
showering facilities.<br />
b. Establish within standards for new public buildings (and recreation facilities) locations for<br />
cyclists to change from and to cycling apparel. Consider including lockers as a part <strong>of</strong> this<br />
standard.<br />
c. Consider adding cyclist change and locker locations in existing public buildings and<br />
recreation facilities.<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 18
Notes<br />
1 One means to involve <strong>Lethbridge</strong> citizens in creation <strong>of</strong> a Municipal Development Plan /Integrated<br />
Community Sustainability Plan is for citizens to create an ad hoc group or a "<strong>City</strong> Circle". Bikebridge<br />
Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle is one such group formed to provide some insight into the barriers to using bicycles as<br />
utilitarian vehicles within <strong>Lethbridge</strong> along with some suggestions that might ultimately be incorporated<br />
into the Municipal Development Plan.<br />
2 The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, Alberta is undertaking the creation <strong>of</strong> the ‘Plan Your <strong>City</strong>’ Municipal<br />
Development Plan /Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (MDP/ICSP) which will become the<br />
primary planning document that maps out the future <strong>of</strong> our city. The final Plan will address such things<br />
as: How and where should the <strong>City</strong> grow, environmental issues and sustainability, new development –<br />
height, density, architecture, social issues and needs, economic development, transportation, parks and<br />
recreation and culture.<br />
3 An E-bike in the review refers to a 2 or 3 wheeled vehicle manufactured to operate only on electric<br />
power and does not refer to a bicycle with a supplemental electric assist device.<br />
4 Brainstorming refers to a group creativity technique designed to generate a number <strong>of</strong> ideas toward the<br />
solution <strong>of</strong> a problem. Bikebridge has also used this technique to generate a list <strong>of</strong> issues (barriers).<br />
5 Bikeways are taken to mean designated paved pathways that are physically separated from roadways<br />
and do not necessarily run parallel to a roadway. Although typically shared with pedestrians, bikeways<br />
are constructed to standards that allow use by cyclists <strong>of</strong> average fitness primarily in terms <strong>of</strong> grades and<br />
exposure to weather elements. Bikeways have control and warning signage and surface markings for<br />
cyclists as well as considerations to facilitate road crossings.<br />
6 Bike Routes refers to established desirable routes providing the cyclist relatively direct access from one<br />
point in the city to another. Routes are desirable in terms <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fering the cyclist directness with emphasis<br />
on and consideration for safety, security and fitness requirements. Bike routes would include<br />
considerations in terms <strong>of</strong> the placement <strong>of</strong> stop signs, traffic lights, vehicle parking and speed limits.<br />
Bike routes would incorporate existing (residential and arterial) roadways, bikeways and bike lanes. Bike<br />
routes would be designated by signs, pavement markings or both and would be identified in published<br />
maps and on websites.<br />
7 Bike Lanes refers to areas on roadways reserved for use by cyclists. Bike lanes would be identified by<br />
pavement lane markings, cycling icons and signage. Bike lanes would typically be included on major and<br />
arterial roadways (higher vehicle speeds and traffic volumes) where use <strong>of</strong> these roadways is necessary in<br />
order to provide an adequate bike route. Traffic signal activation by cyclists, left turn requirements and<br />
placement <strong>of</strong> traffic islands would be included in bike lane design requirements. Bikebridge believes<br />
that, good bike route standards and the development and use <strong>of</strong> quality and direct bikeways could limit<br />
the number <strong>of</strong> roadways with bike lanes.<br />
8 Bicycle Advisory Group (BAG) might have the following aspects:<br />
� A complement <strong>of</strong> between 8 and 12 members with finite and staggered terms<br />
� A chairperson and, or spokesperson elected by groups members<br />
� Group would be independent <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> (select its own members)<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 19
� <strong>City</strong> would provide financial assistance (budget) to conduct meetings and maintain a website<br />
� <strong>City</strong> would provide logistics for such activities as placing advertisements (recruiting members)<br />
� Group would provide written suggestions on any (all) infrastructure projects<br />
� Group would provide written reviews on bicycle related standards (could be asked to initiate<br />
some aspects)<br />
9 Bikebridge believes that establishing a high quality bikeway with minimized grades (under 2 – 3 %) on<br />
both sides <strong>of</strong> the river would serve to greatly enhance use <strong>of</strong> the bicycle in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. It would connect<br />
West <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Citizens to downtown services by bicycle. It would serve to improve access to the<br />
University from East <strong>Lethbridge</strong> for students and provide access by all citizens to shared recreational and<br />
cultural facilities (University field house, sports field, theatre, art galleries, and guest lecturers). It would<br />
build on the Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> ideals.<br />
10 According to Wikipedia, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has a population to area density <strong>of</strong> 607 people per square<br />
kilometre. For comparison Calgary has a density <strong>of</strong> 1,360, Red Deer 1,196, Great Falls, MT 2,909,<br />
Vancouver 5,335, Victoria 4,197, and Manhattan, NY 71,201.<br />
11 The direct cost <strong>of</strong> automobile ownership and operation will continue to be a relatively large portion <strong>of</strong><br />
the family budget. Direct public costs for providing and maintaining roadway infrastructure will likely<br />
increase exponentially as infrastructure ages and the demands for concrete, asphalt and other primary<br />
materials rise. Indirect costs including noise abatement, loss <strong>of</strong> productive land, added expenditures to<br />
deal with air and water contamination, reduced public transit revenues are all expected without some<br />
corresponding reduction in auto use.<br />
12<br />
Alberta Traffic Safety Act: Generally, a person operating a bicycle on a highway has all the rights and<br />
is<br />
subject to all the duties that any vehicle operator has.<br />
Regulation 322/20002<br />
“bicycle” means a cycle propelled solely by human power on which a person may ride that has 2<br />
wheels, and includes a bicycle with training wheels;<br />
No person who is less than 18 years old shall operate or ride as a passenger on a bicycle unless<br />
that person is properly wearing a safety helmet.<br />
A person shall not ride a bicycle at night time unless the bicycle has the following:<br />
(a) at least one headlamp but not more than 2 headlamps;<br />
(b) at least one red tail lamp;<br />
(c) at least one red reflector mounted on the rear.<br />
A person shall not ride a bicycle unless the bicycle has a brake<br />
Regulation 304/2002<br />
Cyclists are required to keep both hands on the handlebars <strong>of</strong> the cycle, except when making a<br />
signal.<br />
Cyclists are not to use the cycle to carry more persons at one time than the number for which the<br />
cycle is designed and equipped.<br />
Cyclists are required to ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge <strong>of</strong> the roadway unless<br />
that person is in the process <strong>of</strong> making a left turn with the cycle. On a one-way highway in an<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 20
urban area ride as near as practicable to either curb or edge <strong>of</strong> the roadway unless crossing from<br />
one curb or edge <strong>of</strong> the roadway to the other.<br />
On a highway that has paved shoulders cyclists are to ride on the right shoulder, or if there is no<br />
paved shoulders ride as far to the right <strong>of</strong> the roadway as practicable unless making a left turn.<br />
Cyclists are not to ride adjacent to another cycle traveling in the same direction except when<br />
overtaking and passing another cycle.<br />
When a cyclist is travelling in the near vicinity <strong>of</strong> and in the same direction as another cycle, he<br />
or she is to ride directly in line with and to the rear or front <strong>of</strong> the other cycle.<br />
13<br />
The current <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Bicycle By-law is #3515 (1986)<br />
Part 4: No person shall ride or use a bicycle:<br />
(1) on any sidewalk or boulevard unless signs permit its use;<br />
(2) in a cemetery;<br />
(3) on a roadway, park or other public place where signs prohibit its use;<br />
(4) on the main roadway <strong>of</strong> Mayor Magrath Drive between 3rd and 24 th Avenues South<br />
(5) on a highway or public place when the roadway is icy, slippery or dangerous for travel<br />
(6) on the Crowsnest Trail from 28th Street South to a point 400 metres West <strong>of</strong> Scenic Drive.<br />
14 An example <strong>of</strong> this can be seen at the end <strong>of</strong> the Scenic Drive South bikeway at 4 th Street South.<br />
15 Cyclists are barred from using Mayor Magrath Drive South from around 3 rd Avenue South to 24 th<br />
Avenue South.<br />
16 The inclusion <strong>of</strong> a separated pathway for pedestrians and cyclists with the reconstruction <strong>of</strong> Mayor<br />
Magrath Drive, South <strong>of</strong> Scenic Drive was part <strong>of</strong> the roadway design. Given that the pathway is located<br />
on just one side <strong>of</strong> the roadway and that each intersection presents safety challenges, it <strong>of</strong>fers the cyclist<br />
(and the pedestrian) little in the way <strong>of</strong> value or convenience.<br />
17 Desirable cycling routes would be those that provided the cyclist a relatively direct, safe and secure<br />
means to travel from one location in the city to another within at least a reasonable level <strong>of</strong> fitness.<br />
18 Stafford Drive North on the north end <strong>of</strong> the Stafford Drive overpass is a good example <strong>of</strong> the roadway<br />
becoming narrow and increasing the risks to cyclists. The south bound side is particularly risky as<br />
cyclists are also required to cycle up a relatively steep incline. Many cyclists have been observed<br />
reverting to the sidewalk on both sides <strong>of</strong> the overpass. The Stafford Drive overpass is a required route<br />
for many cyclists (unless they choose to take a much longer route by using the 13 th Street underpass,<br />
which is not a particularly better cycling experience).<br />
19 Examples <strong>of</strong> bikeways with frequent intersecting access roads include Scenic Drive South, Mayor<br />
Magrath Drive South, University Drive West, and if it could be considered a bikeway, the pathway<br />
adjacent to 28 th Street North.<br />
20 Although the adequacy <strong>of</strong> bike racks is somewhat arbitrary, at a minimum a rack should allow the<br />
cyclist to lock the frame <strong>of</strong> the bicycle not just one wheel, which is the most common style <strong>of</strong> rack<br />
provided locally. A bicycle is easily stolen from such a rack by simple removing the wheel, made even<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 21
easier with the more modern “quick-release” hub. Some other basic minimums for bike racks include:<br />
anchoring the rack to a hard surface, locating the rack where it is in public view and providing sufficient<br />
clearance (from building and motor vehicles) on all sides to allow access by cyclists.<br />
21 An example is the trail system through the river valley that is used extensively by cyclists as a route<br />
between Southeast <strong>Lethbridge</strong> and West <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
22 The location <strong>of</strong> traffic activation loops is not always visible and the cyclists may inadvertently not be<br />
located in the correct position to activate.<br />
23 There is a prevailing view that cyclists should dismount and walk the bicycle across at controlled<br />
intersections (some would argue at any intersection). And although this might be considered a reasonable<br />
suggestion in some circumstances, doing so generally reduces the value <strong>of</strong> using a bicycle and is therefore<br />
a barrier to its use.<br />
24 Higher standards for bicycle parking facilities might include locating bike racks in an area where the<br />
bicycles are protected from rain and snow, racks are located close to building accesses, where the bike<br />
rack is included as part <strong>of</strong> any video surveillance systems or security guard routes, and there is direct<br />
lighting. Providing quality facilities to cyclists could give a business a significant advantage over those<br />
that do not, particularly as more people look for ways to use their bicycle to do at least some <strong>of</strong> their<br />
shopping.<br />
25 Poorly installed or designed bike racks may provide less security then providing no bike rack as it may<br />
leave a bicycle virtually unsecured. The cyclist could have gained better security from locking their<br />
bicycle to some other permanent object.<br />
26 Bike Registry Canada and the National Bike Registry (US based) both <strong>of</strong>fer bicycle registration<br />
services for a small fee. These services <strong>of</strong>fer access to policing services to trace the owner <strong>of</strong> registered<br />
bicycles and a national location for a bicycle owner to report their bike as stolen.<br />
27 <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> bylaw 5529 establishes a fine <strong>of</strong> $2,500 for applying graffiti to a premises without<br />
the consent <strong>of</strong> the owner.<br />
28 A ride to school campaign could be combined with teaching proper bicycle use and rules. It could also<br />
include installation <strong>of</strong> adequate bike racks and even the provision <strong>of</strong> locks to students. Children could be<br />
helped in selecting a good biking route from home to the school.<br />
29 Grades on existing bikeways through the river valley can exceed 15% and regularly exceed 5%. The<br />
grade that a bicyclist can be expected to negotiate depends on the length <strong>of</strong> the grade, wind velocity, and<br />
surface condition. Generally speaking, the amount <strong>of</strong> energy required to use a bicycle route will affect<br />
the usage <strong>of</strong> the route, and bicyclists will tend to avoid routes that have steep hills. Some bicyclists will<br />
find themselves walking on long, steep uphill grades. On downhill grades, bicyclists may exceed the<br />
speed at which they can safely control their bicycles. Therefore, grades should be kept to a minimum,<br />
even at the expense <strong>of</strong> providing added curvature or travel distance, within the practical limits for the site.<br />
The maximum grade recommended** for shared-use paths is 5 percent and sustained grades should be<br />
limited to a maximum <strong>of</strong> 3 percent.<br />
**Guide for the Development <strong>of</strong> Bicycle Facilities (1999), In the American Association <strong>of</strong> State Highway<br />
and Transportation Officials. Recommend that grades on shared use paths should be kept to a minimum,<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 22
especially on long inclines. Grades greater than 5 percent are undesirable because the ascents are difficult<br />
for many bicyclists to climb and the descents cause some bicyclists to exceed the speeds at which they are<br />
competent or comfortable. On some shared use paths, where terrain dictates, designers may need to<br />
exceed the 5 percent grade recommended for bicycles for some short sections and that distance should not<br />
exceed 240 meters.<br />
General References:<br />
Mapes, Jeff. Pedaling Revolution, How Cyclists are Changing American Cities. Oregon State University<br />
Press, Corvallis, 2009.<br />
Sloman, Lynn. Car Sick, Solutions for our Car-addicted Culture. Chelsea Green Publishing Company,<br />
White River Junction, Vermont, 2006.<br />
Hurst, Robert. The Art <strong>of</strong> Urban Cycling, Lessons from the Street. Falcon Publishing, Helena MT, 2004.<br />
Barrantine, Richard. <strong>City</strong> Cycling. Snowbooks, London, 2007.<br />
Momentum Magazine, Suite 214-425 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 6E3<br />
Bicycle Times, Dirt Rag LTD, 3483 Saxonburg Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238<br />
Bikebridge Cycle <strong>City</strong> Circle September - 2009 Page | 23
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Affordable Housing Committee<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 15
October 17 th , 2009
Our Vision<br />
Bringing <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Home….Permanent<br />
Housing for all people living in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>
The Current Reality<br />
� Shortage <strong>of</strong> Affordable Housing (rental and home ownership)<br />
� Low vacancy Rates<br />
� Difficult to find Affordable Housing to purchase (Getting into the housing<br />
market)<br />
� Condo conversion is becoming more prevalent. Results in higher rental<br />
rates<br />
� Development <strong>of</strong> large sub-communities start out to not be affordable by<br />
the way they are designed<br />
� Neighborhoods seem to be Developer Driven<br />
� Gentrification is resulting in a negative Impact and reduces availability <strong>of</strong><br />
affordable housing stock<br />
� Extremely low density in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> (Affordability Impeded)<br />
� Difficult/long waits in the process to get permits and rezoning etc. (Viewed<br />
as Red tape)<br />
� It is difficult to create affordable housing in a short period <strong>of</strong> time
The Current Reality<br />
� Current .08% Vacancy Rate<br />
� Shortage <strong>of</strong> rentals around University and<br />
College (rent costs high).<br />
� Tendency to segregate people based on a<br />
commonality ( Age, Race, Income Levels)<br />
� Where is NIMBY coming from; Why is it still<br />
around?
Recommendations for the Future
Solutions<br />
� Affordable Housing Committee <strong>of</strong> Council (AHCC) (Overcome “Red Tape”)<br />
� SHIA Affordable Housing and Affordable Housing Committee <strong>of</strong> Council come together<br />
to meet more <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
� Build trust and open communication surrounding community issues<br />
� There can be too much consultation with many committees<br />
� Increasing Affordable Housing must be goal driven with responsibilities<br />
� People given more authority to act : simplification <strong>of</strong> processes and identification <strong>of</strong><br />
the barriers<br />
� Clearly define Policy, Rules and Processes for affordable housing (what can and cannot<br />
be done)<br />
� Policies need to be continually reviewed to streamline system for developers<br />
� Have designated land ready for building when developers are ready to build<br />
� Communicate the vision for affordable housing in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> with citizens and <strong>City</strong><br />
Council members to create a “Shared Vision”<br />
� People need to trust that their best interests will be looked after<br />
� Create higher density dwellings near university and college may reduce cost and<br />
increase living space that is more affordable
Affordable Home Ownership<br />
� Requires different options to move towards<br />
homeownership (lending options)<br />
� Higher density housing creates affordability<br />
for rental and affordable home ownership<br />
� Need to develop housing for a mixture <strong>of</strong><br />
incomes in a neighborhood
Neighbourhoods<br />
� Paths and walkways to promote<br />
pedestrian traffic<br />
� Community gathering areas to promote<br />
inclusion<br />
� Corner stores to promote interaction<br />
with neighbors
Welcoming Neighborhoods<br />
� More Neighborhood Associations can create<br />
improved neighborhood relations and involvement<br />
� Neighborhood/Community Association influence<br />
� Neighborhoods working together to create a sense<br />
<strong>of</strong> bringing people together and develop stronger<br />
community<br />
� Neighborhood Tea Wagon – to discuss<br />
neighborhood issues and create conversation
Welcome to my Backyard<br />
� Education & awareness (cultural differences & similarities, living with lower<br />
incomes, working poor and everyone’s need to participate in community<br />
life)<br />
� Empowering people to feel important and have the ability to change<br />
� Integration <strong>of</strong> high and low income housing throughout communities:<br />
Inclusionary zoning<br />
� Education and Research through SHIA should continue (U <strong>of</strong> L Research project)<br />
� Help and support one another: Build positive neighborhood relations<br />
� Build alternative high density housing i.e. Housing Cooperatives and<br />
educating investors (integration <strong>of</strong> all income levels)<br />
� Identify opportunities and options (information sessions)
Condo Conversion<br />
� Condo conversion policies (e.g. Ontario): No<br />
condo conversion if the vacancy rate is less<br />
than 5 %<br />
� Large permit price for Condo Conversions<br />
� Incentive programs to keep rental properties<br />
� Incentives for up-keep <strong>of</strong> rental properties<br />
� Exceptions for heritage buildings<br />
� Incentives for builders to build affordable units
Gentrification<br />
� Trendy<br />
� Individual led change<br />
� More expensive development Permits for<br />
projects that are deemed gentrification<br />
issues
Increased Density Housing<br />
� Redevelopment <strong>of</strong> downtown core for increased<br />
density & affordable housing<br />
� Incentives/subsidies for people to invest in bringing<br />
buildings up to code for housing<br />
� Flexible/creative housing Ideas – Housing above strip<br />
malls<br />
� Inclusionary Zoning and mixed use policies<br />
� Takes more money to maintain low density housing<br />
(Property taxes)<br />
� Encourage higher density options in all neighborhoods
Thank you
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Sports Council Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 16
• Involvement<br />
• Barrier to entry for Sport opportunities<br />
• Sport Facilities<br />
• Athlete Development (Long Term)<br />
• Sports Delivery Model<br />
• Sport Recognition<br />
• The “Place <strong>of</strong> Sport” in our culture<br />
• Lack <strong>of</strong> Political clout<br />
Sports Council Circle
Education precedence over sport<br />
• Promotion through grade school<br />
• Long term athletic development<br />
• Sport is a continuum<br />
Participation in Sport takes away from education<br />
• ibit<br />
Communicating Sport<br />
Money – Time costs<br />
Transportation<br />
• Right messaging<br />
• Sport Council<br />
• Unified voice<br />
• Marketing the benefits <strong>of</strong> sports<br />
• Marketing impact <strong>of</strong> sport tourism<br />
• Adequate number <strong>of</strong> facilities<br />
• Multi-sport<br />
Religion (Sunday sport)<br />
Parent’s Commitment<br />
Coaching<br />
• Discount/free for kids in sport<br />
• Solutions marketing around Sunday<br />
• Population growth will influence this<br />
• Address coaches approach<br />
• Physical<br />
• literacy<br />
• Bring coaching courses to <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
• Level <strong>of</strong> accreditation<br />
Barriers/Involvement
Multifunctional<br />
Facilities<br />
• How we can integrate other activities in existing facilities<br />
• “Service place”<br />
• Talisman Centre<br />
• Promote potential <strong>of</strong> development<br />
• Winter Games<br />
Agglomerating Activity<br />
Pools<br />
• Security to know<br />
• Identifying compatible sports<br />
• Impact <strong>of</strong> emerging sports<br />
• YMCA, Fritz, Civic, Sheran, University<br />
Aging Facilities/Population<br />
Population Threshold<br />
Needs Assessment<br />
• Senior Recreation<br />
• All ages recreation – multi use<br />
• Updating the facility – Master Plan – every 5 years<br />
• Identify what is lacking<br />
• Age<br />
Green Building Leed<br />
• What is coming on line<br />
• All weather fields
Hit and Miss<br />
• We do have phys ed<br />
Long-term Athlete Development (LTAD)<br />
• Promote LTAD through phys ed<br />
• Phys ed to identify strengths<br />
• Identify sports groups to provide opportunities for kids<br />
Each sport encourages development (for some it’s easier)<br />
• Sports are fun!!<br />
• Sport Council needs to get this message out<br />
• Active at all ages<br />
• Accessibility<br />
• Opportunities in all sports until kids hit a certain age<br />
• Support 2 sport organizations<br />
Enrollment numbers dependant on sport<br />
Multi Sport Athletes<br />
• Getting more kids involved<br />
• Demonstrations<br />
• Multisport registration<br />
• Multisport camps<br />
• Increase education<br />
• Complementary sports
Visibility <strong>of</strong> Sport<br />
• Sports is recognized as important<br />
• Lack <strong>of</strong> presence for sport<br />
• Sport is neglected today<br />
Sports Culture<br />
• A civic sport – <strong>Lethbridge</strong> to encourage a sport<br />
• Advocacy<br />
• Accolades<br />
• Recognition<br />
• “Sport Day”<br />
Fragmentation <strong>of</strong> Sport Groups<br />
• Sports Council<br />
• Inclusion<br />
• Organization<br />
Sports Council is the first step.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
AECOM <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 17
AECOM <strong>City</strong> Circle July 24, 2009<br />
Attendance: Bill McMillan, Amanda Hjelmeland, Marnie Ewankiw, Cindy Desjarlais, Colin Haugan, Robert<br />
Teetaert, Carol Smith, Trevor Loomer, Glenn L<strong>of</strong>thouse, Tim Armstrong<br />
Topic 1 – Leisure Centre<br />
• There isn’t one!<br />
• Waterslide at the Ramada<br />
• University facilities isolated<br />
• Scale = Go Big<br />
• Examples <strong>of</strong> successful Leisure Centres:<br />
o Regina – Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre<br />
o Medicine Hat – Family Leisure Centre<br />
o Red Deer – GH Dawn / Collicutt Centre<br />
• Amenities a new Leisure Centre should incorporate:<br />
o Wave pool, Waterslide, Courts, Tracks, Ice rink, Lounge, Canteen<br />
• Location:<br />
o Anywhere is 20 minutes away –Sherring Park/ North Side/County<br />
Topic 2 – Pathways<br />
• There is no continuity in the current system, new connections could include:<br />
o L.C. to west <strong>of</strong> Country Club (bypass)<br />
o North-South route<br />
o Downtown along 4 th street<br />
• There are no cycling lanes<br />
• Wider pathways / demarcation<br />
o A dedicated pathway along Stafford Drive Bridge is needed<br />
• Existing bike routes are poorly identified (e.g. 7 th ave)<br />
o Advertise the routes<br />
o Painted laneways<br />
o Signage<br />
o Community map<br />
• 13 th Street is dangerous for cyclists<br />
o We need a crossing at 7 th<br />
• The intersection <strong>of</strong> Whoop-up Drive & University Drive is still dangerous<br />
o move the button back<br />
• Bicycle storage would promote cycling<br />
o Bike racks (good ones)<br />
o At all major nodes<br />
o Storefront racks should be mandatory<br />
• More frequent coulee path maintenance would be great
Topic 3 – Transit<br />
• Our Transit system is currently underutilized/not utilized, we understand that this is partially<br />
cultural(people want cars), however a more effective system would boost ridership<br />
o Student program with direct high school routes to get students comfortable with transit<br />
o Routes that run later in the day<br />
• Many routes are convoluted<br />
o Make routes more direct<br />
o Centralize routes so that they move to and from a hub – less routes that circle around<br />
the <strong>City</strong> before heading downtown<br />
• There is no bus Terminal – a centralized and secure terminal would boost ridership and tackle<br />
perceptions over safety<br />
o 6st in-between 4 th and 5 th ave.<br />
• Encourage other forms <strong>of</strong> transportation<br />
o SOV’s convenient – make it less so<br />
o Better mix <strong>of</strong> uses on west side so that people no longer drive the “great horseshoe”<br />
(i.e. from the south part <strong>of</strong> the west side up to Whoop-up and down to the retail in the<br />
South <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong>)<br />
Topic 4 – Development Patterns<br />
• Sprawl in endemic in this <strong>City</strong><br />
o 6 persons/Acre<br />
o Promote Brownfield/Infill Development through incentives<br />
o Promote home occupations (review bylaws)<br />
• There is an acute lack <strong>of</strong> residential housing in the downtown<br />
o Mitigate the NIMBYism from downtown shops that are stopping development<br />
o Combat the image that downtown is only good for affordable housing (i.e. promote the<br />
establishment <strong>of</strong> quality downtown condominiums)<br />
o Foster the development <strong>of</strong> a better night life (might help with keeping students after<br />
graduation)<br />
o We need more people downtown<br />
• The impact <strong>of</strong> Big Boxes impact:<br />
o Killing small business<br />
o Peripheral location killing downtown<br />
• Establish Constraints to curb Big Boxes:<br />
o E.g. Big Boxes have to be an anchor to pedestrian mall<br />
• Promote mixed-use commercial within policy (over Big Box format)
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Community Inclusion <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 18
Submitted to Brian Conger<br />
AECOM representative and <strong>City</strong> Circle organizer<br />
Submitted by Natalie Ashbee<br />
Community Advisory Group member and Community Inclusion <strong>City</strong> Circle organizer<br />
Dear<br />
<strong>City</strong> Council,<br />
Community Advisory Group,<br />
<strong>City</strong> Planners,<br />
and <strong>Lethbridge</strong> residents,<br />
Community Inclusion <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Report<br />
7 September 2009<br />
Individuals with disabilities are an active and vibrant part <strong>of</strong> this city. Understanding the importance <strong>of</strong><br />
an accessible and inclusive community, where everyone’s values are heard and valued, the Community<br />
Inclusion <strong>City</strong> Circles were organized.<br />
The Community Inclusion <strong>City</strong> Circles were composed <strong>of</strong> 48 community members, comprised <strong>of</strong><br />
individuals with disabilities, their staff, and their family members. The city circles were held through a<br />
combination <strong>of</strong> questionnaire, in home visits and group meetings. The largest meeting took place at the<br />
Ability Resource Center (formerly the Rehabilitation Society <strong>of</strong> Southwestern Alberta), and was hosted<br />
by the Toastmasters group.<br />
Participants were asked two main questions;<br />
1. What do you like about living in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>?<br />
Among the aspects that participants liked about life in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> were;<br />
• Dragon boat festival<br />
• The size <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is just right, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has all the amenities <strong>of</strong> a larger city but without<br />
the long drive times<br />
• <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has a small town feeling with lots <strong>of</strong> friendly people<br />
• Going for walks in the nice parks<br />
• We have a safe community<br />
• History, buildings with character<br />
• <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is quiet<br />
• There are lots <strong>of</strong> recreation activities such as golfing, bowling, and hockey games<br />
• Lots <strong>of</strong> volunteers and volunteer opportunities<br />
• <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is an inclusive community<br />
• We are close to other large cities<br />
• We have clean air<br />
2. How could <strong>Lethbridge</strong> be better?<br />
1
Community Inclusion <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Report<br />
7 September 2009<br />
• There needs to be better access to buildings, especially older buildings, which are currently<br />
inaccessible to wheelchairs or people with walkers.<br />
• The <strong>Lethbridge</strong> transit system has introduced several wheelchair accessible buses, however,<br />
many individuals with disabilities cannot secure their own wheelchairs safely and drivers are<br />
sometimes unable to help (do not have the knowledge <strong>of</strong> how to help).<br />
• <strong>Lethbridge</strong> requires much more frequent bus service. Many individuals are quite limited to how<br />
they can access the community based <strong>of</strong> the transit service, which is <strong>of</strong>ten their only means <strong>of</strong><br />
transportation.<br />
• The network <strong>of</strong> bus stops needs expansion. Many individuals in wheelchair or with limited<br />
mobility must travel farther than they are able to access transit service.<br />
• Encourage the development <strong>of</strong> more routes that do not require a trip downtown.<br />
• Improvements to Access-a-ride could include...<br />
1. Better coordination <strong>of</strong> access-a-ride to be more efficient in making trips to pick up<br />
individuals. As <strong>of</strong> right now individuals who leave the same destination at the same<br />
time and who are going to the same place, are picked up by different busses. A<br />
husband and wife, one <strong>of</strong> whom was in attendance, gave this personal example.<br />
2. An access-a-ride taxi for after hours service. Individuals with disabilities go on living<br />
past 6pm, however, those who require this service cannot access their community<br />
after 6pm as the Access-a-ride service ends at this time. This is a huge hindrance to<br />
community inclusion and to them enjoying a normal quality <strong>of</strong> life in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
3. Better training for access-a-ride drivers. Proper training for helping individuals is<br />
essential to the safety <strong>of</strong> the users <strong>of</strong> this service.<br />
• More playgrounds on the south side<br />
• We need community meeting places around <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. These community meeting places could<br />
facilitate greater community inclusion. Community centers and neighbourhood associations can<br />
promote a sense <strong>of</strong> community.<br />
• Encourage block parties and community fairs<br />
• Develop more housing closer to amenities (not as spread out) so that individuals who cannot<br />
drive can access necessary services and amenities.<br />
• More new apartments in all parts <strong>of</strong> town. Affordable housing is limiting factor for individuals<br />
with a fixed income. Housing is hard to find and is <strong>of</strong>ten substandard.<br />
• The downtown residents need a grocery store. Likewise the west side <strong>of</strong> town requires another<br />
grocery store.<br />
• Better snow removal in the winter. For individuals with limited mobility at the best <strong>of</strong> times,<br />
snow removal for transportation access is very important.<br />
• More / better connected pathways throughout town.<br />
• Better and more seniors housing and services. With an aging population, meeting the needs <strong>of</strong><br />
seniors is very important. Having meeting places and affordable/ quality housing options is very<br />
important.<br />
2
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Enhanced Seniors Transit Service<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 19
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle for Business<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 20
September 8, 2009<br />
Robert McKay, Senior Planner<br />
Development Services, <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
910 4 th Ave S, <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, AB, T1J 0P6<br />
RE: <strong>City</strong> Circles for Business<br />
Dear Robert;<br />
Please find enclosed a summary <strong>of</strong> our ideas as generated by our <strong>City</strong> Circle for Business held on<br />
August 27, 2009, facilitated jointly by the <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce and Economic<br />
Development <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
We have prepared this summary <strong>of</strong> the event as well as a transcript <strong>of</strong> the notes from the meeting,<br />
attached as Appendix 1. The input from the <strong>Lethbridge</strong> business community was centered around the<br />
discussion topics <strong>of</strong> infrastructure, policy and services and included ideas on how <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
businesses feel the city should grow and operate over the next forty years.<br />
We look forward to seeing all the ideas published in the “Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Ideas Book”.<br />
If you have any questions on the report or the process used, please contact Bruce West at<br />
403.331.0022.<br />
Thank you for providing the <strong>Lethbridge</strong> business community an opportunity to participate in the<br />
planning <strong>of</strong> the city’s future.<br />
Sincerely;<br />
_ (Signed Copy on File)_____ ____(Signed Copy on File) ____<br />
Jody Nilsson, Cheryl Dick, APR, MBA<br />
General Manager Chief Executive Officer<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce Economic Development <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
200 Commerce House 529 6 th St S 308 Stafford Drive S<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>, AB, T1J 2E1 <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, AB, T1J 2L1<br />
(403) 327-1586 (403) 331-0022
<strong>City</strong> Circles for Business – Summary Report<br />
Meeting Information and Participants<br />
The <strong>City</strong> Circles for Business, facilitated jointly by the <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce and Economic<br />
Development <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, was held on August 27, 2009 as a “Lunch & Learn” session at the <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Centre Conference Facilities from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.<br />
Sixteen business representatives participated including the discussion facilitators, with Bruce West,<br />
Vice President, Business Development and Operations, Economic Development <strong>Lethbridge</strong> (EDL),<br />
facilitating the event. Participants were members <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce and<br />
represented a cross-section <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Lethbridge</strong> business community, with participants from both the<br />
public and private sector. Industry representation included <strong>Lethbridge</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essionals in the health &<br />
wellness, education, hospitality, property management, financial services, pr<strong>of</strong>essional services,<br />
broadcasting, and construction sectors.<br />
Event Details<br />
� Bruce West welcomed the attendees and introduced himself along with the organizers and<br />
sponsors <strong>of</strong> the event. The <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce representatives were Jody Nilsson,<br />
General Manager, Grace Duff, Governmental Affairs Committee Member, Paul Pharo, President,<br />
Tom Ackerman, Chairperson Governmental Affairs Committee, and Heather Scotland,<br />
Administrative Assistant. Assisting Bruce West from EDL was Heather McIntosh-Rivera, Research<br />
and Operations Officer.<br />
� Bruce outlined the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and the Integrated Community Sustainability<br />
Plan (ICSP) as encompassed under the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> “Plan Your <strong>City</strong>” Project, as well as<br />
reviewing the timeline <strong>of</strong> the MDP/ICSP and the process for gathering public input.<br />
� The process and the format for the collection <strong>of</strong> ideas from the discussion were explained and the<br />
working groups were asked to choose a recorder and reporter to assist with the information<br />
collection and dissemination. Discussion topics for business were introduced and explained as<br />
follows:”Infrastructure” (including the transportation network, lands, utilities, and communications),<br />
“Policy” (<strong>City</strong> policy direction and impact on business) and “Services” (<strong>City</strong> services that should be<br />
provided to the business community as well as the level, or type, <strong>of</strong> service).<br />
� Participants were asked to provide realistic comments using a “solution based” approach and to<br />
focus ideas and comments on how the business environment in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> could be improved in<br />
the future. After forty-five minutes each group reported their ideas which provided the attendees an<br />
opportunity to connect with other like-minded business pr<strong>of</strong>essionals to further discuss an idea, and<br />
possibly form another city circle on that specific item.<br />
� Attendees were thanked for their attendance and advised to contact Bruce West or Jody Nilsson for<br />
any further information or Brian Conger, the <strong>City</strong> Circles primary contact at the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
2
Summary <strong>of</strong> Ideas Presented<br />
Ideas on Infrastructure<br />
Transportation Specific Elements<br />
� A complete bypass <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong>, as proposed with the Canamex Trade Corridor, may be<br />
detrimental to commercial activity as well as impacting emergency services. A more in-depth<br />
evaluation <strong>of</strong> the potential economic impact on the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> and the surrounding<br />
area is recommended.<br />
� Businesses and residents would benefit from the completion <strong>of</strong> 43 rd Street loop (as<br />
previously proposed) to alleviate traffic concerns and to allow for expanded commercial<br />
operations. Creating an overpass/underpass to allow for uninhibited rail traffic would be<br />
beneficial for the larger transport vehicles exiting from the Industrial Park.<br />
� Widen the junction <strong>of</strong> Highway 25 and the Highway 3 overpass to allow for enhance on/<strong>of</strong>f<br />
ramps from Highway 3 to University Drive to address traffic congestions and traffic safety.<br />
� Mayor Magrath Drive requires a comprehensive review <strong>of</strong> all signage as there are areas<br />
where signage and road markings are unclear, inconsistent and inaccurate. There are<br />
areas <strong>of</strong> inaccessibility from the main thoroughfare, such as the vehicular access to the<br />
Fairmont area, which need to be addressed and updated. Commercial operations will<br />
continue to grow in this area and a proactive traffic management plan would be beneficial to<br />
all businesses and residents in the area.<br />
� The development <strong>of</strong> a third bridge connecting West <strong>Lethbridge</strong> to the other portions <strong>of</strong> the<br />
city would better benefit the city by choosing a design which utilizes unique elements and<br />
multi-levels that allow for vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic, as well as retail outlets<br />
(i.e. the Provencher Bridge in Winnipeg with suspended restaurant). This type <strong>of</strong> bridge, not<br />
only alleviates traffic congestion, but also becomes another unique feature which is an<br />
added attraction to our city and also provided a unique experience for conference and event<br />
visitors.<br />
� The Airport would benefit from the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> having a more participatory role in its<br />
operations and assisting with enhancement which would facilitate expansion <strong>of</strong> services to<br />
better meet users’ needs.<br />
� Standardize traffic flow, speed limits and signage throughout the city, as well as enhanced<br />
exits and entrances from downtown parking areas, would allow for easier driving and<br />
shopping. A downtown parkade with easy vehicular access and multiple user time-options<br />
would allow for expanded retail and commercial opportunities in the downtown core.<br />
� The creation <strong>of</strong> monthly/annual parking permit, which would allow commercial purchasers<br />
the benefit <strong>of</strong> multi-use meter parking, would assist businesses that require multiple shortstops<br />
city-wide on a daily or weekly basis.<br />
3
Health & Wellness Elements<br />
� The citizens <strong>of</strong> the city would benefit from a multi-sport recreational facility designed to meet<br />
the needs <strong>of</strong> the growing population using a “<strong>Lethbridge</strong> YMCA” model with the addition <strong>of</strong> a<br />
flexible space design.<br />
� The geographical feature <strong>of</strong> the coulees, the bridge and the river bottom provide a unique<br />
development opportunity to create an attractive and interesting destination for locals and<br />
tourists alike.<br />
� Bicycle paths, with storage facilities, connecting all regions and areas <strong>of</strong> the city, would<br />
enhance the fitness level <strong>of</strong> cyclists in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> by providing them more opportunities to<br />
ride-to-work and would better meet recreational and functional needs <strong>of</strong> the population.<br />
“Ribbon parks” facilitate the connecting bike paths very well and would be preferred in the<br />
new housing developments in replacement <strong>of</strong> the single “park-with-pond” design which is<br />
being currently created in new developments.<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Enhancement Elements<br />
� Promote renewable power use by businesses and create and/or leverage possible<br />
incentives to business for solar panel installation and/or other sources <strong>of</strong> renewable energy<br />
such as wind or geothermal power.<br />
� There is a need for a convention centre and conference facility <strong>of</strong> a larger capacity to draw<br />
larger external events as well as facilitate local business needs.<br />
� The entrance to the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> from the West needs some esthetic enhancements to<br />
the area surrounding Highway 3. More pr<strong>of</strong>essional signage and landscaping to cover<br />
unsightly elements such as the landfill site would help to foster a clean city image and<br />
potentially entice travelers to stop for a closer look.<br />
� A long-term development plan is needed <strong>of</strong> the South East side <strong>of</strong> the city around the 43 rd<br />
Street area.<br />
� Construct a performing arts centre.<br />
� Affordable and Social housing developments need to be distributed across multiple areas <strong>of</strong><br />
the city to not overburden businesses in one particular area or create an environment which<br />
is potentially detrimental to individual’s future prospects.<br />
� Use innovative solutions to all areas <strong>of</strong> design and implementation <strong>of</strong> infrastructure to keep<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> on the “cutting edge”.<br />
4
Ideas on Policy<br />
Development & Zoning Elements<br />
� Land use and land development policy needs to be reviewed and revised to assist and<br />
encourage growth in all sectors.<br />
� Encourage downtown developments with an open, approachable and innovative outlook,<br />
focus on revitalization and expansion, along with incentives for downtown high-density<br />
housing development projects.<br />
� The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is a land developer, as well as a regulator <strong>of</strong> land developers, which<br />
causes conflict <strong>of</strong> interest concerns and leads to the questions <strong>of</strong>, “Are they in business to<br />
do business?”<br />
� There is a need for the <strong>City</strong> and County <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> to cooperate in a significant and<br />
meaningful way in planning land use and development <strong>of</strong> the lands adjacent to, or even<br />
farther South than, the current airport site.<br />
� All the current procedures for zoning, inspection and renovation <strong>of</strong> secondary (illegal) suites,<br />
building inspection procedures, zoning codes, and deviation from approved development<br />
plans require a close review and updating.<br />
Facilities & Utilities Elements<br />
� The designation <strong>of</strong> an industrial committee to have input into the distribution <strong>of</strong> water to<br />
businesses and industrial parks outside <strong>of</strong> city limits and consultation with city businesses to<br />
project and manage future water needs<br />
Doing Business Elements<br />
� Be open and transparent about policies and their justification and review policies in a timely<br />
manner.<br />
� Review and update out-<strong>of</strong>-date restrictive by-laws that are not economic development<br />
friendly.<br />
� Review the breakdown and classifications <strong>of</strong> business license types and the fees associated<br />
with each. Review the higher licensing costs for home based business and provide<br />
incentives for those businesses which may lead to future store-front operations, provide job<br />
opportunities or which have other elements that foster local economic growth.<br />
Sustainability Elements<br />
� Create and publish a sustainability action plan for the city <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
� Adopt policies and procedures which encourage new concepts and innovation as it applies<br />
to the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
� Encourage a vision for the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> without weighing it down through overregulation.<br />
� Encourage policies which support and encourage good business and new business<br />
opportunities, which in turn create <strong>Lethbridge</strong> employment opportunities.<br />
� Create specifications for reserve funds with parameters and explicit restrictions on fund<br />
usage; with the funds to be managed and/or audited by a third party.<br />
5
Ideas on Services<br />
Web Based Elements<br />
� A comprehensive and current web based listing <strong>of</strong> licensed businesses needs to be<br />
available to the public to assist with new business planning and surveys.<br />
� The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> requires a cohesive communication strategy with positive city<br />
branding and marketing opportunities utilizing inter-departmental and public information<br />
sharing with a strong focus on web based communication.<br />
� Create Web based access to development permitting, licensing processes and forms.<br />
� Apply innovation and enhanced use <strong>of</strong> the available technology to all services provided by<br />
the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
� Provide parking and recreational passes and parking permits for online purchase.<br />
� Create and maintain a virtual payment centre for all <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> invoices.<br />
Hands-on Elements<br />
� Improve inspection services.<br />
� Improve the long-term planning and strategy for snow removal, street cleaning and<br />
vegetation management.<br />
Community Specific Elements<br />
� Provide a true recycling program comparable, or more advanced than, other centers, to help<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> become a “Green <strong>City</strong>” and provide businesses with an opportunity to operate<br />
more environmentally friendly.<br />
� Security presence in downtown parks needs to be reviewed and enhanced to encourage the<br />
use <strong>of</strong> parks and the retail establishments around them.<br />
6
Appendix 1: <strong>City</strong> Circle for Business Ideas (Transcript)<br />
Discussion Topic: Policy<br />
� Airport – more coordination and cooperation between the <strong>City</strong> and the County on<br />
issues/development <strong>of</strong> the airport<br />
� Consultation with businesses on needs/volumes <strong>of</strong> water for future needs (before providing to<br />
other communities)<br />
� Policy for land use/development<br />
� Create a multi facility to use for various government facilities (fitness centers) e.g. College, U <strong>of</strong> L,<br />
etc.<br />
� Make restrictions on the use <strong>of</strong> reserved funds<br />
� Annual parking pass for meters (available on-line)<br />
� Online payment for parking tickets<br />
� Stick to development plans – too <strong>of</strong>ten, changes made after people purchase land/property based<br />
on original plan<br />
� Have a plan specifying individual areas i.e. residential, business, and commercial – clarify<br />
boundaries i.e. What area is considered “downtown”?<br />
� Encourage a program in partnership with the Federal & Provincial Governments (funding) to<br />
facilitate solar panels, etc.<br />
� Consider the <strong>City</strong> looking at communications strategy, branding, etc. with an eye for cohesive<br />
image that presents the <strong>City</strong> in a good light and appropriate for the times<br />
� Look at <strong>City</strong> signage – particularly at the entrance points <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong><br />
� Consistent speed zones for <strong>City</strong> to Highway access – e.g. Airport Trail, Westside to Highway 3<br />
� Improved policy on 2 nd suites (cost prohibitive)<br />
� Improved inspection process<br />
� Zoning codes for multi-use (2 nd suites)<br />
� <strong>City</strong> should not compete with private sector<br />
� <strong>City</strong> should not control water use to hinder growth<br />
� Rules need to apply to all developers not just <strong>City</strong> owned land<br />
� Rules to encourage new concepts/ideas (zoning)<br />
� Innovation<br />
� Don’t let policy get in the way <strong>of</strong> doing good business<br />
� Downtown area needs to be approachable for new business/development ideas<br />
� Encourage vision but don’t discourage thru regulations<br />
� Business license fees (out <strong>of</strong> town business in local trading areas) – keeping open focus on<br />
trading area (Mayors/Reeves partner area)<br />
� Cost <strong>of</strong> home business license too high (restrictions are not realistic)<br />
� Encourage business/employment in the <strong>City</strong><br />
� As businesses move out <strong>of</strong> downtown area to other areas (South/West), implement policies to<br />
keep businesses in the downtown area/news businesses more housing<br />
� Be “open” about policies<br />
� Conflict <strong>of</strong> interest on the <strong>City</strong>’s part they are the developer and they compete with the private<br />
sector is this right?<br />
� Lots <strong>of</strong> “restrictive” by-law policies that are old and should be reviewed<br />
� Concrete Sustainability Policy & Action Plan<br />
� Downtown Revitalization & High Density Housing Plan<br />
7
Discussion Topic: Infrastructure<br />
� Bike paths and storage (at location) – Functional & recreation use<br />
� Downtown parkade (needed for residents, businesses and visitors)<br />
� Downtown Convention Centre<br />
� Annual parking pass for parking meters<br />
� Use/development <strong>of</strong> land in the coulees for recreation, etc. – tourism attraction<br />
� Promotion <strong>of</strong> solar i.e., solar panels on buildings<br />
� “Eyesore” property on rural just outside city limits entering Westside<br />
� Policy for land use/development<br />
� Full completion <strong>of</strong> projects i.e., “Back Alley Project” complete, not just plan<br />
� Walking/bike trails connection all <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> (i.e. North/South)<br />
� Ribbon Parks<br />
� 3 rd Bridge Westside<br />
� Multi Level Bridge (walking, traffic, businesses)<br />
� Coulee recreation/destination<br />
� Multi-sport recreation facility (ice rink, pool, basketball, etc) and/or part <strong>of</strong> Convention Centre;<br />
flexible space to convert to different activities<br />
� Convention Centre needed for the <strong>City</strong><br />
� Mayor Magrath Drive/ Fairmount traffic issues<br />
� Area structure plan for Southside <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
� Finish 43 rd then continue with self development<br />
� Province bypass <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> (highway should go thru <strong>City</strong>)<br />
� Highway ramp from Picture Butte to Highway 3<br />
� Highway between <strong>City</strong> and Coalhurst/Coaldale – no water to business/industrial development<br />
(open process) Committee members should include industry as well as <strong>City</strong><br />
� Performing Arts Centre<br />
� Be open to innovation and new ways <strong>of</strong> doing things<br />
� Airport development and expansion <strong>of</strong> services<br />
� Overpass/underpass for trains on 43 rd<br />
� Good/better flow <strong>of</strong> traffic out parking areas throughout the <strong>City</strong><br />
� Location <strong>of</strong> “social” housing – tends to be grouped in one area –signs should be placed in a better<br />
location<br />
� Bigger conference facilities/tied in with other programs<br />
� Look at airport services/ better transportation to our <strong>City</strong>. Why do we only fly in and out with 8 –<br />
12 seater planes?<br />
8
Discussion Topic: Services<br />
� Comprehensive list <strong>of</strong> businesses available for no charge<br />
� Increased communications and better coordination <strong>of</strong> communications for all departments (should<br />
be more transparent then they are)<br />
� Performing Arts Centre<br />
� On-line permit process and service needs improvement i.e. development approvals<br />
� Improved inspection process<br />
� Be open to “innovation” and new ways <strong>of</strong> doing things<br />
� Downtown housing<br />
� Recycling program<br />
� What essential services should the <strong>City</strong> provide “Conflict <strong>of</strong> interest”<br />
� More security in parks (Henderson/Galt)<br />
� Budget for snow removal; don’t rely on Chinooks<br />
� Budget for spraying weeds<br />
� Cleaning <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> streets – not very coordinated<br />
9
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Allied Arts Council Board <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
Part 1 Submission 1<br />
Part 2 Submission 2<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 21
<strong>City</strong> Circles Meeting June 22, 2009<br />
The Heart <strong>of</strong> our <strong>City</strong>, Master Plan should be used as a reference during<br />
this whole <strong>City</strong> Circle exercise. The Heart <strong>of</strong> our <strong>City</strong>, Master Plan Report<br />
and process has been successful and should not be shelved. Some ideas<br />
from the Heart <strong>of</strong> our <strong>City</strong> document (ie. Best Practises) should be<br />
maintained. This <strong>City</strong> Circle is slightly repetition as there was really good<br />
creative thinking from that. Don’t re-do it. It was a concrete plan.<br />
Positive points towards improving the Arts in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>:<br />
- Art is an integral part <strong>of</strong> most people’s lives.<br />
- The Arts brings the community together and has core importance.<br />
- If you create things that are attractive to people, then eventually it will<br />
be a great place to live.<br />
General points to improve the Arts in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>:<br />
- Bringing the arts in to a close proximity (downtown). Then that dynamic<br />
will spread throughout the rest <strong>of</strong> the city.<br />
- Consciously building our community so it attracts people that support<br />
the arts.<br />
- Building the city’s Arts scene so that it is recognized far beyond the<br />
town limits and would become identified as a premier arts centre. It not<br />
only has the facilities but also the people (artists, performers, patrons<br />
and audience).<br />
- Continuing to bring about a consciousness towards arts, a sense <strong>of</strong><br />
value for the arts.<br />
- Making it a priority to retain and attract arts people? Eventually others<br />
will want to move in.<br />
- Raising the aesthetic sensibility <strong>of</strong> the city. Improving the community<br />
through small meaningful projects<br />
Specific idea to improve the Arts in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>:
- Work with the University to secure a facility for the U <strong>of</strong> L Art<br />
Collection so that average citizens can have access to it.<br />
- Urban gardens. Lots <strong>of</strong> green and natural areas full <strong>of</strong> public art,<br />
sculpture parks.<br />
- Cultural corridors that encourage walking and biking rather than<br />
vehicles.<br />
- Vibrant cities tend to have Downtown campuses(U<strong>of</strong>L or College).<br />
Problems/Solutions regarding Arts Facilities in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>:<br />
- The Allied Arts Council’s Arts Re:Building standard should be met. That<br />
being the retr<strong>of</strong>it <strong>of</strong> the SAAG, creation <strong>of</strong> a new community arts centre<br />
and the building <strong>of</strong> a new performing arts centre.<br />
- There is not enough adequate Arts Facilities. <strong>Lethbridge</strong> needs facilities<br />
and spaces that easily accommodate the arts, facilities that allow for<br />
artistic growth and creativity.<br />
- Alleviate or allow flexibility with some requirements to open a space<br />
(parking, bathrooms)<br />
- Manage access to spaces. Unused buildings used by the Arts<br />
Community. The existing regulations don’t push for that activity. The<br />
Community should be aesthetically pleasing. If there is no incentive to<br />
beautify than it won’t happen.<br />
- If you don’t allow for buildings to become unsightly than you allow for<br />
the public to help in beautifying it.<br />
- Linking/connecting buildings <strong>of</strong> different purposes. The more you can<br />
bring and build pieces into the downtown, a better city it will be.<br />
- Developing main facilities will encourage smaller businesses to grow.<br />
- Provide a <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> tax break to businesses that maintain<br />
spaces for artists. Whether its rehearsal, studio, display space.<br />
- Dedicate a certain amount designated to low cost housing as work/live<br />
space for artists and compelling private businesses to do the same.<br />
- Regulations to penalize Downtown building owners whose buildings sit<br />
empty.
