Economic Development Lethbridge
Team Lethbridge is a group of community leaders interested in raising awareness of how the city of Lethbridge contributes to the province and how we can work with our government representatives to support long-term success for Alberta.
As individual organizations and as a group, we believe Lethbridge has a lot to offer the province, the country and the world. Our vision and commitment is to foster a community, province and nation that is not only ready to seize the opportunities of today but also the possibilities of tomorrow.
Visits to Edmonton in October 2008, November 2010, October 2012, November 2015, November 2017, November 2019 and December 2022 were a success in terms of building relationships and understanding.
Our upcoming mission to Edmonton to advocate on behalf of our city and region will include 19 partner organizations and Team Lethbridge goals will be to:
- Elevate the unique strengths and contributions of the Lethbridge region among provincial decision makers
- Convey appreciation for investment/funding in Lethbridge and communicate the additional impact possible with further investment
- Advance key community investment and policy priorities
- Increase Lethbridge’s inclusion/participation in strategic decision making
- Build relationships, capacity and enhance opportunities between all partner organizations
For more information about the organizations representing Team Lethbridge, or to contact them, follow the links below:
2024 Team Lethbridge Organizations
Alberta Health Services - South Zone
AHS provides a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. AHS works to ensure that Albertans are getting the right care, in the right place at the right time, no matter where they live in the province; to simplify the health system by looking at care delivery through the eyes of Albertans for their families; to make the system more efficient though local and site-based decision making while reducing redundancy.
Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge
The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC) has been serving the community for over 60 years with a mission to advance and enhance the arts in the region. As a member-based organization the AAC provides support, promotion, and advocacy to individual artists and organizations from within all arts-disciplines, as well as providing opportunities for the public to engage in arts activities and events. The AAC also manages Casa arts centre on behalf of the City of Lethbridge, providing facility services, educational programming, and opportunities for artists to develop their skills and showcase their work.
BILD Lethbridge Region
The Building Industry & Land Development Association (BILD) – Lethbridge Region is committed to making the residential construction industry better. We are a non-profit organization that serves nearly 3,000 individuals through our members including home builders, land developers, suppliers, trades, and service professionals. The BILD - LR advocates for what matters to the residential construction industry, acting as the central point for information, education, and business development. A strong code of ethics and responsible business practices form the foundation of professionalism for the residential construction industry. Affordability of ownership and consumer choice are cornerstones. BILD-LR believes that home ownership should be achievable and available, and consumers should have the right to a wide range of housing solutions that meet their needs and wants. BILD-LR builds more than houses, we are proud to be at the heart of building Lethbridge and area communities.
City of Lethbridge
The City of Lethbridge’s history is the history of Alberta. Our great city was built on the backs of hard-working and entrepreneurial builders, everyday folks building the Alberta Advantage before we had a name for it. It’s what has allowed us to showcase our historical track record of maximizing the value of our products, exporting internationally, enhancing investment, and empowering strong economic growth.
It’s also why we are doubling down on what Lethbridge means, focusing on technological advancements in agriculture, agri-food, and agri-tech while continuing to support our first-class post-secondary institutions and growing communities where residents and businesses alike can thrive. It’s motivated us to grow better relationships with international markets, so we can do our part to ensure Alberta has greater flexibility and accessibility in making export and import decisions that make sense for our province.
Downtown Lethbridge BRZ
The Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ), established in 1987, is a visionary collective of business leaders who believe that the heart of the city beats in its centre core. As a non-profit association, the BRZ is funded by the 570+ businesses it represents through a tax levy. The BRZ has succeeded through close cooperation on mutual interests in adding the necessary vibrancy to make that heartbeat with a strong and steady pulse. Downtown Lethbridge is an ideal business environment in a premium centralized location, with a unique mix of retailers, restaurants, coffee shops and professional services.
