Picture - City of Lethbridge

Transcription

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Fun Facts About Lethbridge
• Lethbridge enjoys more than 320 days of
sunshine per year.
• Lethbridge became a city on May 9, 1906.
• The height of the CP Rail High Level Bridge is
95.7 metres and is the largest railway structure
in Canada.
• Lethbridge is one of only a few cities of its
size with two post-secondary institutions
- Lethbridge College and the University of
Lethbridge.
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• Agriculture is the main industry in southern
Alberta and plays an important role in the city’s
retail, wholesale and service sectors.
• Lethbridge provides a central location from
which to see some of the most spectacular
attractions and scenery that Alberta has to
offer.
• Lethbridge offers more than 70 parks, 140 km
of walking and running trails, playgrounds and
sports fields throughout the city.
Introduction
Lethbridge is located in the southern portion of the western
province of Alberta, one hour north of the Alberta-Montana
border. With a population of over 89,000 the city is home to
many forward-thinking citizens who value our rich heritage, take
pride in our innovation and embrace our diverse community.
The sense of pride Lethbridge residents have is reflected
throughout the city. Within a short walk you will find landscaped
green strips, busy downtown parks, beautiful storefronts and
active use of our recreational facilities, which include over 70
parks, playgrounds and sports fields. Supported by thousands
of volunteer hours, Lethbridge continues to be a leader in
community activism and partnership.
With all our accomplishments, we welcome you to celebrate as
we continue to blossom and grow into our own, as there is much
more ahead to be excited about in Lethbridge.
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Photo courtesy Martina Emard
Message from the Mayor
Welcome to Lethbridge! Lethbridge has long been known for the
cleanliness of our city and our pleasing aesthetics. Visitors are regularly
impressed by the pride and attention residents give to their properties, as
well as the municipal effort to maintain our parks and green spaces.
Communities in Bloom is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization that is committed to fostering
civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community participation and
the challenge of a national competition. Its judges travel the country and award Bloom ratings for
achievement in floral displays, landscapes, turf, urban forestry, community involvement, heritage
conservation, environmental awareness and tidiness.
The more residents that are involved in the Communities in Bloom program, the better it becomes for
the environment and for the people of Lethbridge. You can play a part. Read about the work of the
local committee in the pages of this special feature. You will learn about their plans for this year, and
how you can get involved.
We know that Lethbridge is one of the most beautiful places in Canada – let’s work together to prove it
to the nation!
Rajko Dodic, B.A., LL.B.
Mayor
City of Lethbridge
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Welcome!
With a long and successful history of
Communities In Bloom involvement,
the City of Lethbridge is proud to
participate in the 2012 program. We
look forward to showcasing what
makes Lethbridge a place we are
proud to work, play and live in. Our
City enjoys a rich heritage, healthy
environment and supports a quality
of life second to none.
Table of Contents
Evaluation Outline.....................................4
Tidiness..........................................................6
Environmental Action........................... 10
Heritage Conservation.......................... 20
Urban Forestry......................................... 28
Landscape................................................. 32
Floral Displays.......................................... 40
Engaged Community............................ 44
Acknowledgements............................... 46
Municipal Information Form.........Insert
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City of Lethbridge Communities In Bloom
Evaluation Outline
Tidiness
Environmental Action
Heritage Conservation
Municipal Accomplishments
Parks, Museums and Protected Areas
Supplemental Bus Shelter Cleaning
Graffiti Clean Up Program
Automated Waste Collection Carts
Waste Management Programs
Alley Monitoring
Sustainable Development MDP
Irrigation use on non-potable water
-Yard Waste Recycling Site
-Residential Fall Leaf Collection Program
- Spring Chipping Program
-Waste & Recycling Centre
Henderson Lake Water Quality
Treated Effluent Water Used for Irrigation
Fort Whoop-Up Indian Battle Park
Galt Museum & Archives
Helen Schuler Nature Centre
Commercial Accomplishments
Summer Ambassador Program
Community Involvement and Accolades
2012 Citywide Coulee Clean Up
Clean Sweep Program
Project Paintbrush
Residential Accomplishments
Pitch-In
Adopt-A-Park
New Initiatives
Back Alley Trail Link
The Living Home
Lethbridge College –Aquaculture
Centre of Excellence
1st Choice Savings Fairmont Building
Yellow Fish Road
Scouts Christmas Tree Recycling
Wetlands and Education
SunRidge Built Green Subdivision
Backyard Composting
New Initiatives
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Lethbridge Environment Week
- Green List 2011 Recognition
- Environment Week Bike Ride and
Barbecue
Central Recycling Depots
Biohometm Alberta
Community Mapping Project
Environmental Demolition
- Recycling Council of Alberta R’s Of
Excellence - Municipal Leadership Award
2010
Natural Heritage
-Lethbridge Nature Reserve
-Alexander Wilderness Park
-Elizabeth Hall Wetlands
-Cottonwood Park
-Popson Park
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
100-Year Bridge Celebration
Heritage Street Signs
Historic Plaques
Walking Tour/Podcast
Allied Arts Council
Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society
South Alberta Ethnic Association
Historic Building Preservation Program
London Road Neighbourhood Association
New Initiatives
Royal View Memorial Cemetery
Alberta Main Street Program
Lethbridge Twinning Society
Interpretive Plaques for Murals and
Sculptures
Urban Forestry
Landscape
Floral Displays
Overview
Parks and Green Spaces
Galt Gardens Park
Henderson Lake Park
Indian Battle Park Nature Playground
Brewery Hill Historic Gardens
Lethbridge Regional Police Floral Emblem
Garbage Receptacle Conversion to Planters
Crossings Park Completion
Integrated Pest Management
Citizen Satisfaction Survey
River Valley Flood Damage Restoration
Prairie Urban Garden
Hanging Basket Program
CO2 Benefits
Street Tree Inventory Software
Invasive Insect Monitoring Program
-Dutch Elm Disease and Elm Bark Beetles
-Gypsy Moth
-Emerald Ash Borer
-Exotic Forest Pests
-Other Pests
Henderson Park Tree Planning
Heritage Trees in Lethbridge
Residential Value
Brush Chipping
New Initiatives
Green Ash Mortality
Bright Lights Festival
Xeriscape Design Guidelines
Breast Cancer Ribbon Garden
Citizen Initiated Landscaping
YWCA Serenity Garden
Garden of Native Prairie Plants
Engaged Community
Playground Replacements
Northside Sports Park Picnic Shelter
Friends of the Fairfield Gardens Society
Campus Roots Community
Garden Association
New Initiatives
North Regional Park Concept Planning
Landscape Design Guidelines
Art of Our City
Public Realm & Transportation Study
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Tidiness
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Supplemental Bus Shelter Cleaning
In 2010 funding was made available from the
Downtown Redevelopment Fund for a three-year
period to supplement the cleaning of downtown
City bus shelters provided through a contract
managed by Lethbridge Transit. Keeping with the
“clean and safe” environment the City strives to
create, this extra cleaning project made a huge
difference in high-traffic areas of downtown.
Graffiti Clean Up Program
Since its beginning in 2008 this City program
undertaken by parks staff has cleaned up over
14,500 graffiti tags. The program, which focuses
on the rapid removal of tags as a deterrent to
graffiti vandalism, has been effective as shown
by the yearly decrease in tag removal numbers.
From 5,000 tags removed in both 2008 and 2009
the number dropped to 2,500 tags removed in
2010 down to less than 2,000 tags removed in
2011. Projected numbers for tags removed in 2012
thought to be around the 1,500 mark.
Automated Waste Collection Carts
In June of 2009, Waste & Recycling Services
completed the second and final phase of the
delivery and implementation of automated waste
collection carts and service to all Lethbridge
households. The automated waste collection
system benefits City residents and employees in a
number of ways. Residents’ collection day remains
on the same day every week and residents are no
longer required to do heavy lifting with their bags
or garbage cans. The carts are easy to manoeuvre
and keep animals out of garbage, reducing litter.
Clutter in alleyways and streets has been greatly
reduced.
After a successful pilot in 2010, the City of
Lethbridge is continuing to audit waste deposited
at the municipal landfill. The waste audits are to be
performed annually, and multiple times per year to
account for seasonal fluctuations. Separate audits
are done for residential waste and waste produced
by the industrial, commercial and institutional
(ICI) sector. ICI waste was sub-categorized into
different sectors. The information from each sector
offers insights on what materials to target in future
program development.