Identifying the Cities role in the Arts in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>:<br />
- Artists should be included on all city planning committees. From the get<br />
go! This is something that has been used in the past with other cities.<br />
- The Attitudes within the leadership in the city needs to open up. They<br />
try to see the importance <strong>of</strong> the arts, but some aren’t quite there. If it<br />
isn’t within the city, you have to pull in the creative thinking to balance<br />
that thinking.<br />
- The <strong>City</strong> has to take a leadership role and invest and manipulate the<br />
regulatory framework for success.<br />
- More vision in the way that projects unfold in the city. See them as<br />
they unfold, not hidden.<br />
- The city needs to become more flexible, <strong>of</strong>fering creative solutions,<br />
when it comes to bylaws regarding artists.<br />
Other:<br />
- Density. <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is a nice size. Vibrant cities tend to be denser. The<br />
<strong>City</strong> should concentrate on the core area (downtown), preferred density,<br />
curbing the urban sprawl.<br />
- The city needs to start planning for mass transit. Street car lines, tie<br />
the city together. Buses will never do it. Street Cars will. We have wide<br />
enough streets to do it.<br />
- Gondola connecting downtown to the U <strong>of</strong> L apart <strong>of</strong> the transit system.<br />
Having room for bikes and adequate parking so people could drive to that<br />
spot.<br />
- Monorail connecting West to East.
AAC Board <strong>City</strong> Circle #2<br />
1. In 40 years the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> should be a gateway to arts in Southern<br />
Alberta. Right now <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is lacking an identity and reputation. Think <strong>of</strong><br />
Vulcan, they had nothing and created something. What can culture be built on<br />
when the vibrancy <strong>of</strong> our arts community is not recognized? The existing culture<br />
doesn’t allow for experimentation or uniqueness. The <strong>City</strong> has to improve their<br />
marketing and communication, as well as develop a philosophy <strong>of</strong><br />
accommodation and creativity. Once that communication is established the public<br />
will become more aware and understand the importance <strong>of</strong> the arts.<br />
It boils down to the will <strong>of</strong> the people (at the city) to work with arts people.<br />
Policies need to be implemented that facilitate and encourage creative activity<br />
and participation. Tidy, neat, organized cities are boring. More Arts and culture<br />
persons should be hired in community services and courses on how to deal with<br />
people should be implemented. The Arts should be a part <strong>of</strong> all planning for the<br />
city. Often some elements that go along with entertainment are overlooked.<br />
Everyone should be welcome.<br />
2. <strong>City</strong> Facilities & venues should be full and used all the time. There needs to be<br />
better access to <strong>City</strong> facilities and venues for arts events. If an individual/group<br />
wants to hold an event in Galt Gardens it is difficult to execute. There is too<br />
much Bureaucracy and red tape, middle management is not easy to deal with.<br />
The city needs to be more cooperative in assisting those that would like to hold<br />
an art event. Young people don’t know how to put on an event, they need help<br />
facilitating. This information should be published and accessible. (How do you<br />
book something? Where do you go?)<br />
3. The Arts facilities in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> need improvement. When the city builds<br />
buildings they need to go out <strong>of</strong> their way to make it strong structurally-<br />
Architecture matters. We must maintain history while developing the<br />
contemporary. The exterior <strong>of</strong> the Cigar Store is Pho-historic and doesn’t match<br />
the rest <strong>of</strong> downtown historically. Buildings should be evaluated and declared a<br />
historic site. The <strong>City</strong> controls the development and permits and can control the<br />
number <strong>of</strong> big boxes allowed in our city. This kind <strong>of</strong> decision attracts a certain<br />
kind <strong>of</strong> person to our city.<br />
There needs to be standards around legislation on empty spaces. Certain older<br />
buildings that are sitting empty should be dealt with; there should be a policy to<br />
stop this from occurring. Low cost housing should include artist work spaces.<br />
4. Early engagement and exposure <strong>of</strong> the arts to children is vital to their<br />
development. The city should deliberately earmark funds for arts related<br />
activities in institutions like schools. Education cutbacks are a hindrance.<br />
Because each school’s arts programming varies, outside arts activities should be
made more available. Arts Alive and Well in the schools is a great example <strong>of</strong><br />
engaging a broader demographic in the arts by getting school age children<br />
involved.<br />
5. The Heart <strong>of</strong> our <strong>City</strong> plan remains relevant still. The Arts in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> need<br />
to be centralized at the moment its spread out and difficult to access.<br />
6. The regulations on sidewalk patios need to be loosened up, these encourage<br />
more public interaction on the sidewalk level. (Ie. Esquires only has a couple <strong>of</strong><br />
seats on the sidewalk and they are always full.) If you want people to sit down<br />
and enjoy you need places to sit. Benches should not be removed, but added.<br />
There is not enough downtown pedestrian traffic. By keeping the downtown alive<br />
with choice, variety and more support for independent businesses this problem<br />
could be solved. Policies need to be created that encourage creative independent<br />
businesses in the downtown core.<br />
Specific recommendations:<br />
- Ticket centre should run out <strong>of</strong> the old paramount c<strong>of</strong>fee show, more <strong>of</strong> a<br />
downtown presence.<br />
- Do not pave over the track on 6 th ave. at the civic centre<br />
- Make a community like Mackenzie Town in Calgary - Westside by new schoo<br />
– Satellite cities – avoid this kind <strong>of</strong> development<br />
- Public restrooms in more green spaces<br />
- A tree should be on every lot.<br />
- Ro<strong>of</strong> top gardens/ Green Ro<strong>of</strong> programs encouraged.<br />
- Draw the mayor contest; city helps coordinate kids and arts activities
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Allied Arts Council Staff <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 22
Issues:<br />
AAC Staff <strong>City</strong> Circle, July 29, 2009<br />
1. Lack <strong>of</strong> production space for artists <strong>of</strong> all disciplines.<br />
2. <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has no acoustically sound performing arts centre that<br />
adequately represents our population currently and in the future.<br />
3. Not enough exhibition space for local artists<br />
4. Business licenses for the arts community. Artists and visiting artists should<br />
not be lumped in with commercial business licenses.<br />
5. Not enough support and opportunity for University/College arts students<br />
during the <strong>of</strong>f season and upon completion <strong>of</strong> programs. Losing an age group<br />
<strong>of</strong> artists that could invest back into the community and the arts.<br />
6. Living spaces for artists within the downtown core.<br />
7. Adequate space for arts organizations to grow.<br />
8. Continue to promote the arts so that the generations coming up are<br />
exposed to a more diverse art experience. There is a lack <strong>of</strong> understanding<br />
within the general public in regards to the needs <strong>of</strong> the arts<br />
9. More festivals relating to the arts. Street Performers Festival.<br />
10. The arts don’t have high visibility within the centre <strong>of</strong> the city.<br />
Solutions:<br />
1. More affordable/accessible studio space for artists.<br />
2. Build a performing arts centre that provides adequate capacity and<br />
functionality for all performing arts.<br />
3. Build a big new gallery specifically for local artists.<br />
4. Artist licensing regulations encouraging local and external artists to<br />
practise and instruct their art. Many artists live under ground because <strong>of</strong><br />
inconsistent licensing. Artists practising license should be charged zero. The<br />
license gives them credibility.<br />
5. Something to allow spaces for the students when University is out. This<br />
would encourage the retention <strong>of</strong> people.<br />
6. All public housing projects should have dedicated appropriate live/work<br />
spaces for artists. If space is provided they will continue to produce things<br />
that will continue to build audiences. Programs need to be established to<br />
simplify access to empty buildings. Tax incentives for landlords to rent 2 nd<br />
storey spaces to artists should be implemented. Also those landlords that<br />
have empty street level spaces for long periods <strong>of</strong> time should be penalized.<br />
7. We need a community arts centre for all Medias to have adequate space to<br />
share, create and learn.<br />
8. Schools are losing their art programs. The city should step in to show what<br />
is available by communicating to the students. The <strong>City</strong> needs to demonstrate
leadership in stating the value <strong>of</strong> the arts then the community will follow.<br />
More information sharing and community links so that all <strong>of</strong> the community<br />
knows the opportunities for art learning out there. There should be Civic<br />
recognition <strong>of</strong> arts and artists. (ie. Key to the <strong>City</strong>) The city should also<br />
encourage more fiscal incentive between business and arts.<br />
9. Dedicated civic funding available for arts programming. Ie. Festivals, artists<br />
in residents<br />
10. The city needs to designate an arts corridor in the downtown core, a<br />
pedestrian street or pedestrian mall outside. Make <strong>Lethbridge</strong> an arts<br />
destination by providing more public art in more green spaces.<br />
The AAC still needs to be recognized as the leader <strong>of</strong> the arts community and<br />
still promoting and enhancing the arts and provided with sustainable funding.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
UDI <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 23
UDI <strong>City</strong> Circle August 13, 2009<br />
• Current Situation<br />
o Solutions/Comments<br />
Topic 1 – Dialogue with the <strong>City</strong> and Approvals<br />
• It is difficult to innovate based on current guidelines<br />
o Allow pr<strong>of</strong>essional consultants to innovate<br />
o Consultant design could be based on servicing constraints<br />
o These are guidelines not rules, allowing innovation will create a better built<br />
environment<br />
• Talent/Skill at private firms is not utilized as the <strong>City</strong> disregards pr<strong>of</strong>essional private work<br />
o Developers <strong>of</strong>ten scale back innovation to satisfy <strong>City</strong><br />
o A change <strong>of</strong> mindset is needed – acknowledge quality private work<br />
o Design by Approver vs. Design by Designer<br />
• Current focus on details as opposed to big picture, as a result many projects are stalled at<br />
Approvals Stage<br />
o Acknowledge that detailed design occurs after Approvals<br />
o Developers hire consultant to provide details within the site<br />
• Top Heavy Prescriptive<br />
o Dialogue not Dictating would be more constructive for everybody<br />
o “Download” responsibility to the developer/ focus on the big picture<br />
o Provide performance objectives<br />
• UDI wants meaningful review and consideration <strong>of</strong> issues raised to <strong>City</strong><br />
o Council set example – try to get raw info to <strong>City</strong><br />
o <strong>City</strong> should be steward <strong>of</strong> master plan for <strong>City</strong><br />
Topic 2 – Infill Development<br />
• Vacant Sites Downtown and within the Industrial Area<br />
o Stimulus to compensate additional costs would promote the densification <strong>of</strong> the core<br />
beyond parking lots<br />
• Industrial lots – city controls supply<br />
o <strong>City</strong> inventory <strong>of</strong> available lots and post the database online<br />
• <strong>City</strong> is supportive <strong>of</strong> infill in talk but action is not effective or adequate<br />
o Existing incentives are more paperwork than they’re worth<br />
• <strong>City</strong> should take a look at Medicine Hat re. infill development downtown<br />
o Building at zero cost<br />
o <strong>City</strong> leaving 2 floors
Topic 3 – Community Development<br />
• Cookie Cutter Communities<br />
o An Approval Authority that is more receptive to innovation would allow for increasingly<br />
creative design<br />
• Different Ideas/ Concepts are currently stifled or ignored by Approval Authority<br />
o Allow: One Way Streets, Green Communities, Stormwater Reuse, Tree Box Filters<br />
o Look around to other jurisdictions that have successfully innovated e.g. Garrison Woods<br />
• Currently a lack <strong>of</strong> Choice<br />
o Give developers the flexibility to create different products for different markets<br />
• There are different views on Affordable Housing<br />
o Approve Flag Lots<br />
• Stormwater storage requirements continue to increase yet they are still seen as a utility<br />
o Credit for ponds as community amenity and not just utility<br />
• Difficult to bring new stormwater management strategies to fruition<br />
o Allow non-conventional approaches e.g. watering your lawn with reused stormwater<br />
Topic 4 – Growth<br />
• New constraints are arising on the West Side<br />
o Establish a commercial node – create Westside jobs<br />
o <strong>City</strong> should show leadership to sponsor an ASP for a commercial node (identified in<br />
current MDP)<br />
o <strong>City</strong> needs to be clear where development can proceed -<br />
• Infrastructure/ Utilities Constraints Directing Growth<br />
o <strong>City</strong> needs to focus on constraints and fix them rather than develop around them<br />
o Available funding not being used for required infrastructure<br />
o We need a coordinated approach to infrastructure development<br />
• <strong>City</strong> should be focused on assessing and fixing bigger problems rather than putting constraints<br />
on developments<br />
o Not all major infrastructure investments can be subsidized by new lot development -<br />
$300,000 lots<br />
Topic 5 – Sustainable Communities<br />
• Heavy reliance on automobiles creates disconnected neighborhoods<br />
o Improved transit to get people out <strong>of</strong> their cars: Park and ride, Shorter routes, Network<br />
<strong>of</strong> hubs / focus higher frequency routes<br />
o Create mandatory transit passes for U<strong>of</strong>L and LC students (covered in tuition)– if they<br />
have it they will use may use – Same for <strong>City</strong> Employees<br />
• Poor use <strong>of</strong> Stormwater as a resource<br />
o Support adaptive reuse <strong>of</strong> stromwater
o Water barrel Giveaway<br />
• Generating business from local resources<br />
o Adding value locally<br />
o Development <strong>of</strong> specialized knowledge base<br />
o Developing minds at College and University – self perpetuated continual source for an<br />
educated workforce<br />
• Low impact development<br />
o Think about big picture for process<br />
o Integrate commercial / business and retail land uses in neighborhood<br />
• Lack <strong>of</strong> a Performing Arts Centre<br />
o A Performing arts centre would greatly contribute to Cultural Sustainability as well as<br />
prevent entertainment money from flowing out <strong>of</strong> town<br />
• Lack <strong>of</strong> an active transportation strategy<br />
o Maintain area to encourage active transportation<br />
o Integrate trail system / network<br />
• NIMBYism is stifling development<br />
o Council mandate to listen to all but only accommodate reasonable requests<br />
o Council needs to “stick with the plan”<br />
Topic 6 – Cost Effective Development<br />
• Developers are paying to fix <strong>City</strong> problems through <strong>of</strong>fsite levies, master planning, and<br />
developing solutions for problems as a result the cost <strong>of</strong> lots has doubled in 10 years<br />
• Many <strong>City</strong> Construction Standards are unnecessary and expensive: Road Design, Stormwater,<br />
Lane width. Gravel Under Sidewalks alone costs more to build and replace in 20 years<br />
o Rationalize these standards<br />
Topic 7 – Mixed-Use (Multi-layered) Development<br />
• Little mixed-use currently<br />
o <strong>City</strong> should embrace and promote the adoption <strong>of</strong> mixed-use “Town Squares” in new<br />
developments<br />
• There is a recognized need for mixed-use in more locations<br />
o 40 th and 20 th , 24 th on south side<br />
• Promote mixed use development especially downtown<br />
o Performing arts centre<br />
o Heart <strong>of</strong> our city – revive<br />
o Can’t respond to all NIMBY<br />
• Mixed-use is a good platform for Affordable Housing<br />
o Freeing up levies will promote affordable housing
Topic 7 – The Role <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> as a Developer<br />
• <strong>City</strong> portrayal <strong>of</strong> creating a different product<br />
o SunRidge is Environmentally Innovative – however no longer affordable<br />
o RiverStone is indistinguishable from other developments – in direct competition with<br />
developers<br />
o Private developers could compete if there were incentives in place<br />
• Water and electric utilities are currently lumped together<br />
o Separation would boost confidence in costs/management <strong>of</strong> services<br />
• Lack <strong>of</strong> fiscal accountability to public<br />
o Increased transparency/disclosure as this is taxpayers money
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Natural Horsemanship and the<br />
Coulees in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 24
Plan Your <strong>City</strong>: <strong>Lethbridge</strong> <strong>City</strong> Circle, 2009<br />
Topic: Natural Horsemanship and the Coulees, IN <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Contact: Sherri Umeris Bohnert, sherri@sayee,ca, (403) 381-0805<br />
Topic <strong>of</strong> Interest Current Situation:<br />
Currently in North <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, Serenity Equestrian provides an unique opportunity to<br />
Better Know Our Place and Ourselves, Building Respectful Relationship through the<br />
practice <strong>of</strong> Natural Horsemanship being in the Coulees. Twenty-two people, with a<br />
seventy year age range between them participated in the <strong>City</strong> Circle on June 14, in<br />
conjunction with a clean-up and pot-luck fire roast.<br />
The participants voiced that Serenity Equestrian provides an unique opportunity for<br />
people in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> and area, <strong>of</strong> various ages and ability, enjoy within our <strong>City</strong> (on<br />
route) the benefits <strong>of</strong> building respectful relationship through experiences in the coulees<br />
and with the horses, individually and in groups: including family gatherings; youth inservice;<br />
boarding horses; children's and youth lessons and camps; new immigrants,<br />
kindergarten, preschool and other school group educational visits; mental health and<br />
other health and wellness services, including special needs, ladies, ‘mom and daughter’<br />
classes; alternate forms <strong>of</strong> payment... A nine year participant <strong>of</strong> a recent horse and nature<br />
camp commented that being at Serenity Equestrian ‘feels like being with family’.<br />
Currently, the area that Serenity Equestrian leases will be developed for houses, as early<br />
as summer 2010, pending on the housing market. Please refer to the three letters <strong>of</strong><br />
support below.<br />
Serenity Equestrian has evolved over the past five years to meet the needs <strong>of</strong> a wide<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> people in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, and since 2008 has successfully introduced a naturestewardship<br />
component to the horse classes and camps, and educational visits by various<br />
groups. Please refer to the three sample letters <strong>of</strong> support below.<br />
Ideas to Improve or Implement our Topic:<br />
We hope that the information shared through our <strong>City</strong> Circle efforts will help increase the<br />
awareness and appreciation <strong>of</strong> valuable community building opportunity that Serenity<br />
Equestrian affords. We hope that the experience to Better Know Our Place and<br />
Ourselves, Building Respectful Relationship through the unique combination <strong>of</strong> Natural<br />
Horsemanship and the Coulees, IN <strong>Lethbridge</strong> will continue to be available, in<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>. Please refer to three sample support letters included below.<br />
Hi Lori<br />
I wanted to thank you for another wonderful fieldtrip experience. The children talked about that<br />
day until the end <strong>of</strong> the school year. It is such a unique opportunity for our students. For most <strong>of</strong><br />
them it is the first time they have ever come in to contact with such beautiful creatures. Our<br />
urban students need programs like yours. Because <strong>of</strong> the close proximity they can have a rural<br />
experience not otherwise accessible to them and their families. Our students come away from<br />
the experience with an empathy and excitement for nature and animals. We hope that we will be
able to come and have such a great time, year after year. Many thanks to you and your team.<br />
Sincerely Kellie Pierzchala, Jumpstart Preschool Program Manager, July 2009<br />
To Whom It May Concern:<br />
"When we first moved to <strong>Lethbridge</strong> two years ago I was surprised to see that with all the<br />
beautiful landscape there is such a small amount utilized and maintained as natural public<br />
recreation area. It wasn't until this summer that I found Serenity Equestrain, a landscape who's<br />
views are indescribably beautiful and within city limits!! What an amazing place and a great<br />
location. Our family, along with many others, enjoy the area and the people who are on the<br />
property for not only the horse riding lessons that are <strong>of</strong>fered there, but the life lessons <strong>of</strong><br />
empathy and understanding. Lori Chell, the owner <strong>of</strong> Serenity, has made a huge and positive<br />
impact on the lives <strong>of</strong> children and their families. She not only provides children with the<br />
opportunity to interact with nature but encourages them to express themselves freely. In today’s,<br />
hustle and bustle society this safe and therapeutic atmosphere is something to be treasured and<br />
protected. She not only provides this opportunity for those who can afford it but also<br />
makes exceptions for those who can not. Its not about the money for her, its about humanity. A<br />
safe place for both humans and animals. I would even go so far to say that funding for the area<br />
is well deserved!<br />
From an economic <strong>City</strong>'s perspective, keeping the Serenity area as a natural landscape would be<br />
a great benefit. The north side <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has had at times a less than positive reputation.<br />
Perhaps keeping this natural area on that side <strong>of</strong> town might help draw people into the area,<br />
releasing some <strong>of</strong> that negative stigmatism. If all else it will <strong>of</strong>f set the unsightly power area<br />
immediately before the Serenity location!<br />
Letter submitted, August 2009, by Jamie Vesey, involved with Ladies classes at Serenity<br />
Equestrian<br />
August 13, 2009<br />
<strong>City</strong> Council<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>, AB<br />
Dear Sir or Madam;<br />
Situated at the top <strong>of</strong> the coulees near the entrance to Alexander Wilderness Park, therein<br />
lies a hidden jewel <strong>of</strong> Northern <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. Serenity Equestrian is a place where horse<br />
people gather, and is in danger <strong>of</strong> needing to move.<br />
I was appalled when I heard that their lease is nearing its end, without the possibility <strong>of</strong><br />
renewal. The property is to be put up for sale, rezoned to residential, and redeveloped to<br />
build 30 houses. While the property has an amazing view, and I could understand living<br />
there, this is not an ideal solution for use <strong>of</strong> the land.<br />
Serenity Equestrian <strong>of</strong>fers lessons in horseback riding and horsemanship. The employees<br />
on the ranch are amazing, knowledgeable people who help people understand horses, and<br />
through understanding horses, understand themselves. The ranch is home to horses,<br />
llamas, cats and dogs. They <strong>of</strong>fer horseback riding lessons to children, run camps for<br />
children, and help adults get in touch with themselves.
The fact that the ranch gives something for kids to do besides watch TV or play video<br />
games is pro<strong>of</strong> enough that it shouldn’t be relocated. The Enmax centre recently received<br />
funding from the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> in the amount <strong>of</strong> $4.3 million to finish its<br />
renovations and create a twin ice arena. This is good news, especially for the kids out<br />
there who play ice hockey or skate. The city dumps all kinds <strong>of</strong> money into recreation,<br />
ostensibly to combat the lack <strong>of</strong> outdoor activity that children are involved in nowadays. I<br />
can attest to this – being a Brownie and Beaver leader, I know firsthand that our numbers<br />
have dropped substantially in the last four years. Serenity Equestrian <strong>of</strong>fers kids another<br />
choice – they can go horseback riding, which have been proven time and time again to<br />
give a great workout. The therapeutic benefits <strong>of</strong> horseback riding (or even just being<br />
with a horse) are well documented, and it seems a shame to deprive kids <strong>of</strong> these benefits.<br />
The ranch is located within city limits, which <strong>of</strong>fers ease <strong>of</strong> accessibility to those who<br />
can’t leave the city for whatever reason. Additionally, given the reputation <strong>of</strong> the North<br />
side <strong>of</strong> the city, the location is perfect. It’s nice to have a sanctuary in the part <strong>of</strong> town<br />
that is known mostly for its crime and drug abuse problems. Once you enter Serenity, you<br />
are pretty much safe from the outside world.<br />
The ranch is located directly beside a set <strong>of</strong> transformers. The buzzing is audible from the<br />
gates <strong>of</strong> the ranch, which I noticed on my last visit there. Potential residents will notice<br />
this. Additionally, they aren’t the prettiest things to look at, which is a stark contrast to<br />
the twilight view over the coulees.<br />
Given the reasons I have outlined above, I implore you to act in the best interests <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ranch. Development for 30 houses can take place anywhere in the city; but Serenity<br />
Equestrian is at its home. It <strong>of</strong>fers recreation for children who would otherwise not be<br />
able to enjoy what the ranch has to <strong>of</strong>fer, and its benefits far outweigh any <strong>of</strong> its<br />
downfalls. Please take these reasons into consideration, and reconsider your past<br />
decisions.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Tanis Driedger<br />
Better Knowing Our Place and Ourselves: an Opportunity to Build Respectful<br />
Relationship through the unique combination <strong>of</strong> Natural Horsemanship and the Coulees,<br />
IN <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Sherri Umeris Bohnert<br />
sherri@sayee,ca, (403) 381-0805<br />
Serenity Equestrian and SACEE (Southern Alberta Community <strong>of</strong> Environmental<br />
Educators)<br />
We started with an initial 'circle' June 14 with potluck, and continue to gather information<br />
to share.<br />
The opportunity for people in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> and area, <strong>of</strong> various ages and ability, enjoy
within our <strong>City</strong> (on route) the benefits <strong>of</strong> building respectful relationship through<br />
experiences in the coulees and with the horses, individually and in groups: including<br />
family gatherings, youth in-service, children's and youth lessons and camps, new<br />
immigrants, kindergarten, preschool and other school group visits, mental health and<br />
other health and wellness services, including and special needs, ladies, mom and<br />
daughter, alternate forms <strong>of</strong> payment...<br />
Written with pictures
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Working and Playing in Beautiful<br />
Neighbourhoods, Building Meaningful<br />
Relationships<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 25
<strong>City</strong> Circle:<br />
Working and Playing in Beautiful Neighbourhoods,<br />
Building Meaningful Relationship<br />
Westminster Community Center<br />
Wednesday, September, 2, 2009, 7:15 - 9 pm<br />
Welcome and Introduction:<br />
We are thankful for the opportunity to have gathered, and to be able to<br />
share our thoughts with the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> through the <strong>City</strong> Circle,<br />
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Initiative.<br />
Participants (13) present, representing various communities:<br />
Natalie Ashbee, student <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> College; Sherri and Paul<br />
Bohnert, (Paradise) Canyon, Nature Club; Brian Conger, Resident;<br />
Rohan Crown, Westminster Community, Pastor; Alvin Fritz, Architect<br />
for Free Grace church (2 nd<br />
A Ave. N.); Julie Klok, Ten Thousand<br />
Villages; Rita Medve, Westminster Teacher, Taiko Drummer <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Community Taiko Association; Kevin Powell, Lutheran<br />
Church <strong>of</strong> the Good Shepherd, Pastor; Audrey Procee, Coaldale; Mary<br />
and Kim Seiver, London Road; Bill Zwartbol, Pastor <strong>of</strong> Free Grace<br />
Shelly Ryan Gray, Community Renewal International <strong>of</strong> Shreveport,<br />
Louisiana shared information via email.<br />
NOTE: Rohan and Sherri co-hosted our <strong>City</strong> Circle; Paul recorded;<br />
Sherri compiled report.
SUMMARY<br />
Name: Working and Playing IN Beautiful Neighbourhoods, Building<br />
Meaningful Relationships<br />
Contact: Sherri Umeris Bohnert, sherri@sayee.ca<br />
Current Situation: Thirteen people, representing various communities<br />
in and around <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, were invited to share what they know, from<br />
experience, on the topic <strong>of</strong> “Working and playing IN our<br />
neighbourhoods, building meaningful relationships”: first defining a<br />
beautiful neighbourhood, and then sharing success stories, challenges<br />
and hopes for <strong>Lethbridge</strong> in the future. As the understanding <strong>of</strong> “What a<br />
beautiful neighbourhood is?” was being voiced, we noticed that each<br />
person added an unique piece to create the picture, and there seemed<br />
unanimous agreement and support from the group as a whole on all<br />
parts. The opportunity to build meaningful relationships while<br />
interacting in our neighbourhood, where all people feel safe and<br />
respected summarizes the comments shared. For more detail please see<br />
notes below, and Appendix B.<br />
Our ideas for <strong>City</strong> Administration to use to improve and implement<br />
our topic: The stories, challenges and hopes for <strong>Lethbridge</strong> in the<br />
future, as recorded in our <strong>City</strong> Circle and outlined below we hope<br />
provide a good reference for <strong>City</strong> planning and policy making. Please<br />
ask with each decision/policy made: Are we supporting or taking away<br />
from the opportunity for neighbours to live IN their neighbourhoods, and<br />
build meaningful, respectful relationship? We recommend working<br />
toward having in neighbourhoods: a central gathering place(s),<br />
ways/reasons to walk within the neighbourhood, as well as increased<br />
time and various reasons to gather with neighbours regularly. Having<br />
grocery stores, with local food options, throughout the city, will afford<br />
more opportunity to build relationship, walk, save energy and reduce
pollution. We hope there are plans to have community gardens, and<br />
native plants and ecosystem areas throughout the city, in addition to<br />
sheltered areas in ‘parks’ and developing family friendly niche’s for<br />
each neighbourhood, for example Westminster Pool and Centre and<br />
Spray Parks <strong>of</strong> Galt and Nicolas Sheran. Supporting<br />
home/neighbourhood businesses, and ways for children/youth to enjoy<br />
gathering cooperatively, learning good citizenship, where the adults are<br />
involved as witnesses and assistants, mentoring, sharing talents, for<br />
example Neighbourhood Stewardship ‘Clubs’; sports and activity day<br />
camps; potlucks with music or other artistic-educational focus. Please<br />
consider the importance <strong>of</strong> being environmentally responsible in<br />
restoring old buildings beautifully to best meet the needs <strong>of</strong> the people,<br />
neighbourhood. The more we can live IN our neighbourhoods, greater is<br />
the opportunity to better know each other, interact, and better understand<br />
each others needs and strengths. Schools, shopping, sports, and other<br />
activities that keep us driving OUT <strong>of</strong> our neighbourhoods, may be<br />
decreasing the potential to build meaningful relationship with our<br />
neighbours. Could we work towards having self-sufficient areas in<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>, 7000 people or less, which are represented by a Council<br />
Member. Council Members would then have both talent/experience<br />
specialization as well as more intimate ‘area’ representation-voice to<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer, keeping our life in the city more personable. Please refer to<br />
comments recorded at the meeting outlined below in Parts 2 and 3.<br />
Thank you for your consideration. We hope our comments help make<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> a great place to live.<br />
NOTES recorded from our <strong>City</strong> Circle:<br />
Part 1: What makes a beautiful neighbourhood?<br />
10 000 Villages: How to Build Community poster; see Appendix B
Rita<br />
– where children can play in the evening<br />
- where families can get together and enjoy each others company<br />
- a place where there are recreational spaces that are safe<br />
- a community that is open to drumming (other ideas)<br />
- with experiences that make my heart feel good<br />
Bill<br />
- a neighbourhood has to be safe for children, women, families,<br />
- a society where we know our neighbours, full <strong>of</strong> relationships<br />
Al<br />
- Promotes and creates a palette for meaningful, loving and caring relationships between the<br />
members <strong>of</strong> a community<br />
- Be able to walk all around the neighbourhood<br />
Natalie<br />
- be able to experience other cultures<br />
- appreciate the diversity <strong>of</strong> religion, culture, thoughts<br />
Audrey<br />
- a neighbourhood <strong>of</strong> trust, assisting each other, take care <strong>of</strong> yards, watch homes during holidays.<br />
- work to benefit each other, learn about what they need and how to assist each other<br />
Julie<br />
- respect between neighbours, and safe in who they are<br />
- a neighbourhood that says hello, share meals, talk over the fence, share produce from the<br />
gardens, celebrating each others events<br />
Mary & Kim<br />
- knowing that my children are safe in the neighbourhood and with our neighbours.<br />
- love to see gardens and share<br />
- a community/house that you do not want to leave<br />
Brian<br />
- ethnic diversity within the community<br />
- rental properties that are safe and respectful<br />
- make eye contact to say hello even though there is a language barrier<br />
- contribute to the conversation face to face rather than electronically<br />
Kevin<br />
- currently, most neighbourhoods are not conducive to meeting your neighbours,<br />
- walking helps get to know people<br />
Paul<br />
- a need for a central gathering place in each community<br />
Sherri<br />
- opportunity to experience, share passion-knowledge and care for our natural areas: both<br />
maintain existing coulee and riparian areas, as well as re-establish native ecosystems<br />
through the city, especially in ‘school’ yards, seniors homes, other shared community<br />
space, and personal property
Part 2: What is your best ‘living’ IN your neighbourhood<br />
story/experience?<br />
Rohan<br />
Kim<br />
- the 2009 Westminster summer Activities and Sport camp, where most <strong>of</strong> the kids walked<br />
and rode their bike; a Sudanese woman brought 4 trays <strong>of</strong> food to share; a Chinese<br />
woman <strong>of</strong>fered food for next year, and<br />
- the Westminster park and area was full <strong>of</strong> children, 50 +, running playing, smiling<br />
together<br />
- People who walk in the neighbourhood from a meeting<br />
- Being committed to being green<br />
Natalie<br />
Mary<br />
- Playing guitar music on porch, and neighbours listen in<br />
- Sharing art, talents, music, chalk on the sidewalk<br />
- The downtown farmers market<br />
- Wish for a year round farmers’ market<br />
- Stop in the fountain in the Galt<br />
Audrey,<br />
Rita<br />
Al<br />
- share neighbour’s garden, take turns watering, weeding…<br />
- know neighbours well enough that they will take care <strong>of</strong> dieing cat<br />
- Garage sale with neighbours adding in cucumbers, eggs to sell and stop to share a c<strong>of</strong>fee,<br />
and sit a while on our couch that we are trying to sell
- <strong>City</strong>-Net, random acts <strong>of</strong> kindness, party in the park (Wilson): hot air balloons, band,<br />
hamburgers/hotdogs, jumpers<br />
- Each party has a sense <strong>of</strong> community<br />
- Kids brought their parents to the party to for events, free <strong>of</strong> cost<br />
- The smaller party in the park was very ethnic and the best<br />
Sherri and Paul<br />
Bill<br />
Brian<br />
Julie<br />
Kevin<br />
- The construction <strong>of</strong> the community play ground, by neighbours<br />
- Husking corn, cutting and watering grass for neighbours, coulee clean-ups, the Nature<br />
Club, the Kid Style Neighbourhood Nature Club with, Stewardship Campout, ‘sandlot<br />
baseball’, plots in the garden, solar ‘kit-car’…<br />
- Saturdays and after school playing hockey, sharing snacks, a feel <strong>of</strong> community<br />
- The empty space in the downtown is a concern,<br />
- A walk on a cold morning and running into Galbraith, a building <strong>of</strong> character<br />
- Streets filled with people in Spain,<br />
- Upon retuning to <strong>Lethbridge</strong> wonder: Where are all the people?<br />
- The London Road – 6A Street party, vibrancy to the area<br />
- Create an area where there are sidewalk cafes,<br />
- Spontaneously, immigrants dance and sing in the 10,000 Villages store<br />
- A neighbour watched his children and <strong>of</strong>fered the use <strong>of</strong> his car when he needed to return<br />
to church for forgotten gather keys<br />
-<br />
Part 3: Further Sharing: More Success Stories, Challenges, and<br />
Hopes for <strong>Lethbridge</strong>’s future.<br />
- Transit riding has improved and continues to improve<br />
- More and more people choose to use transit<br />
- Al’s presentation on a renovation and addition to a church. Please see Appendix C.
