AlbertaFirst.com - Lethbridge

Welcome

GREETINGS FROM THE MAYOR

Energetic, innovative, hard working, skilled at building partnerships, accepting of people and cultures from around the world…if those qualities interest you, then take a closer look at Lethbridge. In this publication you will discover why we are so proud of our community and the people who have created it.

This profile will help you appreciate our financial stability. Careful management over a number of years has enabled us to eliminate our tax-supported debt. Our cost of living and our business costs are competitive with cities elsewhere in North America. You will learn about our diversified economy grounded in agriculture, high-tech manufacturing, education, cultural programs, retail and professional services, health care and research. And finally, you will read of our rich cultural and recreational resources, our strong education systems and our two nationally-recognized post-secondary institutions.

Lethbridge residents enjoy a quality lifestyle within a family-oriented community. While taking advantage of opportunities normally found only in larger cities, our citizens enjoy the sense of community of a smaller city. People in Lethbridge still care about their neighbours and volunteerism is second nature. They feel safe in their homes and city streets, and they appreciate being able to reach any destination within fifteen minutes by car. Residents who enjoy the great outdoors are only a little more than an hour from the Rocky Mountains.

The rich variety of cultural, entertainment, dining, personal growth and career opportunities available here is due, in large part, to the presence of the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College and Agri-Food Canada’s Lethbridge Research Centre.

I invite you to explore my community through the pages of the Business Investment Profile. Lethbridge is a community for living. It’s a place to start a career, build a business, play a sport, or explore an interest in the arts. And it’s a safe, secure, friendly community. Welcome!

Robert D. (Bob) Tarleck, M.A., M.Ed. Mayor

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

If there is any community in Alberta that can make the claim of balanced growth, it is Lethbridge. With a population that has grown at about two per cent per year for the past five years, an increasingly diversified economic base and many collaborative initiatives designed to stimulate further business investment, our city and this region is demonstrating a responsible, sustainable approach to development that is sure to lead to continued economic strength.

More than ever, we are seeing partnerships develop that create dynamic environments for success. Our ‘You Belong Here’ Labour Force Initiative has been built with the commitment of major public and private sector employers and will continue to support their needs for human resources. The Southern Alberta Alternative Energy Partnership (SAAEP) involves 37 communities throughout the southwest and will give us the opportunity to build an entire industry cluster for the benefit of business and our planet. And, our numerous hospitality industry partners are ensuring we offer the friendliest service to convention planners and delegates interested in our unique conference environment.

As you’ll see in this publication, there are many reasons why Lethbridge is an attractive place to live, learn, invest, visit and do business. With two exceptional post-secondary institutions and two research centres, we combine our agriculture strengths with a knowledge-based culture that is one of the most important resources we have.

I invite you to examine our city through this information and then come to southern Alberta to explore our community, meet the amazing people like our Board Members who provide inspired leadership and examine all the possibilities for the future. We’re confident you’ll find good reasons to Choose Lethbridge too!

Cheryl Dick, APR, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

Economic Development Lethbridge

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

As a relative newcomer to Lethbridge, it is exciting to see the growth that has occurred during my time here and I am looking forward to contributing to the future success of the city as the Chair of Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL). Our mandate to attract new business, expand existing business and increase convention traffic is aggressive, yet attainable due to outstanding community support and broad industry representation on our Board of Directors.

In 2006, we saw significant interest in Lethbridge through numerous investment inquiries, but an increased awareness of our city has also been achieved through the “You Belong Here” Labour Force Initiative and a new commitment to convention and event development. With that foundation in place, 2007 and 2008 will continue to build on the competitive advantages of Lethbridge for new and existing businesses.

With the creation of the Southern Alberta Alternative Energy Partnership (SAAEP), we are committed to exploring opportunities for sustainable development and working with industry, our educational institutions and our regional communities to leverage the natural resources for the creation of wind, solar and bio-energy. Southern Alberta is already a hub of activity in wind energy, but with so many sunshine hours and agricultural inputs, the potential for the development of the solar and bio-energy industries in this region is also very strong.

Lethbridge is growing at a steady and sustainable rate, local businesses are continuing to find ways to be innovative in all aspects of their operations and new businesses are relocating and/or expanding to our community. Once you take the time to explore the many benefits of Lethbridge – including one of the lowest costs of doing business in the world, an amazing climate and low cost of living, I am confident that you will soon be one of nearly 80,000 people that choose Lethbridge.

Dr. Tracy Edwards

Board Chair

Economic Development Lethbridge

Area Overview

Lethbridge is a vibrant, growing community of 81,692 people. Spanning a dramatic river valley and blessed with a mild climate and strong economy, Lethbridge has all the ingredients of a lifestyle heralded as one of the finest in Canada.

This is a beautifully clean city, rich with excellent facilities, fine restaurants, shopping, diverse culture and recreation choices. The Rocky Mountains, U.S. border and several world class attractions are just an hour away.

Being located at the crossroads of four major highways and scheduled flights connecting to Calgary International Airport makes Lethbridge easy to get to. Our low taxes and living costs makes it even easier to stay!

Climate

Lethbridge has a moderate continental climate with warm winters and mild summers. This moderation is heavily influenced by Chinook winds which occur on average 11 times throughout the year.

The area also enjoys one of the highest amounts of sunshine in the country, with more than 320 days of sunshine per year. Proximity to the mountains usually protects Lethbridge from the influence of strong northwest and southwest winds which are associated with blizzard conditions. A comparatively high elevation combined with Chinook conditions, results in a reduction of severity and duration of winter cold periods and alleviates the extreme summer heat.

Lethbridge enjoys the highest winter and annual mean temperatures on the prairies, yet is slightly cooler than many southern prairie locations during the summer. The relative dryness makes for comfortable living conditions.

Contrary to popular belief, Lethbridge is not the windiest city in Canada. According to Environment Canada, Lethbridge ranks 8^th overall for windiest city.