Waste Audit
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Alley Monitoring
Keeping our alleys safe and clean, the City monitors residential and business alleys for non-compliance.
Through education, residents and business owners are given options for recycling or safely disposing of
their items, keeping all neighbourhoods safe and free of litter and debris.
Summer Ambassador Program
For visitors to have a positive downtown
experience, downtown should be inviting. It
needs to be clean and feel safe so that people
come back again and again. To facilitate this
clean, safe an positive downtown experience, the
Summer Ambassador Program was created by the
Downtown Business Revitalization Zone. The City
of Lethbridge, through the Heart of Our City Committee, provides financial support for the Program. This
program thus allows downtown to receive that extra bit of attention as a special place while providing
employment experience for youth in our community at the same time. The program runs through July
and August. Ambassadors undertake a variety of jobs from re-adjusting tree grates, to removing tape
from light standards to plugging parking meters.
2012 City Wide Coulee Clean Up
The extent to which everyday citizens value and
care for their natural parks is best seen in the City
Wide Coulee Clean Up that is coordinated by the
Helen Schuler Nature Centre each spring. This
year marked the 5th year of this volunteer-driven
event and successes included the removal of
over 450 bags of garbage from the coulees by
600 community volunteers. People of all ages
participated as friends, family members, coworkers, organized groups or individuals. In total, over 3,100 volunteers have removed over 2,500
bags in the last 5 years. The Coulee City Clean-up also partnered with the Prairie Pitbull Rescue Society
to undertake the removal of dog feces in 2 of Lethbridge’s off leash dog parks. This proved widely
successful in terms of community involvement. Over 50 volunteers participated and over 2500 flags
were set up to show were feces had been left behind.
Clean Sweep Program
The Clean Sweep program provides a thorough,
year-round clean up of the downtown. The
program is undertaken by clients of the Employee
Readiness Program of the Lethbridge Homeless
Shelter under the direction of Al Atoa. Well
received as members of the downtown community,
program participants provided a commendable job
picking up trash, sweeping sidewalks, collecting
fallen leaves and attending to snow and ice
removal in areas where city crews have no mandate.
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Project Paintbrush
Project Paintbrush was created in 2003 by
Volunteer Lethbridge to assist seniors and
residents with special needs who are physically
and/or financially unable to maintain their homes.
The project allows individuals to remain in their
homes longer with a renewed sense of pride.
In 2011, 10 projects were successfully completed.
There were 23 corporate sponsors who donated
funds, supplies equipment, lunch and snacks. There
were 105 volunteers and 8 corporate volunteer
teams who contributed 504.5 hours painting the
exteriors of homes, garages and fences.
Pitch-In
Pitch In Week Canada is a national litter pick
up campaign that coordinates the efforts of
businesses, local government, and members of
the community. Lethbridge has been participating
in the program since 2006. Pitch In 2012 was
launched with a ‘20 minute makeover’ led by
reciation barbecue
Pitch-In volunteer app
Mayor Dodic, Alderman Mearns, Alderman Carlson,
and Alderman Parker of the areas around City Hall.
Over 40 businesses participated in the program by cleaning up litter around their work areas. In total,
over 1000 members of the community participated to pick up almost 900 bags of litter.
Adopt-A-Park
Adopt-A-Park is a program that provides opportunities for volunteers to improve the appearance
of community parks by participating in light maintenance duties. Residents are encouraged to get
together with friends and neighbours to help keep their local park looking clean and well cared for. In
2011 and 2012 more than 70 families, groups and individuals participated in the Adopt-A-Park program.
The most popular part of the program has been the adoption of dog bag dispensers.
New Initiatives
Back Alley Trail Link
Construction and landscaping of a walkway between 3rd and 4th Avenue from 5th to 6th Street will
create easier pedestrian access, permit building owners to use excess space in the rear portion of the
buildings and create a more positive downtown shopping experience. This project is underway.
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Environmental
Action
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Sustainable Development MDP
The City of Lethbridge is one of the few cities in Canada that has taken an integrated approach to
its long range planning. In a newly approved plan (July 2010), it has integrated its environmental,
economic, social and cultural aspirations with traditional land use planning with help from over 2,000
local residents.
Many priorities were identified, including to encourage walking, cycling and transit use as an alternative
to the private automobile; to encourage people to live, work and play in the same community; to
provide a wide mix of housing to suit a wide range of incomes and lifestyle needs; and to consume
land and services in a responsible fashion, thereby reducing long range costs of housing and servicing,
including its environmental impact. The Oldman River Valley and its related coulee lands are also
protected as a recreational and wildlife protection area. The plan emphasizes the enhancement and
protection of historic resources including older inner city neighbourhoods, buildings and elements
in the downtown. Orderly and well-planned new development is also encouraged on the edge of the
existing built-up areas. The new plan will provide guidance to the city and its residents to the year 2050.
Irrigation Use of Non-Potable Water
In our dry climate, irrigation has always been
a critical part of landscape development and
maintenance. In an effort to manage and conserve
water Lethbridge was one of the first cities to
adopt a computer central control system. This
system allows us to water at night when other
water use is low, turn off water across the city when
it is not needed and regulate the correct amount
of water to each area in the parks. Irrigation at
night conserves water by reducing the amount of
evaporation loss.
In addition to applying the correct amount of water at the right time, the city has worked hard to
provide irrigation water other than potable water. Approximately 48% of the water used for irrigation
comes from sources other than the city potable water system. Sources include stored rain and
agricultural water obtained from nearby canals.
The city has created many programs to handle waste effectively while also reducing the amount of
waste that ends up in our landfill.
Yard Waste Recycling Site
The Yard Waste Recycling Site offers
Lethbridge residents an opportunity
to drop off their bagged leaves, garden
trimmings and small branches at a central
location, free of charge. The yard waste is
chipped on site or taken to the Waste &
Recycling Centre to be composted. Over
16,000 residents used this site in 2011. The
number of users at the site has doubled
since the site opened in 2009.
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Residential Fall Leaf Collection Program
In 2009 the Residential Fall Leaf Collection Program
was introduced. The city collects leaves at the curb
in paper yard waste bags to be composted instead
of having them go to landfill. In 2010, over 100
tonnes of leaves were diverted from the landfill to
the compost pad at the Waste & Recycling Centre.
Some interesting statistics from the site:
Number of Site Users Tonnes of Leaves and Yard Waste Recycled
Tonnes of Branches Recycled
2009 8,200 240 110 2010
13,500
570
150
2011
16,000
676
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Spring Chipping Program
The curbside annual Spring Chipping Program
has been running for over 20 years in Lethbridge.
Every year in April, branches are collected and
turned into beneficial wood mulch that is available
to residents at Peenaquim Park. During the 2011
Chipping Program, over 215 tonnes of branches
was turned into mulch used in City Parks and
available to residents for their yards and gardens.
Waste & Recycling Centre
To further protect the environment, the Waste & Recycling Centre
(formerly known as the Lethbridge Regional Landfill) accepts
electronic waste, paint, household
hazardous waste, used motor oil,
tires and more. Once these items are
collected they are recycled and/or
safely disposed of.
Enhancements were made in 2010
to the Waste & Recycling Centre in
order to offer more recycling solutions
for customers. In 2011, this recycling
area was further enhanced to include
a recycling depot for paper, plastic,
cardboard and metal. Visitors can also
dispose of their gently used clothing in
the Diabetes Society clothes bin, newly
added to the site.
• A new indoor waste disposal area so the site can stay open during windy weather.
• The addition of another weigh scale to reduce lineups at entrance.
• New baling equipment for use during windy operations to wrap waste and reduce blowing litter.
• A new compost pad for processing yard waste from the Yard Waste Recycling Site and Residential Fall
Leaf Collection Program.
• Improving the Recycling Area where residents can drop off their household hazardous waste,
electronic waste (e-waste), paint, used oil and more for safe disposal and recycling.
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Henderson Lake Water Quality
In an ongoing effort to improve water quality in
Henderson Lake, a program to use natural bacteria
to reduce algae and to decompose bottom
sediment was implemented in 2010 as a pilot
program.