- A micro-community, condo ‘street-party’<br />
- Densification <strong>of</strong> the downtown core, and some <strong>of</strong> the major commercial areas (13 th , 3<br />
- Create walk-ability, reduce threats<br />
- Support by economic development and city council <strong>of</strong> smaller community-based<br />
businesses, farmers market, <strong>of</strong>fices, grocery,<br />
- Create more sharing gardens, co-op<br />
- Self sufficient areas (maybe 10 – 12 now, being about 7000 people per area); that has a<br />
niche, eg. spray parks, swimming parks; local grocery store; city council member<br />
affiliated with an area, therefore more personable relationship for council and the<br />
community have a richer voice<br />
- A grocery store for each community, eg. Downtown, University Students<br />
- Assisting the struggling community members<br />
-<br />
From Shelley, by email:<br />
“We just had a master plan vision day for our city, and despite technical difficulties, it was a<br />
great exercise in gaining appreciation for what it takes to look into the future then shape that<br />
future. I saw that same process in your work.<br />
Thanks for your interest in Community Renewal. You will find our website at<br />
communityrenewal.us “ From their webpage:<br />
The CRI strategy has three initiatives:<br />
Renewal Team<br />
The Renewal Team works citywide to unite businesses, churches, civic groups, residents and<br />
others as caring partners building a stronger city.<br />
Haven Houses<br />
Haven House volunteers unite neighbors on the block where they live. Identified by a “We Care”<br />
sign in their yard, Haven House leaders may host block parties, take meals to a sick neighbor,<br />
help find a lost pet, share garden produce or just <strong>of</strong>fer a listening ear.<br />
Friendship Houses<br />
These are homes built in low-income areas and lived in by CRI staff – families who help turn<br />
impoverished neighbourhoods into havens <strong>of</strong> hope. Each house contains a large community<br />
room for tutoring, computer training, character-building and much more. Other agencies partner<br />
with us in this life-changing outreach.<br />
rd, )
Appendix A: Poster, with agenda<br />
Working and Playing in Beautiful Neighbourhoods,<br />
Building Meaningful Relationship:<br />
Please gather and share your success stories, challenges and hopes for <strong>Lethbridge</strong>,<br />
LIVING IN our neighbourhoods.<br />
WHERE: Westminster Community Center, Corner <strong>of</strong> 5th Ave and 16th St<br />
WHEN: Wednesday, September, 2, 2009, 7:15 - 9 pm<br />
WHAT: Round Table Discussion followed by Snacks,<br />
Welcome and introduction; start discussions considering what makes a neighbourhood beautiful,<br />
physically and relationally; further explore topic; conclusion and snacks. Our thoughts will be<br />
recorded and then shared at the <strong>City</strong> Ideas Fair, October 17.<br />
HOSTS: Members and Neighbours <strong>of</strong> the Westminster Community<br />
ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND<br />
COME READY TO SHARE YOUR STORY!!!!<br />
Please bring a cup for refreshments.<br />
MORE INFORMATION THROUGH:<br />
Rohan Crown – (403)795- 7692 or rohancrown@gmail.com<br />
Sherri Umeris Bohnert sherri@sayee.ca
Appendix B: “How to Build A Community” poster list from 10 000 Villages<br />
- Turn <strong>of</strong>f your TV<br />
- Leave our house<br />
- Know your neighbours<br />
- Look up when you are walking<br />
- Greet People<br />
- Sit on your stoop<br />
- Plant flowers<br />
- Use your library<br />
- Play together<br />
- Buy form local merchants<br />
- Share what you have<br />
- Help a lost dog<br />
- Take children to the park<br />
- Garden together<br />
- Support neighbourhood schools<br />
- Fix it even if you didn’t break it<br />
- Have potlucks<br />
- Honour elders<br />
- Pick up litter<br />
- Read stories aloud<br />
- Dance in the street<br />
- Talk to the mail carrier<br />
- Listen to the birds<br />
- Put up a swing<br />
- Help carry something heavy<br />
- Barter for your goods<br />
- Start a tradition<br />
- Ask a question<br />
- Hire young people for odd jobs<br />
- Organize a block party<br />
- Bake extra and share<br />
- -Ask for help when you need it<br />
- Open your shades<br />
- Sing together<br />
- Share your skills<br />
- Take back the night<br />
- Turn up the music; Turn down the music<br />
- Listen before you react to anger<br />
- Mediate a conflict<br />
- Seek to understand<br />
- Learn from new and uncomfortable angles<br />
- Know that no one is silent though many are not heard<br />
- Work to change this
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Kirby’s C<strong>of</strong>fee Chat<br />
Part 1 Housing Development<br />
Part 2 Facilities and Amenities in the <strong>City</strong><br />
0112-318-00 CCID 26
<strong>City</strong> Circle Name: Kirby's C<strong>of</strong>fee Chat<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Topic <strong>of</strong> Interest: Housing Development<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
What is the current situation regarding your topic?<br />
It would seem that the land developers are limited by some <strong>of</strong> the regulations the city has for innovative and creative<br />
housing development. We are seeing developments that are trying to provide diversity in housing choice, facilities,<br />
amenities, and landscaping, but are prevented because <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> the guidelines.<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement you topic <strong>of</strong> interest?<br />
Our group feels that the city should revisit the guidelines associated with land development so that more innovation can<br />
occur. We also think it is important that these new subdivisions have the opportunity to create community associations to<br />
ensure the sustainability <strong>of</strong> the communities and the original goals <strong>of</strong> the community. One idea we have is to provide a<br />
financial incentive to the land developers that would need to change their plans to incorporate innovate ideas into their<br />
current outline plans since the development process takes quite a bit <strong>of</strong> time. We need to understand that innovative<br />
development and diverse housing choices must be <strong>of</strong>fered to the community, but in order to do that we need to ensure<br />
that these types <strong>of</strong> developments can occur at a good pace and not be onerous on private industry. Another idea is to<br />
educate the citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> about the different types <strong>of</strong> development and housing choice that is available. Industry<br />
will build what they can sell and if the buying public decides they want something different, you will find that industry will<br />
build that. Education on this issue also has to be taken on.
<strong>City</strong> Circle Name: Kirby's C<strong>of</strong>fee Chat<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Topic <strong>of</strong> Interest: Facilities and Amenities in the city<br />
What is the current situation regarding your topic?<br />
There seems to be a disparity in the types <strong>of</strong> services and amenities that are located throughout the city. There is a lack<br />
<strong>of</strong> recreational facilities on the southside while there is a lack <strong>of</strong> commercial and retail amenities on the westside. It<br />
seems that the growth <strong>of</strong> the city is not balanced when it comes to facilities and amenities.<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement you topic <strong>of</strong> interest?<br />
It is our group's belief that the city needs to look at the growth <strong>of</strong> the city by ensuring that new areas have key facilities<br />
and amenities for the people that will be living in that area. If we were to look at areas that look at nodal development and<br />
incorporate that type <strong>of</strong> growth with regards to facilities and amenities, it might bring more well rounded communities to<br />
our city.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Moving Up <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
0112-318-00 CCID 27
<strong>City</strong> Circle Name: Moving Up <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Topic <strong>of</strong> Interest: Housing Development<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
What is the current situation regarding your topic?<br />
The development <strong>of</strong> housing throughout the city is very interesting. Currently there is active development on the South<br />
side Northside and the Westside. It would seem that the East side has been overlooked. We are also seeing the seeds<br />
<strong>of</strong> innovation in land and housing development being planted, but only in areas where the city has control <strong>of</strong> the development.<br />
We are hearing messages about affordability, housing choice, increased densification, and a better division <strong>of</strong> facilities<br />
and amenities throughout the city, but we are not necessarily seeing any action on these fronts. There is a hint <strong>of</strong><br />
this with some <strong>of</strong> the new subdivisions, but we haven't seen it materialize as <strong>of</strong> yet.<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement you topic <strong>of</strong> interest?<br />
In order to increase the amount <strong>of</strong> housing choice available to citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, our group recommends the following:<br />
1. Relax the guidelines that surround the land development process and encourage innovation in new communities<br />
through a financial incentive or speedier process for developments that involve some sort <strong>of</strong> innovation. Eg. Mixed Use,<br />
Nodal, etc.<br />
2. Educate the citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> about the various housing and development choices. If the public want this, industry<br />
will build it so they can sell it.<br />
3. Increase the densification <strong>of</strong> the downtown core. Encourage the addition <strong>of</strong> a storey to those buildings either by a financial<br />
incentive or a speedier process. This will result in more housing choice. This should also help in creating a village<br />
atmosphere with nice apartments and condos and bring more people to downtown.<br />
4. Focus some economic development into the downtown core by targeting businesses to set up their head quarters in<br />
our downtown core. Build a marketing campaign that will draw in more pr<strong>of</strong>essionals to the core.<br />
5. Revisit the guidelines about secondary suites in existing and new subdivisions. Make secondary suites a discretionary<br />
use in land zones such as R-SL to encourage more housing diversity and home ownership.<br />
6.Lobby the federal government to change the taxation structure for rental properties so that individuals are encouraged<br />
to become landlords and increase the level <strong>of</strong> affordable housing.<br />
7. Look at the inclusion <strong>of</strong> recreational facilities in the various communities or by having at least one large recreational<br />
centre that will encourage people to our city.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Communities in Bloom<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 28
PLAN YOUR <strong>CITY</strong><br />
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES<br />
SUBMITTED BY<br />
COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM<br />
LETHBRIDGE<br />
AUGUST, 2009
COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM – LETHBRIDGE<br />
Communities in Bloom was established as a national programme in<br />
1995. That same year the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> joined the national<br />
association, with its first judging and entry into the national<br />
competition for cities in the population group <strong>of</strong> 50,000 to 100,000.<br />
In 1996, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> was the first place winner in our category.<br />
Each year, the city is judged based on eight criteria. These are:<br />
Landscaped areas<br />
Environmental awareness<br />
Community Involvement<br />
Tidiness<br />
Floral Displays<br />
Natural and Cultural Heritage<br />
Urban Forestry<br />
Turf and Ground Cover<br />
The <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Communities in Bloom Committee has worked<br />
diligently over the past 15 years to influence substantive changes in<br />
city practices and community involvement to create a better place for<br />
all citizens to live and work. It is for this very reason that the<br />
committee saw the need to meet, and prepare a submission for the<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles programme. This submission is based upon the eight<br />
criteria, as set out by the National Communities in Bloom<br />
organization.
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP<br />
2008 – 2009<br />
Brian Wright Chairperson<br />
Helen St. Onge Vice-chairperson<br />
Jan Foster<br />
Robert Hironaka<br />
Joanna Fraser<br />
Rhondda Schindeler<br />
Linda Kiernan<br />
Phil Edmundson<br />
Katy Edmundson<br />
Cynthia Edgar<br />
Enid Gom<br />
Joan Haig<br />
Judy Matlock<br />
Paulette Reid<br />
Judy Scott<br />
Dayna Tilleman<br />
Francis McHardy<br />
Dave Ellis Administrative Support<br />
John Gilbert Staff Support<br />
Marlene LaPointe Staff Support – Secretary
LANDSCAPED AREAS<br />
• Continue the development <strong>of</strong> floral areas in Galt Gardens.<br />
• Continue the improvement <strong>of</strong> Brewery Gardens, using more natural<br />
plantings.<br />
• Continue the revitalization <strong>of</strong> Henderson Lake controlling the weed<br />
problem.<br />
• Develop floral areas in Nicholas Sheran Park and other Westside areas<br />
with adequate staffing to maintain these areas.<br />
• Develop downtown sculptures and artwork that depicts local history and<br />
our historical heritage.
FLORAL DISPLAYS<br />
• Encourage more downtown hanging baskets<br />
and provide constant management. The <strong>City</strong><br />
should adopt the program.<br />
• Encourage the development <strong>of</strong><br />
Victorian and Heritage gardens.<br />
• Continue to encourage residential<br />
gardens and beautification with<br />
recognition, awards.<br />
• Encourage the development and<br />
maintenance <strong>of</strong> floral displays by<br />
businesses and public institutions.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT<br />
• Establish a “Welcome to<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>” sign on west side<br />
<strong>of</strong> city.<br />
• Continue to promote<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> at the National<br />
and International level by<br />
highlighting opportunities<br />
with quality <strong>of</strong> life issues,<br />
Education – University,<br />
College, Federal and<br />
Provincial Research Stations and business opportunities.<br />
• Development <strong>of</strong> an Arts and Cultural Centre, preferably in the downtown.<br />
• Diversify the economy but retain community as a marketplace with an<br />
agricultural focus and keeping a sustainable vision for the future.<br />
• Promote the development <strong>of</strong> a Convention Centre to attract events and<br />
the hospitality industry.<br />
• Encourage public involvement in our tourist attractions and visitor centres.<br />
Develop community gardens<br />
on the west and south side <strong>of</strong><br />
city.<br />
• Encourage children’s<br />
educational programs<br />
involving gardening, planting<br />
<strong>of</strong> flowers and trees.<br />
• Encourage development <strong>of</strong> memorial gardens <strong>of</strong> trees and floral displays<br />
such as Rose Garden at St.<br />
Michael’s Health Centre and<br />
perhaps in the newly<br />
planned cemetery.
• Encourage the development <strong>of</strong> train<br />
rides over High Level Bridge.<br />
• Encourage partnerships with seniors<br />
and students and Senior’s residences<br />
with raised flower and vegetable beds.<br />
Provide raised beds for seniors in new<br />
community gardens.<br />
• Encourage more year round use<br />
<strong>of</strong> parks throughout the city,<br />
such as Winter Festivals,<br />
Children’s Festivals, Fundraising<br />
and Community events.
TURF AND GROUND COVER<br />
• Encourage the use <strong>of</strong> native plants that are adapted to the area through<br />
public education<br />
programs – low<br />
maintenance and lower<br />
water use.<br />
• Develop and maintain<br />
planting <strong>of</strong> native<br />
grasses in appropriate<br />
areas
URBAN FORESTRY<br />
• Maintain and improve<br />
existing programs by<br />
developing a long term<br />
urban forestry plan.<br />
• Encourage citizens to<br />
prune trees for beauty,<br />
water conservation,<br />
longevity and safety<br />
though creation and<br />
development <strong>of</strong> tree<br />
protection bylaw and<br />
develop public education<br />
programs for same.<br />
• Through public<br />
education, encourage<br />
residents and businesses<br />
to plant more<br />
appropriate trees.<br />
• Extend trees along boulevards – eg; 3 rd<br />
Mayor Magrath Drive.<br />
Avenue South from Downtown to<br />
• Encourage planting fruit bearing trees and shrubs (with proper education<br />
regarding clean up <strong>of</strong> fruit).
NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE<br />
• Complete river bottom trail system<br />
by Golf Course.<br />
• Create focal point to recognize<br />
mining history in city. This will<br />
recognize the mining contribution<br />
to this community, as well as serve<br />
as a tourist attraction.<br />
• Maintain current state <strong>of</strong> natural areas<br />
<strong>of</strong> the river bottom.<br />
• Encourage development <strong>of</strong> heritage<br />
gardens throughout the city.<br />
• Continue and expand the designation <strong>of</strong> heritage buildings throughout the<br />
city.<br />
• Improve the public recognition and acknowledgement <strong>of</strong> heritage buildings<br />
and sites.<br />
• Continue the<br />
development <strong>of</strong><br />
downtown while<br />
maintaining the<br />
heritage <strong>of</strong> the area.
TIDINESS<br />
• Encourage businesses, especially in the Industrial Park to “tidy up” their<br />
property – <strong>of</strong>fer incentives, awards and recognition.<br />
• Develop a system to clean up alleys with stricter enforcement <strong>of</strong> existing<br />
bylaws.<br />
• Control littering with<br />
better education and<br />
more accessible refuse<br />
containers, especially<br />
at special events and<br />
parades.<br />
• Encourage absentee property owners to maintain revenue properties.<br />
• Encourage citizens to become involved in the annual Pitch-In week and<br />
litter pickup and all year round.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS<br />
• Develop a “Blue Box” program.<br />
• Develop and maintain more natural habitats for<br />
birds and wild life. Increase the use <strong>of</strong><br />
artificial wet lands.<br />
• Encourage use <strong>of</strong><br />
xeroscapes in cul de<br />
sacs and private<br />
properties.<br />
• Develop more recycling<br />
locations if blue box<br />
program is not viable.<br />
• Return the toxic waste drop <strong>of</strong>f sites. Encourage yard waste drop <strong>of</strong>f<br />
through public education.<br />
• Reduce use <strong>of</strong> large asphalt areas in residential developments.<br />
• Develop more shared bicycle walking paths around<br />
the city to promote reduced use <strong>of</strong> vehicles –<br />
dedicated bicycle lanes to provide harmony with<br />
vehicles.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
6 Avenue A Neighbourhood Society<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 29
6 Avenue A Neighborhood Society <strong>City</strong> Circle Meeting Notes<br />
Introduction<br />
The 6 Avenue A Neighborhood Society <strong>City</strong> Circle is made up <strong>of</strong> a group <strong>of</strong> residents<br />
living on 6 Avenue A between 12 th and 13 th<br />
Street South. The topics we discussed in<br />
our meeting were topics, we felt as a group <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> residents, to be relevant to the future<br />
<strong>of</strong> our area and to <strong>Lethbridge</strong> as a whole. The topics are not listed in order <strong>of</strong><br />
importance.<br />
Topics<br />
Transportation<br />
Trees<br />
Energy<br />
Curbside Recycling/ Composting<br />
Downtown Core<br />
Low Income Housing<br />
Recreation Complex<br />
Herbicide/Pesticide Use
Transportation<br />
Current Reality<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> is/has currently:<br />
Single Occupant Vehicle (SOV) Dominant<br />
Car Centric<br />
Inconvenient Mass Transit<br />
Not Bike/Pedestrian Friendly<br />
Solutions<br />
SOV dominance.<br />
The vast majority <strong>of</strong> vehicles on the road in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> have a lone occupant. In order to<br />
improve this, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> can create incentives for those that choose to carpool or make<br />
it more convenient for those that choose not to drive. Some ideas that may help<br />
alleviate this problem are listed below:<br />
Improve mass transit to the point that it can become a viable alternative to driving a<br />
vehicle.<br />
Create HOV lanes and bus lanes on busy thoroughfares to create an incentive to<br />
carpool.<br />
Create monitored car pooling parking lots in highly desirable parking locations for<br />
carpool users to take advantage <strong>of</strong>.<br />
Car Centric<br />
The motor vehicle is the primary mode <strong>of</strong> transportation in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. Some reasons<br />
for this may be the fact that <strong>Lethbridge</strong> covers a very large area for the population; it has<br />
a very convenient and relatively fast roadway system and it has poor infrastructure to<br />
allow for alternate modes <strong>of</strong> transportation. Some ideas that may help alleviate this<br />
problem are listed below:<br />
Promote car sharing (refer to carpooling above).<br />
Move toward higher density so walking/biking/transit becomes a more convenient or<br />
quicker mode <strong>of</strong> transport.<br />
Improve mass transit.<br />
Use an alternating license plate concept similar to other cities where cars are restricted<br />
to entrance to key parts <strong>of</strong> the city dependant on the day <strong>of</strong> the week and the license<br />
number.<br />
Inconvenient Mass Transit<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> transit is not convenient to use due to long ride times, long wait times and<br />
long transfer times. There are some other potential issues discussed below.<br />
It is felt that mass transit in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has an image issue that makes it undesirable for<br />
many people to be seen as a transit user. If transit is seen as a smart choice to driving,<br />
people would more likely use it.<br />
Smaller busses running more frequently on certain routes may help with some <strong>of</strong> the<br />
wait issue.<br />
A central bus depot where quick transfers can take place would help with trip times,<br />
convenience and shorter transfer times.<br />
Bus lanes would improve trip times and help to increase frequency with smaller busses.
Not Bike/Pedestrian Friendly<br />
Due to the fact that <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is a car centric city, it has poor infrastructure that hinders<br />
the use <strong>of</strong> alternate forms <strong>of</strong> transportation in particular walking and the use <strong>of</strong> bicycles.<br />
Bike lanes could be incorporated onto existing roads, room could be made by using<br />
parking lanes which may help with limiting the number <strong>of</strong> cars per household.<br />
Bike depots or safe parking areas placed in convenient places throughout the city would<br />
encourage the use <strong>of</strong> bikes.<br />
Lessons or awareness campaigns for cyclists on how to use the road legally and safely<br />
would increase the average citizens will to ride. Conversely lessons or awareness<br />
campaigns to teach motor vehicle drivers to interact safely with cyclists.<br />
Better quality pathways that are interconnected on well used traffic routes may cut down<br />
traffic.<br />
Pathways that are designated to streets should be clearly marked as such so<br />
pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles are all aware <strong>of</strong> the existence.<br />
Links between North, South and West <strong>Lethbridge</strong> are poor at best and need to be<br />
improved.<br />
Grades on Whoop-up Drive are steep for vehicular traffic and more so for bikes. A ‘zip<br />
line’ has been used in other cities where a mechanical means is used to aid the cyclist<br />
from the bottom <strong>of</strong> a long hill to the top. This does not alleviate the problem <strong>of</strong> the<br />
unsafe steep downhill grade on this road.<br />
Trees<br />
Current Reality<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> is/has currently:<br />
Few trees in new areas <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong><br />
People can cut trees down at will on private property<br />
Lack <strong>of</strong> maintenance on <strong>City</strong> landscaped areas<br />
New areas create an urban heat sink<br />
Driveway approaches thru boulevards approved<br />
Solutions<br />
Few trees in new areas <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> has beautiful treed older neighborhoods that many people visiting the <strong>City</strong><br />
comment on. These areas also happen to be some <strong>of</strong> the most desirable areas to live in<br />
no small part due to the trees. New areas <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> lack this appeal and will<br />
continue to lack this appeal in the future simply because fewer and fewer trees are being<br />
planted. It seems as if the <strong>City</strong> has a short sighted view with regard to how the new<br />
areas will look in the future.<br />
Every house gets a new tree and all boulevards are planted with trees.<br />
People can cut down trees at will.<br />
While dictating what happens on private property is difficult, incentives can be created to<br />
keep a certain number <strong>of</strong> trees alive and healthy on your lot. This could be in the form <strong>of</strong><br />
a property tax break and could be assessed with the property value.
Lack <strong>of</strong> maintenance on <strong>City</strong> landscaped areas.<br />
Maintenance <strong>of</strong> Green areas within the <strong>City</strong> is an expensive undertaking and it is<br />
obvious sometimes that the commitment to keep these areas looking good is not being<br />
met.<br />
Use <strong>of</strong> untreated water where possible would cut the cost and waste <strong>of</strong> treated <strong>City</strong><br />
water.<br />
Xeriscaping <strong>of</strong> boulevards and medians using hearty native trees and grasses could be<br />
incorporated so watering and minimal maintenance would be required. A good example<br />
<strong>of</strong> this would be the median near the Enmax Centre.<br />
New areas create an urban heat sink<br />
More trees and green areas curb the heat absorption <strong>of</strong> the new areas increased<br />
concrete and asphalt area in these areas.<br />
Driveway approaches thru boulevards approved<br />
Driveway approaches through boulevards take valuable green space away and<br />
potentially cause the cutting down <strong>of</strong> trees to allow for this. Driveways are a necessity<br />
for most houses but approaches are being approved where no driveway either exists or<br />
is planned. These approaches are being built in many cases to “save” a parking spot.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> should investigate prior to allowing construction <strong>of</strong> these approaches. Is there<br />
a driveway? Is there room for a driveway? Set a time line to have a driveway built or<br />
remove at owners cost.<br />
Energy<br />
Current Reality<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> is/has currently:<br />
Limited solar, wing, geo, and bio energy use options<br />
Solutions<br />
Limited solar, wing, geo, and bio energy use options<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> has given limited options with regard to the types <strong>of</strong> energy home owners can<br />
use. Local by-laws need to be relaxed to allow citizens to use these alternate energies.<br />
Bio-digesters could be used to supplement our energy needs ant at the same time allow<br />
for a cleaner environment.<br />
Curbside Recycling/Composting<br />
Current Reality<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> does not currently <strong>of</strong>fer curbside recycling or composting to city residents.<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> does not <strong>of</strong>fer composting <strong>of</strong> household waste.<br />
Solutions<br />
If the <strong>City</strong> is unable to provide this type <strong>of</strong> program, an increase <strong>of</strong> drop sites in the form<br />
<strong>of</strong> auxiliary drop sites may bridge the gap for the time being. These auxiliary sites could<br />
be smaller, limited capacity sites and be located in high traffic locations such as
estaurants, apartment buildings, convenience stores. The drop locations could be<br />
incorporated into the much improved transit system (in the future) at main stops or<br />
depots.<br />
Three collection box colors could be used to separate recyclables. Black – electronics;<br />
blue – plastics, paper, etc.; and brown – compost materials. Collection <strong>of</strong> compost<br />
material could be used in city run bio-digesters to create earth friendly energy.<br />
The Core<br />
Current Reality<br />
The downtown core in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has been dying for many years. It is not a desirable<br />
place to go most <strong>of</strong> the time. There is very little reason to go downtown for anyone that<br />
doesn’t work there. There is no longer a grocery store, the appearance <strong>of</strong> most <strong>of</strong> the<br />
area is poor, and it is not lively or exciting. The most positive thing to happen in<br />
downtown <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is the addition <strong>of</strong> the fountain park at the Galt Gardens. This has<br />
transformed a small part <strong>of</strong> the park into what we think <strong>Lethbridge</strong> could be.<br />
Solutions<br />
Bring in the Arts Center!<br />
An Arts Center brings people out after the main working hours. A centrally located<br />
facility that houses all different kinds <strong>of</strong> art, dance, and theatre would have some thing to<br />
show on any night <strong>of</strong> the week. This would help increase traffic to the core.<br />
Get some living accommodations downtown.<br />
A permanent population downtown would give it a voice. With no permanent population<br />
it is easy to pass on programs for that area and concentrate on areas that have more<br />
pull with the <strong>City</strong>.<br />
More mixed use would provide more accommodation downtown.<br />
Give incentives for development to happen downtown.<br />
Low income housing has negative connotations associated with it which causes<br />
opposition to certain types <strong>of</strong> development so allow for high quality, more expensive<br />
housing for pr<strong>of</strong>essionals to start the move to living downtown and transition to more<br />
affordable accommodation once a precedent has been set.<br />
We need more social events.<br />
The main event that has most people taking a trip to the fringe <strong>of</strong> downtown is the Show<br />
and Shine on Street Machine Weekend. More festivals would have the same effect.<br />
Festivals such as the Fringe, Street Performers, Music Festivals, Wine and Food<br />
Festivals, most out doors, some in and all year round.<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> needs a grocery store downtown.<br />
The closing <strong>of</strong> IGA was an unfortunate thing for the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> to allow to occur.<br />
This further set our downtown along the wrong path. The current IGA site could be used<br />
for many useful facilities but it is known as a grocery store so a natural use would be a<br />
fresh food market with local sellers <strong>of</strong> in season foods and goods.
Bring in University/College students.<br />
Bus connections are pretty good from downtown to the University and College right now;<br />
in fact the University is probably the shortest trip time in the <strong>City</strong>. Unfortunately living<br />
downtown is not an option for university students due to lack <strong>of</strong> accommodation.<br />
Students are currently forced to live either close walking distance and higher rents or a<br />
very long bus ride, with transfers, away.<br />
Free up bylaws to allow for buskers and market stands.<br />
This would help to create a feeling <strong>of</strong> liveliness and excitement.<br />
Low Income Housing<br />
Current Reality<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> is in dire need <strong>of</strong> low income housing.<br />
Solutions<br />
Create small pockets <strong>of</strong> low income housing mixed in with other types <strong>of</strong> housing<br />
throughout the <strong>City</strong> rather than low income areas. This proximity creates understanding<br />
between the different classes.<br />
Recreational Complex<br />
Current Reality<br />
In <strong>Lethbridge</strong> we currently have to go to a hotel to use a waterslide. We have to share<br />
facilities with the University to get the use <strong>of</strong> ‘good’ facilities. We don’t have a sports<br />
center we can be proud <strong>of</strong>.<br />
Solutions<br />
Look to other cities.<br />
Cities such as Red Deer, Medicine Hat, or Spruce Grove would be a good comparison<br />
for similar sized cities with these facilities.<br />
Could be in the form <strong>of</strong> a multi-use building.<br />
The sports facility could be combined with other uses such as a library or art instruction.<br />
Construction <strong>of</strong> a campus type <strong>of</strong> facility a possibility.<br />
To spread out the cost <strong>of</strong> construction <strong>of</strong> a multi-sports/leisure complex a centrally<br />
located campus area could be created and building spread out over a number <strong>of</strong> years.<br />
The question that arises is; is the <strong>City</strong> able to make a long term commitment such as this<br />
and stick to it and carry it through with a change <strong>of</strong> council?<br />
Herbicide/Pesticide Use<br />
Current Reality<br />
Herbicides are allowed in the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>
Solutions<br />
Use alternate means <strong>of</strong> weed control in the <strong>City</strong>. If herbicides are absolutely required,<br />
notice <strong>of</strong> intent to use should be supplied to residents that may be affected. This would<br />
include surrounding homes, businesses, school students, employees, etc. The notice <strong>of</strong><br />
intent should be in the form <strong>of</strong> a letter (not a news paper notice) to all affected stating the<br />
date and type <strong>of</strong> herbicide/pesticide to be used as well as information on how to<br />
safeguard against the chemicals used.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Vox Musica Choral Society<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 30
<strong>City</strong> Circle Name: Vox Musica Choral Society<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Topic <strong>of</strong> Interest: Support for the arts is needed in both word and action; i.e., promotion and funding,<br />
priority and facilities. Over the years, the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has invested quite consistently in sports facilities; these are<br />
valuable and worthwhile. Similar consistent attention to arts facilities is needed to tackle the perception <strong>of</strong> “second class”<br />
treatment for the arts that has arisen because <strong>of</strong> the contrasting deficit in concert facilities. We have excellent musicians<br />
in this city who perform in <strong>of</strong>ten inadequate space because there is no alternative. What more could happen if we had<br />
appropriate facilities? Such venues would also generate growth and promote culture by attracting high quality performers,<br />
prospective residents, and visitors.<br />
What is the current situation regarding your topic?<br />
Numerous indicators <strong>of</strong> the need for a concert hall are evident.<br />
1. The Yates Centre is inadequate for concerts as it is acoustically dead. Electronic sound enhancement is not an option;<br />
rather, we need a place with excellent natural acoustics. The Yates also has limited capacity and is difficult to secure as it<br />
is constantly in use.<br />
2. Southminster United Church has good natural acoustics, but the seating can be uncomfortable, sight lines for some<br />
seats are compromised, and the temperature cannot be adequately controlled, leading to noise intrusion through open<br />
windows. Although it is larger than Yates, it, too, accommodates only around 750 people in a concert setting. Finally, because<br />
its primary function is not for performance, Southminster presents logistical challenges such as inadequate stage<br />
space for larger productions (choral/orchestral performances), inadequate stage lighting, and no concert grand piano.<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement you topic <strong>of</strong> interest?<br />
A key solution is to move quickly to build a much-needed concert hall.<br />
1. A facility with excellent natural live acoustics and seating for 1000-1200 would be ideal for a city <strong>of</strong> our size and potential.<br />
(Medicine Hat recently built a new hall with 750 seats; it is already too small for many events.)<br />
2. <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is due for the funding! Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and Medicine Hat have all received performance facility<br />
funding in the last few years, but <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has missed out. How sad that we did not pursue such a project for our<br />
provincial centennial to parallel <strong>Lethbridge</strong>’s national centennial project (the Yates) and the provincial centennial projects<br />
<strong>of</strong> renovating both Jubilee Auditoriums.<br />
3. The cost <strong>of</strong> two endeavours - building a stand-alone concert hall and enhancing the Yates Centre to make it a topnotch<br />
theatre - could be lower than the cost <strong>of</strong> a single new mixed-usage venue that would compromise long-term sound<br />
quality if it were to try to serve a wide range <strong>of</strong> purposes.<br />
4. Such a project could be a centrepiece in downtown revitalization. It could also be successful in other locations with<br />
easy access/parking, and proximity to accommodations and restaurants.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Family Village<br />
Part 1 Submission 1<br />
Part 2 Submission 2<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 31
<strong>City</strong> Circle Name: Family Village<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Topic <strong>of</strong> Interest: The development and operation <strong>of</strong> a co-location site that brings together family and<br />
community social service organizations to share resources, collaborate and improve access to services for the citizens <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> and Southwestern Alberta.<br />
What is the current situation regarding your topic?<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Family Circle Association (LFCA), with support from the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, is working towards making Family<br />
Village a reality within the next 3-5 years. The group is working with local social service organizations to develop the most<br />
comprehensive and encompassing Village that LFCA can. Both provincial and federal government representatives are<br />
aware and familiar with this project. As <strong>of</strong> this date, no money has been raised but a lot <strong>of</strong> ground work has been and continues<br />
to be done towards gaining funding for this project. Many interested organizations are running into severe space<br />
constraints and will required more/new space in the next few years. For these groups, operating or overhead funding is<br />
becoming harder and harder to obtain. As a result, LFCA is in a positive position to help these vital groups as their needs<br />
arise. The next steps in ensuring Family Village becomes a reality is to move forward with an aggressive marketing plan,<br />
ensure large funding sources are secured and that space is available as groups need it.<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement you topic <strong>of</strong> interest?<br />
In order for Family Village to become a reality, the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> and its citizens need to support this initiative with<br />
substantial funding and support. This funding does not require an actual cash outlay but could include a donation <strong>of</strong> land<br />
and/or services towards the completion <strong>of</strong> Family Village. Citizens, businesses and other organizations who support this<br />
project need to step forward to volunteer with the organization <strong>of</strong> the various tasks that need to be completed. There is<br />
board work to be completed as well as numerous committees to work on. We welcome anyone who is interested in more<br />
information or those interested in becoming more involved. Please contact LFCA at info@thefamilyvillage.ca or call Tara<br />
at 403-381-4676 for more details.
FAMILY VILLAGE<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLE<br />
We want <strong>Lethbridge</strong> to be<br />
a place for families who are supported,<br />
with accessible services for all.<br />
We want to see the development and operation<br />
<strong>of</strong> a co-location site for family and<br />
community social service organizations<br />
Our Mission<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Family Circle Association is a<br />
not-for-pr<strong>of</strong>it organization whose mission is to<br />
develop and operate a co-location site called Family<br />
Village that brings together family and community social<br />
service organizations to share resources, collaborate<br />
and improve access to services for the citizens <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> and southwestern Alberta.
Our Vision for 2020<br />
Family Village is the busy and vibrant<br />
home to a collective <strong>of</strong> mutually supportive<br />
member organizations that provides:<br />
� a warm, inviting and inclusive Family Village where<br />
people can access supportive services in a socially<br />
interactive gathering place.<br />
� accessible and complementary services provided through the<br />
collaborative relationships between the community and<br />
member organizations.<br />
� a place that brings people together to create<br />
meaningful relationships that will help them more fully<br />
participate in the community.<br />
� expanded services to family and community through the<br />
reduction <strong>of</strong> administrative and operating costs <strong>of</strong><br />
member organizations by cost sharing and sustainable<br />
building ownership.<br />
� an enhanced quality <strong>of</strong> life in our community.<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Family Circle Association (LFCA) is a registered<br />
society representing not for pr<strong>of</strong>it family service agencies<br />
committed to <strong>of</strong>fering their services in one common facility.<br />
Upon purchase, this common facility will be named Family<br />
Village and will be a shared one stop shop area where<br />
agencies will share resources and benefits to enhance programs<br />
for individuals, children, youth and families in our<br />
community.<br />
By creating a Family Village, citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> will see:<br />
� Community partnerships in action<br />
� Easier accessibility to services for its citizens<br />
� Enhanced services due to cost savings by the agencies<br />
� Improved programming due to joint programming<br />
� An environment that supports healthy individual growth and<br />
development
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Canadian Home Builder’s Association–<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Region<br />
Part 1 Housing and Land Development<br />
Part 2 Facilities and Amenities<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 32
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Name: Canadian Home Builder's Association-<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Region<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Topic <strong>of</strong> Interest: Housing and Land Development<br />
What is the current situation regarding your topic?<br />
The residential construction industry is a large cornerstone <strong>of</strong> the local economy and is a driving force for employment<br />
and tax dollars within the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. It is estimated that in 2009, the local industry will provide wages in excess <strong>of</strong><br />
$153 million dollars and total housing investment will total around $370 million dollars. Not only does the development <strong>of</strong><br />
housing and land <strong>of</strong>fer large economic gains for the city, but the individuals who are involved in the industry are building<br />
the future <strong>of</strong> the city as they develop neighborhoods where families and individuals <strong>of</strong> all ages will live and call home.<br />
Currently, the city has started working more effectively with the industry to address concerns and foster better relationships<br />
as we work together to shape the future <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. However, it is paramount that the effort is continued and<br />
expanded into all areas <strong>of</strong> the city that are affected by the development <strong>of</strong> housing and land. The various departments <strong>of</strong><br />
the city must see industry as a resource rather than a problem and continue to work with industry to build a sustainable<br />
and vibrant city.<br />
There are several factors that affect housing and land development that must be considered by the city with regards to<br />
future plans. These factors include:<br />
1. Areas <strong>of</strong> the city that are being developed<br />
2. The type <strong>of</strong> development that is occurring<br />
3. Densification and Variety <strong>of</strong> Housing Choice<br />
It is crucial for the city to understand that all <strong>of</strong> these factors are intertwined and must be looked at holistically versus<br />
piece meal. As well, the demand <strong>of</strong> the consumers drives our local markets and those needs must be considered when<br />
making decisions about housing and land development. One must also remember that markets can change quickly and<br />
dramatically and that we must be in a position as a city to react to those changes in the best way possible. Included in<br />
our submission are our thoughts about each one <strong>of</strong> the factors listed above as well as ways to implement change in each<br />
<strong>of</strong> the areas.<br />
Where is <strong>Lethbridge</strong> growing currently?<br />
As a city we are seeing development <strong>of</strong> housing and land in almost all <strong>of</strong> the quadrants <strong>of</strong> the city, but a large focus being<br />
on the West side <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. One <strong>of</strong> the largest developers on the West side <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is the city’s own land department<br />
with involvement in Riverstone, Sun Ridge, The Crossings, and Copper Wood. There are only 2 subdivisions on<br />
the West side that do not have city involvement in them; Canyon Crest and West Highlands. With the city’s heavy involvement<br />
on the West side and the purchase <strong>of</strong> land for many years to come, it has forced private developers to look at<br />
the other areas <strong>of</strong> the city including the North and South. This has caused some concerns because we are not seeing the<br />
city encouraging development in the other areas <strong>of</strong> the city.
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
What is the current situation regarding your topic? (Cont.)<br />
Due to the large amount <strong>of</strong> development that has occurred on the West side, it has caused issues with the availability <strong>of</strong><br />
facilities and amenities that an individual can access that builds or purchases a home on the West side. Not only has this<br />
caused an overburden on the infrastructure to the West side, but it has put a disproportionate amount <strong>of</strong> pressure to purchase<br />
on the West side as that is where the largest amount <strong>of</strong> development is occurring; thereby causing unbalanced<br />
growth. As a city we must be cognizant that growth needs to occur in all sectors and we must look to the future to see<br />
where growth should occur and consider all <strong>of</strong> the factors that will affect future growth. (Eg. Canamex Highway)<br />
What is the current type <strong>of</strong> development?<br />
It is apparent that our city is on the cusp <strong>of</strong> innovative development and wants to be a leader in that area. Recent examples<br />
include the creation <strong>of</strong> an innovation zone for new development and the Built Green subdivision <strong>of</strong> Sun Ridge.<br />
However, it has been established as fairly difficult for other developers and builders to be innovative in their plans because<br />
<strong>of</strong> bylaws that rule certain uses as permitted vs. discretionary, the NIMBY attitude <strong>of</strong> the citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, and<br />
the process involved in obtaining a development permit. Industry is trapped into providing similar types <strong>of</strong> development<br />
because <strong>of</strong> the MDP, the bylaws, <strong>of</strong>f-site levies, and the cost <strong>of</strong> maintenance for the city.<br />
How is <strong>Lethbridge</strong> currently dealing with densification and housing choice?<br />
As a city we have been largely focused on providing single family units in subdivisions because this is what the consumer<br />
has demanded and this is what the bylaws and MDP have supported. Builders and Developers have been hesitant to<br />
look for innovative ways to increase the densification and add variety <strong>of</strong> housing choice in neighborhoods as the rules<br />
were too stringent and the attitude <strong>of</strong> the citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has been somewhat negative towards projects that have a<br />
higher densification. The NIMBY effect is very prevalent in this community when it comes to higher density projects.<br />
We have seen some movement towards increasing the densification <strong>of</strong> the city with the new bylaws about secondary<br />
suites and the city’s willingness to provide grants to bring existing suites up to code. However, even those bylaws have<br />
some struggles associated with them. The fact that the city does not allow secondary suites as a discretionary use in the<br />
zoning <strong>of</strong> R-SL will discourage densification. It is apparent that this bylaw must be revisited if we are to start tackling the<br />
low vacancy rates that are apparent in our city and provide more <strong>of</strong> our citizens with the option <strong>of</strong> home ownership as they<br />
are able to supplement their mortgage payments with a renter in the house.<br />
It must be noted that there are a lot more multi-family projects and condo style projects that are under construction or<br />
planned to be under construction. With the conversion <strong>of</strong> several <strong>of</strong> the upper floors downtown <strong>of</strong> buildings to provide<br />
suites, it is the feeling that we have taken some tentative steps to solving this problem but a lot <strong>of</strong> work is yet to be done.<br />
As a city we have not seen a large amount <strong>of</strong> mixed use development or implementing mandatory mother-in-law suites in<br />
certain areas <strong>of</strong> the city, etc.<br />
Another barrier to densification that has been identified is the tax structure that builders and/or landlords face when building<br />
units that can increase the densification. Due to the high amount <strong>of</strong> tax paid on buildings that are available for rent, it<br />
discourages this type <strong>of</strong> development. This will only change once the tax structure changes. In order for those changes<br />
to occur, it is paramount that industry and all levels <strong>of</strong> government work on this problem to develop a solution that will encourage<br />
more people to consider owning rental properties.