Climate CHARACTERISTICS:

Average Maximum Temperature = 12.1

Average Minimum Temperature = -1.0

Average Yearly snowfall = 160 cm

Average Yearly Rainfall = 262 mm

FROST DATA (90 Year Average):

Number Frost Free Days: 117

Last Killing Spring Frost: May 7

First Killing Fall Frost: Sept 25

Number of Crop Days: 140

Lethbridge is intersected by the Oldman River and unique coulee formations, the valley of which has been turned into one of the largest urban park systems in North America at 755 hectares (1,865 acres) of protected land.

Geographic CHARACTERISTICS:

Elevation = 914m or 2,998ft

Latitude = 49.7 degrees north

Longitude = 112.8 degrees east

Land Area = 124.3km² or 77.7 square miles

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Community Lifestyle

COST OF LIVING

Lethbridge is well-known for its affordability and low cost-of-living. Comparatively low housing prices, short commute times and affordable consumer goods all contribute to the cost advantage in Lethbridge. The city also consistently achieves a high ranking in third-party cost-of-living studies. Enjoy all of your favourite activities at a fraction of the price you may pay in larger centres.

By virtue of our location in Alberta, you will not be burdened by a provincial sales tax in Lethbridge. This means paying at least 7% less for your goods and services compared to other provinces.

Low commuting costs are a result of short commute times (get to work in 10 to 15 minutes), complimented by reasonably priced parking.

HOUSING

According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, average home prices in Lethbridge are the lowest of all the major cities in Alberta and this trend is expected to continue into the future. The selection and outstanding value of the housing in Lethbridge only adds to the appeal of the city. You will find new designs in exclusive neighbourhoods including Sun Ridge, the first “Built-Green” community in Canada, as well as affordable starter homes.

Both newer subdivisions and older mature neighbourhoods offer safe and comfortable surroundings close to all amenities and ideal for families. There are also maintenance-free developments suitable for those preferring an adults-only environment.

Public transit is provided to residential areas by the City’s Transit Department, LA Transit.

RECREATION AND LEISURE

Lethbridge offers a variety of high quality recreational facilities and amenities for all ages, including more than 70 parks, playgrounds and sports fields dotted throughout the city. Sports Facilities.

There are five excellent golf courses within city limits and a dozen more are accessible within a short ½ hour drive.

Lethbridge boasts five indoor pools including the Olympic-sized Max Bell Pool at the University of Lethbridge and size indoor ice arenas including the ENMAX Centre.

Lethbridge has extensive facilities for baseball and soccer.

There are several private fitness clubs in Lethbridge and the YMCA, which is open to the public. The YWCA, University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College also offer fitness facilities for the whole family.

The University of Lethbridge recently opened its doors to the 1st Choice Savings Health and Wellness Centre, boasting first-rate equipment and facilities.

PARKS

Lethbridge boasts an extensive urban parks system of 1,740 hectares (4,300 acres) and more than 60 kilometres (38 miles) of trails for walking, cycling and in-line skating. Some of the more popular parks in Lethbridge include:

Helen Schuler Nature Reserve

Indian Battle Park

Pavan Park

Henderson Lake

Nicolas Sheran Park

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

The 5,000 seat ENMAX Centre hosts world-class concerts, multicultural events, national curling tournaments, international basketball games, banquets, skating events and a major WHL franchise, the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

A wide range of sporting activities are available to spectators including:

Dragon Boat Races at Henderson Lake

Horse Racing at Exhibition Park

Junior Hockey – Lethbridge Hurricanes

Intervarsity Sports – University of Lethbridge Pronghorns and Lethbridge College Kodiaks

CITY LIFE

Lethbridge has a full complement of familiar franchise restaurants as well as niche restaurants with traditional and ethnic menus. Three movie theatres with a total of 27 screens provides residents with the latest Hollywood has to offer. Lethbridge boasts 3 shopping malls with over 200 stores, plus several power centres and a vibrant downtown.

Residents are well served by an abundance of malls, specialty shops, and markets as well as national chains and “big box” stores For more information on recreation and leisure opportunities in the city, please visit: www.lethbridge.ca

ARTS & CULTURE

Residents of Lethbridge enjoy easy access to a large number and wide variety of performing and visual arts, and other cultural events and attractions in a number of local facilities.

The Southern Alberta Art Gallery, which is located in beautiful downtown Galt Gardens, has an international reputation for its excellent contemporary art programs and displays. - www.saag.ca

The 500-seat Yates Theatre hosts 2,000 hours of annual cultural events, gallery receptions and performances by the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, New West Theatre, Lethbridge Musical Theatre, Playgoers of Lethbridge, the Kiwanis Music Festival, dance competitions and year-end shows. – (403) 329-7328

Fort Whoop-Up Interpretive Centre is an authentic replica of a fort built by Montana traders in 1874, and provides displays, re-enactments and horse-drawn park tours. - www.fortwhoopup.com

The Galt Museum – newly renovated and expanded for 2006 – offers world class exhibits and amazing programs for all ages. – www.galtmuseum.com

The Bowman Arts Centre is a great location for local artists and musicians to display their talents and features art classes and room rentals. – www.artslethbridge.org

The University of Lethbridge Centre for the arts presents a season of musical performances, theatre productions, new media presentations and opera between September and June each year. – www.uleth.ca/ffa/events

Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens is a place of contemplation and peace and a symbol of the Japanese-Canadian friendship that exists in our community. – www.nikkayuko.com

For more information on arts and culture in Lethbridge, please visit: www.lethbridge.ca or the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge at: (403)320-0555 www.artslethbridge.org www.lethbridge.ca/home/Enjoying+Lethbridge/Arts+and+Culture/.htm

REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS

ALBERTA BIRDS OF PREY CENTRE – COALDALE, ALBERTA (10 minutes east of Lethbridge)

This beautifully landscaped 70-acre centre is a living museum featuring hawks, falcons, eagles, owls and vultures from Alberta and around the world. http://www.albertabirds.com/

WATERTON LAKES/GLACIER INTERNATIONAL PEACE PARK* (1.5 hours southwest of Lethbridge)

Enjoy the splendour of the Rocky Mountains in this UNESCO world heritage site. Watch wildlife up close year round, take a cruise on Waterton Lakes, hike the 200 km of first-class trails. Sit back and relax on the lake shore in summer or cross-country ski in the winter. http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/index_E.asp

CROWSNEST PASS & PINCHER CREEK (1 1/2 hours west of Lethbridge)

View the breath-taking, majestic mountains and explore the many lakes and recreation areas located in the Crowsnest Pass. Points of interest include: The Bellevue Mine, Frank Slide Interpretive Centre and Castle Mountain.