Economic Development Lethbridge
Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) strengthens and diversifies the Lethbridge regional economy. We leverage our Brighter Together community brand to actively promote Lethbridge as a healthy place to live, learn, invest, experience, and do business. EDL’s key partnerships, collaborative relationships, and dynamic initiatives – including Team Lethbridge – have helped the city as well as the broader region, play a vital role in contributing to the local, provincial, and national economies. EDL’s 31-member volunteer Board of Directors are drawn from a diverse cross section of the community to best accomplish the mandate and objectives of the organization.
Holy Spirit Catholic School Division
Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is a growing “rurban” division that serves the educational needs of approximately 5,200 students in grades Kindergarten to 12 as well as an additional 330 Early Learning children in sixteen schools and one outreach program. Holy Spirit Catholic School Division where all are welcome, is committed to providing each student entrusted to its care with a Christ centered education rooted in the Gospel and the understanding that all are made in God’s image. Consisting of over 600 staff members, our Catholic faith community is dedicated to fostering the growth of responsible citizens, who live, celebrate and proclaim their faith. Holy Spirit is a high performing school division that believes in creating an innovative culture to enhance student learning and overall success.
Lethbridge & District Association of Realtors
The Lethbridge and District Association of REALTORS® (LDAR) is a not-for-profit organization that supports over 400 local REALTORS®, Brokers, and Associate Brokers, covering a 150 km radius. LDAR subscribes to five Quality of Life principles: ensuring economic vitality, providing housing opportunities, preserving our environment, protecting property owners' rights, and building better communities. Each real estate sale in our community generates almost $52,000 of economic spinoff; it is a great place to work, learn, live, visit, play and raise a family.
Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce
The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce represents the Voice of Business. We advocate on behalf of over 775 business members at the local, provincial, and federal levels, ensuring that all issues concerning business are raised and heard. By understanding what matters to our members, we focus on developing key policy positions on priorities that will contribute to growing our local economy and building the best business climate in Canada.
Lethbridge Construction Association
The Lethbridge Construction Association (LCA) membership consists of over209 general contractors, trade contractors, suppliers and manufacturers incommercial, industrial and institutional construction in southwest Alberta.2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the LCA. Established in 1954, the LCA provides advocacy, education, resources and safety training to members, access to commercial tender opportunities through the BuildWorks Canada online plansroom (procurement), apprentice scholarships, community collaboration, networking opportunities and special events.
Lethbridge County
Where roots run deep and the future is bright: Lethbridge County is the most productive agricultural community in Alberta and an economic driver for the region. Our 10,000 residents enjoy the best that rural living has to offer, while being close to urban amenities and two world-class post-secondary institutions in the City of Lethbridge. Our robust agricultural economy is complemented by growing sectors in manufacturing, renewable energy and tourism. Local businesses thrive in this supportive environment, contributing to a resilient and diversified economy for years to come.
With a thriving agriculture industry, a forward-thinking Council and a strong focus on regional collaboration, Lethbridge County is stepping boldly and confidently into the future where we are “Canada’s most innovative rural community”.
Lethbridge Family Services
Lethbridge Family Services (LFS) is a highly accredited health and human services non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for nearly 10,000 individuals and families in southern Alberta. LFS works every day to build a collective voice within, a strong leadership style, and client-facing compassion to enrich the lives of those populations we serve. At the heart of LFS, we value all human life, grounded in our core principles of respect, integrity, and compassion. We believe all human life is of inestimable worth and significance.