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement you topic <strong>of</strong> interest?<br />
How can <strong>Lethbridge</strong> grow smarter?<br />
It is in the city’s best interest to ensure that the future development <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> be balanced and focus on all<br />
quadrants <strong>of</strong> the city. As an association we would like to see development plans be moved through the process a quicker<br />
pace so that we can respond to the interests <strong>of</strong> the consumer on a more timely basis. We would suggest that the city<br />
consider scaling down the level <strong>of</strong> development they are actively involved in and allow the market to determine where,<br />
when, and how land should be developed. Or, the city could start to play a role that involves innovative and diversified<br />
development versus mass development.<br />
Consumers who have a vested interest in their neighborhood are more likely to ensure that developments are consistent<br />
and appealing. The use <strong>of</strong> community associations and neighborhood plans should be revisited as they provide a great<br />
resource to the city for ensuring integrity in the style <strong>of</strong> development in their area.<br />
It is also imperative to review how growth is being funded, should we unfairly tax the new home buyer over the existing<br />
homebuyer when the new home buyer is providing more tax revenue for the city and building the city. A review <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fsite<br />
levies and the projects that are being funded from the account must be reviewed openly. Government Imposed<br />
Charges for new home buyers in the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> equate to around $26,500. This has a serious impact on home<br />
affordability and ownership. If we wish to grow our city in a sustainable manner that encourages different types <strong>of</strong> development,<br />
we must be cognizant <strong>of</strong> the pressures that government imposed costs play.<br />
As we look further down the road, we must ensure that we look to the future developments that are occurring around our<br />
city that will affect growth. Factors to consider such as the Canamex highway, the Hwy #3 corridor, the County <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Development Plan, need to be reviewed or a regional development plan implemented with all <strong>of</strong> the neighboring<br />
communities and counties. Infrastructure must be considered when looking at these projects as they might dictate<br />
growth in areas that are currently not being considered by the city. It would be foolish <strong>of</strong> us to think that we can completely<br />
dictate where growth can occur, we must understand that external factors will affect how the city grows as well.<br />
How can <strong>Lethbridge</strong> develop differently?<br />
If we want <strong>Lethbridge</strong> to develop differently, there are several factors that need to be considered. First, we must educate<br />
the citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> to start changing the NIMBY attitude. The city has the key role to play in this and should be<br />
leading the way. Informational campaigns that talk about the benefits <strong>of</strong> different types <strong>of</strong> development such as mixed<br />
use, nodal, and green must be communicated to the public. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has a great opportunity to be a leader<br />
in the area <strong>of</strong> development and this could be one <strong>of</strong> the ways in which they lead.<br />
Second, reduce the barriers to innovation for both land developers and builders. It is extremely difficult and costly for land<br />
developers to change their plans when a new land zone is created like the innovation zone. The creation <strong>of</strong> subdivisions<br />
takes years and this must be taken into account when the city is requesting something different. A separate or streamlined<br />
process should be considered for all developers that are being innovative in their design. A financial incentive<br />
should be considered to encourage land developers to change existing plans that are on their way in the development<br />
process. As the consumer’s desires change, the need for inspired development must occur. We must consider mixed<br />
use development, green development, and nodal development. However, in order to accommodate those changing<br />
needs, we must ensure the vision <strong>of</strong> the city is followed by administration by providing them the resources and tools to<br />
implement the vision.
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement you topic <strong>of</strong> interest? (Cont.)<br />
Builders must also be encouraged to continue to be innovative. Industry wants to be innovative and strives to be different.<br />
It was the home building industry that developed the Built Green program, not government and this is just one example<br />
<strong>of</strong> private enterprise leading the way. The development <strong>of</strong>ficers at the city must be given the tools, resources, and authority<br />
to look at the big picture when builders are submitting their house plans. If there is an innovative aspect to the plan, it<br />
should be allowed to be considered. This may cause all <strong>of</strong> the bylaws to be re-visited and ensure that industry has input<br />
into the creation <strong>of</strong> those bylaws. Innovation must have a vested interest from all parties involved; the municipality, the<br />
land developer, the builder, and the consumer if it is going to succeed.<br />
If a plan doesn’t fit into the exact requirements and or policy, it should be given the opportunity to be reviewed and the<br />
requirements adapted if the plan is for the greater good. Sometimes common sense needs to outweigh rules and regulations.<br />
Examples <strong>of</strong> this include allowing alternative energy sources within housing developments. The demand for energy<br />
efficiency is growing on a yearly basis. We need to ensure that the doors are open for considering these options and<br />
we are continually looking at how we can improve in those areas. The citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> determine the type <strong>of</strong> housing<br />
and development projects that will grow the city; we must have the flexibility to meet those demands. Cookie cutter<br />
solutions do not <strong>of</strong>fer that.<br />
It is imperative that the vision <strong>of</strong> the citizens be followed by administration through the guidance <strong>of</strong> council. As a city we<br />
must do more than just look at shining examples from other municipalities and areas, but ensure the resources and tools<br />
are in place to make our own shining examples. An idea is just a wasted thought unless acted upon. By continuing to<br />
work with the industry and foster relationships, the city and industry can bring innovation to the forefront here in<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>. However, all sides must be actively working together to ensure this occurs and all departments in the city<br />
must be onside.<br />
How can we address densification and housing choice in the future?<br />
The densification issue is one that will continue to face the city throughout the years. However, by involving industry,<br />
opening up the MDP, and the bylaws to be more flexible, it is a problem which can be worked on. As an association we<br />
would suggest the following options to be implemented to encourage densification within the city:<br />
1. Review the current bylaws surrounding secondary suites and allow them as a discretionary use in the zone <strong>of</strong> R-SL.<br />
2. Educate the general citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> about the benefit <strong>of</strong> higher densification housing. Work on calming the<br />
NIMBY effect.<br />
3. Look at mandating a percentage <strong>of</strong> higher densification in every subdivision.<br />
4. Encourage the addition <strong>of</strong> a floor or conversion <strong>of</strong> the second floor in the downtown core to suites or rentals. Some<br />
great examples <strong>of</strong> this are the Club Cigar Store and Alec Arms Hotel.<br />
5. Look at a tax break or a streamlined development process for developers and builders who are trying to be innovative<br />
in increasing the densification, like mixed use, etc.<br />
6. Work with industry and all levels <strong>of</strong> government on changing the tax structure around rental properties.<br />
7. Ensure and encourage the development <strong>of</strong>ficers to look for innovation in designs and allow them the flexibility to adopt<br />
the innovation. This may involve redrafting <strong>of</strong> numerous bylaws.<br />
8. Continue to foster the relationships between the city, UDI, CHBA-LR, LCA, and LDAR. Industry loves to innovate and<br />
they will if given the chance.<br />
As consumers demand more choice in housing, industry must be given the opportunity to satisfy that choice. This can
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement you topic <strong>of</strong> interest? (Cont.)<br />
As consumers demand more choice in housing, industry must be given the opportunity to satisfy that choice. This can<br />
only be accomplished by industry and the municipality acting as partners versus opponents. We must also always understand<br />
that consumers will want a variety <strong>of</strong> choice and that moving to just one type <strong>of</strong> housing will never build sustainable<br />
communities. Building and development must encompass a wide range <strong>of</strong> housing choice including single family units<br />
and multi-family units. Adaptability and flexibility is key to the future growth and success <strong>of</strong> our city.
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Name: Canadian Home Builder's Association- <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Region<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Topic <strong>of</strong> Interest: Facilities and Amenities<br />
What is the current situation regarding your topic?<br />
The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is a stable city with solid growth. We are starting to see some changes around the level <strong>of</strong> facilities<br />
and amenities that are <strong>of</strong>fered in our city, but we have a long way to go. As an industry we hear a lot <strong>of</strong> comments from<br />
new home buyers and people from outside the city about our lack <strong>of</strong> facilities and amenities in areas <strong>of</strong> the city. It is impressive<br />
that we have both a University and a College, but the need for more facilities and amenities continues to be a<br />
topic <strong>of</strong> conversation. Other common topics <strong>of</strong> new home buyers and the public is the request for subdivisions with more<br />
walk ability and parks area. While it is generally accepted that we need to reduce car usage, city planning has made this<br />
nearly impossible in some areas which are not only remote, but also which have limited commercial development.<br />
As a city we lack commercial development on the West side, recreation facilities on the South side, housing development<br />
on the East side, and a Multi-Plex for the city. In order for us to attract more economic development to the city, we need to<br />
ensure that their employees have quality facilities and amenities throughout the city.<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement you topic <strong>of</strong> interest?<br />
As an association, we encourage the city to visit the issue <strong>of</strong> building a multi-plex for the city that can be used by all residents.<br />
It would also make sense for the city to partner with future developments to provide facilities and amenities in the<br />
newer subdivisions. Greater commercial development throughout West <strong>Lethbridge</strong> (rather than concentrating it all in the<br />
new development near the high school and at the north end <strong>of</strong> University) would allow more people work/shopping/<br />
business opportunities within their own neighbourhoods.<br />
Existing neighbourhoods may need commercial retr<strong>of</strong>itting or bylaws may need to be re-examined to accommodate increased<br />
business opportunities within neighbourhoods (work/live arrangements; more reasonable home-based business<br />
licenses; reduced setbacks with garage <strong>of</strong>fices, etc.). The recent comment <strong>of</strong> a city <strong>of</strong>ficial that the new bridge will be put<br />
<strong>of</strong>f for many years in order to encourage West <strong>Lethbridge</strong> residents to change their travel habits is an example <strong>of</strong> an impossible<br />
wish – folks can’t drive less if there is no place they can reasonably walk to. If we are going to sentence<br />
neighbourhoods to automobile dependency, and a second river-crossing would shorten the distance needed to drive (i.e.<br />
SunRidge to the airport), then adding the river crossing would REDUCE the mileage (i.e. amount) driven.<br />
We would also encourage the city to revisit the issue <strong>of</strong> green space in neighborhoods. As an industry we understand the<br />
cost <strong>of</strong> maintaining these spaces, but perhaps we need to look at reducing the size <strong>of</strong> the parks versus the quantity. Partnerships<br />
between community groups and community associations could also have a role to play in these new neighborhoods.<br />
The more we get people involved in their neighborhoods the more sustainable the community.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
SAGE <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
Part 1 Environmental Council<br />
Part 2 Greening our <strong>City</strong> and our neighbourhoods<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 33
Date: June 4 th<br />
, 2009 at Indian Battle Park<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle: Environmental Council<br />
Southern Alberta Group for the Environment (SAGE)<br />
Attendees: Cheryl Bradley, Paul Bohnert, Sherri Umeris, Bill & Anne Brown, Nicola Miller,<br />
Deb Jarvie, Mary MacEachern, Braum Barber<br />
Topic: Sustainability Council<br />
o The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has a position, currently unfilled, for a Sustainability Manager.<br />
Though it is important to maintain this position within the <strong>City</strong> administration, it<br />
requires access to a broad spectrum <strong>of</strong> expertise and coordination with nongovernment<br />
organizations.<br />
o The Sustainability Manager within the <strong>City</strong> could be modeled like a Quality Control<br />
manager in an industrial setting. In this setting, Quality Control is the only department in<br />
the company not responsible for quality – the role is to measure quality performance<br />
and provide support to achieve desired goals. Similarly, a Sustainability Manager would<br />
not be responsible for implementing sustainability – each department would set targets<br />
and processes to achieve their goals. The Sustainability Manager would monitor and<br />
measure department achievements and provide support where required. An<br />
organization can no more mandate sustainability than it can mandate quality – both<br />
must be integral to the spirit and operation <strong>of</strong> the organization.<br />
o To augment the Sustainability Manager position, an Environmental Council would be<br />
created with a director and volunteer board, and it would include groups directly<br />
involved in environmental health and sustainability. Such a council would be modeled<br />
on the successful local examples <strong>of</strong> the Allied Arts Council, and Economic Development<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
o The Environmental Council would provide the voice <strong>of</strong> engaged citizens and their<br />
collective expertise directly to the Sustainability Manager. The relationship would be<br />
arms-length from the <strong>City</strong> to ensure critical objectivity.<br />
o It is critical that the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> become a leader for environmental stewardship,<br />
both by demonstrating best practices within the administration, and by acting as an<br />
inspiration for change in the community (residential, business, & industry). Redefining<br />
the Sustainability Manager position within the <strong>City</strong> administration with clear goals and<br />
performance measures, and supporting an Environmental Council that would provide a<br />
central voice for the array <strong>of</strong> existing citizens’ organizations currently existing in the <strong>City</strong><br />
would be a positive step.
A leading voice for a healthy and<br />
environmentally sustainable community<br />
SAGE <strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLE<br />
Box 383 <strong>Lethbridge</strong> AB T1J 3E9<br />
Greening our <strong>City</strong> and our Neighbourhoods<br />
July 2009<br />
Contributors: Braum Barber, Sherri and Paul Bohnert, Cheryl Bradley, Bill Brown, Paula Collins,<br />
Lori Goater, Deb Jarvie, Klaus Jericho, Mary McEachern, Nicola Miller, John Nightingale<br />
This report is based on the outcome <strong>of</strong> three sessions – one at the Fish and Game Hut on May 7 th , one at a<br />
river valley picnic on June 4 th and one at the Penny C<strong>of</strong>fee House on June 29 th<br />
. Note that we have not<br />
included a section related to parks and the river valley as this is being dealt with through another <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
organized by the Helen Schuler Coulee Centre.<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
Over the past few months the Southern Alberta Group for Environment (SAGE) has informally<br />
convened a <strong>City</strong> Circle to share ideas on what <strong>Lethbridge</strong> could be like in the year 2050. We have<br />
discussed the concept <strong>of</strong> sustainable community that is variously defined including as “a<br />
community that meets the diverse needs <strong>of</strong> existing and future residents, is sensitive to<br />
environment, and contributes to a high quality <strong>of</strong> life” (Ref: United Kingdom Sustainable<br />
Communities Plan 2003).<br />
The focus <strong>of</strong> our discussions has been on the environmental quality component <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> as a<br />
sustainable community although we recognize that economic vitality and social equity are also<br />
important considerations and all three are interlinked. There is an important role for the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> (<strong>City</strong> Council and administration) as well as for SAGE and other interested individuals<br />
in our community in helping to achieve sustainable community.<br />
WHERE WE ARE<br />
In order to determine where we want to go, it is important to understand where we have been and<br />
where we are. Our discussions are informed by the following key historical points regarding<br />
environmental management towards sustainable community in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
� The current <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Municipal Development Plan (1998) has four <strong>of</strong> six goals that<br />
are environment-related. They include directing future residential growth to those areas where<br />
development already has started, enhancing the downtown, encouraging open space<br />
corridors and protecting the river valley as required by the River Valley Area Redevelopment<br />
Plan (1986). We are not aware <strong>of</strong> an evaluation <strong>of</strong> progress towards the goals defined in the<br />
1998 Municipal Development Plan. Our assessment is that although there has been some<br />
progress towards the environmental goals in the last decade, there continues to be urban<br />
1
sprawl, plans to revitalize the downtown are slow to be implemented, our hiking/cycling<br />
pathway system remains fragmented, and there are increasing threats to the river valley<br />
environment.<br />
� In 2002 <strong>Lethbridge</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council resolved to incorporate the principles <strong>of</strong> sustainable<br />
development (economic vitality, social equity and ecological and environmental quality) into<br />
business planning, including an audit <strong>of</strong> current practices and identification <strong>of</strong> strategic<br />
responses and action plans for improvement. Community input, through an Ecosystem<br />
Management Advisory Group that included representatives <strong>of</strong> SAGE and other informed<br />
citizens, provided substantial background for this resolution. (Ref: Resolution <strong>of</strong> February 11,<br />
2002 regarding Model for Urban Environmental Management). Although SAGE <strong>of</strong>fered at the<br />
time to continue in an advisory role, our <strong>of</strong>fer was not accepted and we are not informed about<br />
how effectively the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is incorporating the principles <strong>of</strong> sustainable<br />
development into business planning.<br />
� In 2003 an Environmental Manager position was established within <strong>City</strong> Hall however the<br />
position was discontinued in 2007. The Environmental Manager position was placed within<br />
Community Services with some responsibility to Infrastructure Services. It is our observation<br />
that the Environmental Manager position was not given a strategic leadership role; hence,<br />
there was not on a level playing field with business units directed towards economic growth<br />
and the traditional “business as usual” approach to municipal operations prevailed. There<br />
appeared to be little support for initiatives <strong>of</strong> the Environmental Manager within <strong>City</strong> Hall.<br />
There is a link on the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> website to an “Office <strong>of</strong> Environmental Management<br />
and Urban Sustainability” but there does not appear to be a human face to that “<strong>of</strong>fice”.<br />
� In 2005, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council approved strategic priorities for the 2004-2007 term. One <strong>of</strong><br />
the thirteen priorities dealt with improving environmental quality, that being “to identify those<br />
factors which would impact a safe and secure water supply to the <strong>City</strong> and develop internal<br />
and external mitigation strategies”. (Ref: Working Together For Tomorrow: an integrated<br />
strategic plan for the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> 2004-2007”). There was significant progress towards<br />
this goal with upgrades to the <strong>City</strong>’s water and wastewater treatment plants. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> is considering external factors that may affect water quality and supply in the<br />
Oldman River headwaters through its involvement in the Oldman Watershed Council.<br />
� Since 2004, representatives <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, SAGE and other organizations on the<br />
Urban Team <strong>of</strong> the Oldman Watershed Council developed and implemented a multistakeholder<br />
process to assist with improving urban stormwater quality in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> stormwater has high levels <strong>of</strong> lawn chemicals. A key finding <strong>of</strong> a 2004 community<br />
survey and a 2006 workshop is that the large majority <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> citizens are receptive to<br />
changing their yard practices to benefit the river and human health. They expect the<br />
municipality to demonstrate leadership in building community commitment to improved<br />
environmental practice. (Ref: <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Stormwater Education Program: Design and<br />
Evaluation Report (2004) and Municipal Leadership in Improving Urban Stormwater: Report <strong>of</strong><br />
a Workshop (2006)).<br />
The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has been improving stormwater management to comply with provincial<br />
requirements. Stormwater ponds are being constructed in newly developed communities (e.g.<br />
Uplands, Sunridge). Currently <strong>City</strong> Council is considering passage <strong>of</strong> a Drainage Bylaw that<br />
prohibits the release <strong>of</strong> specified materials into the stormwater drainage system and regulates<br />
connections made to the system. This is a measure that SAGE supports and considers long<br />
overdue. Furthermore, representatives <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> and SAGE are participating in the Prairie<br />
Urban Garden Group <strong>of</strong> OWC that is promoting use <strong>of</strong> xeriscaping principles.<br />
2
� In 2006 Alberta Environment announced that applications for new water allocation were no<br />
longer accepted in the Oldman River basin. This means that growth in the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
is limited by its current licensed water allocation unless new allocation is acquired through a<br />
license transfer. It is important that our plans for sustainable community recognize and reflect<br />
the limits <strong>of</strong> water supply in this semi-arid region that is expected to get more arid with climate<br />
change.<br />
� Economic Development <strong>Lethbridge</strong> (EDL) is a member <strong>of</strong> the Southern Alberta Alternative<br />
Energy Partnership which has developed a Green Growth Plan for the region including the<br />
expansion <strong>of</strong> alternative energy production mainly from wind power and waste-to-energy<br />
studies. SAGE has a representative on EDL.<br />
� The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> developed Canada’s first entirely ‘green’ neighbourhood based on Built<br />
Green principles. Every home must meet a minimum Built Green rating for environmentally<br />
friendly materials, systems and building practices that lower water and energy consumption,<br />
and reduce waste. In partnership with Cedar Ridge Quality Homes and <strong>Lethbridge</strong> College,<br />
The Living Home project was built to demonstrate best practices in green building. This is an<br />
important initiative towards sustainable community, however by continuing the practice <strong>of</strong><br />
building suburbs <strong>of</strong> single family residential dwellings it does not address concerns about<br />
sprawl.<br />
� Approximately 1000 kg <strong>of</strong> waste is generated by each person in Alberta each year. Of this,<br />
less than 20% is diverted from the landfill. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has a rudimentary recycling<br />
program involving centralized collection points for plastics, glass, metals and cardboard.<br />
Electronics and toxic waste is presently separated at the Municipal Landfill for proper disposal.<br />
Trimark Engineering was recently commissioned to develop a preliminary study on Waste to<br />
Energy Treatment Alternatives in Southwest and South-Central Alberta focused mainly on<br />
incineration techniques to produce power. Advanced recycling, composting and anaerobic<br />
digestion were also mentioned in the report. Reducing and recycling are more sustainable<br />
approaches to solid waste management than landfilling or incineration.<br />
� In 2007 <strong>Lethbridge</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council committed to a strategic plan for the 2007-2010 term. The<br />
plan includes two priorities focusing on environmental quality. One priority is “to contain or<br />
reduce the community’s total impact on the environment” including developing an<br />
environmental policy and implementation plan that addresses water, energy, waste, air and<br />
soil. Another environmental priority is “to manage growth” including developing a sustainability<br />
plan as part <strong>of</strong> the Municipal Development Plan (ref: <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> 2007-2010 Towards a<br />
Sustainable Future: an integrated strategic plan). Citizens were engaged in the process to<br />
define priorities.<br />
WHERE WE WANT TO BE<br />
Guided by an Environmental/Sustainability Office and Environmental Advisory Council<br />
� A <strong>City</strong> Environmental /Sustainability Office is revitalized. It has the mandate and authority to<br />
direct and guide all business units to work towards environmental sustainability.<br />
� The Environmental /Sustainability Office could be modeled like a Quality Control manager in<br />
an industrial setting. In this setting, Quality Control is the only department in the company not<br />
responsible for quality – the role is to measure quality performance and provide support to<br />
3
achieve desired goals. Similarly, an Environmental Manager would not be responsible for<br />
implementing sustainability – each department would set targets and processes to achieve<br />
their goals. The Environmental Manager would monitor and measure department<br />
achievements and provide support where required. An organization can no more mandate<br />
sustainability than it can mandate quality – both must be integral to the spirit and operation <strong>of</strong><br />
the organization.<br />
� There is municipal leadership towards achieving sustainable community<br />
� There is a mechanism for drawing on environmental expertise in the community that will<br />
contribute to achieving sustainable community (e.g. environmental advisory council to the<br />
Environmental/Sustainability Office).<br />
� An environmental advisory council would be an ongoing <strong>City</strong> Circle. It would be created with a<br />
director and volunteer board, and it would include groups directly involved with the<br />
environmental health and sustainability <strong>of</strong> the region. Such a council would be modeled on the<br />
successful local examples <strong>of</strong> the Allied Arts Council, and Economic Development <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
The Environmental Advisory Council would provide the voice <strong>of</strong> engaged citizens and their<br />
collective expertise directly to the Environmental Manager. The relationship would be armslength<br />
from the <strong>City</strong> to ensure critical objectivity.<br />
� An Environmental Advisory Council would, among other things:<br />
° Conduct ongoing scan <strong>of</strong> governance structures, plans and programs in other<br />
communities making progress towards sustainability (e.g. Green Communities Guide)<br />
° Inform decision makers about sustainable options appropriate in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
° Define indicators <strong>of</strong> environmental quality, monitor these indicators and report on them<br />
on a regular basis (e.g. stormwater quality)<br />
° Evaluate how effectively the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> incorporates the principles <strong>of</strong><br />
sustainable development into business planning.<br />
° Evaluate progress towards the environment goals <strong>of</strong> the Municipal Development Plan<br />
° Encourage citizen’s initiatives (resourcing, awards…)<br />
° Define and encourage initiatives that help citizens find meaning outside <strong>of</strong><br />
consumerism including initiatives that help to build community connections (e.g.<br />
community halls, community gatherings, supporting locally produced goods and<br />
services)<br />
Using Water Wisely<br />
� There is widespread recognition that we live in an area that is “water short” and growth is<br />
limited by the water allocation available to the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
� There is widespread recognition that there is an increased risk <strong>of</strong> drought stress and less<br />
water supply due to climate change.<br />
4
� There is widespread recognition that we are responsible to other residents in the Oldman<br />
River basin to manage water wisely through conservation, efficiency improvements and<br />
reducing water contamination.<br />
� The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is participating and investing in projects in the headwaters <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Oldman River and its tributaries (Waterton, Belly and St. Mary) that protect source waters.<br />
� The Municipality undertakes full cost accounting that captures all costs related to provision <strong>of</strong><br />
municipal water services and reports these costs.<br />
� Savings in water use are linked to savings in energy for processing and distributing drinking<br />
water or treating wastewater.<br />
� There is full metering and reporting <strong>of</strong> water use, including <strong>City</strong> use <strong>of</strong> water for irrigation<br />
delivered through Irrigation District canals.<br />
� Infrastructure leakage is fully evaluated and addressed.<br />
� Water use reduction targets are set.<br />
� Programs are in place to encourage uptake <strong>of</strong> water efficient fixtures and technology. Options<br />
include rebates to builders and homeowners and a water use bylaw (examples exist for Red<br />
Deer, Okotoks, Calgary, Cochrane, Olds).<br />
� Stormwater is captured (stormwater ponds, rain barrels etc.) and used instead <strong>of</strong> treated<br />
water for irrigation and industrial cooling.<br />
� A bylaw is adopted and enforced that reduces contamination <strong>of</strong> stormwater.<br />
� A monthly allowance <strong>of</strong> water per household is defined at a reasonable rate. Water used<br />
above that amount is subject to a substantial penalty rate.<br />
� Xeriscaping practices are encouraged and the municipality leads by example.<br />
� <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is working with other municipalities and irrigation districts to develop an efficient<br />
regional supply system.<br />
Reducing Urban Sprawl<br />
� There is full-cost accounting <strong>of</strong> the municipal infrastructure costs (water supply, wastewater<br />
treatment, transportation, solid waste management) associated with future expansion <strong>of</strong> the<br />
urban footprint. These costs are passed on to the developer(s) by attaching them to the cost<br />
<strong>of</strong> land allocated for development.<br />
� Incentives are provided to redevelop and increase density <strong>of</strong> the current urban footprint (e.g.<br />
incentives to convert single family dwellings to multiple unit dwellings for students in<br />
residential areas near the University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>).<br />
� There are examples <strong>of</strong> development that are an alternative to suburbia and are more<br />
environmentally friendly, including:<br />
5
° development and redevelopment that provides ample options for matching space<br />
needs with family size (e.g. smaller houses, condominium complexes, modular<br />
housing units)<br />
° essential shopping facilities and community gathering places in each neighbourhood<br />
° big-box store development on <strong>City</strong> fringes is discouraged<br />
° downtown redevelopment that includes residences above commercial storefronts and<br />
encourages the Arts in the downtown<br />
° demonstrating use <strong>of</strong> environmentally friendly materials, technology and practices (e.g.<br />
Sunridge development, OWC Praire Urban Garden xeriscaping projects)<br />
° use <strong>of</strong> public transit is encouraged and is increasing<br />
� delaying or forgoing construction <strong>of</strong> a third bridge crossing<br />
° use <strong>of</strong> bicycles for transportation is encouraged and increasing:<br />
� designing a bicycle trail system with better connections and signage<br />
� providing places to safely park bicycles in the downtown area and in other<br />
public places (perhaps partner with cycling shops in the <strong>City</strong>)<br />
� linking bicycle and bus routes (continue putting bike racks on buses)<br />
� implementing a rent-a-bike program<br />
Reducing Solid Waste<br />
� Initiatives are encouraged that help residents find meaning outside <strong>of</strong> consumerism<br />
� The Municipality undertakes full cost accounting <strong>of</strong> solid waste management, reports this to<br />
citizens and implements a waste disposal fee structure that fully reflects the costs<br />
� Building materials are recycled and kept out <strong>of</strong> the landfill<br />
� The current recycling program is improved by:<br />
° providing recycling bins in more places<br />
° ensuring proper signage on bins<br />
° accepting all plastics<br />
° transparent reporting <strong>of</strong> what is collected and its recycled use<br />
� Full curbside recycling is implemented following a trial program to sort out any issues<br />
6
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Kids at Play <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
Ideas Fair Survey Feedback<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 34
<strong>City</strong> Circle Name: Kids at Play – <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Representative’s Name: Lyndsey Robinson<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Topic <strong>of</strong> Interest:<br />
Our original topic <strong>of</strong> interest was:<br />
- Exploring options for indoor recreation opportunities for children, youth, and families in<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> but the conversations began to include a lot <strong>of</strong> OUTdoor recreation opportunities as<br />
well, so that is what follows.<br />
- 69 people joined this facebook city circle.<br />
What is the current situation regarding your topic?<br />
- There are a lot <strong>of</strong> parents <strong>of</strong> young children frustrated by the current indoor recreation facilities in<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
- Some parents are nervous about biking on the side <strong>of</strong> the road while pulling a bike trailer with their<br />
child in it.<br />
- Some people find the under-development <strong>of</strong> the West side hard to understand. Why, if according to<br />
our latest census, this area <strong>of</strong> town has the highest number <strong>of</strong> residents, and it continues to grow<br />
steadily at rates much larger than those <strong>of</strong> the rest <strong>of</strong> the city – do residents have to cross the river<br />
every time they need to access a variety <strong>of</strong> services?<br />
- Concern about lack <strong>of</strong> indoor play space or gym space. Especially for use by families on the west side<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
- Some people believe that only non pr<strong>of</strong>it groups are allowed in school gyms and there is no gym space<br />
available at the pools/arenas that we do have.<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement your topic <strong>of</strong> interest:<br />
- the creation <strong>of</strong> more community and school gardens that are close to or integrated into playground<br />
areas.<br />
- dedicated bike lanes would allow parents to feel safer and more comfortable biking with a child in tow.<br />
- the university and college could <strong>of</strong>fer regular opportunities for families to try free physical activities.<br />
Students could gain practical teaching and mentorship skills, the schools could promote their facilities<br />
and programs, and families could try a variety <strong>of</strong> activities they may not otherwise have tried. This type<br />
<strong>of</strong> initiative also promotes feelings <strong>of</strong> connectedness and community which is a very important
component to mental and social well being.<br />
- the city could construct a kid’s play area in the Bay mall downtown. A good example <strong>of</strong> one is at<br />
Market Mall in Calgary. It's not huge, but the kids love it, it's free, and it brings people to the mall. If we<br />
had something like that downtown, it would serve a few different purposes: <strong>of</strong>fering kids a place to<br />
come and get some physical activity, it would help to revitalize the downtown shopping as parents<br />
would inevitably come and spend some money while down there and it would serve as a gathering place<br />
for parents to come and socialize. The <strong>City</strong> would also need to make sure some desirable retailers were<br />
in that mall to make the whole idea viable; this should fit nicely with the whole "downtown<br />
revitalization" idea.<br />
- a new movie theatre complex<br />
- Wouldn't it be great if the little indoor playgrounds we DO have weren't just at McDonald's and Burger<br />
King, but at places where we eat HEALTHY choices?<br />
- Offer West <strong>Lethbridge</strong> residents easier access to city services by: building a bridge connecting the west<br />
side with the south side and putting future developments on the west side.<br />
- Open more community halls like they have in Calgary – they have moms and tots groups, family night<br />
outs, fitness classes, drop in times, festivals, potlucks, pub nights etc. You get to know your neighbours<br />
this way.<br />
- If there is not gym space or an inside area available for playgroups or kid’s events/classes, then maybe<br />
a private facility or multi- use facility (like Okotoks Centre) needs to be built.<br />
- Key on the expanded indoor play area that is planned for the new Family Centre. Promote it well and<br />
make sure it is accessible to all city residents.<br />
- we need more fun free things to do with our kids<br />
- build a leisure centre that has an indoor wave pool, workout room, skating arena, indoor playground,<br />
gymnastics room, etc.<br />
- Something that would be good in the city is a park called GREEN GYM. You can visit their website at<br />
www.greengym.ca<br />
. It is a series <strong>of</strong> gym equipment pieces - like ellipticals and sit up machines and leg<br />
presses and arm presses and so on – where you use your body weight as the resistance. Everyone can<br />
enjoy themselves and do it and get a workout at the same time. The best part about this is it is outside<br />
and you don’t have to pay for a gym to use gym quality equipment. For all the people out there that<br />
don’t want to be seen in a gym these are awesome to use late at night when no one is around. They<br />
could be built near already existing parks so that we could use them as our kids are playing on the kids<br />
equipment or the kids could join us for a workout. It’s a great step toward a healthy future.
- The <strong>City</strong> could build and operate OR a private investor could build and operate a child activity facility<br />
such as:<br />
Giggles & Smiles - a supervised fitness and fun center for children ages 3 to 10. Giggles<br />
& Smiles' many gross-motor skill activities promote movement, which helps build strength, flexibility,<br />
balance and endurance, and helps to build each child's confidence.<br />
http://gigglesandsmiles.net/storefront/our_center.html<br />
Something like ENERGYPLEX in Kelowna. http://www.energyplex.ca/index.htm. This indoor<br />
facility has a gymnastics centre, pool, climbing wall, activity cube where you climb up and through tubes,<br />
ladders, slides and agility spaces, gym-type spaces where they teach martial arts, dance, etc. There is<br />
also a healthy cafeteria and eating area. This complex does birthday parties and has plans to add an<br />
adult work out area with TV monitors so you can see your children taking various lessons in the adjacent<br />
areas. What am amazing way for families to be active together!
Ranking<br />
#<br />
Choosen<br />
% choose<br />
Option 1<br />
#<br />
Choosen<br />
% choose<br />
Option 2<br />
#<br />
Choosen<br />
% choose<br />
Option 3<br />
#<br />
Choosen<br />
% choose<br />
Option 4<br />
#<br />
Choosen<br />
% choose<br />
Option 5<br />
No<br />
Answer Ranking<br />
1st 13 25.00% 12 23.08% 9 17.31% 6 11.54% 12 23.08% 0 1st<br />
2nd 10 19.23% 6 11.54% 10 19.23% 11 21.15% 11 21.15% 4 2nd<br />
3rd 5 9.62% 6 11.54% 14 26.92% 12 23.08% 9 17.31% 6 3rd<br />
4th 7 13.46% 9 17.31% 9 17.31% 9 17.31% 12 23.08% 6 4th<br />
5th 13 25.00% 13 25.00% 4 7.69% 12 23.08% 4 7.69% 6 5th<br />
Key:<br />
Option 1: More School and Community Gardens<br />
Option 2: Inddor Playgrounds for Kids<br />
Option 3: More Free Events at Current Venues<br />
Option 4: More Outdoor Family Fitness Fun<br />
Option 5: A Multi-Use Family Leisure Facility<br />
Family Recreation Activities: What does out city need?<br />
Survey Results- 52 surveys received<br />
November 2009<br />
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Option 5
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
CAL <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 35
CAL Recreation [calrecreation@agecare.ca]<br />
C.A.L. <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
Hi Brian,<br />
The following is a list <strong>of</strong> ideas from the residents and staff at Columbia Assisted Living, regarding future<br />
planning in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
1. More amenities on the West side, e.g. restaurants, department stores, clothing stores.<br />
2. More seating - like benches in the stores for the seniors because they <strong>of</strong>ten have a long wait for a<br />
ride.<br />
3. Recreational facilities, such as roller skating rinks, arcades for the young people to hang out in.<br />
4. Less signage along the roads, especially advertising.<br />
5. More mom & pop stores.<br />
6. There are too many senior facilities, and as a result every place has empty beds and staff<br />
are either having hours cut or finding a second job.<br />
Thank you,<br />
Veronica Bohnert, R.T.<br />
Columbia Assisted Living<br />
Hi Brian,<br />
One more idea came across my desk this afternoon - more 4 way stops.<br />
Thanks,<br />
Veronica Bohnert, R.T.<br />
Columbia Assisted Living
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
AAC Membership <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 36
AAC Member <strong>City</strong> Circle ~ August 22, 2009<br />
Statements:<br />
The leaders <strong>of</strong> our community need to understand and focus on the identity <strong>of</strong><br />
our city. In terms <strong>of</strong> "The Arts" the name <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is favourably noted for 1)<br />
The University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Art Collection, 2) The Southern Alberta Art Gallery,<br />
3) The Galt Museum and 4) The Japanese Garden. But we also have a small but<br />
growing number <strong>of</strong> smaller galleries which showcase local artists, an excellent<br />
live music scene, and a number <strong>of</strong> active visual artists' organization all <strong>of</strong> which<br />
are largely un-integrated and operating as separate entities.<br />
Cities with a successful Art scene draw people in from all around. <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
should be known across the Country for its Arts. We need to take this<br />
opportunity to ponder our identity. <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is the hub for Southern Alberta<br />
and already draws many people in from surrounding smaller communities to take<br />
part in its Arts scene. The more visible the Arts are the more people will<br />
understand its importance and support it. The <strong>City</strong> needs to encourage<br />
integration by building Culture & the Arts together, making inclusiveness,<br />
cooperation & transparency its top priority. Funding & communications are<br />
crucial for creating awareness within the city and encouraging consensus<br />
building. We need to train the culture <strong>of</strong> our community. We also need to<br />
prepare ourselves for future generations, realizing the importance the Arts have<br />
in children’s lives as well as adults.<br />
Problems:<br />
1. Existing Arts Facilities are inadequate.<br />
2. Getting a process through city departments has too many avenues and there<br />
is too much bureaucracy. It is difficult to use public spaces with the existing<br />
<strong>City</strong> bylaws. To encourage artistic endeavours, the <strong>City</strong> has to stop thinking<br />
strictly in business terms.<br />
3. The <strong>City</strong> has unbalanced itself by encouraging people to drive to the outskirts<br />
to shop.<br />
4. Lower income families are not able to afford programs.<br />
5. There is a lack <strong>of</strong> support for local/newer arts groups. The <strong>City</strong> does not<br />
celebrate the talent that exists within <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. Major events taking place<br />
that draw some <strong>of</strong> the largest audiences/community, always showcase the<br />
same groups year after year. This makes it very difficult for new artists' groups<br />
to get showcased in the community. Announcements <strong>of</strong> public events, where<br />
artists' groups can participate, need to be advertised well in advance, with an<br />
audition/application process. Every major public event should be looked at for
the opportunity to draw in the arts community. When planning such events , it<br />
would be helpful to draw in representation, from the various arts groups, to be<br />
involved in the planning process. Above all, this would help showcase, and<br />
celebrate the great diversity that already exists in the city now and in the<br />
future.<br />
6. Most financial support is based around sports, very little for the Arts.<br />
7. Business license costs for Artists in their homes are outrageous. The high<br />
costs discourage Artists from coming to the surface.<br />
8. Community and Artists are separate entities. The Arts exist primarily<br />
underground.<br />
9. Lack <strong>of</strong> Public Art & acceptance <strong>of</strong> controversial Arts that stretch the<br />
boundaries. When publically funded Arts projects come up, there should be a<br />
fair and level playing field. The call should be well advertised. Public Art<br />
should be exciting, not just in the planning and choosing, but should<br />
keep/command the interest <strong>of</strong> people whenever they encounter it. Perhaps the<br />
Public Art Acquisition Committee should be expanded to include several<br />
community members in addition to the 2 council members, 2 arts community<br />
members and the member from downtown. There needs to be more public art,<br />
including more murals. The public acquisitions committee should take more<br />
chances with some very controversial art. Wind energy and the power to<br />
manifest razzle-dazzle kinetic artwork needs to be looked at. This is a project<br />
that could make <strong>Lethbridge</strong> a world tourist site. We can't stop the wind but we<br />
could harness some <strong>of</strong> it to produce unique artworks.<br />
10. The <strong>City</strong> outsources a lot <strong>of</strong> their projects but provides inadequate funding.<br />
The AAC needs more funding to adequately do their job and to expand the<br />
services they currently <strong>of</strong>fer.<br />
Solutions:<br />
1. The <strong>City</strong>’s Arts Facilities process needs to keep moving forward, seeing the<br />
completion <strong>of</strong> the SAAG, the Performing Arts Centre & the Community Arts<br />
Centre. The Yates theatre should be upgraded as necessary. The Performing<br />
Arts Centre & Community Arts Centre should be kept located downtown, both<br />
facilities requiring the space for greater public access. These facilities should<br />
encourage integration among the arts groups and encourage walking to and<br />
from Arts Destinations. Creating a cultural corridor will encourage integration.<br />
There needs to be more artist studio spaces <strong>of</strong>fered in the downtown core.<br />
Local schools close at 6pm and mostly remain empty. These spaces should be
utilized more. Local artists could be encouraged to use empty school rooms<br />
allowing students to then see the processes and end products. Perhaps<br />
unused classroom space thus used would encourage more utilization <strong>of</strong><br />
community artists/organizations in the education process.<br />
2. There should be more leniencies for Arts Groups, allowing for more creative<br />
ideas to grow. The Regulations on <strong>City</strong> spaces needs to be reviewed and<br />
changed to allow for this. It should not be difficult to utilize these spaces.<br />
There should be lower cost rent for Arts Groups and benefits/ regulations for<br />
businesses that support the arts.<br />
3. More housing & shopping opportunities should be created in the downtown<br />
core (Grocery Store is a must!). The <strong>City</strong> should be shovelling the sidewalks in<br />
the downtown area to allow for community walk-ability and to encourage<br />
access all year round.<br />
4. More subsidizing should be made available to lower income families who are<br />
not able to afford some arts programs. Free arts programs should be<br />
encouraged.<br />
5. All major city public events should include an Arts sector. Auditions should be<br />
held, giving the new and upcoming a chance. In general there should be<br />
larger, well funded, year round artistic events. Local talent should be looked at<br />
first for entertainment. It should be encouraged that the Arts partner up with<br />
other areas <strong>of</strong> the city and other organizational events like the Rotary club<br />
Dragonboat Festival or the Show and Shine. They could be partnered up or<br />
run parallel to the events, to broaden and enrich, thus bringing more public on<br />
board.<br />
6. More city money needs to be put towards the Arts. Sports & Arts should be on<br />
the same playing field.<br />
7. Home business licenses need to be seriously reviewed and revised to<br />
encourage artists to continue to create and add colour to our community.<br />
8. There should be more art sharing with the public. More public spaces should<br />
be available to display local art. The addition <strong>of</strong> the Arts should be in all <strong>City</strong><br />
special events. More murals painted throughout the city.<br />
9. The <strong>City</strong>’s Public Art acquisition Programme should continue. In addition, a<br />
local artist in Residence Programme should be created. The <strong>City</strong> would cover<br />
the cost <strong>of</strong> the programme in lieu <strong>of</strong> artwork.<br />
10. The <strong>City</strong> needs to recognize the value <strong>of</strong> the work that is being outsourced
and provide adequate program funding to organizations who work on behalf <strong>of</strong><br />
the city, eg. the AAC.<br />
11. The University Satellite campus should be located downtown.<br />
12. The University Art Collection should be more accessible and visible, and<br />
should have gallery space downtown.<br />
13. The <strong>City</strong> might think <strong>of</strong> a new web-portal where artists can view the<br />
availability <strong>of</strong> various city facilities and book space online. A model for this would<br />
be the same scheduling system used by city cooperative auto networks (e.g. that<br />
operate in Vancouver and elsewhere). This would mean that a group like AAC<br />
having funding and personnel to create and maintain this kind <strong>of</strong> database.<br />
14. At large events, rather than having a single main stage, the city should aim<br />
to maximize benefits across the art community and community at large by<br />
having a number <strong>of</strong> stages (and sizes) to showcase talent and encourage more<br />
involvement, thus expanding arts and culture within the city.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Siever Family <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 37
Siever Family <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
Contributors: Mary, Kim, Sinéad, Regan, and Aisling Siever<br />
1. What <strong>Lethbridge</strong> has that we like<br />
• Gyro spray park<br />
• Pools<br />
• Museum<br />
• Destinations are not far from each other<br />
• Downtown spray park<br />
• Library<br />
• Gyms<br />
• Art galleries<br />
• Helen Schuler Nature Centre<br />
• Hiking trails<br />
• Whoop-Up Days<br />
• Coulees<br />
• River valley<br />
• Walkability <strong>of</strong> downtown<br />
• Second run movie theatre<br />
• Variety <strong>of</strong> classes for children<br />
• YMCA<br />
• Great support for homeschoolers<br />
• Theatres<br />
• Parks<br />
• Playgrounds<br />
• Nikka Yuko<br />
• Galt Gardens<br />
• Family-oriented<br />
2. What we wish <strong>Lethbridge</strong> had<br />
• Dinosaur museum<br />
• Community leisure centres in each neighbourhood<br />
• Shadow <strong>of</strong> the Bridge Festival was annual<br />
• More support for home businesses<br />
• Year-round farmers market<br />
• Zoo<br />
• An annual country fair (rides, livestock contests, gardening contests, etc)<br />
• More support for xeriscaping<br />
• Artisan market downtown in the summer<br />
• 300 block <strong>of</strong> 6 St S closed <strong>of</strong>f to vehicular traffic to allow for markets, fairs ,<br />
festivals, etc.<br />
• Bicycle lanes, more bicycle racks<br />
• Transit to nearby communities
• Public indoor water park<br />
• Saturday marathons<br />
• Higher density development<br />
• Parking downtown to be all underground or above storefront<br />
• Priority given to transit at controlled intersections
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
5th on 5th Youth Services<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 38
Staff Meeting – September 4, 2009 <strong>City</strong> Circles<br />
Transportation<br />
• Bus system too slow; Casual Labour clients do not get to the job sites on time and<br />
many times job is completed before the client gets there.<br />
• Bus system does not go out to the far regions <strong>of</strong> the city; does not go out far<br />
enough on the South and West side <strong>of</strong> the city, cannot get to job locations on 43 rd<br />
street or out to the research station area.<br />
• People need to arrive at work before starting time and therefore the schedule <strong>of</strong> on<br />
the hour and half-hour do not work. Worked better when the bus schedule was<br />
every 20 minutes instead <strong>of</strong> every 30 minutes as it is now.<br />
• Bus system is under utilized in the morning hours because people have already<br />
started work before the bus systems first buses start in the morning especially<br />
related to shift work.<br />
• We need a subway system before the year 2050.<br />
• Need another bridge from the West Side <strong>of</strong> the city as soon as possible to<br />
accommodate the present traffic and future traffic.<br />
Recreation<br />
• We need a youth centre for kids, with Skate Park, and drop-in centre.<br />
• Maybe have the drop-in centre operated by the police force.<br />
• Need a Sporting Complex, like the city <strong>of</strong> Medicine Hat has, a facility where<br />
youth can meet and play games, etc, where they can play all kinds <strong>of</strong> different<br />
sports and other creative activities; a place where they can sit and chat with<br />
friends.<br />
• A place where people can play basketball recreationally and that is affordable to<br />
all.<br />
Job Situation<br />
• Create a recreation facility where youth can be employed and services will be<br />
provided to the general public.<br />
• Employers do not feel youth under 18 years <strong>of</strong> age are very reliable; hence they<br />
will wait for University or College students to fill their job requirements.<br />
• Early training in schools to encourage work ethics; rather than have employers try<br />
to teach employees basic work skills.<br />
• People quitting school to work before they have obtained their high school<br />
diploma. We need to promote education throughout society to assist youth to<br />
understand the value <strong>of</strong> education.<br />
• Re-arrange the school system to adapt to the fact that many people would be<br />
better with vocational training rather than academics. We need to have the school<br />
system show these youth that they are as important and valuable as those<br />
attending University.<br />
• “Math Pure – is not meant for all to learn; it is not practical.”<br />
• Bring in school uniforms; less teasing and taunting and separate the boys and<br />
girls, particularly in Junior and Senior High School.