HEAD-SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP INTERPRETIVE CENTRE* (1 hour west of Lethbridge)

Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981, this is the largest and best preserved buffalo jump in North America. The Interpretive Centre houses artifacts and displays which interpret the history of the buffalo jump. A self-guided tour will take you through 5,000 years of history. http://www.head-smashed-in.com/

REMINGTON CARRIAGE MUSEUM (1 hour southwest of Lethbridge)

Chosen as “The Best Indoor Attraction in Canada” in a nation-wide competition sponsored by the Government of Canada, the Remington Carriage Museum houses the largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles in North America, with more than 250 carriages, wagons and sleighs. http://www.remingtoncarriagemuseum.com/

THE FORT MUSEUM – Fort Macleod, Alberta (30 minutes west of Lethbridge)

The Fort Museum depicts life in and around North West Mounted Police (NWMP) forts during the early settlement days of southern Alberta. During the months of July and August a Mounted Patrol Ride takes place daily. http://www.nwmpmuseum.com/

DEVIL’S COULEE DINOSAUR HERITAGE MUSEUM (45 minutes southeast of Lethbridge)

Visit the interpretive centre in Warner and take a guided tour to Devil’s Coulee and a dinosaur egg site. Discovered in 1987, the site contains hadrosaur nests, eggs and embryos. http://www.devilscoulee.com/

WRITING-ON-STONE PROVINCIAL PARK - Áísínai’pi National Historic Site of Canada (1.5 hours southeast of Lethbridge)

In the Niitsítapi language, this place is called “Áísínai’pi” which means, “it is pictured/written”. This park contains the largest concentration of First Nations rock art images (petroglyphs and pictographs) on the Great Plains. http://www.countyofwarner5.ab.ca/writingonstone.html

*Denotes UNESCO World Heritage Site

Economic Base

AGRI-FOOD

Agriculture is the main industry in southern Alberta and plays an important role in the city’s retail, wholesale and service sectors. Irrigation and a warm sunny climate result in a highly diversified crop base, which in turn provides feed for the area’s livestock industry and raw materials for food processing industries and export markets. The area accounts for 33% of Alberta’s farm gate sales of agricultural products despite having only 18% of the province’s producers and about 17% of Alberta’s arable land. I

FOOD PROCESSING
Alberta is working toward a $20 billion food and beverage business. Over 120 established processing businesses in southern Alberta produce food and/or feed for local consumption and export. The main customers include the U.S., Japan, Mexico, The Peoples Republic of China and Iran. Being central to one of the most productive agricultural areas in Canada gives Lethbridge a natural advantage for value-added processing operations. Implementation of the Canada/U.S. Free Trade Agreement, and a location close to the border on Alberta’s major north-south highway, gives Lethbridge based processors excellent access to the markets of the United States. Excellent infrastructure for processors as well as an educated and trainable workforce make Lethbridge even more attractive to firms in this industry.

RESEARCH
The Lethbridge Research Centre, established in 1906 as a Dominion Experimental Station, is one of 19 research centres in the Research Branch of Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada. It is staffed by nearly 50 employees, including 80 PhD-level scientists. It is the lead centre for the national beef research program. The main research centre is located on the outskirts of Lethbridge. The Agriculture Centre also houses Alberta Agriculture, Food main headquarters of the Irrigation Branch, and staff of the Industry Development Sector and the Sustainable Agriculture Sector. Also located in Lethbridge is the Agricultural Technology Centre, which tests agricultural implements.

LETHBRIDGE LABORATORY, CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY
Known locally as the Animal Diseases Research Institute, this laboratory is located on the banks of the Oldman River, 13 km west of Lethbridge. It has been on its present site since 1905, and is the original federal veterinary research laboratory in western Canada. This site is comprised of the main laboratory and biocontainment wing for large animals. The Lethbridge Laboratory leads a network of six labs in the West, which are part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

MANUFACTURING

Heavy manufacturing is a significant industry in Lethbridge, not only in terms of job creation and employment but also in the economic impact it has on the city. A competitive tax structure, excellent proximity to markets and a highly dependable workforce has allowed a diversified manufacturing base to thrive in Lethbridge. A number of manufacturers in Lethbridge focus on metal fabrication and construction products, which support the ever-growing demand for various types of building projects. There is a full range of skilled trades and professional services from welding shops and warehousing to software design and engineering services available to support Lethbridge and area manufacturers.

REAL ESTATE

Lethbridge has vacant serviced land available in varying parcel sizes for commercial, general and heavy industrial uses. Our extensive network of private commercial realtors ensures that all possible options are available for investors to make the best land purchase or lease decision. All industrial areas offer quick access via truck routes to highway interchanges, and rail service is provided by Canadian Pacific Railway with spurs to many sites. For current information on private land and buildings for sale or lease in Lethbridge please visit www.icx.ca. Economic Development Lethbridge also offers support for new businesses interested in locating in Lethbridge. Go to www.chooselethbridge.ca or call (403)331-0022

CONSTRUCTION

Construction activity in Lethbridge grew by 13.9% between 2005 and 2006, with record development taking place in the residential sector. New home construction hit a record high in 2006 with 703 single-family homes built. It is anticipated that construction value will continue to climb in 2007 with new home starts expected to out-pace 2006 with the continual development and expansion of several sub-divisions within the city. These include west-side locations Riverstone, SunRidge and Cedar Ridge, Coulee Creek to the south and Legacy Ridge in the north. Another positive economic indicator is the steady growth in the number of business licenses issued; up to 4,274 in 2006 from 3,705 in 2000, a 15% increase.

