Cities

Lethbridge council hears $287 million water and wastewater expansion proposal

The project aims to support future housing and economic growth in southern Alberta, with construction slated to begin in 2027.

By Erin Kowalski, Editor-in-Chief
October 17, 2026

LETHBRIDGE · Lethbridge city council has heard a proposal for a $287 million regional water and wastewater expansion project aimed at unlocking future growth. The project, presented at a recent Community Issues Committee meeting, is intended to support the next wave of housing, jobs and economic development in southern Alberta. A proposed funding model involves a three-way partnership between the city, the province and the Government of Canada. The business case includes a request for $95.6 million from the Government of Alberta.

A provincial commitment would allow construction on the region-shaping project to begin in 2027, with completion targeted for 2030. The city says the upgrades are needed to support growth in Lethbridge and nearby communities. "Simply put: we need the infrastructure to make it possible," the city said in a statement. 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 committee meeting, council heard presentations on proposed projects for the 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Program. The program identifies one-time costs for planning and constructing items like roads, recreation facilities, parks, buildings and utility projects. It also provides a planning schedule and financing plan. Presentations covered 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 approved budget from 2027 to 2030 within a 10-year capital plan. No final decisions were made during the meetings. The information accompanying the draft capital plan will form the basis for discussion and debate at a committee meeting during the week of November 16-20. Recommendations from those deliberations will be forwarded for city council's consideration at a regular meeting in December.

This capital budget will be a milestone for the current Lethbridge City Council, which recently marked one year in office. The oath of office was administered for the 2025-2029 council on October 27, 2025. Council members are Councillors Al Beeber, Mark Campbell, Belinda Crowson, Rajko Dodic, Rufa Doria, Ryan Parker, Jenn Schmidt-Rempel and Ryan Wolfe, along with Mayor Blaine Hyggen. At the Council Swearing-In Ceremony, Hyggen spoke about re-affirming the commitment to building a stronger and more united city.

In other business, council recently approved a monument modification application from the Royal Canadian Legion General Stewart Branch No. 4. The modification involves adding 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 it will be ready ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11.

With files from Lethbridge News Now