If successful, this program will eliminate the
expensive alternatives of manually cleaning out
the meter-deep sludge that has accumulated over
the 100-year history of the lake. In partnership with
Lethbridge College, the management of the lake
is taking on a multifaceted approach to help the
ecosystems involved with water quality become
more sustainable with improved results. Coupled
with water circulation, weed-eating carp and weed
mowing, the water quality has shown dramatic
improvements over recent years.
Workers remove pond
weed from Henderson
Lake
The effects of this program will be used to bring
activity back to the water surface of Henderson
Lake. Water quality has recently impeded the use
of the water surface for recreation and enjoyment
of the park. Recent partnership with the Henderson
Lake Golf Course will help lake water quality as
efforts to improve water quality on the golf course
are made.
Other tools the city is using to improve water
quality are:
SolarBee: SolarBees floating on Henderson Lake
prevent and control algae, reduce odour and
public health issues, reduce weed growth, improve
fish habitats and improves water quality.
Live Liquid MicroOrganisms (LLMO): used for
improving water quality and overall enjoyment of
water areas in Lethbridge parks
Treated Effluent Water Used for Irrigation
Installation of a new pump station at the sewage
treatment plant enables using treated effluent for
irrigation for the softball fields at Peenaquim Park.
Outcomes include: higher efficiency of the pumps;
decreased wear on the parts due to softer water;
increased productivity due to few pump shut
downs; reduced maintenance time; and healthy
turf resulting in a better product for the users
of Peenaquim Park. The use of the treat effluent
reduces the demand on the City’s fresh water
supply.
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The Living Home
The SunRidge Built Green Subdivision is home to
the “Living Home” Project, a partnership between
the City of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College
and Cedar Ridge Quality Homes, promoting
environmentally sustainable home design.
Completed in 2009, the project focused on
evaluating products and building practices that
demonstrated a high level of energy efficiency for
a single-family house in Lethbridge’s climate. The
project won three awards: the Partnership Award
presented by Alberta Municipal Affairs; the Award
of Merit presented by the Alberta Home Builders
Association and the Award of Recognition for
Excellence in Innovation presented by SouthGrow
Regional Initiative.
Photo courtesy Lethbridge College
Lethbridge College
Aquaculture Centre of Excellence
The Aquaculture Centre at Lethbridge College
is the only production facility of grass carp in
Canada. As partners with the Alberta Aquaculture
Association, the facility acts as the producer
of sterile grass carp with the fish farmer as the
distributor. Sterile grass carp are stocked into water
bodies and act as a long-term form of biological
vegetation control.
The aquaponics operations at the Aquaculture
Centre of Excellence began in 2002 as part of an
add-on to an intensive recirculation aquaculture
operation. A select variety of vegetables, herbs
and water plants are seeded and grown, starting in
March. The plants are grown, using the nutrients
available in the water supply as provided by the
fish, and then the water used by the plants is
re-circulated back to the fish facility for reuse. The
produce is then harvested twice weekly starting
around May until the end of October and sold at
the college. Photo courtesy Lethbridge College
1st Choice Savings Fairmont Building
1st Choice Savings Fairmont building is an environmentally responsible facility, a “LEED” building
incorporating many initiatives to create a more sustainable building, site and community. These
initiatives reduce energy and water use, generate less waste and provide healthier indoor and outdoor
environments. Initiative include:
• Eco roof is planted with dwarf fescue
• Drip system under the dirt which allows watering from the cistern
• Eco roof is designed to be no maintenance
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• The vegetative roof collects the rainwater and insulates the building from the heat of the sun reducing
costs and reduces site temperatures
• The facility has adopted a comprehensive storm water collection and reuse strategy resulting in the
inclusion of the eco-roof, cistern and bio-swales on site.
• The site will capture all storm water and direct it to catch basins that will have oil/grit separators
• The storm water then flows into the bio-swales that will treat the water naturally by removing
phosphates and solids before entering the city storm sewer line.
• All chemicals used are environmentally friendly.
Yellow Fish RoadTM
For the past five years, the City of Lethbridge has
partnered with Trout Unlimited Canada to deliver
the Yellow Fish RoadTM program. The program
utilizes youth and families in the Lethbridge
community to help educate and raise awareness
about stormwater pollution.
Almost 600 people participated last year (145
adults and 436 youth) and they painted 684 storm
drains in Lethbridge. A local artist’s (Brendan
Browne) design was donated to the Lethbridge
program for tee shirts and promotional material.
This design was used to endorse National Yellow
Fish Road Day, 2012 all over Canada!
The youth use stencils to paint yellow fish beside
storm drains and then distribute door hangers
that let residents know about the new yellow
fish symbols in their neighborhood and what
they stand for. The program educates and raises
awareness about the fact that stormwater, the
water washed down the curb on our streets from
our yard, is not treated and runs straight into the
Oldman River.
Stormwater can carry the soaps, detergents, oil and antifreeze that we use in or on our vehicles and the
pesticides and fertilizers that we use on our lawn and gardens. The Yellow Fish RoadTM program provides
valuable information on things we can do to prevent storm water pollution.
Scouts Christmas Tree Recycling
The Christmas Tree Recycling Program is run annually in January. For the past 17 years the City of
Lethbridge and Scouts Canada, Chinook Council have partnered to ensure Christmas trees continue to
give after the holiday season. Over 1.5 million kilograms, or approximately 75,000 Christmas trees, have
been diverted from the landfill since the program began.
There were approximately 1800 Christmas trees picked up in January 2012. The collected Christmas
trees are diverted from the city’s landfill and are chipped for environmentally friendly mulch. The mulch
that is created is available free for residents at Peenaquim Park. 15
Lethbridge’s urban nature centre sees over 30,000
visitors each year. Built in 1982 and Located in the
Oldman river valley on a 200 acre nature reserve,
the facility is owned and operated by the City of
Lethbridge. The Centre provides opportunity to
experience and discover nature first-hand. Nearly
500 school and group tours are booked each year,
with over 200 additional programs offered to the
public on a drop-in basis.
The Centre hosts a variety of exhibits each
year. Exhibits are designed and fabricated locally to
ensure they offer the most current information and
that they are responsive to community interests. The
exhibit room is open 325 days of the year, thanks to
a dedicated group of volunteers who facilitate this
program for the community. Hands-on, interactive
learning stations make this exhibit space particularly
popular with families. In 2010, the Nature Centre
hosted an exhibit on social insects that featured
a live bumblebee hive as part of the International Year of Biodiversity. A Water Conservation Exhibit
was developed and housed in the fall and winter of 2010 to profile the newly released State of the
Watershed Report completed by the Oldman Watershed Council. This continually renewing exhibit
program was recognized with a Bronze Award of Excellence by Interpretation Canada in 2008.
Wetlands and Education
The City of Lethbridge is one of only a few
Canadian cities that can boast a naturally occurring
wetland within the city’s borders. The Elizabeth
Hall Wetlands has been featured in many national
conservation-focused magazines. It is home to
abundant bird and wildlife populations, and also
a large number of painted turtles. Approximately
1,000 local Grade 5 students complete their
wetland studies at this oxbow pond. An award
winning interpretive sign program assists visitors
in learning more about the wildlife that make their
home at the wetlands through the various seasons.
SunRidge Wetlands is a man-made wetland in the
SunRidge Built-Green Subdivision. This wetland
features extensive boardwalks and pathways
that allow for interesting views and discovery. Interpretive signs were developed by the Oldman
Watershed Council and are located throughout
the park. They are designed to assist visitors in
understanding more about the wetland’s role in
mitigating storm water, flood and pollution control
as well as increased awareness of local wetland
wildlife species.
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Elizabeth Hall Wetlands
SunRidge Wetlands
SunRidge Built Green Subdivision
SunRidge, built in 2009 as Canada’s first Built Green
residential community, has seen strong interest
for starter homes and multi-family lots. SunRidge
encourages the use of environmentally friendly
products and smart growth ideas by utilizing the
Built Green Alberta Bronze level as a minimum
building standard in the community. SunRidge
represents the City’s and the home builders’
collaborative commitment to the environment and
opportunities for innovation in energy efficiency
and sustainable growth. Working together, the bar
has been set high for how neighbourhoods can
be shaped in a responsive and respectful way by
being the first in Lethbridge to require Built Green
standards throughout the community.
Backyard Composting
Residents are encouraged and provided tools to grasscycle and compost,
with the city offering free delivery of backyard composters and an option
to have the cost of a new composter billed through their utility account.