RETAIL TRADE

Lethbridge is southern Alberta’s shopping hub and continues to expand its commercial offerings year after year. Featuring several shopping and power centres and a vibrant downtown, Lethbridge serves a retail trading area of about 275,000, extending into the United States and British Columbia. With an ever-increasing number of brand name stores, the trend towards traveling to Calgary for shopping trips appears to be on the decline. Mayor Magrath Drive is the central axis of a thriving business sector of hotels, motels, restaurants, shopping centres and much more. Crowsnest Trail has seen an influx of car dealerships and related businesses including the relocation of the Toyota and Nissan dealerships in 2006. At the south entrance of the city, extensive commercial development has occurred on Highways 4 and 5. Indeed, over the past five years the increase in retail outlets has been significant and the disposable income of Lethbridge residents seems to be fuelling the growth of this important sector within the city.

Economic Facts

Service and trade industries generate over one half of all the occupations in Lethbridge. Other occupations are diversified across the industries of manufacturing, public sector services, construction, transportation, finance/insurance/real estate, and primary industry. Lethbridge employers draw workers from a large commuting area consisting of rural areas and smaller towns and villages within a 100 km radius. The extended workforce population is estimated to be 86,000.

The rural background of many workers, especially in the manufacturing sector, has given rise to a highly productive and motivated workforce. Lethbridge Community College provides training to our manufacturing and support services, ensuring a good supply of skilled and semi-skilled labour for this industry. Manufacturers cite the trainability, flexibility and work ethic of the local workforce as one of the major advantages of this region.

Education

Lethbridge is proud of its education system and facilities. The community is committed to quality education from pre-school and kindergarten through to our college and university. Within the Lethbridge public and Catholic school systems, there are 17 elementary schools, five junior high schools, three high schools and one integrated occupational school. Another Christian school operates from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 and a Francophone public community school serves Lethbridge and area from pre-school to grade 12. Lethbridge also has private schools that meet a variety of needs including children with learning disabilities.

Lethbridge School District No. 51

www.lethsd.ab.ca

High quality learning experiences for students are provided through a broad range of educational programs in eighteen schools and a number of outreach programs. All schools provide instruction in the core subjects. In addition, at the secondary level, students can experience a wide range of options or complementary courses designed to meet their unique needs and interests, including those related to career and technology studies. Information and communication technology instruction is integrated into all student programs. International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs are offered to high school students wanting a challenge and advanced standing in university. French language instruction is provided in grades four through twelve and a French Immersion program is offered for students from kindergarten through grade twelve. Blackfoot, Spanish, German and Japanese courses are also available. The instructional program is enhanced by the provision of counselling services in all schools that include social/emotional, educational and career counselling. These services are possible through partnerships with a wide range of local agencies.

Greater Southern Francophone Education Region No. 4 – (403) 320-2287

École La Vérendrye is a Francophone public community school serving Lethbridge and area. The School offers an education program from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 with English instruction starting in Grade 3. École La Vérendrye is one of the 24 Francophone schools in Alberta.

Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division #4 - www.holyspirit2.com

The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division operates a total of 13 schools (Pre-kindergarten to Grade 12) in five different communities (Coaldale, Lethbridge, Picture Butte, Pincher Creek and Taber). In addition to offering a solid program in the core subject areas, additional programs include French Immersion, Native Education and Fine Arts. Special Education support and services are provided to students requiring a different program or an adaptation / modification of a regular school program. The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is strongly committed to the ideals of a Catholic education and provides opportunities for students to achieve academic excellence and to grow personally, socially and physically in a Christ-oriented environment.

LETHBRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY - www.chinookarch.ab.ca

The Lethbridge Public Library provides access to information and entertainment and is a public meeting place for educational, literacy, social, recreational, cultural and business activities for people of all ages in southern Alberta. The Library offers extensive reading and research material including a strong business information service augmented with online access to a number of subscription databases. To broaden the availability of information resources and services, the Lethbridge Public Library is a member of the Chinook Arch Regional Library System, The Alberta Library (TAL) and The Southern Alberta Information Network. The Library provides free use of computers for word processing and internet/email access and boasts excellent theatre and community meeting room space.

Emergency Services

Fire/Ambulance

The City’s Fire Department provides fire, ambulance (Paramedic/EMT) rescue and fire prevention services to Lethbridge and the surrounding area. The department is a full-time integrated fire and ambulance service in which personnel serve dual roles as fire fighters/paramedics. The Fire Prevention Branch provides fire investigation and inspection services. The branch also conducts many public education programs, including Learn not to Burn, Juvenile Fire Setters, Burn Awareness and Smoke Alarm Replacement. The department is also responsible for coordination and operation of disaster services.

Police

The Lethbridge Regional Police Service (LRPS) provides progressive police services to the citizens of Coaldale and Lethbridge. With 141 sworn officers and 85 civilian employees and volunteers, police service is provided in the region 24 hours a day. The Police Service is committed to providing a safe community through education and crime prevention, community partnerships, excellence in service delivery and professionalism in the application of the law.

Emergency - 911

Fire/Ambulance – 327-3336

Police – 327-2210

Health Care

CHINOOK HEALTH – www.chr.ab.ca

Chinook Health delivers health services to residents in the southwestern corner of the province and employs more than 3,500 people in 14 communities throughout the region. The Chinook Health Board is responsible for carrying out Alberta Health and Wellness’ mandate for providing acute hospital care, community/public health services and continuing care for 150,000 residents. The corporate office for Chinook Health is located in Lethbridge at the Chinook Regional Hospital. Chinook Health operates 10 active treatment and/or continuing care centres, 15 Community Health sites and a Children’s Care Centre.

