Lethbridge council considers $287-million regional water and wastewater expansion

LETHBRIDGE — Lethbridge City Council has heard a proposal for a $287-million regional water and wastewater expansion project aimed at unlocking the next phase of transformative regional growth in southern Alberta.

The potential water and wastewater infrastructure could support the next wave of housing, jobs and economic development in the region, according to reporting notes from a recent Community Issues Committee meeting.

"Simply put: we need the infrastructure to make it possible," the notes stated.

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The proposed funding model involves a three-way partnership between the City, the Province and the Government of Canada.

The business case includes a funding request of $95.6 million from the Government of Alberta, with a provincial commitment allowing this region-shaping project to begin construction in 2027 and be completed by 2030.

In May, City Council approved $285 million for an accelerated expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

This additional $287 million of upgrades will be needed to support growth in Lethbridge and nearby communities.

Also at the recent CIC meeting, Council members heard presentations on proposed projects for the 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Program.

The CIP identifies one-time costs for the planning and construction of items such as roads, recreation facilities, parks, buildings/facilities and utility projects, as well as providing a planning schedule and financing plan.

The CIP project presentations included proposed items relating to Transportation & Transit, Community Services, Corporate Services, Excite Lethbridge, Lethbridge Police Service and Lethbridge Public Library.

The Capital Budget will include a four-year (2027-2030) approved budget within a 10-year (2027-2036) Capital plan.

While no final decisions were made during these CIC meetings, the information accompanying the 2027-2036 Draft CIP will form the basis of the discussion and debate at the CIC meeting during the week of November 16-20.

Recommendations stemming from those CIP deliberations will be forwarded for City Council’s consideration at a regular meeting in December.

This Capital Budget will be one of the milestones for this City Council, which was sworn in on October 27, 2025.

The 2025-2029 Lethbridge City Council includes Mayor Blaine Hyggen and Councillors Al Beeber, Mark Campbell, Belinda Crowson, Rajko Dodic, Rufa Doria, Ryan Parker, Jenn Schmidt-Rempel and Ryan Wolfe.

At the Council Swearing-In Ceremony, Hyggen spoke about re-affirming the commitment to building a stronger and more united city.

"I also focused on looking ahead by continuing to build on the momentum started, as well as leading with integrity, passion and courage," Hyggen said.

"Let’s continue to make Lethbridge a place where businesses grow and where every resident feels safe, heard and valued. Let’s be bold in our vision, thoughtful in our actions and united in our purpose."

Council also recently approved a monument modification application from the Royal Canadian Legion General Stewart Branch No. 4.

This will involve the addition of the inscription “AFGHANISTAN 2001-2014” to be engraved on the rear face of the southmost wing addition of the existing Lethbridge Cenotaph.

This addition will recognize Canadians who served during Canada’s mission in Afghanistan and will align with wording adopted at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

Everyone involved is hopeful for this to be ready ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11.

With files from Lethbridge News Now