Presentations on backyard composting are also available from Waste &
Recycling Services.
New Initiatives
Lethbridge Environment Week
The provincial theme for environment week 2012 was all about water conservation, protection, and
appreciation. This year the Environmental Awareness Team set up a booth in the Park Place Mall to help
promote the provincial theme. The City of Lethbridge also set up a display in City Hall highlighting the
environmental efforts of individual municipal departments. Environment week was the start time for the
Environmental Awareness Team to accept applications to the Lethbridge Green List.
Green List 2011 Recognition - Organization
The second Green List nomination program was
hosted by the Environment Week Committee.
The community can participate in the Green
List by nominating individuals, businesses
or organizations that take action to support
a sustainable environment. The nomination
recipients are celebrated at a public Green List
Celebration Event. The event offered informational
booths, appetizers and desserts, prize packages,
and a presentation from Otesha, a travelling youth
group that promotes adopting a ‘green’ lifestyle.
The event was held at the Galt Museum, with
a total of 75 people. Attendees ranged in age
and areas of interest and there was some return
attendance from the 2011 nominees.
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Environment Week Bike Ride and Barbecue
The 4th annual Bike Ride and Barbecue event was scheduled and had 68 members of the community
sign up to participate. Registered participants remained enthusiastic despite the event being cancelled
due to rain.
Central Recycling Depots
A review of the recycling depots in Lethbridge was done with the objective of creating a depot design
that is sustainable and designed to meet the community’s current and future recycling capacity needs.
The top challenges with the recycling depots were identified as capacity, litter, siting new locations,
and site design limitations. The new centralized recycling depots will enable the City to deal with these
challenges. The new sites have the potential to be more than just a recycling depot. They can also offer
the opportunity for on-site education and could include services such as a yard waste drop-off. The
new depots will have principles in mind that will increase safety, traffic flow, and incorporate barrier
free access. The design will also incorporate increased capacity, wind shelter, litter containment screens,
containers that do not need to be dumped on-site, lighting and non-invasive design philosophy.
In March, 2012, City Council made the decision to consolidate the existing seven depots into three
centralized depots in order to meet the design objectives. The construction is expected to be completed
in October, 2012.
Biohometm Alberta
In Canada’s only built-green community, the
Biohometm located at 322 Mt. Sunburst Way, is an
operating residence with an indoor ecosystem where
people and nature unite year-round to provide food,
shelter, comfort and fun. The home is a radical yet
practical solution; addressing some of the world’s top
environmental problems with beauty and simplicity.
The Biohometm creates fresh food for six people yearround, is independent of weather extremes and climate
change and is completely organic. It also eats 10 to 25%
of the neighbourhood’s landfill-bound waste.
The goal is to have Biohometm Alberta as a free resource,
for the community, schools, eco-tourists and more.
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Community Mapping Project
In 2010, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre undertook an
exciting project that brought community members from
various walks of life together in a community-developed
exhibit called Drawn Into Action. Local artists, naturalists,
youth groups and students discovered new aspects of our
local landscapes through facilitated field trips with natural
history interpreters and guest speakers from a variety of
conservation groups and organizations that work within our
watershed. Their experiences were documented and shared
through non-traditional maps. Maps ranged from multi-media
and audio installations to more traditional art media, such as
acrylic paintings and mosaics. The maps were shared during
Lethbridge Artwalk and in independent downtown storefront
installations. Nearly 30 maps were created by over 100
individuals. It is estimated that well over 1,000 people viewed
the maps. Environmental Demolition
The City of Lethbridge Facility Services is honored to have been recognized, nominated for, and receive
awards locally, provincially and internationally, due to their deconstruction initiatives. All members of
Facility Services are proud to be able to contribute in the sustainability of our environment and look
forward to exploring future methods to increase our activities in this area.
Recycling Council of Alberta
R’s Of Excellence - Municipal Leadership Award 2010
City of Lethbridge, Facility Services was honored to
have been nominated for and accept the Municipal
Leadership Award at the 2010 annual RCA Conference
held in Lake Louise, Alberta. Lethbridge was chosen for
this award over all other municipalities in Alberta for their
environmental deconstruction initiative, and continues to
use deconstruction as their primary method for removal of
buildings and facilities.
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Heritage
Conservation
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Parks, museums and protected areas
Fort Whoop-Up Indian Battle Park
Fort Whoop-Up represents, in part, the history
of the Blackfoot, Blood and Piikani First Nations
(known as prairie people) and the coming of
European traders. The Fort was one of a series of
posts established on the southern prairies. They
were notorious for whiskey trading. Sir John A
Macdonald formed the Northwest Mounted Police
to establish order and in 1874 they arrived at Fort
Whoop Up in order to end the whiskey trade. In
1967, an accurate replica of Fort Whoop-Up was
constructed at Indian Battle Park in the river valley
that divides the modern city of Lethbridge in partnership with city, provincial and federal governments.
Galt Museum & Archives
Sir Alexander Galt (one of the Fathers of
Confederation) laid the foundation for the City
of Lethbridge by promoting the Galt Coal Mines.
In conjunction with the mines, Sir Alexander Galt
financed the first Galt Hospital, which opened in
1892. As Lethbridge grew, so did the need for a
larger hospital. In 1907 the Galt family contributed
half the cost of building a new hospital. This
building now serves as the city museum and
is named in recognition of the outstanding
contribution of the Galt family to Lethbridge.
After considerable renovations, the Sir Alexander Galt Museum opened its doors in 1967. It expanded
in 1984 with new gallery space and extended storage space. May 6, 2006 marked a grand opening
of another expansion. Today, the museum cares for well over 20,000 artifacts and 300,000 archival
documents and paragraphs. A total of 291 volunteers donate 8,887 hours of time and talents to
enhance the work of eight full-time and five part-time staff. The history of Lethbridge and southwestern
Alberta can be explored by the Museum’s rotating world-class exhibitions, special events and weekend
programs.
The present Oldman river valley was formed after
the last continental glacier retreated from southern
Alberta, some 10,000 – 15,000 years ago. Glacial
meltwater excavated the deep valley, exposing coal
seams, remnants of 300 million year old vegetation,
which years later were to become the foundation
for a city that we know call Lethbridge. The Helen
Schuler Nature Centre provides a focal point for
local residents and visitors to learn more about
the rich natural history of the Oldman River valley. The Centre offers year round, continually renewing
exhibits and programs and tours designed for all
ages and a variety of nature interests. The Centre is
widely used by visitors and school groups.
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Natural Heritage
A variety of unique river valley ecosystems are
protected by designating several of the areas as
nature reserves.
The Lethbridge Nature Reserve is the 200 acre
park on which the Helen Schuler Nature Centre sits. 3 self-guided walking trails provide ample wildlife
viewing opportunities and feature information on
the coulees and the floodplain forests. This area
has unique opportunities to see trains crossing the
CP Rail High Level Bridge.
The Alexander Wilderness Park is a second
preserved area. It is a 42-hectare floodplain nature
reserve. It is accessible only by a 2.5 km walking
trail from the parking lot. This area is a refuge for
many species of wildlife and is an excellent area
for watching waterfowl in spring and summer
including the American white pelican. Every effort
has been made to keep this area undisturbed.
A third protected area, the Elizabeth Hall
Wetlands, is a nature reserve which encompasses
a naturally occurring oxbow pond. This provides
a diversity of habitats for birds, mammals, reptiles
and insects. The trails are well marked with
interpretive signs and a wildlife viewing blind
provides an excellent vantage point for watching
the ceaseless activity in the wetlands.
Cottonwood Park is fourth protected area. This
nature reserve has a resident population of western
prairies rattlesnakes. The park has an excellent
examples of cottonwood regeneration after a
major flood event in 1995. Red-tailed hawks and
mountain bluebirds are common prairie species
commonly seen in this park
Popson Park on the southern tip of west
Lethbridge is home to a Rattlesnake Conservation
Program. In Alberta rattlesnakes are a species at
risk and are protected by law. This is an ongoing
urban conservation initiative to maintain a key
species in the mixed grass prairie ecosystem. We
are very fortunate that the City of Lethbridge, with
the support of countless, dedicated residents, has
had the foresight and continued commitment
to preserve natural areas for present and future
generations.
A class walks through
the Lethbridge Nature
Reserve
Alexander Wilderness
Park
Cottonwood Park
Popson Park
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Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden was Lethbridge’s major
centennial project in 1967.