For more information about Alberta’s healthcare system, visit: www.health.gov.ab.ca

MEDICAL CENTRES & HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

Lethbridge offers exceptionally high-quality medical services. The Chinook Regional Hospital is a community and regional referral hospital. St. Michael’s Health Centre operates a 210-bed residential care facility with specialized palliative care services. Lethbridge has approximately 165 resident physicians and surgeons, 40 dentists, 30 chiropractors, two orthodontists and around 15 optometrists.

CHINOOK REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Opened in 1988 at a cost of $91 million, the Chinook Regional Hospital was the largest single construction project in the city’s history. It provides 232 acute care beds and five geriatrics beds. It serves both as a general hospital for Lethbridge and area and as a referral centre for Chinook Health. The hospital provides a comprehensive range of health services in a modern, spacious and technically-sophisticated facility. There is a major intensive-care unit, CAT scan, MRI, angiography, laparoscopic surgery, high-level neonatal intensive care unit, a number of clinics (eye, sleep apnea, asthma) and a comprehensive range of education, medical and non-medical support services.

ST. MICHAEL’S HEALTH CENTRE

St. Michael’s Health Centre offers a multi-faceted range of rehabilitation, palliative and continuing care services within the Chinook Health Region. The organization currently meets the needs of 156 continuing care residents, 36 rehabilitation patients and 10 palliative care patients in a home-like environment.

COMMUNITY HEALTH

A full range of community and public health services is provided by Chinook Health.For more information, please visit: www.chr.ab.ca

CARING SERVICES

Lethbridge prides itself on its reputation as a “caring community,” a community in which individuals can feel a sense of belonging. Accordingly, a number of volunteer organizations provide a wide range of services.

For a more complete listing please visit www.volunteerlethbridge.com/Agencies3.php

ACCOMODATIONS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Seniors of Lethbridge and area are very fortunate to have a wide array of accommodation options available to them. For those seniors who are independent and able to take care of their own cooking and cleaning, condo-style living and self-contained apartments are abundant and an appropriate choice.

Should cooking and cleaning become too much for independent seniors – a Lodge would be an excellent choice. Lethbridge has a number of provincially funded seniors’ lodge facilities varying in size and location throughout the city and surrounding municipalities. As well, Homecare is able to come in to these facilities to provide scheduled care such as bathing assistance or assistance with getting up in the morning.

Assisted living facilities are available to provide housing and services for those who may require some extra assistance on an unscheduled basis. Enhanced Assisted Living or Designated Assisted Living is an appropriate choice where the staff complement also includes Licensed Practical Nurses.

Finally, for those seniors who have complex care needs and require professional nursing care, Continuing Care is available. Seniors who require a minimum of Assisted Living Care must be assessed by Regional Health Authority Community Care Case Managers to determine these levels of care.

For more information on housing and services for senior citizens, please call or visit:

Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre – (403) 329-3222

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization – (403) 320-2222 or www.lethseniors.com

Green Acres Foundation – (403) 328-1155 or www.greenacres.ab.ca

The Good Samaritan Society – (403) 320-0455 or www.gss.org

Sunrise Village Supportive Living – (403) 320-2270

Martha’s House – (403) 327-2090

Chinook Health – (403) 388-6380 or www.chr.ab.ca

Key Contacts for Business Development

Cheryl Dick
APR, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Economic Development Lethbridge
308 Stafford Drive South
Lethbridge, AB
T1J 2L1
Tel: 403-331-0022 or 1-800-332-1801
Fax: 403-331-0202
cheryl@chooselethbridge.ca

Lorna Kurio
Economic Development Liaison, City of Lethbridge
910 - 4th Avenue South
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1J 0P6
Tel: 403-320-3005
Fax: 403-320-4259
lkurio@lethbridge.ca

Robert D. (Bob) Tarleck, M.A., M.Ed.
Mayor
City of Lethbridge
910 - 4 Avenue South
Lethbridge, AB
T1J 0P6
Tel: 403-320-3823
mayor@lethbridge.ca

Garth Sherwin
City Manager
City of Lethbridge
910 - 4 Avenue South
Lethbridge, AB
T1J 0P6
Tel: 403-320-3900
gsherwin@lethbridge.ca

Provincial Government

Greg Weadick
Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA]
Lethbridge-West Constituency
#128 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2B6
Tel: 780-427-7984
Fax: 780-427-5441

Constituency Office
404 - 8 Street South
Lethbridge, AB
T1J 2J7
Phone: (403) 329-4644
Fax: (403) 329-4289
lethbridge.west@assembly.ab.ca

Bridget Pastoor
Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA]
Lethbridge-East Constituency
Legislature Office
#201 Legislature Annex
9718 - 107 Street
Edmonton, AB
T5K 1E4
Phone: (780) 427-2292
Fax: (780) 427-3697

Constituency Office
2816 - 5 Avenue North
Lethbridge, AB
T1H 0P1
Phone: (403) 320-1011
Fax: (403) 328-6613
lethbridge.east@assembly.ab.ca

Federal Government

Rick Casson
Member of Parliament [MP]
Lethbridge Constituency
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Constituency Office:
255 8th St. S
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1J 4Y1
Tel: 403-320-0070
Fax: 403-380-4026

Location

The City of Lethbridge is located in the County of Lethbridge #26. It is 209 km [130 miles] south of Calgary, 1,184 km [735 miles] east of Vancouver, 1,226 km [762 miles] west of Winnipeg and 1,581 km [ 982 miles] north of Denver.

Lethbridge has good access to all Canadian cities through its excellent rail, road and air transportation modes.