• Street gangs are a problem – graffiti is terrible. Perhaps installing security<br />
cameras in the downtown area would assist to stop some <strong>of</strong> the vandalism by<br />
street youth.<br />
• Make parents more responsible for their children.<br />
• More restitution for the crime and parents should have to accompany their child.<br />
• Better funding for not-for-pr<strong>of</strong>its that assist people who fall through the cracks <strong>of</strong><br />
the normal life routine.<br />
• Not enough resources for people with disabilities at any age in <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
• More feasible ways for young people to obtain their high school diploma or GED<br />
after dropping out <strong>of</strong> the school at a young age.<br />
• Aboriginals feeling like they need to change their names on their resumes so they<br />
won’t be discriminated against.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Language Supports for Newcomers in<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
0112-318-00 CCID 39
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Growing Food Security in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> &<br />
Area<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 40
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Name: Growing Food Security in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> & Area<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Topic <strong>of</strong> Interest: Food Security: Equity & Access to Nutritious Food<br />
What is the current situation regarding your topic?<br />
Growing Food Security in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> & Area includes representatives from various organizations including the <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Interfaith Food Bank, The Salvation Army (Community & Family Services), The <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Food Bank, Community Good<br />
Food Club, The Chinook Country Interfaith Community Kitchen, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Community Gardens, Making Connections<br />
(Galbraith Elementary School), Blood Tribe Food Security, and Community Nutrition AB Health Services. Our mission: A<br />
coalition <strong>of</strong> agencies that strives to achieve food security through education, advocating and influencing change to provide<br />
better health and quality <strong>of</strong> life for southwest AB. Some food security issues identified by the coalition include:<br />
• Along with shelter, clothing and water, food is a basic human need. A lack <strong>of</strong> nutritious, adequate food is related to<br />
crime, education, mental health, depression and overall health and well-being. <strong>Lethbridge</strong> currently does not have a Food<br />
Charter to support the right to nutritious adequate food.<br />
• Access and location to city community gardens is lacking; the current north side location is inconvenient or too far for the<br />
majority <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> residents. There currently is a 3 year waiting list to obtain a plot so this also limits access.<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Housing currently does not allow their residents to plant gardens on lots.<br />
• Access and time period to farmers markets is limited.<br />
• Low income residents <strong>of</strong>ten face transportation barriers to access grocery stores and existing food security programs<br />
such as the Community Good Food Club, Community Kitchens and to Food Banks.<br />
• There is currently no gleaning project in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> for excess produce from people yards and gardens. Many <strong>of</strong> the<br />
food charity organizations receive excess buns, breads, sweet rolls, etc. but are lacking fresh produce.<br />
• There are many agencies working to provide fundamentally similar services involving food security and all make a great<br />
effort to obtain adequate, nutritious food to their clients.<br />
• Twenty percent <strong>of</strong> student’s surveyed in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> and area schools (4768 in total) reported a 20% rate <strong>of</strong> some food<br />
security issues, e.g., <strong>of</strong>ten going hungry, worrying about getting enough food to eat, etc. (June 2003)<br />
• School kitchen facilities are currently under utilized during the evening and weekends for community kitchen projects.<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement you topic <strong>of</strong> interest?<br />
• Adopt a Food Charter to “Put Food Back on the Table” and make food security a priority within the community.<br />
• Increase the number <strong>of</strong> community gardens available in the city to rent out. Utilize under utilized parks and land areas<br />
for community gardens. Provide <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> zoning bylaws which will support land availability for community gardens.<br />
Increase the number <strong>of</strong> perennial fruit trees and bushes throughout the city; e.g., raspberries, saskatoons, apples,<br />
rhubarb, etc.<br />
• Increase hours <strong>of</strong> Saturday farmers market and provide more locations throughout the city for additional markets similar<br />
to the downtown and Westside market. Change the location <strong>of</strong> the Westside farmers market to a more populated and<br />
accessible location, e.g., University parking lot, Shopper’s Drug mart parking lot or Nicholas Sheran parking lot (Leisure<br />
Centre, School or Park).
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES FEEDBACK FORM<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement you topic <strong>of</strong> interest? (Cont.)<br />
• Support a city gleaning project which would help to increase fresh produce donations. A greenhouse project and a community<br />
garden located by the <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Soup Kitchen and Shelter would also help to increase fresh produce available<br />
throughout the winter months.<br />
• Improve access to school kitchen facilities for families and individuals to participate in community kitchen projects.<br />
• Improve transportation access for low income residents to farmer’s markets, grocery stores, Good Food Club program,<br />
community kitchens, community gardens, food banks, etc.<br />
• Maximize human and material resources to improve service and decrease duplication and overhead costs <strong>of</strong> food related<br />
charity organizations or projects.<br />
• Increase public awareness <strong>of</strong> the opportunities to improve food security and build a stronger community for better health<br />
and an improved quality <strong>of</strong> life.<br />
• Work to improve the five A’s for Food Security:<br />
1. Availability - sufficient supplies <strong>of</strong> food for all people at all times<br />
2. Accessibility - physical and economic access to food for all at all times Acceptability - culturally acceptable and appropriate<br />
food and distribution systems<br />
3. Adequacy - nutritional quality, safety, sustainability <strong>of</strong> available sources/methods <strong>of</strong> food supply<br />
4. Action - ensuring the social and economic infrastructures are in place to enable action that will ensure the previous four<br />
elements <strong>of</strong> food security.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Galt Museum & Archives Board <strong>City</strong><br />
Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 41
Galt Museum & Archives Board <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
In talking about the importance <strong>of</strong> history to planning for our future, we identified a number <strong>of</strong><br />
themes that we feel need to be reflected in the upcoming Integrated Community Stability Plan.<br />
We focused on the importance <strong>of</strong> our history to helping meet one <strong>of</strong> the challenges identified by<br />
the Metroquest team: to provide high quality cultural and social services. We also believe that a<br />
community’s memory is a vital to maintaining a high quality <strong>of</strong> life. Following are our ideas about<br />
what will be important to preserving, building, and communicating our community memory.<br />
(1) Preserve our stories.<br />
� It is important to recognize that preserving our history is about more than what<br />
takes place inside a museum. It also needs to consider where history is made.<br />
We would like to see the physical buildings, structures, and spaces where our<br />
stories happen preserved. An example <strong>of</strong> this would be historic building<br />
designations.<br />
� We all have an interest in the preservation <strong>of</strong> the community’s stories. It is<br />
important to record our collective, civic history not only for generations to come<br />
but to create a sense <strong>of</strong> community between those who live here now.<br />
� History is about more than just the group’s story; it is also about individuals’<br />
stories. We would like to see a place where individuals can share their stories.<br />
Again, this is as important in the present for the understanding it fosters as it will<br />
be for its historic value in the future.<br />
(2) Share our stories.<br />
� It will not be enough to keep the spaces, items, stories, etc. We must also ensure<br />
that there are spaces where our stories are shared. This means both sharing our<br />
history and to communicate current stories.<br />
� History is not the exclusive realm <strong>of</strong> museums. It will be important for the future<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> to make connections with different groups. The opportunity for<br />
shared community spaces for story-sharing and story-building is essential. This<br />
may be with the Arts (e.g. Theatre space that can be used by different groups for<br />
different purposes); it may be parks and recreation (e.g. the current preservation<br />
<strong>of</strong> Indian Battle Park for both its historic significance and for what park space<br />
brings to citizens); it also includes working with educational institutions at all<br />
levels.<br />
(3) Ensure the physical spaces and resources are available.<br />
� Finally, it is not enough to say our history is important or to encourage sharing<br />
our stories. There must be the physical spaces for:<br />
o Preservation and keeping (adequate collections and archives<br />
spaces);<br />
o Sharing and constructing our stories;<br />
o Communicating stories from our past; and<br />
o Making connections to others stories (Arts, Recreation, Education).<br />
� It will also be important to keep resources accessible by using the best methods<br />
for preserving and communicating. The next forty years will certainly see<br />
changes in technology that can help communicate and keep our stories. It will be<br />
essential to take advantage <strong>of</strong> these technologies to help keep our stories.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Healthy Communities<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 42
<strong>City</strong> Circle Name: <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Healthy Communities<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Representative’s Name: Carol Thibert<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle topic <strong>of</strong> interest: Health <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Residents with an emphasis<br />
on active living, healthy eating and tobacco reduction.<br />
What is the current situation regarding your topic?<br />
• Poor nutritional food and beverage choices in city facility vending<br />
machines and canteens, e.g., city arenas and sports centres which serve<br />
many families with children do not follow the Alberta Nutrition<br />
Guidelines<br />
• <strong>Lethbridge</strong> and Southern Alberta Childhood obesity rates are amongst<br />
the highest in Canada at 28%<br />
• Access and location to city community gardens is lacking; the current<br />
north side location is inconvenient or too far for the majority <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> residents<br />
• Outdated playground equipment in city parks and playgrounds, plus<br />
limited facilities for young families<br />
• Access and time period to farmers markets is limited<br />
Please share your ideas to improve or implement your topic <strong>of</strong> interest?<br />
• Improved food and beverage choices in public arena vending machines<br />
and canteens following the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines; particularly for<br />
facilities which serve mostly children and youth.<br />
• Increase awareness <strong>of</strong> what Healthy Communities and its partners <strong>of</strong>fer<br />
as far as programming and resources.<br />
• Increase the number <strong>of</strong> community gardens available in the city to rent<br />
out. Utilize underused park and land area for community gardens.<br />
And/or increase the number <strong>of</strong> perennial fruit trees and bushes<br />
throughout the city; e.g., raspberries, saskatoons, apples, rhubarb, etc.<br />
• Improved or updated playground areas for families with children;<br />
especially in older communities throughout the city. Include tennis<br />
courts and ice arenas in more locations.<br />
• Offer subsidised support for low income families for facility usage<br />
• Increase hours <strong>of</strong> Saturday farmers market and provide more locations<br />
throughout the city for additional markets similar to the downtown and<br />
Westside market. Change the location <strong>of</strong> the Westside farmers market<br />
to a more populated and accessible location, e.g., University parking lot,<br />
Shopper’s Drug mart parking lot or Nicholas Sheran parking lot (Leisure<br />
Centre, School or Park).<br />
• Find “champions” from <strong>City</strong> Council that support our initiatives regularly<br />
• Understand what problems exist for community members ie. Time,<br />
transportation, money etc.
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
CMARD <strong>City</strong> Circle: Building a<br />
Welcoming and Inclusive Community<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 43
CMARD <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
Building a Welcoming and Inclusive Community<br />
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> submission from the Coalition<br />
<strong>of</strong> Municipalities Against Racism and<br />
Discrimination (CMARD) Committee.<br />
NOVEMBER 24, 2009
5 Areas <strong>of</strong> Focus<br />
We have chosen to focus on five different areas:<br />
1) Safety<br />
2) Involvement<br />
3) Building Relationships<br />
4) Accessibility<br />
5) Quality <strong>of</strong> Life
� We need to work towards:<br />
#1 - Safety<br />
Goal:<br />
To ensure that the community remains safe and that our<br />
residents’ perception <strong>of</strong> safety is effectively addressed.<br />
� Creating an environment that supports all forms <strong>of</strong> safety - not just<br />
physical safety but safety in a more holistic sense<br />
� Changing personal perceptions towards minority groups<br />
� Improving transit hours <strong>of</strong> operation as they can play a role in safety<br />
as well
� We need to consider:<br />
#1 – Safety Cont’<br />
� The influence we have on our children<br />
� The role that media plays in how community issues are portrayed to<br />
the public<br />
� We would like to see a<br />
community where all<br />
members feel<br />
safe by 2050.
� We need to encourage:<br />
#2 - Involvement<br />
Goal:<br />
To promote active involvement <strong>of</strong> residents in all<br />
facets <strong>of</strong> governance and community life<br />
• Civil engagement and political involvement<br />
• Feeling comfortable and welcome in the<br />
community - “this is your community”<br />
• Community connections<br />
� We need to work towards<br />
• Equality and fair competition<br />
• Dispelling myths about minority groups
� We need to consider:<br />
#2 – Involvement Cont’<br />
• the importance <strong>of</strong> Teacher’s influence on children<br />
� We need to provide:<br />
• Opportunities for people to be active participants<br />
• An ongoing open venue for discussion <strong>of</strong> community issues<br />
• Access to online networking and discussion forums<br />
� We would like to see full participation in all facets <strong>of</strong><br />
community life by 2050
� We need to:<br />
#3 – Building Relationships<br />
Goal:<br />
To cooperate with our municipal and First Nations<br />
neighbours; strengthening our region<br />
• Understand the historical context and what our collective vision for<br />
the future is<br />
• Listen to the Elder’s and appreciate the information and wisdom they<br />
can provide<br />
• Strengthen the education on aboriginal history for youth in our<br />
schools
#3 – Building Relationships Cont’<br />
� We face some barriers:<br />
� Western alienation and provincial alienation<br />
� Underrepresentation <strong>of</strong> the Alberta South Region<br />
� We want to see a community with no perceived<br />
boundaries or barriers between our municipal and First<br />
Nations neighbours by 2050.
� We need to:<br />
#4 – Accessibility<br />
Goal:<br />
To ensure that recreation, transportation, housing,<br />
education and employment opportunities are<br />
economically and physically accessible to all <strong>of</strong> our<br />
residents<br />
• Ensure equal opportunities for all residents<br />
• Create the systems that help us to interact and form linkages<br />
• Improve public transportation between neighboring communities<br />
� We would like to see a community where no<br />
opportunity is missed due to lack <strong>of</strong> accessibility by<br />
2050.
� We need to:<br />
#5 – Quality <strong>of</strong> Life<br />
Goal:<br />
To balance cultural, social, economic, and<br />
environmental policies and programs to achieve a<br />
high quality <strong>of</strong> life for all residents<br />
• Respect and celebrate diversity in our community (i.e. Gay Pride<br />
Celebration, Ethnic Celebrations)<br />
• Listen to others<br />
• Create a sense on belonging and respect throughout <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
� We want to see a community where all residents feel<br />
respected and have a high quality <strong>of</strong> life by 2050.
Thank you
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Astronomy Society<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 44
October 19, 2009<br />
Brian Conger, Community Infrastructure, Canada<br />
AECOM 514 Stafford Drive North<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>, AB.<br />
Dear Mr. Conger,<br />
Thank you for the opportunity to be a part <strong>of</strong> ‘Plan Your <strong>City</strong>’. As with others participating in<br />
this program, the <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Astronomy Society also wants to ensure that the future <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
quality life for its citizens, environment and protects resources we value.<br />
One resource that we believe is worth protecting is a natural dark night sky – a rare commodity<br />
in an urban setting. <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is fortunate to have this resource at Popson Park where the<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Astronomy Society and Oldman River Observatory are located.<br />
Because the park is free from light pollution, our society has been able to provide educational<br />
programs and hold astronomical events for our community for the last 20 years. Thousands <strong>of</strong><br />
people including school and service groups have accessed our Centre. As well, for over a<br />
decade, the University Physics Department has hired us to teach the lab component <strong>of</strong> their<br />
astronomy curriculum at our Centre. A few years ago, the labs (that were once taught at the<br />
university campus) was relocated to our Centre because <strong>of</strong> the dark skies and facility we <strong>of</strong>fer.<br />
Because Popson Park provides a true reprieve from light pollution, citizens are able to<br />
experience a dark night sky within an urban setting. Through our programs citizens are able to<br />
learn about the universe, then step outdoors and actually see constellations, planets and<br />
phenomena such as meteor showers and aurora. Through our telescopes they can peer even<br />
deeper into the heavens and see galaxies and other celestial wonders.<br />
With good planning this precious resource can continue to be available to our citizens and the<br />
creatures that we share the park with. It is our hope is to have Popson Park designated an Urban<br />
Dark Sky Park so that the skies will be protected now and for future generations. As<br />
development inches its way southward towards the park, we ask that we be included in talks and<br />
urban planning to ensure that we not destroy or downgrade the resource that we currently value<br />
and enjoy.<br />
Rena Woss<br />
Light Pollution Committee<br />
Email: renaonlinenow@gmail.com phone: 403-317-3129<br />
cc: Robert D. McKay, Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Project Manager<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Astronomy Society<br />
Box 1104<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>, AB. T1J 4A2<br />
Phone (403) 381-star (7827)<br />
www.lethbridgeastronomysociety.ca
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
Two Ideas Circle<br />
0112-318-00 CCID 45
“I would like two things to happen for<br />
things to happen for this city: one is to<br />
have a company called Wild Health<br />
that sells herbal plants with all the<br />
needed resources for growing and<br />
collecting the seed for sustainability<br />
and their uses. A club that shares this<br />
exploration <strong>of</strong> knowledge and a garden<br />
design firm for the disabled to design<br />
their own successful garden. A<br />
greenhouse run by it’s members either<br />
to suit a purchase or to learn in a<br />
greenhouse. And Erica Leuschen to<br />
successfully run it.<br />
Secondly, I would like to see a youth<br />
drop-in centre privately funded to host<br />
all types <strong>of</strong> small events like<br />
improvisational skills and improve<br />
nights. A night c<strong>of</strong>fee shop, poetry<br />
weekly and art space freely,<br />
comfortable seating for the occasional
nap, good music at will and<br />
anthropology for kids. Tables that go<br />
up and down to the revolving around<br />
the days busy calendar. Every hobby’s<br />
house. Basically a youth hostel with<br />
pazzaz.<br />
Choose6@live.ca<br />
Erica Leuschen<br />
Age: 27
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
0112-318-00<br />
APPENDIX A<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles<br />
Newsletters
Hello All:<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles August Newsletter<br />
First and foremost I want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone that has registered a <strong>City</strong> Circle todate.<br />
As <strong>of</strong> today we have a total <strong>of</strong> 34 <strong>City</strong> Circles registered throughout the <strong>City</strong> that are actively<br />
contributing policy shaping information for the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> “Plan Your <strong>City</strong>” Municipal Development<br />
Plan/ Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (MDP/ICSP).<br />
The intent <strong>of</strong> this newsletter is to update all registered <strong>City</strong> Circles about some <strong>of</strong> the exciting things that<br />
have been going on with Plan Your <strong>City</strong> and some <strong>of</strong> the key events and dates as we move forward with<br />
the Plan.<br />
We are currently in the Policy Alternatives Phase <strong>of</strong> the Plan Your <strong>City</strong> MDP/ICSP following the<br />
successful adoption <strong>of</strong> the Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Vision by Council on June 15th. The Vision Statement,<br />
Principles and Goals, which comprise the Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Vision, set forth the direction we as a community<br />
want to move towards over the 40 year horizon <strong>of</strong> this Plan (see online for a copy <strong>of</strong> the Vision).<br />
As we move forward with the development <strong>of</strong> potential policies there are a few key events and dates in<br />
the near future:<br />
• <strong>City</strong> Circles Submission Deadline - September 8th<br />
• <strong>City</strong> Circles Ideas Fair Orientation - September 17th<br />
• Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Policy Alternatives Open Houses - October 14th, 15th, and 17th<br />
• Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Ideas Fair - October 17th<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles Submission Deadline<br />
We are asking all <strong>City</strong> Circles to submit their ideas to the <strong>City</strong> Circles Coordinator Brian Conger by<br />
September 8th. We would also appreciate at this time if you could please let us know if your Circle is<br />
intending to participate in the Ideas Fair so that we can begin preparations.<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles Ideas Fair Orientation<br />
On September 17th we will be holding an Ideas Fair Orientation in the Culver <strong>City</strong> room at <strong>City</strong> Hall from<br />
7:00 to 9:00 pm for all <strong>City</strong> Circles that have participated in the planning process. At this meeting we will<br />
be discussing how <strong>City</strong> Circles can prepare for the Ideas Fair and best present their ideas to the<br />
community at large. This will also be an opportunity for <strong>City</strong> Circles to mingle and share their ideas with<br />
one another.
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Policy Alternatives Open Houses<br />
On October 14th, 15th, and 17th, a series <strong>of</strong> three Open Houses will be held throughout <strong>Lethbridge</strong> in<br />
order to give residents an opportunity to view the potential policies that have been developed to-date. The<br />
first Open House will be held on October 14th at the Children <strong>of</strong> St. Martha’s School on the west side and<br />
will run from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. The second Open House will be held on October 15th at Park Meadows<br />
School on the north side and will run from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. The third and final Open House will run on<br />
October 17th, the same day as the Ideas Fair at <strong>City</strong> Hall, with a presentation at 1:30 in the afternoon in<br />
the Culver <strong>City</strong> Room. While these Open Houses are not part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> Circle process they are an<br />
opportunity for everyone in the <strong>City</strong> to participate in the policy development process and such you are<br />
welcome to attend.<br />
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Ideas Fair<br />
On Saturday October 17, the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> will be holding Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Ideas Fair from10:00 to<br />
3:00 pm in the atrium <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Hall. You are invited to participate by creating displays <strong>of</strong> any type – videos,<br />
display panels, slide shows, write-ups, plans, or cultural presentations such as dance, song, poetry –<br />
anything that talks about the <strong>Lethbridge</strong> <strong>of</strong> the future. One key aspect <strong>of</strong> the Ideas Fair will be the Ideas<br />
Fair Awards; all participants in the Ideas Fair will be eligible to win Cash Awards up to $500.<br />
All <strong>City</strong> Circles are encouraged to participate in the Ideas Fair as this will be a fantastic opportunity to<br />
present your ideas to people throughout our <strong>City</strong>. We ask that any Audio/Visual Entries be submitted<br />
with a hardcopy (CD/DVD) by October 5th so that we can prepare your entry, and that any Print/Graphic<br />
Entries be at <strong>City</strong> Hall by 4:00pm on October 16th, the night before the Ideas Fair.<br />
More information about all three events is provided online at www.lethbridge.ca<br />
On a final note, we have an opportunity for interested <strong>City</strong> Circles to discuss their ideas with the Media.<br />
If you are interested please inform <strong>City</strong> Circles Coordinator Brian Conger and he will add you contact<br />
name and information (provided in the Sign-up Form) to the media contact list. It is important to note<br />
that this does not mean that you will be contacted.<br />
Should you have any questions about any <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> Circles registered to-date please feel free to contact<br />
AECOM Planner and <strong>City</strong> Circle Coordinator Brian Conger at brian.conger@aecom.com, or <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Senior Planner and Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Project Manager Robert McKay at rmckay@lethbridge.ca.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Brian Conger, BA<br />
Planner, Community Infrastructure, AECOM<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles Coordinator<br />
Robert McKay, MCIP, ACP<br />
Senior Community Planner, <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Project Manager
Hello All:<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles<br />
September Newsletter<br />
Once again I want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone that has registered a <strong>City</strong> Circle. To-date we<br />
have a total <strong>of</strong> 48 <strong>City</strong> Circles registered throughout <strong>Lethbridge</strong> that are actively contributing policy<br />
shaping information for the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> “Plan Your <strong>City</strong>” Municipal Development Plan/ Integrated<br />
Community Sustainability Plan (MDP/ICSP).<br />
As we continue forward with the Policy Alternatives Phase <strong>of</strong> the Plan Your <strong>City</strong> MDP/ICSP several key<br />
events and dates draw nearer:<br />
• <strong>City</strong> Circles Submission Deadline - September 8th<br />
• <strong>City</strong> Circles Ideas Fair Orientation - September 17th<br />
• Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Policy Alternatives Open Houses - October 14th, 15th, and 17th<br />
• Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Ideas Fair - October 17th<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles Submission Deadline<br />
Submissions are starting to roll in. Of the 48 <strong>City</strong> Circles currently registered, 16 Circles have made<br />
submissions. It is important to note that if you are planning on participating in the Ideas Fair we do not<br />
need your final Ideas Fair display for the September 8th submission deadline.<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles Ideas Fair Orientation<br />
As stated in our last newsletter, we will be holding an Ideas Fair Orientation on September 17th in the<br />
Culver <strong>City</strong> room at <strong>City</strong> Hall from 7:00 to 9:00 pm for all <strong>City</strong> Circles that have participated in the planning<br />
process. At this meeting we will be discussing how <strong>City</strong> Circles can prepare for the Ideas Fair and best<br />
present their ideas to the community at large. This will also be an opportunity for <strong>City</strong> Circles to mingle<br />
and share their ideas with one another. Mayor Bob Tarleck has also confirmed that he will attend the<br />
orientation to extend a thank you to all <strong>City</strong> Circle participants.<br />
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Policy Alternatives Open Houses*<br />
On October 14th, 15th, and 17th, a series <strong>of</strong> three Open Houses will be held throughout <strong>Lethbridge</strong> in<br />
order to give residents an opportunity to view the potential policies that have been developed to-date. The<br />
first Open House will be held on October 14th at the Children <strong>of</strong> St. Martha’s School on the west side and<br />
will run from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. The second Open House will be held on October 15th at Park Meadows<br />
School on the north side and will run from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. The third and final Open House will be held at<br />
<strong>City</strong> Hall at the same time as the Ideas Fair on October 17th, a presentation will be made at 1:30 in the<br />
afternoon in the Culver <strong>City</strong> Room. While these Open Houses are not part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> Circle process they<br />
are an opportunity for everyone in the <strong>City</strong> to participate in the policy development process and as such<br />
you are welcome to attend.<br />
* Open House locations are subject to confirmation. Should an unforeseen change occur notification will be provided.
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Ideas Fair<br />
On Saturday October 17, the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> will be holding Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Ideas Fair from10:00 to<br />
3:00 pm in the atrium <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Hall. You are invited to participate by creating displays <strong>of</strong> any type – videos,<br />
display panels, slide shows, write-ups, plans, or cultural presentations such as dance, song, poetry –<br />
anything that talks about the <strong>Lethbridge</strong> <strong>of</strong> the future. One key aspect <strong>of</strong> the Ideas Fair will be the Ideas<br />
Fair Awards; all participants in the Ideas Fair will be eligible to win Cash Awards up to $500.<br />
All <strong>City</strong> Circles are encouraged to participate in the Ideas Fair as this will be a fantastic opportunity to<br />
present your ideas to people throughout our <strong>City</strong>. We ask that any Audio/Visual Entries be submitted<br />
with a hardcopy (CD/DVD) by October 5th so that we can prepare your entry, and that any Print/Graphic<br />
Entries be at <strong>City</strong> Hall by 4:00pm on October 16th, the night before the Ideas Fair.<br />
More information about all three events is provided online at www.lethbridge.ca<br />
Community Advisory Group<br />
On a final note, many <strong>City</strong> Circles have been curious about the various committees responsible for the<br />
effective development <strong>of</strong> the Plan Your <strong>City</strong> MDP/ICSP. One key committee is the Community Advisory<br />
Group (CAG); a steering committee made up <strong>of</strong> representatives <strong>of</strong> various organisations and institutions<br />
from throughout <strong>Lethbridge</strong> as well as four Alderman and selected members from the community at<br />
large. The role <strong>of</strong> the CAG has been to provide ideas and advice on the various activities undertaken<br />
throughout the planning process. As such, the CAG has played a pivotal role in the development <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Vision and are currently assisting in the creation and review <strong>of</strong> potential policies, many <strong>of</strong><br />
which will be based on, or refined by, feedback from <strong>City</strong> Circles.<br />
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact AECOM Planner and <strong>City</strong> Circle Coordinator<br />
Brian Conger at 403.329.7139 or brian.conger@aecom.com, and/or <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Senior Planner<br />
and Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Project Manager Robert McKay at 403.320.4041 or rmckay@lethbridge.ca.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Brian Conger, BA<br />
Planner, Community Infrastructure, AECOM<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles Coordinator<br />
Robert McKay, MCIP, ACP<br />
Senior Community Planner, <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Project Manager
Hello All:<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles<br />
October Newsletter<br />
As we come close to the end <strong>of</strong> the Policy Alternatives Phase <strong>of</strong> the Plan Your <strong>City</strong> MDP/ICSP I want to<br />
thank every one <strong>of</strong> the 54 <strong>City</strong> Circles who participated in the <strong>City</strong> Circle process. This final newsletter<br />
addresses the remaining two events before we begin the Policy Review Phase <strong>of</strong> the Plan:<br />
• Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Policy Alternatives Open Houses - October 14th, 15th, and 17th<br />
• Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Ideas Fair - October 17th<br />
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Policy Alternatives Open Houses<br />
On October 14th, 15th, and 17th, a series <strong>of</strong> three Open Houses will be held throughout <strong>Lethbridge</strong> in<br />
order to give residents an opportunity to view the potential policies that have been developed to-date,<br />
please feel free to attend one <strong>of</strong> the following Open Houses and provide input:<br />
Open House #1 October 14th at the Children <strong>of</strong> St. Martha’s School on the west side; 6:30 to 9:00 pm<br />
Open House #2 October 15th at Park Meadows School on the north side; 6:30 to 9:00 pm<br />
Open House #3 October 17th in the Culver <strong>City</strong> Room at <strong>City</strong> Hall during the Ideas Fair;<br />
Presentation at 1:30<br />
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Ideas Fair<br />
On Saturday October 17, the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> will be holding Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Ideas Fair from10:30 to<br />
4:00 pm in the atrium <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Hall. I want to say thank you to the 20 <strong>City</strong> Circles who are participating in<br />
the Ideas Fair alongside resident artists and pr<strong>of</strong>essionals throughout the <strong>City</strong>.<br />
Come on down and visit the Ideas Fair!<br />
Sustainable Community Initiatives Funding<br />
A great funding opportunity is available for interested <strong>City</strong> Circles. Recently <strong>City</strong> Circle Participant Steve<br />
McGlenn attended the Impact! Youth Conference on Sustainability in Guelph, Ontario and has been given<br />
access to an endowment fund created by the sponsor's <strong>of</strong> the conference. If you would like to find out<br />
how to attain funding to further develop the topics you have explored within your <strong>City</strong> Circle please<br />
contact Steve at stephen.mcglenn@uleth.ca. The deadline for funding is October 30th.<br />
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact AECOM Planner and <strong>City</strong> Circle Coordinator<br />
Brian Conger at 403.329.7139 or brian.conger@aecom.com, and/or <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Senior Planner<br />
and Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Project Manager Robert McKay at 403.320.4041 or rmckay@lethbridge.ca.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Brian Conger, BA<br />
Planner, Community Infrastructure, AECOM<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles Coordinator<br />
Robert McKay, MCIP, ACP<br />
Senior Community Planner, <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Project Manager
Hello All:<br />
On behalf <strong>of</strong> the Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Development Team I<br />
want to extend a warm thank you to the hundreds <strong>of</strong><br />
residents from <strong>Lethbridge</strong> and the surrounding region<br />
who participated in the <strong>City</strong> Circles and Ideas Fair.<br />
A special thank you goes to the dozens <strong>of</strong> people<br />
involved in creating the 41 displays that filled the<br />
Atrium at <strong>City</strong> Hall. The variety <strong>of</strong> displays, including<br />
dance, videos, poetry, interactive art, booths, collages<br />
and live music, created a truly festive atmosphere.<br />
Your time and effort shows an extraordinary<br />
commitment to ensuring that <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is a great<br />
place to live, work and play.<br />
Congratulations to the Ideas Fair contest winners!<br />
The <strong>of</strong>ficial advertisement that will be included in the<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Herald on October 31 st has been attached<br />
to this newsletter. Please Contact Plan Your <strong>City</strong><br />
Project Manager Robert McKay at 403.320.4041 or<br />
rmckay@lethbridge.ca if you are a winner.<br />
All <strong>of</strong> the information gathered these past five months<br />
will be compiled into the Ideas Book that will be used<br />
to refine policies within the Plan and identify any gaps<br />
that may exist. Your input will help us develop a Plan<br />
that strives to make this <strong>City</strong> a better place for<br />
everyone over the next 40 years.<br />
Once again, thank you all!<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Robert McKay, MCIP, ACP<br />
Senior Community Planner, <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Project Manager<br />
Brian Conger, BA<br />
Planner, Community Infrastructure, AECOM<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles Coordinator<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles<br />
& Ideas Fair<br />
Wrap-up Newsletter
Ideas Fair<br />
Thanks for<br />
sharing your<br />
ideas!<br />
The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> thanks the hundreds <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> residents who attended the Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Ideas<br />
Fair. Your input will help develop a Plan to make the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> great for everyone throughout the<br />
next 40 years.<br />
A special thank you to those involved in creating more than 40 displays that filled the <strong>City</strong> Hall Atrium. The<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> displays, including dance, videos, poetry, interactive art, booths, collages and live music created<br />
a truly festive atmosphere. Congratulations to our contest winners!<br />
And the winners are…<br />
People’s Choice $500<br />
Panel Prize A $250<br />
Audio/Visual Print/Graphic<br />
Celebrating Diversity Group: Ethnic<br />
Dancing and Music<br />
Allied Arts Council, <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Registered Music Teachers: Live Music<br />
Panel Prize B $250 Curbside Recycling in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Video<br />
Panel Prize C $250<br />
Community Gardens in <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Video<br />
Panel Prize D $250 Planning Our <strong>City</strong> Video<br />
Bikebridge Cycle: Removing Barriers to<br />
Cycling in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Interactive Display<br />
Biodiversity and Ecological Integrity: Nature<br />
Web and Display<br />
Allied Arts Council, Bowman Arts Centre<br />
Staff and Volunteers: Painting a Great <strong>City</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Astronomy Society: Light<br />
Pollution Committee Display<br />
Ability Resource Centre: Limited Access<br />
Collage
AECOM <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Ideas Book<br />
0112-318-00<br />
APPENDIX B<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles Pamphlet<br />
& Ideas Fair Poster
What is a <strong>City</strong> Circle??<br />
A <strong>City</strong> Circle is a self-formed and<br />
self-managed group <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
residents who want to help with<br />
preparing the new Plan. To form a<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle get a group <strong>of</strong> friends<br />
together; they can be from work,<br />
school, sport, extracurricular<br />
activities, an existing organization,<br />
your family, or all <strong>of</strong> the above –<br />
there are no rules for how your<br />
Circle organizes itself.<br />
Your <strong>City</strong> Circle will meet when and where its<br />
members want and discuss any community<br />
related issue you choose such as:<br />
Arts, Heritage, CULTURE, Parks,<br />
recycling, SUSTAINABILITY, zoning,<br />
roads, <strong>CITY</strong> GROWTH, pesticide use,<br />
RECREATION, affordable housing,<br />
protecting the river valley.<br />
From May to September 2009 your <strong>City</strong> Circle<br />
can meet as many or few times as you want and<br />
prepare input for the Plan. There is no limit to the<br />
number <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Circles that you can form or be<br />
part <strong>of</strong>.<br />
Your ideas will<br />
MAKE a<br />
DIFFERENCE<br />
Why Join or Create a <strong>City</strong> Circle?<br />
Everyone seems to have an opinion about what<br />
makes a great community – those are the ideas we<br />
need to hear to plan the future. It is great to work<br />
with new and old friends to create something that<br />
makes a lasting difference.<br />
The Vision :<br />
A Public Conversation<br />
We know that many people in <strong>Lethbridge</strong> will form<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circles – students, neighbours, friends, and<br />
families. We will help but creating the Circle will<br />
basically be up to you.<br />
How to Run a <strong>City</strong> Circle:<br />
Some suggestions on how to make the most <strong>of</strong><br />
your meetings may include the following:<br />
•<br />
SET, DISTRIBUTE AND STICK TO AN<br />
AGENDA – an agenda is used to focus<br />
your meeting. Input into the agenda should<br />
refl ect the needs, interests and concerns <strong>of</strong><br />
all group members. It should be distributed<br />
in advance <strong>of</strong> the meeting to help group<br />
members gather their thoughts and be<br />
better-prepared for the discussion.<br />
• ASSIGN A NOTE-TAKER – good ideas<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten come at a fast pace and they need to<br />
be recorded. Your fi nal output will be a list<br />
<strong>of</strong> issues and solutions and your notes will<br />
form the basis <strong>of</strong> this list.<br />
•<br />
ALL IDEAS WILL<br />
BE PRESENTED TO<br />
THE PUBLIC FOR<br />
CONSIDERATION IN<br />
THE PLAN<br />
Submit!!<br />
Submissions:<br />
Once your Circle has come up with ideas you feel<br />
are ready for submission please send them to us<br />
in any format. All submissions will be reviewed and<br />
presented to the public. Your ideas will be published<br />
in the Plan Your <strong>City</strong> Ideas Book. We will<br />
be holding an Ideas Fair in October at which time<br />
all <strong>City</strong> Circles will be invited to display<br />
and/or present their ideas to the public.<br />
You can participate in any<br />
format or language. We will<br />
translate.<br />
Tentative Schedule:<br />
There are three optional meetings scheduled<br />
for <strong>City</strong> Circle participants; the fi rst meeting will<br />
occur on May 26th at 7:00 pm in <strong>City</strong> Hall Council<br />
Chambers, and will provide orientation for <strong>City</strong><br />
Circles. The second meeting scheduled for early<br />
September will provide an update <strong>of</strong> the Plan’s<br />
progress to-date and how to prepare for the Ideas<br />
Fair. The fi nal meeting will be the Plan Your <strong>City</strong><br />
Ideas Fair, held on October 17th in the main<br />
foyer at <strong>City</strong> Hall.