This authentic garden combines a dry garden,
mountain stream, lake with islands, prairie and
forest areas into a single harmonious garden with
the pavilion as the focal point. The garden has
about 22,000 visitors per year.
100-Year Bridge Celebration
In 2009, with help from local volunteers and
financial support, the CPR High Level Bridge that
spans the river valley was outfitted with lights to
showcase its beauty at night. Lit only on special
occasions, it transforms the night sky, showcasing
its beautiful architecture.
Also to celebrate the centennial, “A Departure”
sculpture was commissioned. Based on three types
Photo courtesy John Dubbelboer
of driver train wheels that have crossed the Alberta
CPR High Level Bridge over the past hundred
years, the three aluminum sculptures were installed in 2009 during the bridge’s centennial year. They
include a spoked driver wheel that would have crossed the bridge in 1909, a large driver wheel from
the late 1930’s and a modern driver engine wheel that is currently in service. Halifax artist Ilan Sandler
was chosen to create a legacy sculpture commemorating the 100th anniversary of the CPR High Level
Bridge. The sculpture is located adjacent to the walkway running along the coulee top between the Galt
Museum and 4th Avenue South.
Heritage Street Signs
In mid May 2012, the City of Lethbridge replaced
its aging white on green Downtown street signs.
This public realm enhancement project was an
initiative of the Heart of Our City Revitalization
Committee. The new signage is distinctive,
attractive, contributes character to and will help
define the extent of Downtown and reinforce its
status as a special place.
The “historic name – theme signs” replace existing
numeric only signs throughout the Downtown.
Existing street and avenue numbers will still be
listed with the historical name. Street names being
used are the original names assigned on the 1885 town plan surveyed by Montague Aldous. Most of
the names commemorate shareholders in the Northwest Coal and Navigation Company Limited which
was a tremendously influential company in the early days of Lethbridge.
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Historic Plaques
Since the 1960s, the Lethbridge Historical Society
(LHS) has erected bronze plaques for various
noteworthy events, historical people and places. Since 2004, the LHS has partnered with the
Lethbridge Main Street Project and the Heart of
Our City Revitalization Committee to continue
installation of these attractive and informative
plaques.
Annually the Lethbridge Historical Society, together with the
HOCRC, installs bronze plaques which commemorate the
prominence of Downtown heritage buildings. In 2011, the
initiative resulted in 7 such plaques: Bank of Montreal/The Gate, St.
Patrick’s Church & Rectory, Hick Sehl Hardware/Catwalk, McFarland Block,
Hudson Bay/Trianon Ballroom, Whitney Block and Paramount Theatre.
There are now over 33 historic plaques throughout the Downtown with at least 30 more in the queue
to be contributed in subsequent years. In 2012, plaques were unveiled on May 12 to include Cleary
House (built in 1906), Hotel Dallas/Coalbanks Inn (built 1903), Lethbridge House Hotel/Lethbridge Hotel
(built 1885), Greyhound Bus Depot (built 1939), Burns Building/Shanghai Chop Suey (built 1911), Berte
Grocery/George’s Groceries & Meats/Williams Grocery/Tumbleweed Café (built 1910).
Walking Tour/Podcast
Downtown Redevelopment Fund funding was contributed
in 2010 to a resource pool to help create a self-guided stroll
through Lethbridge’s historic downtown. The walking tour/
podcast provides a unique understanding of the origins
and development of the community. Partners in the project
included the Galt Museum & Archives, Allied Arts Council and
the Lethbridge BRZ.
Allied Arts Council
The Allied Arts Council was established on March 20, 1958
and works to encourage, coordinate and promote the arts in
Lethbridge and area. They provide leadership in advancing
and enhancing the arts in Lethbridge, and maintains and enriches the vibrant arts community in
Lethbridge.
The council currently has 226 members from all walks of life in Lethbridge. Some of the major projects
that they work on throughout the year include:
• Facilitating the City of Lethbridge Public Art program
• Organizing, facilitating, planning Lethbridge Arts Days annually in September
• Working with the City of Lethbridge to plan, facilitate, and run the new Community Arts Centre
opening next may
• Organizing the Mayor’s Luncheon annually, including awarding the Allied Arts Council Excellence
awards, as well as the Joan Waterfield memorial award.
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Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society
The Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society is a source of identity, pride and inspiration for Aboriginal
people and for all others, a source of accurate information on Aboriginal people. Objectives include
education about and for Aboriginal people, cultural programs including language, history, tradition,
music, dance and other arts as well as encourage cross cultural educational activities within the
community.
Southern Alberta Ethnic Association
With its purpose to nurture and share ethno-cultural heritage and values, the association is involved
with numerous community activities to help promote the multicultural principle of Canada.
Historic Building Preservation Program
The Lethbridge Historic Building Preservation Program is in place to identify and protect buildings
important to our local history. These commercial and residential buildings have legal protection from
demolition or alteration. Owners can then access provincial grants to assist with costs of conservation,
preservation and restoration of their building for
it to be preserved and enjoyed for generations to
come.
The current list of protected properties in
Lethbridge is:
• “Riverview” C. A. Magrath House: 109 - 7 Avenue
South
• Acadia Block: 614 (616) 3 Avenue South
• Annandale Residence: 1280 - 4 Avenue South
• Blackfoot-Cree Indian Battle Site: Oldman River
Valley
• Bowman Arts Centre: 811 - 5 Avenue South
• Chinese Free Masons Building: 310
2 Avenue South
• D.H. Whitney House/Ideal Farm: 3202
28 Street South
• Dr. Arthur Haig Residence: 1115 - 8 Avenue South
• E.B. Hill Residence: 702 - 11 Street South
• Henry J. Tennant Residence/Regal Grocery
Building: 422 - 6 Avenue South
• Hick-Sehl Building: 618 - 3rd Avenue South
• Isolation Hospital: 1920 - 7 Avenue South
• Kuo Min Tang (Chinese National League) Building:
309 - 2 Avenue South
• Lethbridge C.P.R. Station: 801 - 1 Avenue South
• Lethbridge Fire Hall No. 1: 402 - 2 Avenue South
• Major William B. Burnett Home: 622 - 6 Avenue
South
• Galt Museum & Archives: 502 - 1 Street South
• Spudnuts: 1102 - 5th Avenue South
• Van Haarlem Hospital: 1224 - 7 Avenue South
• Vendome Hotel: 110 - 8th Street South
• W.D.L. Hardie Residence: 1242 - 5 Avenue South
E.B. Hill Residence
-
Van Haarlem Hospital
Bowman Arts Centre
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London Road Neighbourhood Association
The London Road Neighbourhood Association was formed in 1976 by residents dedicated to protecting
the residential area surrounding downtown.
As a community minded association, they are involved in events such as: Party in the Park, Pitch
IN, Jane’s Walk, Bright Lights Festival, Christmas “Annandale” tour, and organized house tours in the
community. They assist other organizations to make our community the best that it can be. London
Road was nominated for “Great Places in Canada” in 2012 and placed in the top 7. The London Road
neighbourhood was also featured in “This Old House” magazine in 2011.
London Road consists of approximately 3000 residents. Our area runs as far as 13th St S, down to 9th
Ave, along Scenic up to 6th Ave S and jogs along 11th Street to 3rd (excluding businesses).
New Initiatives
Royal View Memorial Cemetery
The Royal View Memorial Cemetery is being constructed by the City of Lethbridge to address
internment needs for the next 100 years. It is located on the coulee top north of the City of Lethbridge
in close proximity to the location of its namesake — the Royal View Mine. The coal mining industry is no
longer operating in the area but is widely acknowledged as the driving force behind the establishment
of Lethbridge. The City of Lethbridge has chosen to recognize the important contribution of the coal
miners and the mining industry in the naming of the cemetery and the installation of an integrated
public artwork. Consistent with current trends The City of Lethbridge recognizes the role of cemeteries
as recreational, cultural and historical resources. Cemetery Services has expressed an interest in
broadening the programming that could take place at the new cemetery site. Panoramic views over the
coulee could provide a dramatic context for public art exhibits, outdoor music concerts and lectures,
and a range of annual memorial events. Naturalist tours, bird walks, and hiking, biking and equestrian
trails are highly compatible with this location.