ACCESSIBILITY

Proximity

1 hour from major Port of Entry at Coutts/Sweetgrass
Local trading area of approximately 275,000
Closer to U.S. markets than Calgary (2hrs), and Edmonton (5hrs)

Highway Infrastructure

City bypass access to two major highways
At the junction of 3 major highways (3, ,5)
2011 completion of the Alberta portion of the CANAMEX corridor

Time Zone

Located in the Mountain Standard Time Zone
Extended service day to Eastern customers

Safety

Moderate terrain provides ease of transportation
Twinned highway to border with direct access to Interstate 15
Widening of highway 5 (South) entrance of the city completed in 2005

Post Secondary Education

Lethbridge is one of only a few cities in Canada with both a college and university. Combined with our smaller size and safe environment, our city is an exceptional place for student learning and development.

LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE, (LC)

www.lethbridgecollege.ab.ca

Phone: 1-800-572-0103 (local 320-3200)

As it celebrates its 50^th anniversary in 2007-08, the former Lethbridge Community College will welcome a name change. To reflect its growing international scope, the institution will drop “Community” to become Lethbridge College.

Opened in 1957 as Canada’s first publicly funded community college, the campus has a tradition of meeting the educational and training needs of southern Albertans. Lethbridge College continues to enhance existing relationships with other educational institutions and businesses, while developing new, mutually beneficial partnerships.

More than 7,500 students access Lethbridge College each year in more than 70 career programs including those in: Agriculture, Engineering and Industrial Training, Applied Management, College and University Preparatory, Criminal Justice, Environmental Science, General Studies, Health and Human Services and Media and Computing. Each LC program has an advisory committee made up of business and industry representatives to give guidance to curriculum development.

The quality of Trades and Technologies programs at Lethbridge College is reflected in the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board’s recognition of four LC instructors as the best in southern Alberta for 2000 through 2004. In today’s fast-paced world of work, the college provides opportunities for companies and industry to ensure their employees have the up-to-date skills and training they need in a competitive business environment.

In recent months, Lethbridge College played a key role in a City of Lethbridge initiative to create a working relationship with the Chinese city of Anyang. The college has visited China on several occasions and is developing agreements that will see the delivery of some of its programs through several Chinese educational institutions in Anyang and beyond.

The coming academic year will provide many opportunities for those associated with Lethbridge College to celebrate its successes during the past five decades while the institution uses the milestone to plan for the next five.

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE, (U of L)

www.uleth.ca

Email: inquiries@uleth.ca

Phone: (403) 329-2200

The University of Lethbridge is Canada’s premier learning experience. The U of L is grounded in liberal education and committed to providing its students with small classes, a personal experience and the most vital and engaging learning environment in the country.

The U of L has also made a strong commitment to community-minded research, the development of centres of excellence and including students in research endeavours. Today, the U of L attracts more than 8,100 students from 58 countries and has more than 25,000 alumni worldwide.

The U of L offers more than 150 degree/program options through six Faculties and Schools – Arts & Science, Education, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, Management and Graduate Studies – and offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in six areas of study.

Fast Facts

The U of L employs more than 1,800 people and has an economic impact of $199.8 million on the province.

In 2006, the U of L received an $8 million private investment to establish the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy, which will focus on the long-term challenges of demographic, economic and social issues related to changes in world population patterns.

In 2006, the U of L’s co-operative education program was nationally ranked as Canada’s leading co-op program for universities with 4,000 to 12,000 students

In 2005/2006, the University of Lethbridge received more than $12 million in research funding.

The University of Lethbridge is home to . . .

A new state-of-the-art sport and wellness facility, enhances the fitness and recreational opportunities in southern Alberta and advances kinesiology and prevention-focused research.

The Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN) – the only research facility of its kind in Canada. In July 2006, the CCBN added two major research tools to its expanding abilities to study the brain with the installation of two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units that are among the most powerful in the province for research purposes.

The Canadian Centre for the United Nations’ Water for Life program, which promotes international commitments made on water and water-related issues. The U of L is also a key player in several water research programs, including the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Water Research and the Water Institute for Semiarid Ecosystems.

The only baccalaureate program in addictions counselling in Canada. The School of Health Sciences offers this program in collaboration with Medicine Hat College.

The Alberta Terrestrial Imaging Centre – a first of its kind in North America –brings world-class satellite imagery to the province.

Taxation

The City’s financial strategy includes the “pay-as you-go” plan for financing all but the largest of capital projects. This program serves to keep tax increases to a minimum for both residents and businesses. In May 2006, Lethbridge made final payments on its last three tax-supported debentures and is now in the enviable position of being free from tax-supported debt. Commercial / Industrial Development property taxes were based on a mill rate of 23.919 in 2006 resulting in a tax of $23.92 per $1,000 assessed value.

The Alberta Government has mandated that property tax assessments within the Province:

a) are reflective of the market value of the property as of July 1 of the previous year, and

b) that the assessments must be kept current by being updated on an annual basis.

Lethbridge Total Assessed Value (2006) $6,712,276,220

The City of Lethbridge does not have a business tax and continues the practice of not taxing machinery and equipment used in manufacturing or processing. Alberta continues to have the lowest provincial income taxes in Canada and no provincial sales tax. The Alberta Government is committed to strengthening Alberta’s tax advantage.

Transportation

AIR SERVICE

The Lethbridge County Airport is conveniently located on Highway 5, two kilometres south of the City of Lethbridge and approximately 10 minutes from the city centre. There are 47 commercial scheduled flights per week provided by Air Canada Jazz and Integra Air. Destination airports are the Calgary and Edmonton International Airports with connections on Integra Air to Fort McMurray. Customs service for the clearance of aircraft at the Lethbridge County Airport is available 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days per week by request. Please call 1-888-CAN-PASS for details and permissions. Charter aircraft services, aircraft rentals and flight training are also available.

ROAD SYSTEMS

Lethbridge is served by excellent provincial highways. To the north, Calgary and Edmonton are two and five-hour drives respectively via Highway 2. Only one hour to the south lies Alberta’s major port of entry to the United States. This twenty-four hour border crossing at Coutts links Lethbridge and Alberta’s export highway with U.S. Interstate #15. Highway 3 is a major east-west traffic route linking Lethbridge with Vancouver to the west and eastern centres through Medicine Hat, where it joins the Trans Canada highway. Lethbridge has over a dozen trucking firms offering local, provincial, national and international freight services. Lethbridge’s roadway network is one of the best maintained roadway systems in Alberta. The network includes a major freeway section through the centre of the city, providing excellent access to all parts of the community.