Lethbridge Polytechnic
At Lethbridge Polytechnic, we know that what happens next matters most. Since our inception in 1957 as Canada’s first publicly funded community college, we continue to embrace our responsibility to our community who rely on us for learning, opportunity, and belonging. Our vision is simple: Preparing learners, shaping communities. For over 60 years, we've been putting this belief into practice, always staying prepared to ensure you're ready for your future. We are more than just a campus; we are a vibrant community where people come together to learn and grow. With over 50 programs and more than 5000 students, Lethbridge Polytechnic plays a crucial role in offering innovative education and fostering community growth. We equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today's dynamic workforce and to face the challenges of tomorrow. Lethbridge Polytechnic remains relevant while upholding our core values of caring, dedication, and responsiveness. Our commitment to student success and community engagement remains unwavering, ensuring that each learner receives the support and resources they need to thrive. By fostering an inclusive and dynamic educational environment, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential
Lethbridge School Division
Lethbridge School Division serves approximately 12,500 students from Early Education programs to Grade 12. The staff of 1,200 provide high quality learning experiences for students through a broad range of educational programs in 24 schools and four institutional programs. Division values include learning, inclusion, well-being, respect and leadership. The Board believes in public assurance, community collaboration and is guided by input through our annual Town Hall meeting, along with various feedback loops, our Community Engagement website, presence at school events and School Council meetings. Lethbridge is a growing and vibrant community, and is a hub for many communities here in southwest Alberta. Securing resources for programs and resources that serve the unique needs of the increasingly diverse student population is also a priority.
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) is a multi-service, not-for-profit charity, which has been in operation for almost 50 years and strives to encourage an active, healthy community that is learning, growing and making a difference. LSCO’s 1500+ members participate in over 75 activities and wellness programs that enhance their ability to participate in the community, developing skills and reducing isolation. LSCO provides guidance, direction and support to seniors in our community to enhance their ability to cope with life’s challenges and maintain independence as well as to prolong their lives. A strong senior’s community is built through community involvement through participation on local, regional and provincial organizations to proactively address vital issues such as elder abuse, seniors housing opportunities, fair taxation, adequate health services and affordable, accessible in-home and community supports.
Lethbridge Sport Council
Lethbridge Sport Council is a not-for-profit organization formally recognized by City Council through the Sport and Recreation Policy and supported by the City of Lethbridge, governed by a 15-member volunteer Board of Directors, and managed by three full-time staff dedicated to supporting the enhancement and development of sport, sport organizations, and sport facilities in Lethbridge, fostering an inclusive and accessible sport community that celebrates quality sport experiences. Lethbridge Sport Council strives to provide a local voice for sport provincially and nationally.
Tourism Lethbridge
Tourism Lethbridge is the City of Lethbridge’s Destination Management Organization (DMO). Our mission is to boost visitation, increase Lethbridge’s tourism market share, and grow the local economy by showcasing Lethbridge and our region on a national scale. We achieve this by partnering with local and regional stakeholders. Tourism Lethbridge is governed by a volunteer board composed of experts from diverse backgrounds, including governance and community leaders, industry partners, Indigenous tourism representatives, and regional partners. This variety ensures a balanced perspective on tourism. The board collaborates with the Chief Executive Officer to foster a culture of collaboration and education within the tourism industry in Lethbridge.
University of Lethbridge
The University of Lethbridge is one of Canada’s top-ranked universities and leading research institutions. As Alberta’s Destination University, ULethbridge attracts over 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to our campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary each year. Designated as a comprehensive research university by the province of Alberta, ULethbridge conducts leading research in areas critical to the success of our province. Home to leading research centres and institutes, ULethbridge researchers are responding to emerging economic and societal needs, which plays a major role in driving the southern Alberta economy and elevating quality of life for the regional population. The University’s world-class faculty also make key contributions to national and international research interests. ULethbridge places great value in work-integrated learning, with 100% of our students having access to work-integrated learning opportunities at any point throughout their degree.
Volunteer Lethbridge
Volunteer Lethbridge (VL) connects and convenes passionate individuals and organizations to achieve shared community goals. Our innovative Community Volunteer Management Model provides high-quality, accessible opportunities for pre-screened volunteers, enhancing organizational capacity by streamlining volunteer screening and onboarding. Through our growing network, VL leverages the collective voice of the sector to enact change and advocate for Southern Alberta
Team Lethbridge will be in Edmonton November 5-7, 2024 to meet with the provincial government to advocate on behalf of our city and region. You can follow the journey on the Choose Lethbridge social media accounts and by searching out #TeamLeth, #YQL and #ABLeg.