Alberta Main Street Program
Provincial funding for the Alberta Main Street
Program terminated at the end of August 2010
resulting from a provincial decision to invest
heritage resource funding in designated heritage
or historic resources only. Upon termination of that
program and recognizing the value of our heritage
resources that do not qualify for provincial funding,
the City of Lethbridge assumed a share of program
costs to the end of 2010, including $29,000 in
support of the Main Street Coordinator position.
Project-wise, 4 significant façade projects and 9
signage projects were completed. One of these
projects was funded from residual funds from the
Alberta Main Street Project. There were 7 buildings currently in various stages
of construction and expected to be completed in
2011. Funding of $112,500, which was a combined
total from 2009 and 2010 allocations, were made
available for these projects.
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Lethbridge Twinning Society
The Lethbridge Twinning Society is a non-profit grass-roots citizens organization
dedicated to promote friendship and understanding between Lethbridge and its
“Twin Cities”.
Interpretive Plaques for Murals and Sculptures
Enhancing the public realm through various
works of art and sculpture to make it more of an
attraction to shoppers and visitors alike continues
to be an important aspect of animating Downtown
Lethbridge. Coupled with the artworks themselves
is the need to provide some explanatory
narrative in a systematic and aesthetic manner to
accompany these public art installations. Thus, in conjunction with the Public Art
Committee, the City of Lethbridge sought
expressions of interest from qualified individuals
to design plaques that will be installed in
conjunction with works of art commissioned by
the City of Lethbridge Public Art Committee and
other public artworks funded by the Downtown
Redevelopment Fund (DRF). The final design will
include layout of text and logos as well as drawings
and selected materials for a support for the plaque.
This project was completed in 2011.
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Urban Forestry
28
Overview
The City of Lethbridge has an urban forest of more
than 38,000 public trees, excluding trees located
in natural stands in the river valley and on private
property. Our urban forest consists of more than
80 species, with Green Ash, American Elm, White
Poplar and Spruce being the most common. The
urban forest consists of an almost equal number of
street trees and park trees.
Trees throughout the City provide a wide range of
environmental benefits, including energy savings,
carbon sequestration, storm water interception
and improved air quality and property values.
In economic terms, the net benefit of the urban
forest to the City is over $3.9 million annually. This
number takes into account the environmental
cost savings provided by each tree, as well as the
associated costs of maintaining the forest, such as
tree planting, pruning, and pest management. On
a per-tree basis, the net dollar value is more than
$100 per tree. Municipal Accomplishments
CO2 Benefits
The trees in Lethbridge’s urban forest alone capture
over 8.4 million kilograms of carbon dioxide per
year. When considering the distance an average
car owner drives per year, our public trees are
capturing the annual CO2 emissions of more than
1,600 cars throughout our city! Aside from the
8.4 million kg of C02, the city trees currently store
128.4 million kg of C02.
Street Tree Inventory Software
After years of planning and anticipation, the
software to help manage our urban forest was
installed and became operational. This software
is specifically designed for tree management
and allows the collective tree inventory to be
managed as well as keeping service records for
individual trees and customers. The software will
improve the management of our urban forest
by helping manage customer requests, plan for
lifecycle replacement, keep the inventory current,
track costs of managing the urban forest, manage
disease and health concerns, and track the history
for each individual tree.
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Invasive Insect Monitoring program
The City of Lethbridge has numerous programs for the monitoring, trapping and identification of local,
regional and exotic pests that could be potentially damaging to our urban forest. A brief summary of
trapping programs and our cooperators is described below.
Dutch Elm Disease and Elm Bark Beetles: Three species of elm bark beetles are being monitored
in 36 locations in Lethbridge using panel traps baited with 30-day pheromone lures from April
to October. These traps are purchased and inspected by the City of Lethbridge. Positive captures
are verified by contracted entomologists from Alberta’s Society To Prevent Dutch Elm Disease
(STOPDED) at no charge to the City. Three species of elm bark beetles are being monitored at 33
locations in the Lethbridge Buffer Zone (30 mile radius) using panel traps baited with 30 or 90-day
pheromone lures from April to October. These traps are purchased by STOPDED and placed and
inspected by City of Lethbridge staff. Positive captures are again verified by STOPDED contracted
entomologists.
Gypsy Moth: City of Lethbridge staff work in cooperation with Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(CFIA) in the placement and collection of approximately 40 pheromone baited gypsy moth traps
purchased and inspected by the CFIA. These traps are placed the beginning of June and collected
the end of August. Inspection and verification is done by CFIA.
Emerald Ash Borer: City of Lethbridge staff assist CFIA in the placement and collection of 4
pheromone baited emerald ash borer traps at strategic locations within Lethbridge. Traps are
placed first week of June and collected end of August with inspection and verification done by
CFIA.
Exotic Forest Pests: Since 2007 STOPDED cooperators and the CFIA have monitored for the
presence of exotic forest species in Alberta through Environment Canada’s Invasive Alien Species
Partnership Program (IASPP). Four baited Lindgren funnel traps were placed in Lethbridge for the
collection of Scolytinae, Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, and Siricidae native and exotic species. Traps
and lures were placed, maintained and collected by City of Lethbridge staff with identification and
verification done by STOPDED contractors and CFIA. This program takes place throughout the
growing season. It is currently unknown if this project will continue in 2011.
Other Pests: City of Lethbridge staff continue to adapt and expand trap programs for various forest
pest species monitoring for both presence and abundance. Trap programs taking place in 2011
include Ash/Lilac Borer, Fall Cankerworm, and Douglas Fir Tussock Moth. These programs timelines
vary according to species and are undertaken exclusively by the City of Lethbridge.
Henderson Park Tree Planting
Fifteen assorted trees were donated in 2012 by the
Val Matteotti family and planted in Henderson Lake
Park. Other additions to Henderson Lake Park were
10 trees for understory reforestation of Henderson
Lake Park and 15 trees along Henderson Golf
Course for path protection/screening.
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Heritage Trees in Lethbridge
In 100 years, Lethbridge has evolved from a
treeless prairie to a forest of trees. Every tree, with
the exception of native poplars along the river
valley, has been planted, watered, and cared for by
residents of this lovely city. Diversification of tree
species helps protect the urban forest from largescale losses due to insect and disease issues. The
microclimate allows for a wide variety of woody
ornamentals from Zone 2 to Zone 4, which adds
greatly to the aesthetic value of the community. While still a relatively young community, several
trees have been identified and registered as
Alberta Heritage Trees due to age, unique
species or neighborhood icons.
l
g lot of Westminster Poo
Ol’ Westy at the parkin
Residential Value
The benefits we receive from our public trees can also be of value to homeowners. Properly planted yard
trees can provide the same environmental benefits to homeowners as the public trees do for the City. Studies have shown that home sale prices increase by 1% for every mature front yard tree.
Brush Chipping
Branches collected from the Yard Waste Recycling
Site and through the annual Spring Chipping
Program are recycled into wood fiber mulch that is
available to residents at Peenaquim Park and the
Yard Waste Recycling site, as supplies permit. New Initiatives
Green Ash Tree Mortality
The sudden and early freezing temperatures in the
fall of 2009 killed 200 mature Green Ash trees. After
an assessment of the damage these trees were
removed in 2010 and a planting replacement plan
was developed. Not every tree can be replaced in
the exact location because of conflicts for space,
but all 200 trees were replaced in 2011.
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Landscape
Turf & Groundcovers
32
Parks and Green Spaces
All Lethbridge neighborhoods are generously sprinkled with parks and recreation areas, many of which
are connected with pathways. Approximately 20% of the land area of Lethbridge is occupied by our
parks and pathways system.
Galt Gardens Park
Galt Gardens is the centrepiece of downtown
Lethbridge. It is a two block square section of land
set aside from the start of urban development
in Lethbridge. The land was owned by the Galt
family who reserved it as parkland in the original
town plan surveyed in 1885. This parcel of prairie
grassland became the focal point of Lethbridge as
the business core of the town began to develop
around the streets and avenues, which marked the
park’s boundaries.