RAIL SERVICE

The city is located on a mainline of the Canadian Pacific Railway with track running in all four directions. Products are easily shipped east to Toronto, south to the U.S., west to Vancouver and north to Calgary. Full freight-handling facilities are located in Lethbridge and a large, modern marshalling yard facility is just west of the city. Spur rail is also available to serve the industrial area and a rail loading facility is available to all businesses.

CUSTOMS SERVICE

Canada Customs provides service to Lethbridge via the Coutts Customs Office. Recent upgrades to the Coutts/Sweetgrass Port of Entry include more cooperation between Canada and U.S. customs as well as more service lanes, both of which help to reduce wait times. These enhancements have facilitated the distribution of goods between the United States and Canada. A total of four sufferance warehouses are located throughout the city.

WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION

Warehouses for freight are readily available throughout the city. These include standard and refrigerated facilities. Terminal facilities are also on hand, many of which offer third party logistics capabilities.

TRANSIT SERVICE

LA Transit offers service to most residential areas seven days a week. Also offered by LA Transit is school bussing for the public and separate systems plus a variety of charter services.

Utilities

All roles associated with providing municipal services (sewer, water, waste, recycling services and regulated electricity) are provided by Lethbridge Utility Services, a department within the City of Lethbridge.

Water

The City of Lethbridge Water Treatment Plant is a modern facility with a capacity of 150 million litres per day. Currently, the peak daily water demand on the plant is about 80% of the design capacity. Lethbridge drinking water consistently exceeds Federal and Provincial regulatory requirements due to filter performance providing less than 0.1 NTU of turbidity, and the combination of ultraviolet and chloramines disinfection. Lethbridge uses a declining block structure and the commercial charges are based on a specified schedule.

Wastewater

The City of Lethbridge owns and operates a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant. This plant provides full secondary treatment, incorporating biological nutrient removal into an activated sludge treatment process; meeting Alberta Environment guidelines for the reduction of nutrients that would impact downstream water quality. Wastewater effluent is also disinfected with ultraviolet light. The plant has the capacity to treat 49,000 cubic metres per day and currently treats approximately 14 million cubic metres per year (75% of capacity) to a level above Alberta Environment effluent guidelines.

Fixed connection charge of $6.75 per month (3/4”metre).

Variable charge based on consumption is $0.780 per cubic metre

Industrial rate is based on sewage characteristics and mass loading

Electricity

The City of Lethbridge provides electric distribution service and has one of the lowest distribution tariffs in southern Alberta. The city builds, operates and maintains all transmission, distribution and service facilities to the point of delivery. The customer is responsible for all downstream electrical facilities and equipment.

In Alberta, customers have a choice of who they buy their electricity from. This means customers can purchase the regulated rate option from the City of Lethbridge or from an alternative electricity retailer. The Regulated Rate Option (RRO) offers residential and small business consumers (under 250 Kwh/year) the opportunity to receive electricity at a regulated rate. More information on how electricity is purchased in Lethbridge and within the province of Alberta is available from the office of Utilities Consumer Advocate at: www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca.

Natural Gas

Alberta’s deregulated market allows customers to either purchase natural gas from a gas marketer or to purchase gas from the local gas utility company. In Lethbridge, the local gas utility is ATCO Gas. Under either option, ATCO Gas will deliver the gas. More information on Alberta’s natural gas system is available at: www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca.

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Complete end-to-end telecommunication service is available in Lethbridge. Fibre optic cable is available throughout the city and can be provided to any location in Lethbridge. All providers have redundant capabilities built into their fibre optic networks and can provide worry-free uninterrupted telecommunication service.

Solid Waste Disposal

Non-hazardous waste can be hauled to the City of Lethbridge owned Lethbridge Regional Landfill a licensed Class II landfill. It is located approximately 10 kilometres from the industrial area, directly north on 43^rd Street. Waste accepted by the Regional Landfill includes solid, semi-solid and contained fluid material. Containerized collection service contractors include BFI, Laidlaw, National Salvage and the City of Lethbridge.

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INTERNATIONAL UTILITY COST COMPARISON

Population

Total Population
Population 2008*	83,960
Population 2007*	81,692
Population 2006*	78,713
Population 2005*	77,202
Population 2004*	72,717
Population 2001**	67,375
Population 1996**	63,053
Population 1991**	60,974
Population % change 1991-1996	3.30%
Population % change 1996-2001	6.41%
Population % change 2001-2006	14.40%
* Source: Official Population List, Alberta Municipal Affairs ** Source: Statistics Canada Census