Have Your Say<br />
PLAN YOUR <strong>CITY</strong><br />
Every so <strong>of</strong>ten an opportunity comes along where<br />
you get to play an integral role in the development<br />
and success <strong>of</strong> the place you call home. For<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> residents this opportunity is now.<br />
Over the next year, The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> will be<br />
preparing a Municipal Development Plan for the<br />
next 40 years.<br />
The ‘Plan Your <strong>City</strong>’ Municipal Development Plan /<br />
Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (MDP/<br />
ICSP) is the primary planning document that maps<br />
out the future <strong>of</strong> our city and we need your ideas<br />
about how the city should grow and operate.<br />
The fi nal Plan will address such things as:<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
How and where should the <strong>City</strong> grow?<br />
Environmental issues and sustainability<br />
New development – height, density,<br />
architecture<br />
Social issues and needs<br />
Economic development<br />
Transportation<br />
Parks<br />
Recreation and Culture<br />
•<br />
and much more<br />
The best way to be involved in this<br />
Plan is to form a<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLE<br />
Contact<br />
Working together, the <strong>City</strong> and AECOM will<br />
collect all input received from <strong>City</strong> Circles. The<br />
<strong>City</strong> Circle Coordinator is AECOM Planner,<br />
BRIAN CONGER. Brian can be reached at<br />
brian.conger@aecom.com or 403-329-7139.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> Planner responsible for the Plan is<br />
ROBERT MCKAY. Robert can be reached at<br />
rmckay@lethbridge.ca or 403-320-4041. Either<br />
Brian or Robert can answer any questions you<br />
may have.<br />
It will take some imagination and maybe a bit <strong>of</strong><br />
courage to create a <strong>City</strong> Circle.<br />
For registration and should you have any<br />
questions or require further clarifi cation, please<br />
call Brian or Robert.<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> CIRCLES
‘How to Make<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Better’<br />
- we want<br />
YOUR<br />
ideas<br />
PLAN YOUR <strong>CITY</strong> IDEAS FAIR<br />
at <strong>City</strong> Hall, October 17th<br />
You are invited to participate in this unique opportunity by creating displays <strong>of</strong> any type –<br />
videos, display panels, slide shows, write-ups, plans, interactive art, or cultural presentations<br />
such as dance, song, and poetry – anything that talks about the future <strong>of</strong> our community.<br />
There are two categories, Audiovisiual and Print/Graphic. Each category will have a $500<br />
People’s Choice Award as determined by Ideas Fair attendees, as well as four $250 Panel<br />
Prizes that will be awarded based on the review <strong>of</strong> the judge’s panel.<br />
Restrictions do apply please visit the website for more information.<br />
www.lethbridge.ca and follow the PLAN YOUR <strong>CITY</strong> links
Date <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council Meeting: December 14, 2009<br />
Subject: RFP S-09-89; Mechanical Contractors - Protective Plumbing Program<br />
Submitted By: Garth Sherwin, CA<br />
<strong>City</strong> Manager<br />
REQUEST FOR DECISION<br />
RECOMMENDATION: The recommendation <strong>of</strong> the Purchasing Manager to award<br />
the above Request for Proposal to all four proponents, DMT<br />
Mechanical <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, AB; Basements Systems Calgary<br />
Inc. <strong>of</strong> Calgary, AB; KB Heating and Air Conditioning Ltd. <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>, AB and Reive Plumbing and Heating Ltd. <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>, AB is submitted for your consideration and<br />
approval.<br />
PURPOSE: To select qualified firms to provide an effective and efficient<br />
method <strong>of</strong> delivering the <strong>City</strong>’s Protective Plumbing Program.<br />
FINANCIAL: The cost breakdown <strong>of</strong> the proposals is as follows:<br />
Estimated Total Cost incl. GST $ 1,482,600<br />
Less 100% GST refunds 70,600<br />
Net est. cost to the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> $ 1,412,000<br />
* Unit rate contract(s) based on hourly rates, materials and<br />
administration markups, and vehicle and tool charges. Total<br />
contract value may vary based on actual requirements.<br />
Reports/Docouments: Tender Overview<br />
Procurement Recommendation Memo<br />
Reviewed & Endorsed by <strong>City</strong> Manager: ____________________________________
Date <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council Meeting: December 14, 2009<br />
Subject: Tender Summary for November, 2009<br />
Submitted By: Garth Sherwin, CA<br />
<strong>City</strong> Manager<br />
RECOMMENDATION: That the Tender Summary Report for November, 2009 be<br />
received as information and filed.<br />
PURPOSE: Attached is a summary <strong>of</strong> all competitions awarded for the<br />
month <strong>of</strong> November, 2009 and a description <strong>of</strong> each<br />
competition as well as the year-to-date summary.<br />
FINANCIAL: N/A<br />
Reports / Documents: Tender Summary Report<br />
REQUEST FOR DECISION<br />
Reviewed & Endorsed by <strong>City</strong> Manager: ____________________________________
Council Date Page Item Responsibility<br />
March 7/05;<br />
Oct. 5/09<br />
89<br />
To ensure capsules are removed and<br />
contents distributed and capsules refilled<br />
for the next period (no time capsules from<br />
2006 Centennial)<br />
Estimated<br />
Completion Date<br />
<strong>City</strong> Clerk Sept. 20/10<br />
Jan. 9/06 10 Purchase <strong>of</strong> land in Fairmont Park <strong>City</strong> Solicitor Dec. 15/09 At Land Titles<br />
Jan. 8/07 11<br />
Land swap with Elim Society for<br />
acquisition <strong>of</strong> land for road right-<strong>of</strong>-way<br />
for the future North Scenic Drive<br />
May 26/08 218 Water Conservation Request Ad Hoc Committee June, 2009<br />
March 9/09 105<br />
July 7/08;<br />
March 9/09<br />
106<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> College Residence<br />
Development Project<br />
Sale <strong>of</strong> neighborhood commercial land in<br />
Sunridge (Howler Developments Ltd.)<br />
Status<br />
September 2034, 2059 and 2084<br />
- open in 2010 (in conjunction with<br />
Galt Museum, Mayor's Office, <strong>City</strong><br />
Clerk's Office, Communications<br />
Office, 1985 Centennial Committee)<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Nov. 30/09 Awaiting return from Elim's solicitor<br />
Review request to incorporate water<br />
conservation measures as part <strong>of</strong><br />
Environment Plan & Policy Initiative<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Nov. 2/09 Debenture to be prepared<br />
March 23/09 137 SHIA Funding Agreements <strong>City</strong> Solicitor Nov. 30/09<br />
June 15/09 258<br />
July 13/09 284<br />
FOLLOW UP ACTION LIST - MAYOR, <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>COUNCIL</strong>, <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK & <strong>CITY</strong> SOLICITOR<br />
Contract for facility maintenance<br />
agreements for 2009-2011 for:<br />
1) <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Southwest Little League<br />
Baseball;<br />
2) <strong>Lethbridge</strong> North Little League<br />
Baseball;<br />
Renewal <strong>of</strong> Contract - Fee for Service<br />
Agreement for Allied Arts Council for the<br />
Bowman Arts Centre<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor March 31/10 Closing date extended to March 31/10<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Nov. 16/09<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Nov. 16/09<br />
Mayor & <strong>City</strong> Clerk to execute<br />
appropriate funding agreements<br />
1) Awaiting return <strong>of</strong> executed<br />
agreement, insurance & WCB<br />
2) Need insurance & WCB<br />
Mayor & <strong>City</strong> Clerk to sign the<br />
agreements. Awaiting return <strong>of</strong><br />
executed agreement.<br />
Mayor, <strong>City</strong> Council, <strong>City</strong> Clerk<br />
and <strong>City</strong> Solicitor 1<br />
Revised 12/9/2009
Council Date Page Item Responsibility<br />
July 27/09 297<br />
FOLLOW UP ACTION LIST - MAYOR, <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>COUNCIL</strong>, <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK & <strong>CITY</strong> SOLICITOR<br />
Approval <strong>of</strong> facility use agreements for<br />
2009-2011 with<br />
1) Community Mediation Society <strong>of</strong><br />
Southern Alberta;<br />
Estimated<br />
Completion Date<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Nov. 16/09<br />
Status<br />
Mayor & <strong>City</strong> Clerk to sign the<br />
agreements. Awaiting return <strong>of</strong><br />
executed agreements.<br />
July 27/09 305 Purchase portion <strong>of</strong> 238 - 22 St. N. <strong>City</strong> Solicitor October, 2009 Execute related agreements<br />
Sept. 21/09 360<br />
Sept. 21/09<br />
Oct. 19/09<br />
360<br />
405<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Animal Shelter Grounds<br />
Maintenance Agreement<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Nov. 16/09<br />
Mayor & <strong>City</strong> Clerk to execute the<br />
agreement with the Grow It<br />
Community Garden Association.<br />
Awaiting return <strong>of</strong> agreement<br />
Henderson Lake Golf Club <strong>City</strong> Solicitor Jan. 12/10 Execute consent to mortgage<br />
Oct. 19/09 415 Sale <strong>of</strong> Closed Service Road ROW <strong>City</strong> Solicitor Dec. 15/09 Consolidation is complete<br />
Nov. 2/09 428<br />
Nov. 2/09 437<br />
Nov. 2/09 438<br />
Nov. 16/09 455<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Sport Council's request for<br />
letter <strong>of</strong> support to host the 2011 Football<br />
Canada Cup<br />
Purchase and Sale <strong>of</strong> Land - 2414-25 St.<br />
S. and 100 Metis Trail W.<br />
Purchase <strong>of</strong> Downtown IGA site (721 - 3<br />
Ave. S.)<br />
McNally Contractors Ltd. - lease<br />
agreement with the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Mayor Nov. 16/09 Write letter <strong>of</strong> support<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Dec. 15/09 Vendor creating title<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Nov. 26/09 Complete<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Dec. 31/09 Execute lease agreement<br />
Nov. 30/09 462 Unsightly Premises, 314 - 17 St. N. <strong>City</strong> Clerk Jan. 11/10 Issue Notice in Form B<br />
Nov. 30/09 466<br />
Approval <strong>of</strong> the tentative agreement with<br />
National Bank<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Dec. 14/09<br />
Execute agreement with National<br />
Bank<br />
Mayor, <strong>City</strong> Council, <strong>City</strong> Clerk<br />
and <strong>City</strong> Solicitor 2<br />
Revised 12/9/2009
Council Date Page Item Responsibility<br />
Nov. 30/09 464<br />
Request that property taxes on student<br />
residences be eliminated<br />
FOLLOW UP ACTION LIST - <strong>CITY</strong> MANAGER<br />
Director, <strong>City</strong> Manager's<br />
Office<br />
Estimated<br />
Completion Date<br />
Feb. 22/10<br />
Status<br />
Administration to review and report<br />
back by January 11, 2010<br />
<strong>City</strong> Manager 1<br />
Revised 12/9/2009
Council Date Page Responsibility<br />
March 23/09 131<br />
FOLLOW UP ACTION LIST - COMMUNITY SERVICES<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Curling Club's request for a<br />
comprehensive planning review <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Civic Sportsfield<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Community<br />
Services<br />
Estimated<br />
Completion Date<br />
May 1/10<br />
Status<br />
Administration to complete a<br />
comprehensive review <strong>of</strong> the Civic<br />
Sports Field/LSCO/YMCA/<strong>City</strong><br />
Hall/Civic Ice Arena area, and report<br />
back to <strong>City</strong> Council during 2011-20<br />
CIP Discussions<br />
Community Services 1<br />
Revised 12/9/2009
FOLLOW UP ACTION LIST - CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
Council Date Page Item Responsibility<br />
Estimated<br />
Completion Date<br />
Status<br />
Corporate Services 1<br />
Revised 12/9/2009
Council Date Page Item Responsibility<br />
Oct. 1/07 433<br />
May 26/08 218<br />
July 7/08 286<br />
Feb. 23/09 77<br />
Bicycle corridors and bicycle/pedestrian<br />
corridors<br />
Water Conservation Request &<br />
Environmental Plan/Policy<br />
Land Development System Evaluation<br />
and Rebuild (LaSER)<br />
Canadian Paraplegic Association (parking<br />
in the downtown core for those with<br />
physical disabilities)<br />
March 9/09 97 Curb Side Chipping Program<br />
June 15/09 251<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> Astronomy Society -<br />
designating Popson Park as an "Urban<br />
Dark Sky Preserve"<br />
Sept. 21/09 355 Improvements to recycling depot system<br />
Sept. 21/09 356<br />
FOLLOW UP ACTION LIST - INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES<br />
Protective Plumbing Incentive Program<br />
and Overland Flooding<br />
Estimated<br />
Completion Date<br />
Status<br />
Transportation Manager Feb. 22/10 Update Bicycling Bylaw 3515<br />
Ad Hoc Committee Jan. 25/10<br />
Urban Construction<br />
Manager<br />
Jan. 25/10<br />
Transportation Manager Feb. 22/10<br />
Waste & Recycling<br />
Manager<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Infrastructure<br />
Services<br />
Waste & Recycling<br />
Manager<br />
Water & Wastewater<br />
Engineering Manager<br />
March 1/10<br />
Jan. 25/10<br />
March 31/10;<br />
July 1/10<br />
March 31/10<br />
Review request to incorporate water<br />
conservation measures as part <strong>of</strong><br />
Environment Plan & Policy Initiative<br />
Undertake an evaluation and rebuild<br />
<strong>of</strong> system for reviewing and approving<br />
new land developments<br />
Administration to report to <strong>City</strong><br />
Council on the feasibility <strong>of</strong><br />
implementing the solutions<br />
Administration to review the feasibility<br />
<strong>of</strong> a Curb Side Chipping Program and<br />
provide a recommendation to <strong>City</strong><br />
Council<br />
Refer to Environment Committee to<br />
review and report back to Council<br />
Prepare a comprehensive review <strong>of</strong><br />
the recycling depot system and report<br />
back by March 2010;<br />
Increase the recycling charge in<br />
Bylaw 5543 from $3.40/month to<br />
$3.60/month<br />
Report back to <strong>City</strong> Council with<br />
alternatives and estimated costs <strong>of</strong><br />
capital improvements for<br />
consideration in advance <strong>of</strong> the 2011-<br />
2020 CIP<br />
Infrastructure Services 1<br />
Revised 12/9/2009
FOLLOW UP ACTION LIST - INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES<br />
Council Date Page Item Responsibility<br />
Oct. 5/09 380 Clearview Subdivision in S.E. <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Nov. 2/09 426 Parking concerns at NOMA Place<br />
Nov. 16/09 451<br />
Nov. 16/09 453<br />
Nov. 30/09 473<br />
Nov. 30/09 476<br />
Concerned Residents <strong>of</strong> Parkside -<br />
request for the implementation <strong>of</strong> speed<br />
zones on the roads adjacent to<br />
Henderson Lake Park<br />
Green Acres Foundation re: outlining<br />
safety issues at 5th Ave. & 1st St.<br />
crosswalk<br />
Request to review water drainage<br />
problems in the subdivision surrounding<br />
Chinook Lake in Uplands p<br />
Concern that changes to the traffic lines<br />
on 7th St. between 1st & 4th Ave. S. have<br />
created a variety <strong>of</strong> concerns for drivers<br />
and merchants<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Infrastructure<br />
Services<br />
Traffic Operations<br />
Manager<br />
Traffic Operations<br />
Manager<br />
Traffic Operations<br />
Manager<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Infrastructure<br />
Services<br />
Traffic Operations<br />
Manager<br />
Estimated<br />
Completion Date<br />
Jun 2010<br />
Jan. 25/10<br />
Jan. 25/10<br />
Jan. 25/10<br />
March, 2010<br />
June 21/10<br />
Status<br />
Work with developer to create a cost<br />
neutral development scenario and<br />
report back to Council when complete<br />
Administration to continue to work<br />
with NOMA Place and residents, and<br />
report back to <strong>City</strong> Council<br />
Administration to review the traffic on<br />
roads adjacent to Henderson Lake<br />
Park and the need for a 30km/hr<br />
speed zone<br />
Administration to review the<br />
recommended solutions and report<br />
back to <strong>City</strong> Council<br />
Administration to review and report<br />
back on possible solutions<br />
Administration to review and report<br />
back regarding the details <strong>of</strong> this pilot<br />
project<br />
Infrastructure Services 2<br />
Revised 12/9/2009
Council Date Page Item Responsibility<br />
Jan. 22/07 23 Sustainable Water Use Practices<br />
May 14/07 196 Worldwide Day Recognizing Labour<br />
June 23/08 262<br />
Central Neighbourhood Issues<br />
Identification Study<br />
Nov. 10/08 445 Micro Wind Turbines<br />
Nov. 2/09 431<br />
Heart <strong>of</strong> Our <strong>City</strong> Revitalization<br />
Committee to examine alternatives or<br />
enhancements to the Downtown<br />
Redevelopment Incentive Policy<br />
Nov. 2/09 427 Canadian Home Builders Association<br />
FOLLOW UP ACTION LIST - PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Planning &<br />
Development<br />
Downtown Revitalization<br />
Manager<br />
Senior Community<br />
Planner<br />
Senior Community<br />
Planner<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Planning &<br />
Development<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Planning &<br />
Development<br />
Estimated<br />
Completion Date<br />
2010<br />
Dec. 31/2010<br />
January, 2010<br />
January, 2010<br />
March 1/10<br />
Status<br />
The Environmental Policy Council<br />
Strategic Initiative will begin in 2009.<br />
Water conservation will be a<br />
component <strong>of</strong> this initiative and it is<br />
recommended that implementation <strong>of</strong><br />
any water conservation measures be<br />
part <strong>of</strong> the implementation plan that will<br />
be developed from the Environmental<br />
Policy Program<br />
Consider incorporating a memorial to<br />
miners in downtown gateways<br />
Develop options and budget<br />
implications and report back to <strong>City</strong><br />
Council<br />
Planning is working on sample<br />
regulations to be presented to MPC in<br />
January 2010. It is intended to have<br />
them incorporated into the Land Use<br />
Bylaw update due this fall.<br />
The Committee is to report back to <strong>City</strong><br />
Council by March 1, 2010<br />
<strong>City</strong> to work with Industry<br />
Representatives to resolve home show<br />
signage issues; <strong>City</strong> to meet with<br />
Housing Industry Representatives to<br />
discuss impact <strong>of</strong> new regulations on<br />
the home builder industry<br />
Corporate Initiatives 1<br />
Revised 12/9/2009
Council Date Page Item Responsibility<br />
Nov. 2/09 427 Unsightly Premise Bylaw<br />
FOLLOW UP ACTION LIST - PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT<br />
Regulatory Services<br />
Manager<br />
Estimated<br />
Completion Date<br />
Dec. 14/09<br />
Status<br />
Review bylaw and identify options<br />
which will reduce the time between<br />
identification <strong>of</strong> an unsightly property to<br />
resolutoin <strong>of</strong> the issue, and report back<br />
to <strong>City</strong> Council<br />
Corporate Initiatives 2<br />
Revised 12/9/2009
Council Date Page Responsibility<br />
Oct. 5/09 389<br />
Nov. 16/09 447<br />
Nov. 30/09 463<br />
Nov. 30/09 463<br />
BYLAW 5610<br />
(Amendment to Bylaw 5544 Waste<br />
Services Bylaw)<br />
BYLAW 5619<br />
Proposed Road Closure (Mayor Magrath<br />
Drive & 3rd Ave. North)<br />
BYLAW 5542<br />
Authorization for establishment and<br />
operation <strong>of</strong> a Fire & Emergency Services<br />
Department<br />
BYLAW 5622<br />
Designation <strong>of</strong> the Vendome Hotel, 110-8<br />
St. S. as a Municipal Historic Resource<br />
FOLLOW UP ACTION LIST - BYLAWS<br />
Estimated<br />
Completion Date<br />
<strong>City</strong> Clerk Dec. 14/09 Tabled<br />
Status<br />
<strong>City</strong> Clerk Nov. 16/09 First Reading given Nov. 16/09<br />
<strong>City</strong> Clerk Dec. 14/09 First Reading given Nov. 29/09<br />
<strong>City</strong> Clerk Dec. 14/09 First Reading given Nov. 29/09<br />
Nov. 30/09 463 BYLAW 5624 - Building Permit Bylaw <strong>City</strong> Clerk Dec. 14/09 First Reading given Nov. 29/09<br />
Bylaws 1<br />
Revised 12/9/2009
Council Date Page Item Responsibility<br />
Sept. 21/09 358<br />
RFP S-09-55; Auditors for 2009-2011 and<br />
pension plan audits in 2011 (KPMGLLP,<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>)<br />
Estimated<br />
Completion Date<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Nov. 16/09<br />
Sept. 21/09 355 Improvements to recycling depot system <strong>City</strong> Solicitor Nov. 16/09<br />
Oct. 5/09 386<br />
Nov. 16/09 453<br />
Nov. 30/09 475<br />
Nov. 30/09 476<br />
Nov. 30/09 463<br />
FOLLOW-UP ACTION LIST - TENDERS & REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS<br />
RFP E-09-16; Electrical Substation<br />
Engineering, Construction &<br />
Commissioning Service (Rising Edge<br />
Engineering Ltd., Calgary)<br />
EQ-09-72 (Sole Source); Parking Meter<br />
Coin Chute Upgrade [Trafco (Canada)<br />
Ltd. <strong>of</strong> Edmonton]<br />
SS S-09-108; Water Treatment Plant<br />
Boiler Replacement (Liberty Boiler &<br />
Mechanical services Inc., <strong>Lethbridge</strong>)<br />
RFQ SC-09-44; South Siphon Line<br />
(Wolseley Canada, <strong>Lethbridge</strong>)<br />
S-06-68; Amended Contract - Project<br />
Management & Landscape Design<br />
Services - West <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Centre<br />
Status<br />
Execute 3-year contract (with option<br />
to extend for up to 3 additional years)<br />
Extend the contract for provision <strong>of</strong><br />
recycling services (S-02-16) for two<br />
years<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Nov. 16/09 Awaiting return from Rising Edge<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Jan. 9/10 Execute contract<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Jan. 31/10 Execute contract<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Jan. 31/10 Execute contract<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor Dec. 31/09 Amend contract<br />
Tenders and RFP's 1<br />
Revised 12/9/2009
FOLLOW UP ACTION LIST - FINANCE COMMITTEE<br />
Council Date Page Item Responsibility<br />
Estimated<br />
Completion Date<br />
March 19/07 96 Galt Museum Expansion Project <strong>City</strong> Treasurer Dec. 31, 2011<br />
Status<br />
Allocate $342,369 from MRSR for<br />
capital expansion - credit MRSR with<br />
Museum operating surpluses through<br />
2008 and naming funds through 2011<br />
(reduced to $169,316 in 2008)<br />
Finance Committee 1<br />
Revised 12/9/2009
FOLLOW UP ACTION LIST - COMPLETED ITEMS<br />
Council Date Page Item Responsibility<br />
Estimated<br />
Completion Date<br />
Status<br />
Completed 1<br />
Revised 12/9/2009
Date <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council Meeting: December 14, 2009<br />
Subject: Picture Butte Water Pipeline Project<br />
Submitted By: Doug Kaupp, GM Water and Wastewater<br />
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize administration to utilize the Town <strong>of</strong> Picture Butte’s<br />
procurement process to award and deliver:<br />
– oversizing <strong>of</strong> portions <strong>of</strong> the Town’s water<br />
pipeline within the city;<br />
– the extension <strong>of</strong> a sewer forcemain<br />
adjacent to the water pipeline; and<br />
– engineering services for design, tender<br />
and construction.<br />
PURPOSE: To take advantage <strong>of</strong> the opportunity to add value to the<br />
Town <strong>of</strong> Picture Butte’s water pipeline construction within the<br />
city limits by upsizing the water pipeline needed to feed the<br />
town and include the extension <strong>of</strong> a sanitary sewer forcemain<br />
adjacent to the water pipeline within the same contract.<br />
IMPLICATION OF RECOMMENDATION<br />
FINANCIAL:<br />
REQUEST FOR DECISION<br />
Oversizing the water pipeline ultimately reduces the number<br />
<strong>of</strong> pipes within the city water distribution system requiring<br />
maintenance and lifecycle replacement. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> will own the entire pipe installed within city limits<br />
one year after completion. The total value <strong>of</strong> this asset will<br />
be about $1.5M. Engineer’s pretender estimate <strong>of</strong> the<br />
oversize cost is $325,000.00.<br />
The extension <strong>of</strong> the sanitary sewer forcemain is an <strong>of</strong>fsitefunded<br />
project scheduled to be delivered in 2010. Including<br />
this work in the scope <strong>of</strong> the water pipeline project eliminates<br />
the potential for conflicts between two contractors working in<br />
the shared easement and should cost less. Engineer’s<br />
pretender estimate is $265,000.00.<br />
Estimated amount to be reimbursed to Town from the Offsite<br />
fund is $590,000.00.<br />
1
<strong>CITY</strong> <strong>COUNCIL</strong> STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: (mark if applicable sections)<br />
I:\Everyone\Reports & Studies\<strong>City</strong> Council\Towards A Sustainable Future .pdf<br />
Affordable Housing Environmental Policy and Plan<br />
Financial Stewardship X Communications Strategy and Plan<br />
Advocacy on Behalf <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Community<br />
Strategy for E-Business<br />
Downtown Revitalization<br />
Growth Management<br />
Inter-municipal Planning<br />
Background/<br />
Justification :<br />
Mayor Terry Kerkh<strong>of</strong>f <strong>of</strong> the Town Picture <strong>of</strong> Butte appeared before <strong>City</strong><br />
Council on September 29, 2008 seeking a letter <strong>of</strong> support for a<br />
regional water pipeline grant application. The following resolution was<br />
passed following his presentation and the responses to a number <strong>of</strong><br />
questions:<br />
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the communications from Mayor Terry<br />
Kerkh<strong>of</strong>f, Picture Butte, requesting a letter <strong>of</strong> support from <strong>City</strong><br />
Council to accompany their report to the Provincial Government<br />
requesting funding for a regional water line, be received as<br />
information and filed<br />
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor’s Office write<br />
the appropriate letter <strong>of</strong> support<br />
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT Mayor Kerkh<strong>of</strong>f be<br />
thanked for his presentation.<br />
May 2009, the Town <strong>of</strong> Picture Butte obtained provincial funding for the<br />
construction <strong>of</strong> a water pipeline from <strong>Lethbridge</strong> to the Town.<br />
The water pipeline to the Town will parallel the existing pipeline to the<br />
hamlets north <strong>of</strong> the river in the County <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> and will begin<br />
near the Uplands Reservoir. The Town pipeline design requirements<br />
call for a 300mm (12”) diameter line from the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> to the<br />
Town <strong>of</strong> Picture Butte. Though paid for by the Town the first 3,000<br />
metres, within the <strong>City</strong> Limits, will be owned, operated and maintained<br />
by the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> when the construction warrantee period <strong>of</strong> one<br />
year has passed. In order to accommodate future development in<br />
North <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, it would be prudent to oversize portions <strong>of</strong> the<br />
pipeline beyond the size necessary for provision <strong>of</strong> water to the Town.<br />
Therefore, the Town has agreed to have a larger pipeline constructed if<br />
the <strong>City</strong> pays the difference in the cost <strong>of</strong> the pipe material. The cost <strong>of</strong><br />
oversize. There will be no additional cost to the Town and a future third<br />
pipe would not be required in 13 th Street North to service development<br />
within the city.<br />
Changes to the water supply agreement with the <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Regional<br />
Water Services Commission are in the process <strong>of</strong> being finalized and<br />
will require the approval <strong>of</strong> Council at regular public meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
Council.<br />
2
BRIEFING SHEET<br />
The extension <strong>of</strong> an existing wastewater forcemain that currently<br />
conveys wastewater from the Sherring Industrial Park to a trunk sewer<br />
in Uplands Blvd will run parallel to the new Picture Butte water pipeline.<br />
The purpose <strong>of</strong> the forcemain extension is to move the industrial<br />
discharge to 13 th Street and to free up capacity in the Uplands Blvd<br />
trunk sewer for pending adjacent developments. This is an <strong>of</strong>f-site<br />
funded project scheduled for 2010.<br />
The water and wastewater pipes will share an easement with a<br />
separation <strong>of</strong> only three meters. Because <strong>of</strong> their proximity,<br />
simultaneous construction is preferable to separate construction.<br />
Advantages <strong>of</strong> simultaneous construction include assurance <strong>of</strong> the<br />
relative pipe locations and having a single contractor responsible for<br />
trench compaction and restoration <strong>of</strong> the easement. Again, the Town <strong>of</strong><br />
Picture Butte has agreed to include a separate schedule in the contract<br />
tender to cover this work for the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. The <strong>City</strong> would<br />
then reimburse the Town for the tendered cost <strong>of</strong> this work. Further,<br />
the Town’s selected engineering services provider, MPE, will be<br />
compensated directly for design and services during construction.<br />
Legislation & Policy As per the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Procurement Policy, the Town<br />
will award the contract to the lowest bidder responding to a<br />
public tender.<br />
Plans Oversized water pipeline will ultimately service future<br />
developments directly east <strong>of</strong> 13 th Street North.<br />
Options<br />
The wastewater forcemain extension is required to provide<br />
wastewater capacity in Uplands Blvd. for the Black Wolf<br />
development.<br />
Water Pipeline Options:<br />
a) <strong>City</strong> pay the Town for the cost to oversize the<br />
pipeline constructed by the Town within <strong>City</strong> Limits,<br />
resulting in reduced capital and lifecycle costs.<br />
b) The Town could contract to construction a 3000<br />
metre long pipeline that the <strong>City</strong> will operate and<br />
maintain but not be sufficient for any future<br />
developments. This will ultimately result in additional<br />
pipelines being required in the same right <strong>of</strong> way.<br />
3
Wastewater Forcemain Extension Options:<br />
a) Town includes the forcemain extension as a<br />
separate schedule in the water pipeline contract to<br />
be reimbursed by the <strong>City</strong>.<br />
b) <strong>City</strong> delivers the forcemain extension in a separate<br />
contract along side the newly installed water<br />
pipeline some weeks or months later.<br />
Recommended Option Recommend options a) and a).<br />
Risk Analysis To reduce the risk <strong>of</strong> impacting city water customers, all<br />
required connections to the existing water system will be<br />
made by the <strong>City</strong> and are not included in the scope <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Town’s construction contract.<br />
Submitted By: _________________________<br />
Reviewed By: _________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Treasurer: _________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor: _________________________<br />
Reviewed & Endorsed by <strong>City</strong> Manager: _________________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Manager’s Comments: _____________________________________________<br />
_____________________________________________<br />
Revision Date & Time:<br />
4
Date <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council Meeting: December 14, 2009<br />
Subject: Overland Flooding<br />
Submitted By: Neil Evans – Water and Wastewater Engineering Manager<br />
RECOMMENDATION: That this report be received as information and filed.<br />
PURPOSE: To provide information on potential storm drainage<br />
improvements in areas where property damage occurred as<br />
a result <strong>of</strong> overland flooding during the July 1, 2008 storm.<br />
IMPLICATION OF RECOMMENDATION<br />
REQUEST FOR DECISION<br />
GENERAL: The rainfall <strong>of</strong> July 1, 2008 revealed sixteen locations that<br />
have a substandard level <strong>of</strong> service for overland drainage.<br />
Deficiencies in the overland drainage system at these sixteen<br />
locations result in damage to private property during severe<br />
rainfall events.<br />
Unfortunately, deficiencies in an existing overland drainage<br />
system are extremely difficult to correct. Generally, the<br />
improvements required to provide the desired level <strong>of</strong> service<br />
cannot be achieved on public property alone. This means<br />
that acquisition <strong>of</strong> private property would be necessary to<br />
achieve the desired level <strong>of</strong> service.<br />
To provide the desired level <strong>of</strong> service at most <strong>of</strong> these<br />
sixteen locations, the combined cost <strong>of</strong> improvements and<br />
private property acquisition exceeds the value <strong>of</strong> the affected<br />
properties.<br />
1
ORGANIZATIONAL: Projects to improve our storm drainage system are<br />
commonly proposed for consideration as part <strong>of</strong> our Capital<br />
Improvement Plan process.<br />
Storm drainage improvement projects proposed for<br />
consideration in the 2011-2020 Capital Improvement Plan<br />
will focus on overland drainage improvements on public<br />
property that will reduce the risk <strong>of</strong> private property damage<br />
resulting from overland flooding.<br />
FINANCIAL: Overland drainage improvements approved as part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
2011-2020 Capital Improvement Plan will be funded from<br />
Stormwater capital and operating budgets.<br />
IMPLICATION/<br />
COMMUNICATIONS:<br />
Timelines for proposed projects will be determined through<br />
the Capital Improvement Plan process and funding<br />
availability.<br />
Standard processes for public notification and input will be<br />
followed for projects approved as part <strong>of</strong> the 2011-2020<br />
Capital Improvement Plan.<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> <strong>COUNCIL</strong> STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: (mark if applicable sections)<br />
I:\Everyone\Reports & Studies\<strong>City</strong> Council\Towards A Sustainable Future .pdf<br />
Affordable Housing Environmental Policy and Plan<br />
Financial Stewardship ● Communications Strategy and Plan<br />
Advocacy on Behalf <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Community<br />
Strategy for E-Business<br />
Downtown Revitalization<br />
Growth Management<br />
Inter-municipal Planning<br />
Background/<br />
Justification :<br />
BRIEFING SHEET<br />
The <strong>City</strong> is responsible for providing and maintaining its<br />
drainage systems. At the same time, fiscal constraint is one<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong>’s strategic priorities.<br />
The projects proposed for consideration in the 2011-2020<br />
Capital Improvement Plan will attempt to achieve an<br />
appropriate balance between level <strong>of</strong> service and capital<br />
expenditure.<br />
Legislation & Policy This recommendation will have no impact on current policy<br />
or legislation.<br />
Plans This recommendation will affect preparation <strong>of</strong> the Capital<br />
Improvement Plan.<br />
2
Options Options considered can be summarized into three<br />
categories:<br />
a) No improvements<br />
b) Improvements on public property<br />
c) Improvements on private property<br />
Recommended Option Option, b) Improvements on public property, was the only<br />
one judged capable <strong>of</strong> providing an improved level <strong>of</strong><br />
service in a fiscally responsible manner.<br />
Public Participation A number <strong>of</strong> affected residents were engaged on the topics<br />
<strong>of</strong>: Existing deficiencies, expected levels <strong>of</strong> service, potential<br />
improvements and the impact <strong>of</strong> potential improvements.<br />
Risk Analysis The projects proposed for consideration in the 2011-2020<br />
Capital Improvement Plan will reduce, but not eliminate, the<br />
risk <strong>of</strong> property damage resulting from severe rainfall<br />
events.<br />
Reports / Documents PowerPoint Presentation<br />
Submitted By: _________________________<br />
Reviewed By: _________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Treasurer: _________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor: _________________________<br />
Reviewed & Endorsed by <strong>City</strong> Manager: _________________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Manager’s Comments: _____________________________________________<br />
_____________________________________________<br />
Revision Date & Time: December 9, 2009<br />
3
Date <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council Meeting: December 14 th , 2009<br />
Subject: Bylaw No. 5542 Establishment and Operation <strong>of</strong> a Fire and Emergency<br />
Services Department<br />
Submitted By: Brian Cornforth, Chief <strong>of</strong> Fire and Emergency Services<br />
RECOMMENDATION: That <strong>City</strong> Council give second and third reading to Bylaw<br />
5542<br />
PURPOSE: To provide a new updated Bylaw to reflect current legislative<br />
changes in the Municipal Government Act and related<br />
changes in other Acts and Regulations including:<br />
IMPLICATION OF RECOMMENDATION<br />
REQUEST FOR DECISION<br />
Safety Codes Act changes that require municipalities to<br />
submit a Quality Management Plan to conduct fire and life<br />
safety inspections.<br />
Alberta Fire Code Changes to the sale <strong>of</strong> Fire Works and<br />
permits to discharge.<br />
Emergency Health Services Act which shifts responsibly <strong>of</strong><br />
Ambulance service delivery to Alberta Health Services.<br />
To provide an updated schedule <strong>of</strong> fees for services that is<br />
reflective <strong>of</strong> current industry rates and cost recovery <strong>of</strong><br />
specialized services to incidents outside <strong>City</strong> boundaries and<br />
Provincial highways.<br />
GENERAL: This new Bylaw will reflect current operating policies and<br />
align our legal responsibilities under the Municipal<br />
Government Act due to legislative changes over the past few<br />
years.<br />
A new schedule <strong>of</strong> fees will provide minimal cost recovery in<br />
an area where additional focus <strong>of</strong> staff is required to resolve<br />
outstanding issues or requires typically higher than normal<br />
resources, such as repeated false alarms from faulty alarm<br />
1
systems. These fees will also provide for cost recovery <strong>of</strong><br />
responses outside the municipal boundaries <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> that<br />
require Department resources. A comparative review <strong>of</strong> our<br />
fees has been done internally and externally with other<br />
Emergency Services Departments and is in alignment with<br />
the standard fees.<br />
FINANCIAL: Based on a preliminary review <strong>of</strong> fees and charges this<br />
Bylaw will have minimal impact on budget revenue.<br />
IMPLICATION/<br />
COMMUNICATIONS:<br />
Staff will be providing the <strong>City</strong> Communications Department<br />
with resources and information on changes to communicate<br />
with the public on the key issues and changes to this<br />
updated Bylaw<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> <strong>COUNCIL</strong> STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: (mark if applicable sections)<br />
BRIEFING SHEET<br />
Legislation & Policy Repels Bylaw 4381 and 4173<br />
Options Option 1. Council give second and third reading to Bylaw<br />
5542<br />
Option 2. Council table Bylaw 5542 until further Public<br />
input is received.<br />
Recommended Option <strong>City</strong> Council give second and third reading to Bylaw 5542<br />
Submitted By: _________________________<br />
Reviewed By: __________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Treasurer: _________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor: _________________________<br />
Reviewed & Endorsed by <strong>City</strong> Manager: _________________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Manager’s Comments: _____________________________________________<br />
_____________________________________________<br />
Revision Date & Time:<br />
2
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:<br />
PUBLIC SUBMISSION INCAMERA SUBMISSION<br />
BACKGROUND: Report/Document Attached<br />
Available<br />
Nil<br />
Comments:<br />
WILL SOMEONE APPEAR AS A DELEGATION Yes No<br />
Name and Title <strong>of</strong> Presenter: Brian Cornforth - Chief <strong>of</strong> Fire and Emergency Services<br />
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: PowerPoint Presentation<br />
Elmo<br />
Other<br />
IMPORTANT<br />
� All Requests for Decision (RFD) must be received by the <strong>City</strong> Clerk’s Office by 12:00<br />
noon the Wednesday prior to the <strong>City</strong> Council meeting (this includes the signed RFD<br />
as well as all information you would like <strong>City</strong> Council to review)<br />
� Please ensure that all RFD’s to be considered by the Priorities and Agenda Review<br />
Committee are signed in all the mandatory and appropriate fields<br />
� Electronic copies <strong>of</strong> all RFD’s and related material should be sent to Council Agenda<br />
Submissions Group listed in Outlook. Please ensure that the subject line in your email<br />
is complete with the title <strong>of</strong> your submission. In addition, if this is a revised copy,<br />
please indicate REVISED as well as the title in the subject line <strong>of</strong> the email.<br />
� Please insert Date and Time on the Briefing Sheet. If submission is revised, then date<br />
and time must be revised as well.<br />
� Colour Inserts – please consult the Legislative Coordinator (320-3822) if you wish to<br />
include any colour inserts with your RFD as these items will have to be hand inserted.<br />
You are required to provide twenty-eight (28) copies. The copies should be three hole<br />
punched and double sided.<br />
� Presentations – All PowerPoint presentations should be emailed to the Council Agenda<br />
Submission Group or if too large, delivered to the <strong>City</strong> Clerk’s Office on a disk or thumb<br />
drive by 10:00 a.m. on the day <strong>of</strong> the presentation.<br />
� Presentation Handouts - PowerPoint Presentations containing text only will be printed<br />
by the <strong>City</strong> Clerk’s Office. PowerPoint Presentations containing any charts, graphs,<br />
maps or pictures must be printed in Colour. You are required to provide the coloured<br />
copies – twenty-six (26) copies, two slides per page, double sided, stapled and threehole<br />
punched.