The park was named Galt Gardens in honor of the
City’s patron family. Trees had been planted around
the periphery of the park as early as 1901, the City Fire Department took on much of these landscaping
responsibilities and by the late 1920s the park took on the air of a formal garden
Henderson Lake Park
This 28-hectare park includes an 18-hole golf
course, outdoor pool and the Nikka Yuko Japanese
Garden. Development commenced in the early
1900s as part of Lethbridge’s urban plan initiated
by Mayor Henderson to bring a park to the city’s
heart. From 1914-16, the military troops housed
at the Exhibition Grounds were part of forced
marches at Henderson Lake. In 1924 the bathing
beach was improved but closed in 1931 for sanitary
reasons. A fastball park was established in 1933, a
precursor to the stadium at the park today. In 1960,
Henderson Lake received a facelift that included a
family pool, which was finished in 1962 and heated
in 1963. This is the only major urban park located in
southeast Lethbridge.
Indian Battle Park Nature Playground
This is not your ordinary playground. Located in
the natural habitat of Indian Battle Park, it was
built to fit within the natural environment and
surrounding landscape. This playground features
a giant rock rattlesnake, a natural climbing wall,
a massive spider web maze and a beaver dam
climber. This area is for social play and interactive
games in nature. The snake also provides an
outdoor classroom setting for the Nature Center
programming.
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The Crossings Park Completion
This unique park has been in various planning and
construction stages since 2005 when funding for
two new high schools was announced. Completed
in 2010, the park was designed to not only meet
the programming and educational needs of the
schools, but to serve the future community as an
attractive park and as storage for storm water. The
21-hectare park represents the second largest park
built in Lethbridge. The $7.6M project includes the
largest and most advanced irrigation system in
Lethbridge.
Other park features include:
• 3 on site dry-ponds for storm water management
• 1140 Trees
• 3 softball fields
• 5 rectangular fields for major/minor soccer/
football/rugby
• 8 tennis courts
• 4 outdoor basketball courts
• 4,430 m Pathways
• Sundial designed to be a focal point and park feature
The cost to build the park was mostly covered by provincial and federal grants. This project is one of two
parks projects nominated for an award from the Consulting Engineers of Alberta.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
An environmentally sensitive approach, IPM is an effective way to manage pests in Lethbridge parks.
Information is gathered on the life cycle of pests and their environment. Using pest control methods,
this information is used to economically manage infestations with the least possible hazard to the
environment, people and property. Chemical application is only used as a last resort.
Citizen Satisfaction Survey
Every 3 years the City of Lethbridge conducts a survey of citizens to learn what services are important
and what the satisfaction level with the services are in the City. The 2011 survey indicates that residents
place the importance of parks and open spaces at 99% second only to fire protection and ambulance
services. Satisfaction with the current services provided is rated at 94% for parks and open spaces.
River Valley Flood Damage Restoration
The unusually heavy rainfall events in the spring
of 2010 caused significant damage to much of the
park’s infrastructure in the river valley. Damage
included washed out bridges, silted over boat
launch, coulee slumping, pathways washed
away or silted over and the loss of furniture. A
cleanup program was organized to comply with
the requirements of the Provincial Disaster Relief
Program. Although the requirements of this
program may have slowed down restoration work,
34
the costs have been absorbed by the province instead of the city. This program restored the use and
enjoyment back to the affected areas and allowed park users access to the river valley parks.
Prairie Urban Garden
The Oldman Watershed Council’s Prairie Urban
Garden initiative, of which the City of Lethbridge
is a partner, promotes and encourages the use
of native, drought tolerant plants in our yards
and gardens. These plants thrive in the prairie,
semi-arid environment in which we live naturally
so that we can conserve water and cut down on
or eliminate the use of fertilizer and chemical
pesticides and herbicides. Also known as
Xeriscaping, the Prairie Urban Garden initiative
profiles gardens in Lethbridge that use Xeriscaping
principles, both on the Prairie Urban Garden
website (prairieurbangarden.ca) and through an annual tour. The 3rd annual tour in June of 2011 had
over 140 people touring local Xeriscaped gardens. The Prairie Urban Garden initiative has been a great
success with a lot of interest in the community.
Bright Lights Festival
Being one of the few winter events to take place
in Galt Gardens, the Bright Lights Festival marked
its 11th Anniversary in 2011. The festival coincides
with Midnight Madness which kicked-off the
Christmas shopping season in Downtown as well
as the MADE Craft Show and Sale. Over the years
this popular community occasion has developed
into the largest Downtown celebration sponsored
by the BRZ. The event features a ceremonial
lighting of the park upon the arrival of Santa
Clause in a horse drawn hay wagon. Christmas
movies are shown on a screen in the pergola area
while free refreshments hot are available. Other events include pictures with Santa, free hayrides and
entertainment “fire-spinning”. Over 30 volunteers and organizations contribute to staging the festival. As
in prior years, video scenes from the festival are available on YouTube.
Xeriscape Design Guidelines
In an effort to encourage more sustainable
development, a manual was developed for
landscape designers to use that would help
them design an attractive dry land landscape.
For appropriate areas where active use is not
anticipated, constructing an attractive landscape
treatment that requires low maintenance and
little supplemental water is sustainable and cost
effective. The outcome of this initiative will be
to help gain acceptance in Lethbridge for nonirrigated landscaped areas.
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Playground Replacements
As part of the Asset Management Program,
significant effort has been made to replace
playgrounds. The Canadian Standards Association
has defined safety standards for playgrounds in an
effort to prevent injury to children.
As in other park amenities, the shortfall in the
lifecycle program resulted in a serious deficiency in
the quality of the playgrounds. Since 2005, 28 City
playgrounds have been replaced and the rate will
be accelerated under the new Asset Management
Program.
The Kiwanis Club of Lethbridge donated $40,000
towards the replacement of the Nicholas Sheran
park playground. This large regional playground
is intended to be of large scale to attract families
from across the City. The club has provided
valuable insight and guidance in selecting the type
and style of equipment to be offered in Nicholas
Sheran Park. The equipment will be installed in 2011.
Northside Sports Park Picnic Shelter
Construction on Lethbridge’s newest picnic
shelter located inside the Northside Sports Park
started in 2010. Donations from the Rotary Club
of Lethbridge, Women’s Soccer Association,
Southern Oldtimers Football Association and a
private donor helped bring forward this project.
A Community Adjustment Fund Grant (CAF)
was also obtained from the federal government.
This facility boasts covered seating for up to 250
people with full outdoor grill, fireplace, kitchen and
bathroom facilities. Inside the compound will be a
playground designed for younger children with a
second full playground just outside the gates for
the older children. The facility is scheduled to open
to the public May 1 of 2011.
Friends of the Fairfield Gardens Society
In collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada, the Friends of the Fairfield Gardens Society
redevelop and maintain ornamental gardens in
the public area of the Lethbridge Research Centre
for the educational benefit and enjoyment of the
public. The gardens demonstrate the variety of
annual and perennial plants as well as shrubs and
trees that grow in the Chinook Belt of southern
Alberta.
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The ornamental gardens are located near the original home site of Dr. W. H. Fairfield, the first
superintendent of the Dominion Experimental Farm. In addition to his many professional
accomplishments, Dr. Fairfield was well known for his interest in the beautification of prairie homes
with flowers and his commitment to tree planting throughout the district. This site also encompasses
the heritage forest planted under Dr. Fairfield’s direction in the early 1900s, now a unique historical site
in the prairies.
In addition to our activities maintaining annual and perennial flower beds in Fairfield Gardens, some
recent accomplishments of the Society include:
2008: Two individual trees and the entire park received heritage status by the Heritage Tree Foundation
of Alberta and were included in their book.
2009: The Lethbridge Community Band performed in the Gardens. Over 100 people attended the free
concert (which was open to the public).
2009: The Society produced a brochure with a map of the trees in the park for visitors.
2010: The Society started a succession program by planting over a dozen trees and shrubs in the park.
Campus Roots Community Garden Association
The Campus Roots Community Garden Association
(known as “CampusRoots”) started as the vision
of forward-thinking students at the University
of Lethbridge with the energy and drive to rally
students and make a campus garden a reality.
Built by Summer 2009, the garden served two
years with priority to encourage students as
well as faculty and staff to engage in local food
production for their own consumption. In 2011,
the City of Lethbridge approached the University
and CampusRoots with the idea of converting
from a campus garden to a full community garden
benefitting all of the residents of Lethbridge.
Today CampusRoots offers opportunity for
students, faculty, staff and local residents to get
their hands dirty and enjoy the fruits of their
labour.
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New Initiatives
North Regional Park Concept Planning
A creative public consultation process to develop
a concept plan for a new park was completed in
2010. This project included a multimedia approach
of engaging the public in suggesting and then
ranking their preferences for what design elements
would be included in their future park. A dedicated
team of stakeholders was used to help interpret
and refine the ideas from the public. The resulting
concept is the initial phase of this park becoming a
reality and has, in the planning stages, been a park
designed by the people for the people.
Future development of the plan is anticipated to begin late in 2011 when the outline plan for the area
has progressed. This project won the Award of Excellence in the Community Development category
from the Consulting Engineers of Alberta. The judges’ comments included “An excellent demonstration
in moving forward the state-of-the-art in public engagement” and “Made communication the most
critical aspect of project delivery.”
Landscape Design Guidelines
The quality of design, character and appearance
is important to the experience both residents and
visitors have of their community. Good design,
including the incorporation of good quality
landscaping, is important to the aesthetics of
a place. The City of Lethbridge thus adopted
“Landscape Design Guidelines” in its Land
Use (Zoning) Bylaw that are intended to help
developers meet or exceed the landscaping
required for their developments. Landscape
design guidelines are based on the principles
of: cohesiveness; focus; depth and variety; plant
spacing; and shrub size. Guidelines include:
water economy; views from public areas; views
from residential areas; parking, vehicular traffic
and waste collection areas; safety; and existing
landscaping. Lists of plant varieties and species
suitable for our climate have been included.
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Art of Our City
Heart of Our City in conjunction with the Public Art Committee,
provided funding to identify pieces of art within the public realm
in a manner that contributes to both the aesthetics and wayfinding
within Downtown. Additionally, the signage is meant to inform
the public with regard to: the artist; the title of the art work; a brief
description of the work and the date of installation. To date, there
are 8 signs in place pertaining to 10 pieces of art.
Public Realm and Transportation Study (PRATS):
With joint funding from Canadian Badlands,
the Heart of Our City Revitalization Committee,
sponsored the Public Realm and Transportation
Study which concentrated on improvements to
the Public Realm on 3 key Downtown corridors.
Key Public Realm opportunities include:
• Undertaking streetscape improvements in the
Central District Pedestrian Core; especially 5th
Street S and 3rd Avenue S.
• Convert vehicular realm to broaden sidewalks
on the priority streets
• Creation of a distinct design vocabulary of
landscape element
• Identify priority sites for public art, especially at
Galt Gardens
• Develop street furniture guidelines for the
Central District
• Expansion of Downtown cycling and bike
parking facilities
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Floral
Displays
40
Brewery Hill Historic Gardens
A distilling company that once occupied downtown Lethbridge provided a wonderful floral show
as a public service. When the brewery closed and
the building demolished, the gardens were taken
over by the City to maintain. The long tradition
continues today. Modifications have taken place
over the years but the gardens still provide a showcase with seasonal variations.
Lethbridge Regional Police Floral Emblem
Located a short walking distance from the Brewery
Gardens, the floral display fashioned over the LRPS
police emblem is a welcome sight as visitors enter
the city.
Garbage Receptacle Conversion to Planters
The aging brick garbage receptacles were replaced in 2009 with ergonomically designed decorative
garbage bins. Phase two of the project involves converting the old brick garbage receptacles to planters by placing stainless steel inserts within the cavities of these old brick objects. The project is a “green
initiative” that prevents a significant amount of material from going to the landfill through a creative
reuse which adds more greenery to the downtown streetscape at the same time. These planters were
activated in June 2010 and were planted by the Clean Sweep Crew under the direction of Ray Waddle.
41
Hanging Basket program
Communities in Bloom initiated the introduction of hanging flower
baskets in the downtown area a number of years ago on a cost recovery basis with business owners. This program has expanded over
the years to a point where now 100 baskets are provided. The cost
of this program has now been taken over by the Heart of Our City
program. The introduction of a program by Communities In Bloom,
followed by growth of the program to where it now has sustainable
funding, is an indication of the importance of the Communities in
Bloom program.
Breast Cancer Ribbon garden
The Breast Cancer Ribbon is located at Henderson
Lake Park in the Avon Garden.
This site is a beautiful tribute to many breast cancer
survivors, those who have lost the battle, as well
as all their families and friends. Having the ribbon
close to the many special events held nearby is a
great way to build community spirit and join the
fight against cancer.
Citizen Initiated Landscaping
Judy Dormaar, a Downtown merchant (Classique
Dancewear and Nicholai) on 7 Street South took
it upon herself to plant flowers in all of the City
tree wells on her street which has noticeably
brightened up the area and set it apart from other
Downtown streets.
YWCA serenity garden
The back yard of the YWCA was transformed into the Serenity Garden, which was opened June 2005.
Maintained by volunteers, it offers a beautiful escape for those who use the facility.
42
Garden of Native Prairie Plants
In 2008, a garden project was initiated by the Lethbridge & District Horticultural Society, in partnership
with the Galt Museum and the Alberta Native Plant
Council, as a gift to the community, to celebrate the
horticultural society’s 2009 centennial. The garden
surrounds the entrance to the Galt Museum in a
dramatic, windswept setting, perched on the edge
of the city, overlooking a landscape of cultural and
historical significance in the river valley below. The
Oldman River winds through native prairie in this
spectacular vista, which includes the site of the
last battle between First Nations people in Canada,
historic Fort Whoop-Up, the University of Lethbridge,
and the High Level Bridge, a century-old massive railway structure that is the highest and longest trestle
bridge in the world.
The purpose of the garden is to display, identify,
enjoy and learn about the local flora, and to demonstrate sustainable gardening practices, particularly
water conservation. Landscaping the museum that
showcases the region’s history with plants that demonstrate its natural history is fitting, and the display is
truly local, as the garden only includes plant species that are native to the river valley. Many of these
plants have a historical connection as they were used
for food, medicine, shelter, and in ceremonies by First
Nations people and some remain important in their
culture today.
Planted and maintained entirely by volunteers, the design incorporates over forty native species, including forty-five shrubs and more than one thousand wildflower and grass seedlings, in an arrangement
that is visually appealing in all four seasons. After three years, the plants have successfully become
established, in spite of fierce weed competition and challenging site and climate conditions.
43
Engaged
Community
Volunteer Lethbridge is a non-profit organization that facilitates citizens and
organizations in their volunteer efforts. In 2011, the total amount of volunteer
service contributed by Volunteer Lethbridge board members, committee members,
administrative/operation volunteers, National Volunteer Week volunteers, Leaders of
Tomorrow volunteers, Project Paintbrush volunteers and donated staff time was 2,808
hours.
Volunteer Lethbridge member organizations contributed 657,865.5 hours of service.
44
45
Acknowledgements
This Community Profile Book is a collaboration by many of the following individuals and organizations.
Thank you for your contributions!
City of Lethbridge
David Ellis – Parks Manager, City of Lethbridge
Graeme Woods – Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, City of Lethbridge
Dave Schaaf – Waste & Recycling Services Manager, City of Lethbridge
Heather Gowland – Waste & Recycling Coordinator, City of Lethbridge
Dean M. Romeril – Facility Planner, City of Lethbridge
Coreen Putman – Coordinator , Helen Schuler Nature Centre
Becky Little – Special Projects Coordinator, Helen Schuler Nature Centre
John Gilbert – Urban Forestry, City of Lethbridge
George Kuhl – Downtown Revitalization Manager, City of Lethbridge
Robert McKay – Senior Community Planner, City of Lethbridge
City Excellence – City of Lethbridge Summer Newsletter
Susan Burrows-Johnson – Galt Museum Executive Director
Lethbridge College
Web Sources
City of Lethbridge
www.lethbridge.ca
Volunteer Lethbridge
www.volunteerlethbridge.com
Lethbridge BRZ
www.downtownlethbridge.com
Economic Development Lethbridge
www.chooselethbridge.ca
Chinook Country Tourism
www.chinookcountry.com
Heritage Resources Management Information System
https://hermis.alberta.ca/
Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta
www.lethbridgecommunityfoundation.org
Campus Roots Community Garden Association
www.campusroots.blogspot.ca
Errors or Omissions:
This book represents the opinion of the authors and should not be construed as the opinion of corporate, private or municipal agencies. Wherever possible, information has been verified with primary
sources; however, any errors or omissions are entirely our own.
Designed by:
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Picture - City of Lethbridge

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