Date <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council Meeting: December 14, 2009<br />
Subject: Unsightly Property Bylaw Review<br />
Submitted By: Duane Ens<br />
RECOMMENDATION: THAT the proposed Unsightly Property Bylaw be prepared<br />
for first reading<br />
AND THAT should the Unsightly Property Bylaw be<br />
ultimately approved by <strong>City</strong> Council <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Bylaw<br />
3193 be repealed<br />
PURPOSE: To respond to <strong>City</strong> Council’s request to review the Unsightly<br />
Premises Bylaw 3193 and specifically address shortening<br />
compliance deadlines<br />
IMPLICATION OF RECOMMENDATION<br />
Background/<br />
Justification :<br />
BRIEFING SHEET<br />
REQUEST FOR DECISION<br />
The Unsightly Premises Bylaw has not been reviewed since 1988.<br />
Given the current volume <strong>of</strong> complaints and length <strong>of</strong> time required to<br />
obtain a clean up order, <strong>City</strong> Council requested administration conduct<br />
a review <strong>of</strong> Bylaw 3193 to expedite the process.<br />
Legislation & Policy Unsightly Premises Bylaw # 3193<br />
Options A) <strong>City</strong> Council can approve the proposed bylaw for first<br />
reading<br />
B) <strong>City</strong> Council can approve the proposed bylaw but change<br />
timelines and or delegate their authority to hear appeals<br />
C) <strong>City</strong> Council can make significant amendments to Bylaw<br />
3193 changing the notification process<br />
D) <strong>City</strong> Council can retain Bylaw 3193 and processes listed<br />
there under<br />
1
Recommended Option A) <strong>City</strong> Council approve the proposed bylaw for first reading<br />
Reports / Documents Proposed Unsightly Property Bylaw<br />
Submitted By: Duane Ens ________________<br />
Reviewed By: _________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Treasurer: _________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor: _________________________<br />
Reviewed & Endorsed by <strong>City</strong> Manager: _________________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Manager’s Comments: _____________________________________________<br />
_____________________________________________<br />
Revision Date & Time:<br />
2
CONSOLIDATION OF A BYLAW OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE TO REGULATE UNTIDY<br />
AND UNSIGHTLY PROPERTY WITHIN THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE<br />
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐<br />
Whereas the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A 2000 Chapter M‐26.1 as amended<br />
authorizes municipalities to deal with untidy and unsightly property.<br />
NOW THEREFORE, THE <strong>COUNCIL</strong> OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE, IN THE PROVINCE<br />
OF ALBERTA, DULY ASSEMBLED, HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:<br />
NAME OF THE BYLAW<br />
1. This Bylaw may be cited as the “Unsightly Property Bylaw”<br />
DEFINITIONS<br />
2. For the purpose <strong>of</strong> this bylaw , the following words mean:<br />
(1) “Act” means the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A 2000, c M‐ 26.1 as amended<br />
(2) “<strong>City</strong>” means the Municipal Corporation <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
(3) “Council” means the Municipal Council <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong><br />
(4) “Derelict Vehicle” means a motor vehicle as defined in the Traffic Safety R.S.A. 2000,<br />
c T‐6 as amended and which is dilapidated, partially or completely dismantled, or<br />
not capable <strong>of</strong> operating under its own power<br />
(5) “Designated Officer” means a bylaw enforcement <strong>of</strong>ficer, peace <strong>of</strong>ficer, police<br />
constable or any other <strong>of</strong>ficial appointed by the <strong>City</strong> to enforce this bylaw<br />
(6) “Direction” means a written direction in accordance with section 4 <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw
(7) “Motor Vehicle” means a vehicle as defined in the Traffic Safety Act R.S.A 2000, c T‐6<br />
as amended<br />
(8) “Order” means a written order in accordance with section 546(1)(c ) <strong>of</strong> the Act<br />
(9) ”Owner” means<br />
(a) in respect <strong>of</strong> land, the person who is registered under the Land Titles<br />
Act R.S.A 2000 c L‐4 as amended as the owner <strong>of</strong> fee simple estate in<br />
the land, and<br />
(b) in respect <strong>of</strong> property other than land, the person in lawful<br />
possession <strong>of</strong> it<br />
(10) “Property” means<br />
(a) a parcel <strong>of</strong> land<br />
(b) an improvement<br />
(c) a parcel <strong>of</strong> land and the improvement to it<br />
(11) “Unsightly Property” means property as described in section 3 <strong>of</strong> this bylaw<br />
(12) “Municipal Tag” means a ticket alleging an <strong>of</strong>fence, issued pursuant to the<br />
authority <strong>of</strong> a bylaw <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong><br />
(13) “Violation Ticket” has the same meaning as in the Provincial Offences<br />
Procedure Act R.S.A. 2000, c 34 as amended<br />
UNSIGHTLY PROPERTY<br />
3. (1) Unsightly Property is property that in the opinion <strong>of</strong> a Designated Officer is not in<br />
keeping with the surrounding properties within a one block radius, <strong>of</strong> similar zoning<br />
under The Land Use Bylaw <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> and which is detrimental to the surrounding<br />
area because <strong>of</strong> its unsightly condition<br />
(2) Some factors which may be considered by a Designated Officer in determining<br />
whether property is unsightly include the following:
DIRECTION<br />
ORDER<br />
SERVICE<br />
(a) The presence <strong>of</strong> a derelict vehicle<br />
(b) The external storage <strong>of</strong> more than one intact, operable unregistered motor vehicle<br />
(c) The storage or accumulation <strong>of</strong> garbage, litter, refuse(including but not limited to<br />
building materials, tires, boxes, scrap material), equipment, dilapidated furniture, or<br />
appliances, machinery, machinery parts or other similar materials or items.<br />
(3) Subsection (2) is not intended to be an exhaustive list <strong>of</strong> factors which may be<br />
considered in determining whether property is Unsightly Property<br />
4. If a Designated Officer forms the opinion that property is Unsightly Property, the<br />
Designated Officer may issue a written direction to the owner or occupier <strong>of</strong> the<br />
property. The direction may require the owner or occupier <strong>of</strong> the Unsightly Property<br />
to improve the appearance <strong>of</strong> the property in the manner specified and shall state a<br />
time within which the person must comply with the direction.<br />
5. If in the opinion <strong>of</strong> a Designated Officer, property is detrimental to the surrounding<br />
area because <strong>of</strong> its unsightly condition, the Designated Officer may issue a written<br />
order in accordance with section 546(1)( c ) <strong>of</strong> the Act.<br />
6. The written order or written direction, given by the Designated Officer, shall be deemed<br />
to have been duly served on the person or persons to whom it is addressed by:<br />
(a) Personally delivering the order or direction to the person or persons to whom it is<br />
addressed;<br />
(b) Leaving the order or direction with a person apparently over the age <strong>of</strong> eighteen<br />
(18) years at the residence <strong>of</strong> the person or persons to whom the order is<br />
addressed;<br />
(c) By sending the order or direction by registered mail to the last known postal address<br />
<strong>of</strong> the person or persons to whom it is addressed; or<br />
(d) Posting the order or direction in a conspicuous place on the property referred to in<br />
the order or direction or on any buildings or erections where the Designated Officer
has reason to believe the person or persons to whom the order or direction is<br />
addressed is evading service<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> MAY REMEDY UNSIGHTLY CONDITION OF PROPERTY<br />
7. If an order has been issued, the city may take whatever actions or measures are<br />
necessary to:<br />
(a) Deal with the unsightly condition <strong>of</strong> property in accordance with section 550 <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Act, and<br />
(b) Collect any unpaid costs and expenses <strong>of</strong> the actions or measures taken by the <strong>City</strong><br />
in accordance with the Act, which includes adding unpaid costs and expenses to the<br />
tax role <strong>of</strong> the property<br />
The costs and expenses <strong>of</strong> the actions or measures taken by the <strong>City</strong> are charged in<br />
addition to any penalty imposed under this Bylaw<br />
REVIEW OF ORDER<br />
8. Council may review an order in accordance with section 547 <strong>of</strong> the Act<br />
9. A person who receives an order may request that Council review the order by written<br />
notice filed within seven (7) days <strong>of</strong> receipt <strong>of</strong> the order, to the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> Clerk at<br />
the following address:<br />
Office <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> Clerk<br />
Second Floor, <strong>City</strong> Hall<br />
910 4 Ave S<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> AB T1J 0P6<br />
DECISION OF <strong>COUNCIL</strong><br />
10. After reviewing the order Council may confirm, vary, substitute or cancel the order in<br />
accordance with section 547(2) <strong>of</strong> the Act
APPEAL TO COURT<br />
11. A person affected by the decision <strong>of</strong> Council under section 10 <strong>of</strong> this bylaw may appeal<br />
to the Court <strong>of</strong> Queen’s Bench within fifteen (15) days after the date <strong>of</strong> the decision in<br />
accordance with section 548 <strong>of</strong> the Act<br />
INSPECTION<br />
OFFENCE<br />
PENALTY<br />
12. A Designated Officer may inspect property in accordance with section 542 <strong>of</strong> the Act<br />
for the purpose <strong>of</strong> determining whether:<br />
(a) Property is Unsightly Property under this bylaw<br />
(b) Property, because <strong>of</strong> its unsightly condition, is detrimental to the surrounding area<br />
in accordance with section 546 <strong>of</strong> the Act<br />
(c) There has been compliance with a direction issued under section 4 <strong>of</strong> this bylaw, or<br />
(d) There has been compliance with an order issued in accordance with section<br />
546(1)(c) <strong>of</strong> the Act<br />
13. A person who fails to comply with:<br />
(a) A direction issued in accordance with section 4 <strong>of</strong> this bylaw, or<br />
(b) An order issued in accordance with section 546(1)( c ) <strong>of</strong> the Act<br />
is guilty <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fence<br />
14. (a) Where a Designated Officer believes on reasonable and probable grounds that an<br />
<strong>of</strong>fence has been committed under section 13 <strong>of</strong> this bylaw, he may serve upon such<br />
persons a Municipal Tag, or he may commence proceedings by issuing a summons by<br />
means <strong>of</strong> a Violation Ticket in accordance with the Provincial Offences Procedure Act<br />
R.S.A. 2000, Chapter 34 as amended<br />
(b) The specified penalty shall be $300.00<br />
(c) Upon production <strong>of</strong> any such Municipal Tag or Violation Ticket within twenty‐one<br />
(21) days from the date <strong>of</strong> service <strong>of</strong> such notice, together with the payment <strong>of</strong> the<br />
sum specified to a person authorized by the <strong>City</strong> or Province <strong>of</strong> Alberta to receive
GENERAL<br />
such payment, an <strong>of</strong>ficial receipt for such payment shall be issued and subject to the<br />
provisions <strong>of</strong> this section such payment shall be accepted in lieu <strong>of</strong> prosecution. If the<br />
person upon whom any such notice or ticket is served fails to pay the said sum within<br />
the time allotted , the provisions <strong>of</strong> this section shall no longer apply<br />
15. Any Person who contravenes any provision <strong>of</strong> the Bylaw is guilty <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fence and is<br />
liable on summary conviction to a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than ten thousand ($10,000.00)<br />
dollars and in default <strong>of</strong> payment is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding<br />
six (6) months.<br />
16. It is the intention <strong>of</strong> Council that each separate provision <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw shall be<br />
deemed independent <strong>of</strong> all other provisions herein and it is further the intention <strong>of</strong><br />
Council that if any provisions <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw be declared invalid all other provisions<br />
there<strong>of</strong> shall remain valid and enforceable.<br />
17. Bylaw No 3193 and amendments are herby repealed<br />
18. This bylaw shall come into full force and effect on the date <strong>of</strong> final passing there<strong>of</strong>
<strong>City</strong> Council Meeting<br />
Monday, November 2, 2009<br />
� Unsightly Premises Bylaw Amendment<br />
K.E. TRATCH:<br />
655-B<br />
WHEREAS under the Municipal Government Act, Revised Statutes <strong>of</strong> Alberta<br />
2000, Chapter M-26, <strong>City</strong> Council has the power to pass Bylaws for municipal<br />
purposes respecting unsightly properties<br />
AND WHEREAS Unsightly Bylaw 3193 was originally passed by <strong>City</strong> Council in<br />
1973 and has not been amended since 1988<br />
AND WHEREAS the current process is somewhat lengthy and cumbersome<br />
BE IT RESOLVED THAT that Administration undertake a review <strong>of</strong> the Unsightly<br />
Bylaw 3193 to identify options which will reduce the time between identification <strong>of</strong><br />
an unsightly property to resolution <strong>of</strong> the issue and report back to <strong>City</strong> Council<br />
with recommended changes by December 14, 2009.<br />
ACTION: <strong>City</strong> Solicitor, <strong>City</strong> Clerk, Regulatory Services<br />
………………………………..<br />
-------------------------CARRIED
Date <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council Meeting: December 14, 2009<br />
Subject: Unsightly Premise at 513 - 19 Street North<br />
Submitted By: Duane Ens, Regulatory Services Manager<br />
RECOMMENDATION: That <strong>City</strong> Council issue Form C to owner Dalyce<br />
Leonard Boese, owner <strong>of</strong> 513 19 Street North , as per<br />
the recommendation <strong>of</strong> the Regulatory Services<br />
Department at the Public Hearing <strong>of</strong> December 14,<br />
2009 and in accordance with Bylaw 3193, the Unsightly<br />
Premises Bylaw <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
AND FURTHER THAT if Form C Order is to be issued<br />
to the owners, then at the expiration <strong>of</strong> the deadline<br />
date noted in the Order, the <strong>City</strong> will then take<br />
necessary action to remedy the condition <strong>of</strong> the<br />
property.<br />
PURPOSE: The property at 513 19 Street North is in contravention<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Bylaw 3193 respecting unsightly<br />
premises<br />
As it contains two couches and miscellaneous<br />
household appliances.<br />
BRIEFING SHEET<br />
REQUEST FOR DECISION<br />
Legislation & Policy Unsightly Premises Bylaw 3193<br />
Options At the Public Hearing, one <strong>of</strong> two actions will be<br />
requested <strong>of</strong> Council;<br />
1. If the property is in compliance, the Regulatory<br />
Services Manager will request that Form C<br />
Order be defeated or withdrawn, or<br />
2. If the contravention is still occurring that an<br />
Order by way <strong>of</strong> Form C, will be issued to the<br />
owner. If the situation is not remedied on or<br />
before the deadline noted in Form C, the <strong>City</strong><br />
1
may then take necessary action to remedy the<br />
condition <strong>of</strong> the property.<br />
Submitted By: Duane Ens Regulatory Services Manager<br />
Reviewed By: _________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Treasurer: _________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor: _________________________<br />
Reviewed & Endorsed by <strong>City</strong> Manager: _________________________________<br />
<strong>City</strong> Manager’s Comments: _____________________________________________<br />
_____________________________________________<br />
_____________________________________________<br />
Revision Date & Time:<br />
2
Office <strong>of</strong>: <strong>City</strong> Solicitor<br />
His Worship the Mayor and<br />
Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council<br />
November 25, 2009<br />
For Submission to<br />
<strong>City</strong> Council Meeting<br />
November 30, 2009<br />
RE: Bylaw 5626: A Bylaw <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> to Divide the Residential<br />
Assessment Class Into Sub-Classes for the 2010 Assessment<br />
And Tax Rolls<br />
Attached is Bylaw 5626 for Council’s consideration. The purpose <strong>of</strong> the Bylaw is to<br />
permit the Residential Assessment Class Property to be divided into sub-classes:<br />
� Single Family Residential<br />
� Multi-Family Residential<br />
As this matter is housekeeping Council may wish to consider having three readings at<br />
this time.<br />
Douglas S. Hudson, Q.C.,<br />
<strong>City</strong> Solicitor
BYLAW 5626<br />
--------------------<br />
A BYLAW OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE TO DIVIDE THE RESIDENTIAL<br />
ASSESSMENT CLASS INTO SUB-CLASSES FOR THE 2010 ASSESSMENT AND<br />
TAX ROLLS<br />
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />
WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 297 and 313 <strong>of</strong> the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A.<br />
2000, c. M-26, Council may pass a bylaw setting the assessment and supplementary<br />
assessment sub-classes for residential property authorizing the assessor to assign these<br />
sub-classes in preparing the assessment <strong>of</strong> the property.<br />
WHEREAS pursuant to Sections 302 and 303 <strong>of</strong> the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A<br />
2000, C.M-26, the municipality must annually prepare the assessment roll including the<br />
assessment classes not later than Feb 28.<br />
NOW THEREFORE, THE <strong>COUNCIL</strong> OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE ENACTS AS<br />
FOLLOWS:<br />
(1) This Bylaw may be cited as the “2010 Residential Assessment and<br />
Supplementary Assessment Sub-class Bylaw”<br />
(2) The purpose <strong>of</strong> this bylaw is to authorize the assessment and supplementary<br />
assessment sub-classes for residential property.<br />
(3) In this bylaw, unless the context otherwise requires:<br />
(a) “Act” means the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. M-26;<br />
(b) “Assessed Property” means assessed property as defined in Section<br />
284 <strong>of</strong> the Act;<br />
(c) “Assessment Roll” means assessment roll as defined in Section 303<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Act;<br />
(d) “Dwelling unit” means one or more rooms operated or capable <strong>of</strong><br />
being operated as a residence for a household containing cooking,<br />
sleeping and sanitary facilities.<br />
(e) “Manufactured Home” means manufactured home as defined in<br />
Section 284(1)(m) <strong>of</strong> the Act;<br />
1
(f) “Manufactured Home Community” means manufactured home<br />
community as defined in Section 284(1)(n) <strong>of</strong> the Act;<br />
(g) “Mobile Home” means mobile home as defined in Section 284(1)(n.1)<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Act;<br />
(h) “Multi-family residential property” means all residential property other<br />
than single family including boarding houses with over three sleeping<br />
rooms;<br />
(i) “Non Residential Assessment Class Property” means non residential<br />
property as defined in Section 297(4)(b) <strong>of</strong> the Act;<br />
(j) “Residential Assessment Class Property” means residential<br />
property as defined in Section 297(4)(c) <strong>of</strong> the Act;<br />
(k) “Single family residential property” means<br />
(i) dwelling units occupied by a single family where the total<br />
number <strong>of</strong> dwelling units on the parcel <strong>of</strong> land, whether<br />
contained in a single building or more than one building, does<br />
not exceed three dwelling units together with any other<br />
buildings located on the site that are ancillary to the use <strong>of</strong> the<br />
single family dwelling<br />
(ii) a residential unit and parking unit, if any, occupied by a single<br />
family and established under the same condominium plan,<br />
provided that the said residential unit and parking unit, if any,<br />
are occupied and used by the same single family;<br />
(iii) owner occupied portions <strong>of</strong> multi-family residential dwellings<br />
together with the proportionate amount <strong>of</strong> land;<br />
(iv) owner occupied portion <strong>of</strong> non-residential property together<br />
with the proportionate amount <strong>of</strong> land;<br />
(v) residential property that contains four dwelling units where at<br />
least one unit is owner occupied.<br />
(vi) a manufactured home community;<br />
(vii) a mobile home or manufactured home located on a site in a<br />
manufactured home community and any other improvements<br />
2
Moved by: M.A. SIMMONS<br />
Mayor: R.D. Tarleck<br />
OFFICIAL BUSINESS<br />
<strong>City</strong> Council Communications Initiative<br />
Committee Communication Plan<br />
5.1<br />
545-D<br />
645-A<br />
WHEREAS one <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council’s Strategic Initiatives is to improve pro-active,<br />
effective, two-way communication between <strong>City</strong> Council members and the<br />
Community<br />
AND WHEREAS the goals, objectives and purpose <strong>of</strong> the Communication Plan<br />
were discussed in detail with <strong>City</strong> Council at the Community Issues Committee<br />
meeting <strong>of</strong> December 7, 2009<br />
AND WHEREAS a number <strong>of</strong> recommendations have been developed by the<br />
Committee<br />
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following Communications Initiative<br />
Committee recommendations<br />
� Acceptance <strong>of</strong> the Communication Plan <strong>of</strong> December, 2009<br />
� Extension <strong>of</strong> the advertorial contract with the <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Herald from<br />
January to May 2010<br />
� Pilot <strong>of</strong> a semi-annual Newsletter
� Continuation <strong>of</strong> the following projects:<br />
o Website renewal<br />
o Community Satisfaction (IPSOS Reid Survey)<br />
o <strong>City</strong> Hall Foyer Kiosk<br />
be approved<br />
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Communications Initiative<br />
Committee be thanked for their work in developing the Communication Plan.
Moved by: M.A. SIMMONS<br />
Mayor: R.D. Tarleck<br />
OFFICIAL BUSINESS<br />
<strong>City</strong> Council Communications Initiative<br />
Committee Terms <strong>of</strong> Reference Revision<br />
5.2<br />
545-D<br />
645-A<br />
WHEREAS the original Terms <strong>of</strong> Reference for the Communications Initiative<br />
Committee were approved on April 14, 2008<br />
AND WHEREAS it has been determined there was a need to revise the Terms <strong>of</strong><br />
Reference to include reference to a Quorum and to conform to standard <strong>City</strong><br />
Terms <strong>of</strong> Reference format<br />
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the attached revised Terms <strong>of</strong> Reference<br />
dated December 8, 2009, be approved.
1. Name and Type <strong>of</strong> Committee<br />
December 8, 2009<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> <strong>COUNCIL</strong><br />
COMMUNICATIONS INITIATIVE COMMITTEE<br />
TERMS OF REFERENCE<br />
a. Communications Initiative Committee<br />
b. Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council<br />
2. Statement <strong>of</strong> Purpose<br />
To provide direction for the development <strong>of</strong> a Council communications strategy and plan,<br />
and guide the implementation <strong>of</strong> the plan.<br />
3. Composition <strong>of</strong> the Committee<br />
The Committee shall be comprised <strong>of</strong> four (4) members <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council<br />
4. Duties and Responsibilities<br />
a. Acting on behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council as a whole, the Communications Initiative<br />
Committee will meet as required to provide direction to the implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
Council’s communications strategy<br />
b. Ensure that the communications initiatives reflect the vision and values and<br />
decisions <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council as a whole as set out in the current strategic plan<br />
c. Act as a liaison to the <strong>City</strong> Council Committees working on the other <strong>City</strong> Council<br />
initiatives to get their input on planned communications initiatives<br />
d. Consult with the Leaders, Administration and other internal experts as required to<br />
ensure accuracy <strong>of</strong> information presented<br />
e. Ensure that the work <strong>of</strong> the Communications Initiative Committee is carried out in<br />
accordance with the governance requirements <strong>of</strong> the Municipal Government Act<br />
and Freedom <strong>of</strong> Information and Protection <strong>of</strong> Privacy Act (FOIP)<br />
f. Periodically update progress and recommend to <strong>City</strong> Council approaches to<br />
communications initiatives as recommended in the Strategic Communications<br />
Plan<br />
g. Recommend to <strong>City</strong> Council the approval <strong>of</strong> budgets for communications<br />
initiatives and report financial status periodically<br />
h. Provide performance measures for communications initiatives and report results<br />
to <strong>City</strong> Council as a whole<br />
i. Recommend to <strong>City</strong> Council revisions to the communications strategies based on<br />
performance feedback criteria
COMMUNICATIONS INITIATIVE COMMITTEE<br />
TERMS OF REFERENCE (CONTINUED)<br />
5. Quorum<br />
A quorum <strong>of</strong> the Committee is a majority <strong>of</strong> the appointed members. (Procedures<br />
Bylaw 5411, section 5 (cc)).<br />
6. Support Services<br />
The Committee shall be supported by the Director <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> Manager’s Office,<br />
Communications and the Office <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> Clerk.<br />
.<br />
2
Moved by: R. DODIC<br />
Mayor: R.D. Tarleck<br />
OFFICIAL BUSINESS<br />
Financial Reporting<br />
5.3<br />
590-D<br />
WHEREAS Administration currently reports financial forecasts and information to<br />
Finance Committee three times per year based on June, September, and<br />
December financial information<br />
AND WHEREAS the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is now on a three year operating budget<br />
cycle wherein business units are expected to operate within their 36 month<br />
budget<br />
AND WHEREAS annual financial reporting in the form <strong>of</strong> the Unaudited Financial<br />
Information package and the Annual Report will provide sufficient updates for<br />
<strong>City</strong> Council on the status <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> operations within the three year operating<br />
budget<br />
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Administration report financial information<br />
to Finance Committee annually based on December information
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that in the year <strong>of</strong> operating budget<br />
preparation that Administration also provide a financial forecast in November to<br />
assist in operating budget decisions<br />
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that Administration continue to report urgent<br />
or unusual financial information to the Audit Committee, Finance Committee or<br />
<strong>City</strong> Council on an ad-hoc basis as required.
BYLAW 5542<br />
**********************<br />
A BYLAW OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE TO AUTHORIZE<br />
THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF A FIRE<br />
AND EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT<br />
*******************************************************************************<br />
WHEREAS <strong>City</strong> Council may pass bylaws for municipal purposes respecting the<br />
safety, health and welfare <strong>of</strong> people and the protection <strong>of</strong> people and property<br />
and services provided by or on behalf <strong>of</strong> a municipality;<br />
AND WHEREAS a municipality may take action or measures necessary to<br />
eliminate an emergency and the expenses and costs <strong>of</strong> the actions and<br />
measures are an amount owing to the municipality by the person who caused the<br />
emergency;<br />
AND WHEREAS the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> as an accredited municipality pursuant to<br />
the Safety Codes Act may make bylaws respecting fees for materials or services<br />
provided;<br />
NOW THEREFORE, THE <strong>COUNCIL</strong> OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE, IN THE<br />
PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, DULY ASSEMBLED DOES HEREBY AUTHORIZE<br />
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MUNICIPAL FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES<br />
DEPARTMENT, THE CARRYING OUT OF ITS OPERATIONS AND THE<br />
IMPOSITION OF FEES AND CHARGES IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:<br />
1. In this Bylaw unless the context otherwise requires:<br />
(a) “Apparatus” means any vehicle provided with machinery, devices,<br />
equipment or materials for firefighting as well as vehicles used to<br />
transport firefighters, emergency services personnel, supplies<br />
and/or provide rescue and ambulance services.<br />
(b) “Chief Fire Marshall” means the member designated by the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> pursuant to the Quality Management Plan.<br />
(c) <strong>City</strong>” means the municipal corporation <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
(d) “<strong>City</strong> Manager” means the person appointed by Council to be the<br />
<strong>City</strong> Manager.<br />
(e) “Council” means the Council <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
1
(f) “Dangerous Goods” means any material or substance that may<br />
constitute an immediate or long-term adverse effect to life, health,<br />
property or the environment when burned, spilled, leaked or<br />
otherwise released from its normal use, handling, storage or<br />
transportation environment and shall include those regulated<br />
products, substances and organisms that are covered by applicable<br />
Provincial and Federal Acts, Regulations and Guidelines.<br />
(g) “Equipment” means any tools, contrivances, devices or materials<br />
used by the Fire Department in the normal course <strong>of</strong> their duties.<br />
(h) “False Alarm” means:<br />
1. any malfunction in a fire safety installation or other safety<br />
monitoring device whereby the alarm activation was not<br />
caused by heat, smoke or fire; or<br />
2. a response initiated by equipment or human negligence in<br />
circumstances where the caller is aware that no actual<br />
danger or possible danger to safety, health and welfare or<br />
people or the environment existed at the time the call was<br />
placed.<br />
(i) “Fire Chief” means the member appointed by the <strong>City</strong> Manager as<br />
head <strong>of</strong> the Fire and Emergency Services Department.<br />
(j) “Fire Investigation” means the process <strong>of</strong> determining the cause,<br />
origin and circumstances <strong>of</strong> a fire or emergency pursuant to the<br />
Safety Codes Act.<br />
(k) “Fire Protection” means all aspects <strong>of</strong> fire safety including, but not<br />
limited to fire prevention, firefighting or suppression, pre-fire<br />
planning, fire inspection, fire investigation, public education and<br />
information, training or other staff development and advising and<br />
responding to public or business community requests for fire<br />
protection including legitimate emergencies and false alarms.<br />
(l) “Incident” means a fire or a situation where a fire or explosion is<br />
imminent or any other situation presenting danger or possible<br />
danger to life or property and to which the Fire and Emergency<br />
Services Department has responded.<br />
(m) “Member” means any person that is a duly appointed member <strong>of</strong><br />
the Fire and Emergency Services Department.<br />
2
(n) “Owner” means:<br />
1. the person which is registered under the Land Titles Act as<br />
the owner <strong>of</strong> the fee simple estate in the land; and<br />
2. in respect <strong>of</strong> any property other than land, the person in<br />
lawful possession <strong>of</strong> it.<br />
(o) “Peace Officer” means a member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Regional Police<br />
Service or a Bylaw Enforcement Officer <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
(p) “Person” includes an individual, partnership, association,<br />
corporation, trustee, executor, administrator or legal representative;<br />
(q) “Quality Management Plan” means the accredited system adopted<br />
by resolution <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> under the authority <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Safety Codes Act.<br />
(r) “Resident” means a person whose primary residence is in the <strong>City</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, Province <strong>of</strong> Alberta.<br />
(s) “Safety Codes Act” includes the regulations and bylaws made<br />
under the Act and any code, standards or body <strong>of</strong> rules declared to<br />
be in force pursuant to the Act.<br />
(t) “Security Alarm” means an alarm system intended to detect an<br />
unauthorized entry to a premises or to alert people to the<br />
commission <strong>of</strong> an unlawful act or both.<br />
2. The Fire Chief shall be appointed by the <strong>City</strong> Manager.<br />
3. Other <strong>of</strong>ficers and members as the Fire Chief deems necessary may be<br />
appointed to the Fire and Emergency Services Department.<br />
4. The Fire Chief may appoint other <strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>of</strong> the Fire and Emergency<br />
Services Department to act as Fire Chief on his behalf.<br />
5. The limits <strong>of</strong> the jurisdiction <strong>of</strong> the Fire Chief, and the <strong>of</strong>ficers and<br />
members <strong>of</strong> the Fire and Emergency Services Department will extend to<br />
the area and boundaries <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. Fire apparatus, <strong>of</strong>ficers<br />
and members may be utilized to assist other jurisdictions to deal with<br />
incidents beyond the limits <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>, as stipulated by a<br />
contractual obligation or at the discretion <strong>of</strong> the Fire Chief or a person<br />
designated to act on his behalf.<br />
3
6. The Council may by Resolution enter into Agreements with other<br />
municipalities for the supply <strong>of</strong> mutual aid and for fire suppression, rescue<br />
and ambulance services.<br />
7. The Fire Chief has complete responsibility and authority over the Fire and<br />
Emergency Services Department, subject to the direction and control <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>City</strong> Manager to whom he shall be responsible, and in particular he<br />
shall be required to carry out all fire protection activities and such other<br />
activities such as the <strong>City</strong> Manager directs including, but not limited to:<br />
(a) rescue<br />
(b) emergency medical services<br />
(c) other incidents<br />
(d) pre-fire planning<br />
(e) fire disaster planning<br />
(f) preventive patrols<br />
(g) post fire investigation<br />
(h) inspections<br />
(i) other fire prevention activities<br />
8. The Fire Chief, subject to the ratification by the <strong>City</strong> Manager, shall<br />
establish rules, regulations, policies and committees necessary for the<br />
proper organization and administration <strong>of</strong> the Fire and Emergency<br />
Services Department, including:<br />
(a) use, care and protection <strong>of</strong> Fire and Emergency Services<br />
Department property;<br />
(b) the conduct and discipline <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficers and members <strong>of</strong> the Fire and<br />
Emergency Services Department; and<br />
(c) efficient operations <strong>of</strong> the Fire and Emergency Services<br />
Department.<br />
(d) a Quality Management Plan in conformance with the Safety Codes<br />
Act.<br />
(e) municipal accreditation in conformance with the Safety Codes Act.<br />
9. The Fire Chief, or in his absence, the senior member present, shall have<br />
control, direction and management <strong>of</strong> any Fire and Emergency Services<br />
Department, apparatus, equipment or manpower assigned to an incident,<br />
and where a member is in charge, he shall continue to act until relieved by<br />
an <strong>of</strong>ficer authorized to do so.<br />
4
10. The Fire Chief shall take responsibility for all fire protection matters,<br />
including the enforcement <strong>of</strong> the Safety Codes Act and regulations<br />
thereunder.<br />
11. The Fire Chief, or any other member in charge at a fire, is empowered to<br />
cause a building, structure or thing to be pulled down, demolished or<br />
otherwise removed if he deems it necessary to prevent the spread <strong>of</strong> fire<br />
to other buildings, structures or things.<br />
12. The Fire Chief, or the member in charge at an incident, is empowered to<br />
enter premises or property where the incident occurred, and to cause any<br />
member, apparatus or equipment <strong>of</strong> the Fire and Emergency Services<br />
Department to enter, as he deems necessary, in order to combat, control<br />
or deal with the incident.<br />
13. The Fire Chief, or the member in charge at an incident, may at his<br />
discretion, establish boundaries or limits and keep persons from entering<br />
the area within the prescribed boundaries or limits unless authorized to<br />
enter by him or another law which gives authority to enter.<br />
14. No person shall enter the boundaries or limits <strong>of</strong> an area prescribed in<br />
accordance with Section 13 unless he has been authorized to enter by the<br />
Fire Chief or the member in charge or another law which gives authority to<br />
enter.<br />
.<br />
15. The Fire Chief, or the member in charge at an incident, may request<br />
peace <strong>of</strong>ficers to enforce restrictions on persons entering within the<br />
boundaries or limits outlined in Section 13.<br />
16. The Fire Chief, or the member in charge at an incident, is empowered to<br />
enter, pass through or over buildings or property adjacent to an incident<br />
and to cause members <strong>of</strong> the Fire and Emergency Services Department<br />
and the apparatus and equipment there<strong>of</strong>, to enter or pass through or over<br />
the building or property, where he deems it necessary to gain access to<br />
the incident or to protect any persons or property.<br />
17. The Fire Chief or the member in charge may obtain assistance from other<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficials <strong>of</strong> the municipality as he deems necessary in order to discharge<br />
his duties and responsibilities under this Bylaw.<br />
18. No person shall damage or destroy Fire and Emergency Services<br />
Department apparatus or equipment.<br />
19. No person shall drive a vehicle over any equipment without permission <strong>of</strong><br />
the Fire Chief or the member in charge.<br />
5
20. No person shall obstruct a member from carrying out duties imposed by<br />
this Bylaw.<br />
21. No person shall falsely represent themselves as a Fire and Emergency<br />
Services Department member or wear or display any Fire and Emergency<br />
Services Department badge, cap, button, insignia, or other paraphernalia<br />
for the purpose <strong>of</strong> such false representation.<br />
22. The Fire Chief or the member in charge <strong>of</strong> an incident is empowered to<br />
commandeer or contract privately-owned equipment which he considers<br />
necessary to deal with an incident. In the event that privately owned<br />
equipment is so utilized, the owner <strong>of</strong> such equipment shall be<br />
compensated at the then prevailing rates as established in the Alberta<br />
Transportation and Utilities Schedule <strong>of</strong> Rental Rates for Construction<br />
Equipment.<br />
23. There is hereby established fees and charges for the provision <strong>of</strong> services<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Fire and Emergency Services Department all as shown on the<br />
attached Schedules A, B, C, D and E.<br />
24. Every person who violates any <strong>of</strong> the provisions <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw, or who<br />
suffers or permits any act or thing to be done in contravention or in<br />
violation <strong>of</strong> any <strong>of</strong> the provisions <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw, or who neglects to do or<br />
refrains from doing anything required to be done by any <strong>of</strong> the provisions<br />
<strong>of</strong> this Bylaw, or who does any act or thing or omits any act or thing thus<br />
violating any <strong>of</strong> the provisions <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw, shall be deemed to be guilty<br />
<strong>of</strong> an infraction <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw, and upon a summary conviction is liable to a<br />
fine <strong>of</strong> not more than $2,500.00.<br />
25. The Fire Chief, or a member <strong>of</strong> the Fire and Emergency Services<br />
Department charged with the enforcement <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw, acting in good<br />
faith in the discharge <strong>of</strong> his duties, shall not hereby render himself liable<br />
personally and he is hereby relieved from all personal liability for any<br />
damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result <strong>of</strong> any act<br />
required or by reason <strong>of</strong> an act in the discharge <strong>of</strong> his duties.<br />
26. The sale, purchase, or discharge <strong>of</strong> fireworks other than high hazard<br />
6
fireworks or pyrotechnics for which a permit has been obtained from the<br />
Fire and Emergency Services Department is prohibited.<br />
27. Bylaw 4318 and amendments thereto are hereby repealed.<br />
28. This Bylaw shall come into force and effect on the 1 st day <strong>of</strong> January,<br />
2010.<br />
READ A FIRST TIME this _______ day <strong>of</strong>_________________, A.D. 2009<br />
____________________________ ____________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
READ A SECOND TIME this _______ day <strong>of</strong> _______________, A.D. 2009<br />
____________________________ ___________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
READ A THIRD TIME this ________day <strong>of</strong> _________________, A.D. 2009<br />
____________________________ ____________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
7
OCCUPANCY POSTINGS:<br />
New Occupancy Posting<br />
SCHEDULE “A” – FIRE PREVENTION FEES<br />
8<br />
$125.00<br />
Temporary Posting Special Event $100.00<br />
Replacement Posting $ 65.00<br />
INSPECTION:<br />
Annual Code Compliance Inspection No Charge<br />
1 st Non‐Compliant Re‐Inspection $100.00<br />
2 nd Non‐Compliant Re‐Inspection $225.00<br />
Inspections Required for Licensing by Other Agency $100.00/hour<br />
minimum one hour<br />
After Hours Inspections $100.00/hour<br />
minimum two hours<br />
Out <strong>of</strong> Town $100.00/hour<br />
plus expenses as per the<br />
<strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Expense<br />
Guide Policy<br />
Home Inspections No Charge
TANK INSTALLATION / REMOVAL:<br />
Plan Review<br />
SCHEDULE “B” ‐ PERMITS<br />
9<br />
$150.00<br />
Each Additional Review $ 75.00<br />
Permit $ 75.00 first tank<br />
$ 50.00 each<br />
additional tank<br />
Removal Permit<br />
$ 75.00 first tank<br />
$ 50.00 each<br />
additional tank<br />
PYROTECHNICS:<br />
High Level Fire Works $100.00/event<br />
Special Effects (Indoor) $150.00/event<br />
Standby During Event $100.00/hour<br />
minimum two hours<br />
Fire Apparatus Standby As per Schedule E<br />
DANGEROUS GOODS:<br />
Permit – One Year (12 months)<br />
$100.00<br />
OPEN BURNING:<br />
Residential Fire Pits – No Permit Required No Charge<br />
Open Burning Special Event $100.00<br />
Construction / Demolition $250.00<br />
DEMOLITION:<br />
Fire Safety Plan Review $100.00
SCHEDULE “C” – FIRE PREVENTION ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS<br />
File Search and Report<br />
10<br />
$100.00/report<br />
Up to two hours<br />
research and<br />
preparation<br />
Plus: $25.00<br />
thereafter, per<br />
thirty minutes or<br />
portion there<strong>of</strong><br />
Fire Report $100.00/report<br />
Up to two hours<br />
research and<br />
preparation<br />
Plus: $25.00<br />
thereafter, per<br />
thirty minutes or<br />
portion there<strong>of</strong><br />
Reproduction <strong>of</strong> Photos ‐ (Hard Copy) $ 10.00 first photo<br />
$ 5.00 each<br />
additional photo<br />
Digital Photographs<br />
$ 2.00/photo<br />
with no editing<br />
$ 5.00/photo<br />
with editing
SCHEDULE “D” – PUBLIC EDUCATION TRAINING<br />
Fire Extinguisher Training in <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
During Regular Office Hours *<br />
Fire Extinguisher Training in <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Outside Regular Office Hours<br />
11<br />
$ 10.00/person<br />
minimum $100.00<br />
$ 100.00/hour<br />
minimum two hours PLUS<br />
$10.00/person, minimum<br />
$100.00<br />
Fire Extinguisher Training Outside <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> $ 100.00/hour<br />
minimum two hours PLUS<br />
$10.00/person, minimum<br />
$100.00, AND travel<br />
expenses<br />
Evacuation Planning Training<br />
(Plan Review, On Site Training, Fire Drills)<br />
Stand Alone Fire Drills<br />
Request For Attendance at Special Functions<br />
Outside Regular Office Hours<br />
$ 200.00/plan<br />
No Charge<br />
$100.00/hour<br />
minimum two hours<br />
* Regular Office Hours shall mean 07:00 to 17:00 Monday – Friday, and Statutory<br />
Holidays shall be deemed to be outside <strong>of</strong> regular <strong>of</strong>fice hours
SCHEDULE “E” – FIRE SERVICES STANDBY RATES<br />
Aerial Ladder / Platform Truck<br />
12<br />
$700.00/hour<br />
Pumper $ 500.00/hour<br />
Water Tender / Pumper $ 500.00/hour<br />
Rescue Truck<br />
Field Command Post<br />
Any additional satellite, data and phone costs incurred<br />
Utility Truck<br />
Brush Unit<br />
Jet Boat<br />
Emergency Responder<br />
Per Pumper with Standby Four (4) Man Crew<br />
Per Ambulance With Two (2) Man Crew<br />
Safety Codes Officer Standby For Safety<br />
FIRE SERVICE RESPONSE TO FALSE ALARMS:<br />
First Response related to malfunctioning fire safety installation or<br />
other safety device during a calendar year<br />
Second Response related to malfunctioning fire safety installation<br />
or other safety device during a calendar year<br />
Third Response related to malfunctioning fire safety installation or<br />
other safety device during a calendar year<br />
Fourth and Subsequent Responses related to malfunctioning fire<br />
safety installation or other safety device during a calendar year<br />
$ 500.00/hour<br />
$ 300.00/hour<br />
$ 250.00/day<br />
$250.00/hour<br />
$ 250.00/hour<br />
$ 100.00/hour<br />
$ 250.00/hour<br />
$ 200.00/hour<br />
$ 100.00/hour<br />
during the period <strong>of</strong><br />
07:00 – 17:00<br />
$ 155.00/hour<br />
during the period <strong>of</strong><br />
17:01 – 06:59<br />
No Charge<br />
$75.00<br />
$350.00<br />
$675.00
BYLAW 5610<br />
------------------------<br />
A BYLAW OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE TO<br />
AMEND BYLAW 5544 – THE WASTE SERVICES BYLAW<br />
OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE<br />
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />
THE <strong>COUNCIL</strong> OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE, IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA,<br />
DULY ASSEMBLED, HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:<br />
1. Bylaw 5544 – Waste Services Bylaw <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is hereby<br />
amended.<br />
2. Bylaw 5544 is hereby amended by deleting the present Clause 2(x) defining a<br />
“Landlord Agreement”.<br />
3. Bylaw 5544 is further amended by deleting the present Clause 3.<br />
4. Bylaw 5544 is further amended by adding Clause 4(viii) as follows:<br />
“(viii) There is adequate waste bin storage capacity to meet the needs <strong>of</strong> the<br />
occupants.”<br />
5. Bylaw 5544 is further amended by adding Clause 4(ix) as follows:<br />
“(ix) All waste is stored within the waste bin.”<br />
6. Bylaw 5544 is further amended by deleting the current Clauses 25.1(c), 25.1(d)<br />
and 25.1(e) and inserting:<br />
“25.1(c) Free disposal <strong>of</strong> up to 250 kilograms <strong>of</strong> residential waste and<br />
recyclables”<br />
25.1(d) Minimum charges as shown in Schedule “B” are waived for this program<br />
25.1(e) Special waste, Freon removal, residential waste in excess <strong>of</strong> 250<br />
kilograms, and loads arriving at the landfill unsecured are excluded from<br />
the Enhanced Free Landfill Disposal Program and are subject to fees as<br />
set out in Schedule “B’<br />
7. Bylaw 5544 is further amended by deleting the current Clause 31.(b) and<br />
inserting:<br />
“31.(b) With the exception <strong>of</strong> the Large Item Service as described in Section 15,<br />
no person shall create or maintain or permit on or at any street or lane for<br />
which the occupant is responsible for and within his control or<br />
management:”<br />
1
8. Bylaw 5544 is further amended by deleting the current Schedule “A” and<br />
inserting the following:<br />
SCHEDULE “A”<br />
CHARGES FOR RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL GARBAGE<br />
COLLECTION SERVICE<br />
1. The waste collection charge for residential customers will be $0.447dollars<br />
per day per dwelling unit. This rate applied to all residential customers in single family,<br />
multi-family residences and condominiums containing up to and including 6 units.<br />
2. The “Waste Collection Charge” for single family residential customers, multifamily<br />
residential and condominium customers will be reduced to $0.3895 dollars per<br />
day per dwelling unit, for those customers that choose the smaller 65 gallon cart.<br />
3. Residential customers in apartments and condominiums with greater than 6<br />
units, that are using a shared bin service provided by the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> will be<br />
centrally billed for waste services at the “Commercial Collection Rate”.<br />
4. The “Waste Program Fee” will be $0.0723 dollars per day per dwelling unit.<br />
This fee applies to all residential customers in apartments and condominiums that<br />
receive waste services at the commercial rate. The “Waste Program Fee” will be<br />
centrally billed where waste services are centrally billed.<br />
5. The “Landfill Charge” will be $.115 dollars per day per dwelling unit. This rate<br />
applies to all residential customers in single family residences, multi-family residences,<br />
apartments and condominiums. The “Landfill Charge” will be centrally billed where<br />
waste services are centrally billed.<br />
6. The Administration Fee for changing the size <strong>of</strong> the waste collection cart will be<br />
$25.00.<br />
7. The cost <strong>of</strong> a replacement cart if $100.00.<br />
8. The fee for an additional waste collection cart will be $0.2876 dollars per day.<br />
9. The minimum charge for customers receiving “Commercial Collection” will be $0.483<br />
dollars per day. This charge is collected from customers producing less than 0.36 cubic<br />
metres per week and requesting service from the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>.<br />
10. The maximum collection charge for customers receiving “Commercial Collection” for<br />
volumes and frequencies other than the minimum are outlined on the table below:<br />
11. The extra pickup charge for a customer receiving “Commercial Collection” is $60.00<br />
per pickup.<br />
2
SCHEDULE “A” – Continued<br />
12. The “Landfill charge” for non residential customers receiving “Commercial<br />
Collection” will be $0.115 dollars per day times the frequency <strong>of</strong> pick-up per week in any<br />
one month.<br />
Demolition Bin Rental Rates<br />
Size Delivery & first dump All other dumps<br />
6 yard bin $120.00 $60.00<br />
4 yard bin $96.00 $60.00<br />
3 yard bin $72.00 $60.00<br />
$3.00 daily rental fee for Monday - Friday for all bins, the daily rental fee does not apply on holidays,<br />
weekends, or the day <strong>of</strong> bin delivery or pick-up.<br />
Commercial Solid Waste Collection Rates<br />
(Rates shown are in Dollars per Day)<br />
Pickups Per Week<br />
Volume Pickups Per Week<br />
(cu m) 1 2 3 4 5<br />
Day Day Day Day Day<br />
0.35 0.483 0.917 1.401 1.836 2.319<br />
0.50 0.710 1.628 2.544 3.460 4.371<br />
0.75 1.044 2.243 3.439 4.628 5.811<br />
1.00 1.375 2.852 4.321 5.777 7.223<br />
1.15 1.574 3.215 4.846 6.458 8.054<br />
1.25 1.704 3.456 5.192 6.908 8.602<br />
1.50 2.032 4.055 6.051 8.017 9.948<br />
1.75 2.357 4.646 6.898 9.104 11.257<br />
2.00 2.680 5.232 7.731 10.166 12.527<br />
2.25 3.001 5.810 8.550 11.308 13.757<br />
3.00 3.948 7.508 10.922 14.158 17.188<br />
3.75 4.874 9.142 13.155 16.859 20.215<br />
4.50 5.779 10.710 15.242 19.295 22.832<br />
5.25 6.663 12.210 17.177 21.465 25.048<br />
6.00 7.524 13.639 18.960 23.375 26.887<br />
6.75 8.364 14.999 20.590 25.033 28.379<br />
7.50 9.184 16.287 22.069 26.453 29.559<br />
8.25 9.980 17.503 23.405 27.653 30.466<br />
9.00 10.756 18.649 25.062 28.651 31.131<br />
10.00 11.757 20.070 25.989 29.699 31.705<br />
3
9. Bylaw 5544 is further amended by deleting the current Schedule “B” and<br />
inserting the following:<br />
SCHEDULE "B"<br />
<strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE REGIONAL LANDFILL<br />
TIPPING RATES<br />
Commodity Rate per Tonne<br />
(Unless Otherwise<br />
Specified)<br />
Definition<br />
Asbestos $67.50 Includes friable asbestos<br />
materials<br />
Asphalt - Pavement $27.25 Asphalt free <strong>of</strong> dirt and debris<br />
Clean Topsoil & Clean Sod $5.00/tonne Soil free <strong>of</strong> contaminants<br />
*Concrete & Rebar $27.25 Concrete foundations,<br />
sidewalks, brick, rubble, rebar,<br />
gravel & sand suitable for<br />
class III disposal<br />
*Construction & Demolition $54.50 Insulation, drywall, renovation<br />
materials such as tiles,<br />
electrical materials, doors,<br />
windows, ceiling tiles,<br />
partitions, carpeting and<br />
plumbing fixtures<br />
*Contaminated Soil $30.00 Soil contaminated with<br />
hydrocarbons that meet<br />
analytical requirements<br />
Freon Appliances $30.00 + disposal charges Refrigerators, freezers<br />
*Mixed Solid Waste $54.50<br />
Residential, commercial,<br />
Minimum charge - $10.00 institutional mixed waste<br />
Recyclables $27.25<br />
Metal, non-Freon white goods,<br />
green wood, clean white<br />
Minimum charge - $5.00 wood, organic yard waste<br />
suitable for the compost pad<br />
*Special Waste $67.50 Industrial wastes including<br />
sludges, sump waste, packing<br />
house material and other<br />
material requiring special<br />
handling procedures<br />
Tires, Electronic Waste, Paint Free This includes any tires and<br />
electronic waste that is part <strong>of</strong><br />
Alberta Recycling<br />
Management Authorities<br />
program. This also includes<br />
material that is recycled<br />
through industry sponsored<br />
programs<br />
Untarped Load Surcharge $20.00/load – under 1000 kg Applies to all loads that are not<br />
$40.00/load – over 1000 kg in an enclosed container,<br />
covered with a tarpaulin or<br />
firmly covered and secured in<br />
4
a manner such that no<br />
material will leave the vehicle<br />
or trailer<br />
*Subsoil Sales $4.00/tonne Sale <strong>of</strong> subsoil that is removed<br />
from the site<br />
Pitting Charge $250.00 per 30 m3 pit area For wastes requiring separate<br />
disposal pits<br />
* Waste and Recycling Services may negotiate rates for commodities marked with an asterisk (*) for customers<br />
<strong>of</strong>fering bulk volumes, provided the Director <strong>of</strong> Infrastructure Services approves the terms in writing.<br />
10. Bylaw 5544 is further amended by deleting the current Schedule “D” and<br />
inserting the following:<br />
General Provisions<br />
SCHEDULE “D”<br />
CUSTOMER ACCOUNT TERMS AND CONDITIONS<br />
1. The application when accepted by the Retail Services Agent shall be a contract<br />
between the customer and the <strong>City</strong> by which the customer agrees to be bound by<br />
all the provisions <strong>of</strong> this bylaw or any other bylaws or regulation <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> in<br />
connection with the supply <strong>of</strong> Utility Provision within the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>. The<br />
said contract shall not be transferable.<br />
2. A site owner, landlord or tenant shall apply for Utility Provisions and the applicant<br />
will be considered the Customer. During vacancies, the site owner or landlord will<br />
be considered the Customer. Utility Provisions will not be discontinued or<br />
reduced for short term vacancies in order to avoid fixed charges.<br />
3. In a landlord-tenant situation, the application fee will be waived for landlords.<br />
Application<br />
4. Any applicant who requires Utility Provisions shall apply to the <strong>City</strong> and pay an<br />
application fee <strong>of</strong> $20.00. The applicant may be required to sign an application or<br />
a contract for service, to supply information with respect to load and the manner<br />
in which the services will be utilized, and credit references.<br />
5. The utility account shall be set up:<br />
a. In the name <strong>of</strong> the owner <strong>of</strong> the property to which the utilities are to be<br />
supplied, or;<br />
b. In the name <strong>of</strong> the purchaser <strong>of</strong> a property who is entitled to occupy the<br />
premises, or;<br />
c. Where there is evidence <strong>of</strong> a landlord-tenant situation, in the name <strong>of</strong> the<br />
tenant or;<br />
d. In the name <strong>of</strong> the general contractor in the case <strong>of</strong> a new building under<br />
construction.<br />
5
6. An application shall be supported by such identification and legal authority <strong>of</strong> the<br />
applicant as the Retail Services Agent may require.<br />
7. Upon making application, providing all information required by the <strong>City</strong>, and<br />
paying the application fee, deposit and any other sums herein required, there<br />
shall thereupon be a binding agreement between the customer and the <strong>City</strong>, for<br />
the Utility applied for, and the provisions <strong>of</strong> the application and this bylaw shall<br />
constitute the terms and conditions <strong>of</strong> such agreement.<br />
8. Where the applicant is indebted to the <strong>City</strong> for any Utility Provisions previously<br />
provided by the <strong>City</strong>, the applicant may not be allowed to complete their<br />
application, or be entitled to receive Utility Provisions, until satisfactory<br />
arrangements have been made for payment <strong>of</strong> such outstanding account and<br />
any deposit required.<br />
Deposits<br />
9. No deposits are required in order to establish a utility account where:<br />
a. The applicant has had a utility account with the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> over the<br />
past 12 months and has a satisfactory credit history or;<br />
b. The applicant can establish and maintain a credit worthiness satisfactory<br />
to the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> or;<br />
c. The Retail Services Agent waives the requirement for a deposit.<br />
10. Before obtaining a utility account, applicants who are not in the foregoing<br />
categories shall pay all arrears or previous balances owing, and shall also<br />
provide a guarantee <strong>of</strong> payment in the form <strong>of</strong> a cash deposit or irrevocable letter<br />
<strong>of</strong> guarantee from a financial institution, in a form suitable to the <strong>City</strong>, in the<br />
amount equal to the greater <strong>of</strong>:<br />
a. 2 times the average monthly utility bill for the premises over the past 12<br />
months; or,<br />
b. $150 for each metered utility<br />
11. The Retail Services Agent may waive the requirement for a deposit or adjust<br />
those requirements as appropriate to the perceived credit worthiness <strong>of</strong> the<br />
applicant.<br />
12. Interest on each customer’s cash security will be calculated using a prescribed<br />
rate set by the <strong>City</strong> Treasurer. Simple interest will be calculated annually and<br />
then the interest will then be credited to the customer’s utility bill when the<br />
deposit is credited to the account.<br />
13. The utility account deposit paid by such customer will be refunded with any<br />
accrued interest that has not already been credited to the customer’s account<br />
when the customer has:<br />
a. has maintained an account with the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> for the past 12<br />
months and has a satisfactory credit history or;<br />
6
. established and maintains a credit worthiness satisfactory to the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> or;<br />
c. terminated their contract,<br />
14. A customer has a satisfactory credit history with the <strong>City</strong> when the customer has:<br />
a. been issued no more than ONE (1) disconnect notice,<br />
b. not had utilities disconnected for non-payment <strong>of</strong> account, and<br />
c. made no more than ONE (1) dishonoured payment to the <strong>City</strong> for utilities<br />
in the preceding twelve (12) months.<br />
15. Should a customer’s bank refuse to honour a payment because <strong>of</strong> non-sufficient<br />
funds or any other reason the customers account will be charged a $35.00<br />
handling fee plus any other penalties or charges resulting from late payment. The<br />
Retail Service Agent may waive this charge at their discretion.<br />
PAYMENT OF UTILITY ACCOUNTS<br />
16. Invoices for Utility Provisions shall be forwarded monthly to the customer and<br />
shall be payable at the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> the Retail Services Agent and such other places<br />
as may be designated by him.<br />
17. Final Utility accounts with debit balances or credit balances less than or equal to<br />
$2.00 will not be collected or refunded.<br />
18. Invoices shall be deemed rendered and other notices duly given when delivered<br />
to the customer personally, when mailed to or left at the premises where the<br />
Utilities are provided, or the last known address <strong>of</strong> the customer, or when emailed<br />
to the customer.<br />
19. All charges and rates payable under this Bylaw shall be paid to the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Retail Services Agent and the collection <strong>of</strong> all disbursements connected with the<br />
operation <strong>of</strong> the Utility and supervision <strong>of</strong> books <strong>of</strong> account shall be under the<br />
immediate control and direction <strong>of</strong> the Retail Services Agent.<br />
20. The Retail Services Agent shall be promptly notified <strong>of</strong> all connections made or <strong>of</strong><br />
any discontinuance <strong>of</strong> Utility Provisions so that the proper charges or allowances<br />
may be made against or to any person or persons liable to pay for the Utility<br />
Provisions consumed or who is entitled to a refund where the Utility Provisions<br />
are disconnected. The Retail Services Agent may base the final charge for<br />
service on an estimated meter reading which will be prorated from the time <strong>of</strong> an<br />
actual meter reading.<br />
7
21. Where any service rate or charge is designated by reference to a certain period<br />
<strong>of</strong> time, the charge for a lesser period <strong>of</strong> time shall be calculated on a<br />
proportionate basis.<br />
22. An administration fee <strong>of</strong> $6.10 will be charged for each Utility invoice issued. The<br />
Retail Services Agent shall attempt to consolidate the utility service charges<br />
associated with one premises on a single invoice.<br />
23. The entire utility account invoice is due and payable when rendered.<br />
24. If the utility account invoice is not paid on or before the penalty date the account<br />
is deemed to be in arrears.<br />
25. Failure to receive a utility account invoice will not entitle the customer to any<br />
delay in the settlement <strong>of</strong> each account or to any extension <strong>of</strong> the penalty date<br />
after which a penalty charge becomes applicable.<br />
26. In the case <strong>of</strong> a dispute between the customer and the city, the customer shall be<br />
expected to make payment or settlement as originally arranged and agreed to,<br />
pending the resolution <strong>of</strong> the dispute.<br />
27. A customer who has not paid the full utility account invoice on or before the<br />
penalty date may have the supply <strong>of</strong> all or any Utility Provisions discontinued<br />
without notice and such service will not be reinstated until all arrears and charges<br />
owed to the <strong>City</strong> are paid.<br />
LATE PAYMENT PENALTY<br />
28. When the customer pays the utility account invoice after the penalty date, the<br />
customer shall pay a penalty charge <strong>of</strong> 3.0% <strong>of</strong> the total amount due. Payments<br />
must be received by the Retail Services Agent on or before the penalty date in<br />
order for the customer to avoid the penalty. Payments made at a financial<br />
institution must be received by the Retail Services Agent on or before the penalty<br />
date in order for the customer to avoid the penalty.<br />
29. For greater certainty, a customer is obliged to pay for utilities when the invoice is<br />
rendered and it is a breach <strong>of</strong> the Utility Provisions agreement to make a late<br />
payment. The late payment penalty is not to be construed as permission for the<br />
customer to pay late but is rather a penalty for breaching the terms <strong>of</strong> the Utility<br />
Provision agreement.<br />
ENFORCEMENT<br />
30. A customer who fails to make payment on time will be subject to normal credit<br />
action, which may include, but is not limited to:<br />
a. Disconnection Notice;<br />
b. Notification by telephone;<br />
c. Use <strong>of</strong> collection agencies;<br />
d. Requiring prepayment before additional service;<br />
e. Withholding <strong>of</strong> additional service and<br />
8
f. Legal action<br />
31. A fee <strong>of</strong> $15.00 will be charged for each Disconnection Notice issued.<br />
Disconnection Notices are issued when a customer account is in arrears.<br />
32. The payment <strong>of</strong> any rates, charges, tolls, fares, or rents as provide by this Bylaw<br />
may be enforced by all or any <strong>of</strong> the following methods, namely:<br />
a. By action in any Court <strong>of</strong> competent jurisdiction.<br />
b. By suspending the delivery <strong>of</strong> Utility Provisions<br />
c. By distress and sale <strong>of</strong> the goods and chattels <strong>of</strong> any persons owing such<br />
rates, chares, tolls, fares, or rents wherever the same may be found in the<br />
<strong>City</strong>.<br />
33. Where the customer is the owner or purchaser <strong>of</strong> a building lot or part <strong>of</strong> a lot<br />
served by Utilities, the sum payable by him for the Utility Service supplied by the<br />
<strong>City</strong> to him or for his use, and all rates, costs and charges or loans made to him<br />
imposed under this Bylaw are a preferential lien and charge on the building, lot or<br />
part <strong>of</strong> a lot, and on the personal property <strong>of</strong> the debtor and may be levied and<br />
collected in like manner as municipal rates and taxes recoverable.<br />
34. Where the customer to whom the Utility has been supplied is a person other than<br />
the owner or purchaser <strong>of</strong> the building, lot or part <strong>of</strong> a lot, the sum payable by the<br />
person is a debt due by him and shall be a preferential lien and charge on his<br />
personal property and may be levied and collected with costs by distress.<br />
ARREARS<br />
35. Any Utility Provision expenses, rates or rents that may be charged as taxes<br />
against a person may be entered on the assessment and tax roll at any time.<br />
TERMINATION BY <strong>CITY</strong><br />
36. The city may discontinue the supply <strong>of</strong> all Utility Provisions for any <strong>of</strong> the<br />
following reasons:<br />
a. Non payment <strong>of</strong> any utility accounts; or<br />
b. Inability <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> to obtain access to a residential premises to read any<br />
meter for a period <strong>of</strong> six months, or inability to access a non-residential<br />
premises to read any meter for a period <strong>of</strong> three months; or<br />
c. Failure by, or refusal <strong>of</strong>, a customer to comply with any provision <strong>of</strong> this<br />
bylaw; or<br />
d. Failure by, or refusal <strong>of</strong>, a customer to comply with any provisions <strong>of</strong> any<br />
Provincial Acts, the Building code, or any regulations thereunder; or<br />
e. At the owner’s request to have services discontinued, provided the<br />
premises are not lawfully occupied; or<br />
f. In any other case provided for in this bylaw.<br />
37. The following fees will be charged if the city disconnects services for non<br />
payment <strong>of</strong> a utility account:<br />
9
a. $40.00 for each electric service disconnection<br />
b. $40.00 for each electric service reconnection<br />
c. A fee as stated in Schedule A <strong>of</strong> the Water Service Bylaw for water<br />
service shut <strong>of</strong>f for non payment.<br />
11. This Bylaw shall come into force and effect on the 1 st day <strong>of</strong> January, 2010.<br />
READ A FIRST TIME this _______day <strong>of</strong> ________________, A.D. 2009<br />
___________________________ __________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
READ A SECOND TIME this _______day <strong>of</strong> _____________, A.D. 2009<br />
__________________________ __________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
READ A THIRD TIME this _______day <strong>of</strong> _______________, A.D. 2009<br />
__________________________ __________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
10
BYLAW 5619<br />
-----------<br />
A BYLAW OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE<br />
PURSUANT TO SECTION 22 OF THE<br />
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT, R.S.A.<br />
(2000) TO PROVIDE FOR THE CLOSING OF CERTAIN ROADS<br />
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />
WHEREAS Section 22 <strong>of</strong> the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. (2000) provides that a<br />
Council may pass bylaws for the purpose <strong>of</strong> closing and selling, leasing or holding the<br />
whole or any portion <strong>of</strong> any street, avenue, lane or public highway;<br />
AND WHEREAS a Plan registered in the Land Titles Office for the Southern Alberta<br />
Registration District as No. 0914112 includes a redundant road allowance in the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> described as follows:<br />
Plan 0914112<br />
Extra Road Area “A”<br />
(All as shown on attached Schedule “A”)<br />
AND WHEREAS the <strong>City</strong> Council has heard the objections <strong>of</strong> such individuals or<br />
interested parties as appeared or made written submission before it at the Hearing held<br />
on the 14th day <strong>of</strong> December, 2009.<br />
NOW THEREFORE, THE <strong>COUNCIL</strong> OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE, IN THE<br />
PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, DULY ASSEMBLED, HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:<br />
1. That a certain parcel or tract <strong>of</strong> land in the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> being registered as<br />
a road allowance described as follows, is hereby closed, that is to say:<br />
Plan 0914112<br />
Extra Road Area “A”<br />
(All as shown on attached Schedule “A”)<br />
2. Upon registration <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw in the Land Titles Office for the Southern Alberta<br />
Land Registration District and the issuance <strong>of</strong> a Certificate <strong>of</strong> Title to the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>, the <strong>City</strong> is hereby authorized to hold, sell or lease all or a portion <strong>of</strong><br />
1
the said lands.<br />
3. This Bylaw shall come into full force and effect on the date <strong>of</strong> final passing<br />
there<strong>of</strong>.<br />
READ A FIRST TIME this day <strong>of</strong> , A.D. 2009<br />
______________________________ __________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
READ A SECOND TIME this day <strong>of</strong> , A.D. 2009<br />
________________________________ __________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
READ A THIRD TIME this day <strong>of</strong> , A.D. 2009<br />
_____________________________ __________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
2
BYLAW 5622<br />
-----------<br />
A BYLAW OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE<br />
TO DESIGNATE THE VENDOME HOTEL<br />
AT 110 – 8 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE<br />
AS A MUNICIPAL HISTORIC RESOURCE<br />
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />
WHEREAS Section 26 <strong>of</strong> the Historical Resources Act, R.S.A. 2000 permits<br />
council to designate any historic resource within a municipality whose<br />
preservation Council considers to be in the public interest, together with any land<br />
in or on which it is located, as a Municipal Historic Resource;<br />
AND WHEREAS the preservation <strong>of</strong> the Vendome Hotel located on at 110 – 8<br />
Street South, <strong>Lethbridge</strong> on Plan 4353S, Block 8, Lots 17 and 18 appears to be<br />
in the public interest as described in the attached Schedule “A” Statement <strong>of</strong><br />
Significance and Description <strong>of</strong> Character Defining Elements;<br />
NOW THEREFORE, THE <strong>COUNCIL</strong> OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE, IN THE<br />
PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, DULY ASSEMBLED, HEREBY ENACTS AS<br />
FOLLOWS:<br />
1. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is authorized to designate the Vendome Hotel<br />
located on Plan 4353S, Block 8, Lots 17 and 18 in the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong>,<br />
Province <strong>of</strong> Alberta as a Municipal Historic Resource.<br />
2. The Mayor and <strong>City</strong> Clerk are hereby authorized to execute any necessary<br />
documents on behalf <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> in support <strong>of</strong> the Municipal Historic<br />
Resource designation.<br />
3. No person shall make alterations or repairs to the designated resource<br />
which have the effect <strong>of</strong> diminishing the enumerated Character Defining<br />
Elements.<br />
4. 1022760 Alberta Ltd., the owner <strong>of</strong> the property described in paragraph<br />
one shall accept total liability and hold harmless The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> from and<br />
against all financial and/or economic losses, suits, charges and claims for<br />
compensation or damages in any manner arising from the<br />
1
designation.<br />
5. This Bylaw shall come into full force and effect on the date <strong>of</strong> final passing<br />
there<strong>of</strong>.<br />
READ A FIRST TIME this day <strong>of</strong> , A.D. 2009<br />
______________________________ __________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
READ A SECOND TIME this day <strong>of</strong> , A.D. 2009<br />
________________________________ __________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
READ A THIRD TIME this day <strong>of</strong> , A.D. 2009<br />
_____________________________ __________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
2
SCHEDULE “A”<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> Significance<br />
Vendome Hotel<br />
110 – 8 Street South,<br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong>, Alberta<br />
Description <strong>of</strong> the Historic Place<br />
The Vendome Hotel, located at 110 – 8 Street South is a two-storey commercial<br />
building.<br />
Character Defining Elements<br />
The character defining elements as expressed in the form, massing, and<br />
materials <strong>of</strong> the 1910 two-storey commercial building such as:<br />
� The flat ro<strong>of</strong><br />
� The common bond red brick cladding<br />
� The flat parapet, stepped on the side facades<br />
� The brick pilasters<br />
� The corbelled cornice<br />
� The rowlock windowsills<br />
� The ghost image <strong>of</strong> the painted signage on the side <strong>of</strong> the building that<br />
reads, “ALBERTA ROOMS”<br />
� The pattern, style and construction <strong>of</strong> all original window and door<br />
openings<br />
3
BYLAW 5624<br />
¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨<br />
A BYLAW OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE<br />
PASSED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF<br />
THE SAFETY CODES ACT OF ALBERTA<br />
¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨<br />
WHEREAS the Legislature <strong>of</strong> the Province <strong>of</strong> Alberta has passed the Safety Codes Act,<br />
Chapter S-1 2000, Revised Statutes <strong>of</strong> Alberta, as amended;<br />
AND WHEREAS the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> is an accredited municipality;<br />
AND WHEREAS pursuant to Section 66(3) <strong>of</strong> the Safety Codes Act, the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Lethbridge</strong> as an accredited municipality may make Bylaws;<br />
a) Respecting fees for anything issued or any material or service provided<br />
pursuant to this Act, and<br />
b) Respecting the carrying out <strong>of</strong> its powers and duties as an accredited<br />
municipality.<br />
NOW THEREFORE, THE <strong>COUNCIL</strong> OF THE <strong>CITY</strong> OF LETHBRIDGE, DULY<br />
ASSEMBLED, HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:<br />
1. This Bylaw shall be known as “The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong> Building Permit Bylaw”<br />
2. In this Bylaw:<br />
a) “ACT” means The Safety Codes Act, Statues <strong>of</strong> Alberta as amended.<br />
b) “ACCREDITED MUNICIPALITY” means a municipality that is designated<br />
as an accredited municipality pursuant to the Safety Codes Act<br />
c) “SAFETY CODES OFFICER” means an individual designated as a Safety<br />
Codes Officer pursuant to the Safety Codes Act.<br />
1
d) All definitions contained in the Safety Codes Act shall have a similar<br />
meaning when used in this Bylaw.<br />
3. It is the purpose <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw to stipulate the conditions, requirements and fees<br />
for permits for the use, occupancy, relocation, construction or renovation <strong>of</strong> a<br />
building, or for the addition to a building, or for the reconstruction <strong>of</strong> a building<br />
that has been damaged by fire, earthquake or other cause.<br />
4. (1) Safety Codes Officers are hereby authorized and directed to enforce all<br />
provisions <strong>of</strong> the Bylaw.<br />
(2) The Manager, Inspection Services shall keep an accurate account <strong>of</strong> all<br />
permits issued and all fees collected and received under this Bylaw.<br />
5. (1) No person shall commence the use, occupancy, relocation, construction,<br />
renovation, addition, demolition or reconstruction <strong>of</strong> any building without first<br />
obtaining a permit from a Safety Codes Officer to do so.<br />
(2) A permit is not required for:<br />
a) Painting and decorating.<br />
b) Minor repairs not exceeding TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED<br />
($2500.00) DOLLARS in value or a single storey accessory building<br />
not greater than 10m² in building area providing it does not create a<br />
hazard and where matters affecting health and safety are not<br />
involved.<br />
c) Repair or alterations to any heating, ventilation or air conditioning<br />
system which are <strong>of</strong> a minor nature and which, in the opinion <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Safety Codes Officer, will not hinder the satisfactory operation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
system and does not involve the health and safety <strong>of</strong> the occupants<br />
<strong>of</strong> the building.<br />
6. To obtain a permit, an applicant shall first file with a Safety Codes Officer an<br />
application in writing on the prescribed form and each application shall:<br />
1) Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which the<br />
application was made.<br />
2
2) Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by a legal<br />
description and when available by a street address that will readily identify<br />
the location <strong>of</strong> the proposed work.<br />
3) Show the use or occupancy <strong>of</strong> the building.<br />
4) Be accompanied by the required sets <strong>of</strong> plans and specifications in the<br />
form required by Section 7 below.<br />
5) Provide complete documentation to accurately establish the valuation <strong>of</strong><br />
the proposed work.<br />
6) Give such other information as may be required by the Act.<br />
7. 1) Plans and Specifications shall be drawn to scale on substantial paper, and<br />
shall be <strong>of</strong> sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent <strong>of</strong> the work proposed<br />
and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions <strong>of</strong> the Act.<br />
2) Each set <strong>of</strong> plans shall state the building address, the name and address<br />
<strong>of</strong> the owner <strong>of</strong> the building, the name and address <strong>of</strong> the person who prepared<br />
the plans and when an agent represents the owner the name and address <strong>of</strong> the<br />
agent.<br />
3) Each set <strong>of</strong> plans shall include a site plan showing the actual dimensions<br />
<strong>of</strong> the lot or property and the location <strong>of</strong> the proposed work in relation to the lot or<br />
property lines and must include dimensioned set backs from all streets.<br />
4) If requested by a Safety Codes Officer, the applicant shall include with<br />
each set <strong>of</strong> plans, a survey certificate completed by an Alberta Land Surveyor<br />
showing the information required.<br />
5) If requested by a Safety Codes Officer, the applicant shall submit test<br />
results and all other evidence deemed necessary to show the work will be carried<br />
out in accordance with the Act.<br />
8. 1) Plans and specifications may be circulated by a Safety Codes Officer to<br />
other Departments <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> and Province to be examined for compliance with<br />
Orders, Regulations and Bylaws under their jurisdiction.<br />
3
2) Where an application for a permit has been made and the proposed work<br />
set out in the application conforms to this Bylaw and the Act a permit shall be<br />
issued provided the appropriate fee has first been paid.<br />
3) Plans which have been submitted for examination for which no permit is<br />
issued, and on which no action is taken by the owner for ninety (90) days, may<br />
be destroyed.<br />
4) The issuance <strong>of</strong> a permit or an examination <strong>of</strong> plans and specifications<br />
shall not be construed to be a permit for, or approval <strong>of</strong>, a contravention <strong>of</strong> any<br />
provision <strong>of</strong> the Act.<br />
5) No permit, presuming to give authority to contravene the provisions <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Act shall be valid except in so far as the work or use it authorizes is lawful.<br />
6) The issuance <strong>of</strong> a permit based upon plans and specifications shall not<br />
prevent a Safety Codes Officer from thereafter requiring the correction <strong>of</strong> work<br />
being carried out there under when a contravention <strong>of</strong> any provisions <strong>of</strong> the Act<br />
or <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw takes place.<br />
7) Every permit issued by a Safety Codes Officer shall expire and become<br />
null and void if the work authorized by the permit is not commenced within ninety<br />
(90) days from the date <strong>of</strong> issuance <strong>of</strong> the permit or if the work authorized by the<br />
permit is suspended or abandoned for a period <strong>of</strong> one hundred and twenty (120)<br />
days at any time after the work is commenced.<br />
8) If it appears to a Safety Codes Officer that special circumstances exist, he<br />
may extend the period <strong>of</strong> validity <strong>of</strong> the building permit when a written request<br />
with a satisfactory explanation is submitted with the prescribed fee.<br />
9) The Safety Codes Officer may refuse to issue further permits to a person<br />
who fails to obtain a permit for previous work, until such permit has been<br />
obtained by that person along with the prescribed fee.<br />
9. 1) Notwithstanding any other provisions contained in this Bylaw a Safety<br />
Codes Officer, upon receiving an application for a permit required by this Bylaw,<br />
may grant permission for the applicant to carry out preparatory operations before<br />
plans are thoroughly examined and approved and before a permit required<br />
hereunder is issued if it appears to him that there will be no requirement for any<br />
change in the size or position <strong>of</strong> the building.<br />
4
2) The Safety Codes Officer may refuse to issue further permits to any<br />
person who fails to obtain a permit for previous work, until such permit has been<br />
obtained by that person.<br />
3) The Safety Codes Officer may refuse to issue any further permits to an<br />
applicant who is in contravention <strong>of</strong> the requirements <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Lethbridge</strong><br />
Quality Management Plan, including incomplete projects.<br />
4) Notwithstanding permission given by a Safety Codes Officer to allow<br />
preparatory operations to be carried out on a building before a permit is issued,<br />
the applicant:<br />
a) Shall not in carrying out the preparatory work contravene any<br />
provision <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw, any other Bylaw <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> or the Act.<br />
b) Shall not proceed beyond the stage <strong>of</strong> operations indicated by the<br />
Safety Codes Officer; and<br />
c) Shall be solely liable for all loss or expense incurred by him in the<br />
event that subsequent examination <strong>of</strong> the plans and application<br />
indicates that the building may not, in fact, be erected as shown.<br />
10. 1) No person shall without prior consent, in writing, <strong>of</strong> a Safety Codes Officer:<br />
a) Alter, erase or modify any drawing or specifications included with<br />
an application for a permit made pursuant to this Bylaw; or<br />
b) Perform any work differing from or enlarging the work for which a<br />
permit has been issued pursuant to this Bylaw or temporary<br />
permission has been given pursuant to Section 9.<br />
c) Breach <strong>of</strong> any <strong>of</strong> the conditions upon which the permit is issued.<br />
2) If before the work has been commenced or during the progress there<strong>of</strong> it<br />
is desired to deviate from the application, approved drawings or specifications,<br />
notice <strong>of</strong> such intention to deviate shall be made in writing to a Safety Codes<br />
Officer whose consent shall be obtained before such deviation may be made.<br />
3) If a Safety Codes Officer after receiving a notice <strong>of</strong> intention to deviate<br />
pursuant to Subsection (2) considers it necessary, a new revised application,<br />
together with new or revised drawings and specifications along with the<br />
prescribed fee or as the Safety Codes Officer may deem necessary to desirable<br />
shall be furnished before a revised permit or consent to a deviation to an existing<br />
permit is issued by a Safety Codes Officer.<br />
5
11. 1) No person shall install, alter, repair or replace a heating or ventilation<br />
system or equipment without first obtaining a permit.<br />
2) Only the following shall be eligible to be issued a permit for the work<br />
described in Subsection (1):<br />
a) A heating contractor who is in possession <strong>of</strong> a valid certificate <strong>of</strong><br />
pr<strong>of</strong>iciency in the heating trade as issued by the Apprenticeship and<br />
Industry Training Division <strong>of</strong> the Advanced Education and<br />
Technology Department <strong>of</strong> the Province <strong>of</strong> Alberta.<br />
b) A firm, company or corporation which employs a person as<br />
described in paragraph (a); or<br />
c) A person who in the opinion <strong>of</strong> a Safety Codes Officer knows the<br />
work involved in carrying out personally any heating in or about a<br />
detached single family dwelling which is or will be owned and<br />
occupied by such person.<br />
3) Every application for a permit shall:<br />
a) be made in the form prescribed by the authority having jurisdiction.<br />
b) include sufficient copies as requested <strong>of</strong> the specifications and<br />
scale drawings showing the work that is to be carried out.<br />
c) contain any and all other information necessary to establish<br />
compliance with this Bylaw or as required by a Safety Codes<br />
Officer.<br />
12. No person shall occupy or permit the occupancy by any person <strong>of</strong> any building or<br />
part there<strong>of</strong> or permit any change in the existing occupancy classification <strong>of</strong> a<br />
building without first obtaining permission in writing from a Safety Codes Officer.<br />
13. 1) A Safety Codes Officer may by notice in writing suspend or revoke a<br />
permit if the permit has been issued:<br />
a) In error<br />
b) On the basis <strong>of</strong> incorrect information supplied.<br />
c) In contravention <strong>of</strong> any provision <strong>of</strong> the Act or <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw.<br />
6
2) Any person who tenders a permit fee pursuant to this Bylaw and is<br />
subsequently unable to do the work set out in the permit and who has not started<br />
the work, may for a period <strong>of</strong> ninety (90) days from the date <strong>of</strong> the permit request,<br />
in writing, that his permit be cancelled. Should the permit be cancelled, a refund<br />
<strong>of</strong> one-half (½) <strong>of</strong> the permit fee shall be made. A minimum <strong>of</strong> ONE HUNDRED<br />
($100) DOLLARS will be retained.<br />
14. 1) The fee for each permit shall be paid at the time <strong>of</strong> application is<br />
submitted.<br />
2) A Safety Codes Officer may place a value on the cost <strong>of</strong> the work for the<br />
purpose <strong>of</strong> determining the permit fee. In determining such fee, a Safety Codes<br />
Officer may require an applicant to submit an executed contract or bona fide<br />
estimate <strong>of</strong> the cost <strong>of</strong> the work when submitting the application. The valuation is<br />
to include all labor and materials and all lighting, heating, ventilation, water<br />
supply, plumbing, electrical, fire sprinklers, elevator equipment therein and<br />
thereon.<br />
3) If no work, including excavation, has been started before the issuance <strong>of</strong> a<br />
permit, the fee for the permit for the relocation, construction or demolition shall be<br />
as set out in the attached Schedule “A” which forms a part <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw.<br />
4) If the documents submitted for the application for a permit contain<br />
substantial errors or omissions and the documents have to be re-submitted for<br />
examination, a fee equal to one quarter (¼) <strong>of</strong> the amount required under<br />
Subsection (3) may be charged for each and every re-examination.<br />
5) The fee for a heating, ventilation or air conditioning permit shall be as set<br />
out in the attached Schedule “B” which forms a part <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw.<br />
6) If any work, including excavation, has been started before the issuance <strong>of</strong><br />
a permit or verbal permission to proceed has been granted by the Safety Codes<br />
Officer, the permit fee shall be double the fee required by the Subsection (3), (4),<br />
or (5).<br />
15. Any person or corporation guilty <strong>of</strong> an infraction or breach <strong>of</strong> any <strong>of</strong> the<br />
provisions <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw shall upon conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding<br />
Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars.<br />
16. It is the intention <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> Council that each separate provision <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw<br />
shall be deemed independent <strong>of</strong> all other provisions herein and it is further the<br />
intention <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council that if any provisions <strong>of</strong> this Bylaw be declared invalid, all<br />
7
other provisions there<strong>of</strong> shall remain valid and enforceable.<br />
17. Bylaw No. 4819 is hereby repealed.<br />
18. This Bylaw shall come into force and effect on the 1 st <strong>of</strong> January, 2010.<br />
READ A FIRST TIME this _____day <strong>of</strong> ____________________________, A.D. 2009<br />
______________________________ ______________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
READ A SECOND TIME this _____ day <strong>of</strong> __________________________, A.D. 2009<br />
_______________________________ _______________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
READ A THIRD TIME this _______ day <strong>of</strong> _________________________, A.D. 2009<br />
_______________________________ _______________________________<br />
MAYOR <strong>CITY</strong> CLERK<br />
8
SCHEDULE “A”<br />
BUILDING PERMIT FEES<br />
1. The building permit fee shall depend upon the cost <strong>of</strong> the proposed erection,<br />
alterations or repair <strong>of</strong> the building, based on the following fee:<br />
a. $6.50 for each $1000.00 or part there<strong>of</strong> with a minimum <strong>of</strong> $100.00 for<br />
residential permits<br />
b. $7.00 for each $1000.00 or part there<strong>of</strong> for commercial fees<br />
2. When an applicant applies for a permit to demolish a building, he/she shall pay to<br />
the authority having jurisdiction a flat fee <strong>of</strong> $40.00 plus $.60/m² <strong>of</strong> the buildings<br />
gross floor area, less the basement area.<br />
3. When an applicant applies for a permit to move a building that person shall also<br />
apply for a foundation permit and shall provide the required information to the<br />
Safety Codes Officer.<br />
4. When a building permit has been filed with deficiencies noted and a re-inspection<br />
is requested an additional charge <strong>of</strong> $100.00 for the first recalled inspection,<br />
$200.00 for the second recalled inspection and $500.00 for the third and<br />
subsequent inspections shall be paid to the authority having jurisdiction prior to<br />
the re-inspection.<br />
5. When an applicant applies for a permit to install a fire alarm, heat or smoke<br />
detector system, he/she shall pay to the authority having jurisdiction a fee based<br />
on construction value at $7.00 per $1000.00.<br />
6. When a change <strong>of</strong> use, renovations to a building or the construction <strong>of</strong> a new<br />
building occur a Safety Codes Officer may request an occupancy permit. The<br />
building owner or designated representative must apply and pay to the authority<br />
having jurisdiction $60.00 and to be paid at the time <strong>of</strong> permit application.<br />
ADDITIONAL FEES<br />
1. When an inspection is requested and the Safety Codes Officer finds the work is<br />
not ready for inspection, or the work or equipment does not meet the required<br />
standards, or the Safety Codes <strong>of</strong>ficer is unable to gain access for the inspection,<br />
an additional charge <strong>of</strong> $100.00 for the first recalled inspection, $200.00 for the<br />
second recalled inspection, and $500.00 for the third and subsequent<br />
inspections.<br />
9
SCHEDULE “B” – continued<br />
2. When a Safety Codes Officer finds that work has commenced before a permit<br />
has been obtained, the permit shall be double the amount as set out in Schedule<br />
“A”.<br />
3. When an applicant submits a request pursuant to section 10(3), the Safety<br />
Codes Officer may impose an additional permit fee for residential permits not to<br />
exceed $150.00, and for commercial permits not to exceed $5000.00<br />
1. FORCED AIR SYSTEM<br />
HEATING PERMIT FEES<br />
a) For each heating unit and/or system<br />
installed in a single family or two family<br />
dwelling, including replacement,<br />
alterations or extensions to the system or<br />
unit<br />
b) For each heating unit and/or system<br />
installation in other than a single or two<br />
family dwelling, including replacement,<br />
alterations or extensions to the system<br />
unit<br />
c) For each heating unit heat exchanger<br />
replacement<br />
2. STEAM, HOT WATER AND RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS<br />
a) For each heating unit and/or system<br />
installed in a single or two family dwelling<br />
b) For each heating appliance and/or<br />
system installed in other than a single or<br />
two family dwelling (fee to be determined<br />
by B.T.U. input <strong>of</strong> heating appliances)<br />
10<br />
$55.00<br />
As per the<br />
Commercial Fee Rate<br />
schedule under the<br />
gas by-law.<br />
$30.00<br />
$40.00<br />
100, 000 BTU input or less $70.00<br />
100,001 – 200,000 BTU input $75.00<br />
200, 001 – 400, 000 BTU input $80.00<br />
400,001 – 1, 000, 000 BTU input $85.00<br />
Each additional 1, 000, 000 BTU or
SCHEDULE “B” – CONTINUED<br />
portion there<strong>of</strong><br />
c) For each heating system altered or<br />
extended, the fee shall be as per above<br />
rates.<br />
d) For each steam and/or hot water coil<br />
installed<br />
3. For each mechanical exhaust system<br />
(Commercial) either new installation or<br />
replacement <strong>of</strong> an existing system fees<br />
shall be based on construction value and<br />
calculated at $7.00 per $1000.00<br />
11<br />
$60.00<br />
$15.00<br />
4. For each bathroom exhaust, kitchen exhaust<br />
and dryer exhaust system, in residential $55.00/System<br />
apartments exceeding five (5) dwelling units<br />
5. Installation or alteration <strong>of</strong> any automatic fire<br />
suppression system zone or part there<strong>of</strong>. $75.00<br />
Plus for each sprinkler head $0.75<br />
6. Installation or alteration <strong>of</strong> an air to air exchanger $55.00<br />
ADDITIONAL FEES<br />
1. When an inspection is request and the Safety Codes Officer finds the work<br />
not ready for inspection, or the work or equipment does not meet the required<br />
standards, or the Safety Codes Officer is unable to gain access for the<br />
inspection, an additional charge <strong>of</strong> $100.00 for the first recalled inspection,<br />
$200.00 for the second recalled inspection, $500.00 for the third and all<br />
subsequent inspections until the infractions are corrected.<br />
2. When a Safety Codes Officer finds that work has commenced before a permit<br />
has been obtained, the permit fee shall be double the amount as set out in<br />
Schedule “B”