Total Population 1991-2001

Population by Age and Gender	1996 Male	1996 Female	1996 Total	2001 Male	2001 Female	2001 Total
Age 0 - 4	2,090	1,940	4,030	1,910	1,930	3,840
Age 5 - 14	4,320	4,055	8,375	4,325	3,910	8,235
Age 15 - 19	2,275	2,325	4,600	2,485	2,535	5,020
Age 20 - 24	2,635	2,785	5,420	3,050	3,270	6,320
Age 25 - 34	4,600	4,595	9,195	4,440	4,335	8,775
Age 35 - 44	4,810	5,145	9,955	4,880	5,100	9,980
Age 45 - 54	3,530	3,685	7,215	4,500	4,755	9,255
Age 55 - 64	2,410	2,620	5,030	2,745	3,030	5,775
Age 65 - 74	2,090	2,755	4,845	2,350	2,770	5,120
Age 75 and older	1,665	2,715	4,380	1,870	3,180	5,050
Total All Persons	30,425	32,630	63,055	32,545	34,825	67,370
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Lethbridge Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older	2001	%
People without high school certificates	12,700	25.82%
People with high school certificates	5,065	10.30%
People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma	15,520	31.56%
People with post-secondary education (not completed)	7,380	15.01%
People with university diploma/certificate	935	1.90%
People with university degree	7,580	15.41%
Total Population 20 years and older	49,180	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Lethbridge Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Population with Post Secondary Qualifications	1996	%	2001	%
Agriculture and biological sciences	1,520	7.31%	1,745	7.22%
Commerce, management and business administration	4,520	21.74%	5,200	21.52%
Educational, recreational and counseling services	2,755	13.25%	3,115	12.89%
Engineering and applied science tech. and trades	4,405	21.19%	5,160	21.36%
Engineering and applied sciences	325	1.56%	360	1.49%
Fine and applied arts	1,230	5.92%	1,490	6.17%
Health professionals, science and technologies	2,670	12.84%	3,335	13.80%
Humanities and related fields	1,130	5.44%	1,125	4.66%
Mathematics and physical sciences	305	1.47%	480	1.99%
Social sciences and related fields	1,875	9.02%	2,085	8.63%
Other and/or no specialization	55	0.26%	70	0.29%
Total people with post secondary qualifications	20,790	100.00%	24,160	100.00%
Females with post-secondary qualifications	10,470	50.36%	12,190	50.46%
Males with post-secondary qualifications	10,320	49.64%	11,970	49.54%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Labour Force

Labour force by activity	1996	2001
In the labour force, both sexes	33,450	37,015
Not in the labour force, both sexes	16,355	17,135
Total population 15 and over	49,800	54,150
Employed, both sexes	31,190	34,995
Unemployed, both sexes	2,260	2,020
Participation rate, both sexes	67.00%	68.00%
Unemployment rate, both sexes	7.00%	6.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Labour Force by Industry Division	1996	% of total	2001	% of total
Agriculture	775	2.36%	560	1.53%
Mining	265	0.81%	380	1.04%
Manufacturing	2,910	8.86%	3,580	9.75%
Construction	2,135	6.50%	2,590	7.06%
Transportation. & Utilities	2,250	6.85%	1,920	5.23%
Retail and Wholesale	6,910	21.04%	6,300	17.17%
Finance	1,400	4.26%	1,670	4.55%
Business & Community Services	13,505	41.11%	17,925	48.84%
Public Administration	2,035	6.19%	1,770	4.82%
Total All Industries	32,850	100.00%	36,700	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Lethbridge Labour Force By Industry - 2001

Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups	1996	%	2001	%
Management occupations	2,780	8.46%	3,555	9.69%
Business, Finances and administrative occupations	6,025	18.34%	6,075	16.55%
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations	1,330	4.05%	1,500	4.09%
Health occupations	1,780	5.42%	2,155	5.87%
Occupations in social science; education; government and religion	2,555	7.78%	3,260	8.88%
Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport	800	2.44%	775	2.11%
Sales and service occupations	10,250	31.21%	10,365	28.24%
Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations	4,810	14.64%	6,000	16.35%
Occupations unique to primary industry	1,130	3.44%	1,100	3.00%
Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities	1,385	4.22%	1,915	5.22%
Occupations not elsewhere classified	600	1.83%	315	0.86%
Total - All Occupations (major groups)	32,845	100.00%	36,700	100.00%
Females - All Occupations	15,665	47.69%	17,705	48.24%
Males - All Occupations	17,180	52.31%	18,995	51.76%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Income

Family Income (Number of Families)	1996	%	2001	%
less than $19,999	1,375	9.33%	1,795	12.23%
$20,000 - $39,999	4,245	28.81%	4,490	30.60%
$40,000 - $59,999	3,965	26.91%	4,475	30.49%
$60,000 and over	5,150	34.95%	5,375	36.63%
Total number of families	14,735	100.00%	16,135	109.95%
Average family income	$55,912		$61,425
Median family income	$48,327		$53,145
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Household Income (Number of Households)	1996	%	2001	%
less than $19,999	5,790	23.63%	5,385	19.85%
$20,000 - $39,999	7,185	29.33%	6,990	25.76%
$40,000 - $59,999	5,475	22.35%	5,690	20.97%
$60,000 and over	1,845	7.53%	9,065	33.41%
Total number of households	24,500	100.00%	27,130	100.00%
Average household income	$45,544		$52,841
Median household income	$38,014		$44,105
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Family Expenditure

Expenditure Category	1992	% of total	1996	% of total
Food and Shelter	$260,433,120	37.06%	$313,015,013	38.97%
Clothing	$48,462,425	6.90%	$52,829,210	6.58%
Education and Reading materials	$15,070,630	2.14%	$17,689,281	2.20%
Health and Personal care	$43,770,875	6.23%	$55,850,821	6.95%
Hshld. operations and furnishings	$77,353,840	11.01%	$90,127,932	11.22%
Recreation	$57,784,925	8.22%	$75,519,171	9.40%
Transportation	$144,014,350	20.49%	$132,268,287	16.47%
Miscellaneous	$55,701,790	7.93%	$65,877,896	8.20%
Total Current Consumption	$702,804,705	100.00%	$803,177,611	100.00%
Total # of Households	23,325		24,500
Average Consumption per Household	$30,131		$32,783
Source: Statistics Canada Family Expenditure Survey 1992 & 1996 (numbers may not add up due to rounding).

Lethbridge Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Building Permit Values	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
Building Permits Value, Commercial	$39,840,000	$26,916,000	$31,103,000	$29,944,000	$47,143,000
Building Permits Value, Industrial	$1,315,000	$4,289,000	$2,656,000	$1,418,000	$10,496,000
Building Permits Value, Institutional	$27,994,000	$31,165,000	$18,958,000	$27,952,000	$28,219,000
Building Permits Value, Residential	$67,443,000	$75,197,000	$74,142,000	$76,032,000	$78,695,000
Building Permits Value, Total	$136,592,000	$137,567,000	$126,859,000	$135,346,000	$164,553,000
Total Housing Starts	817	780	763	723	778
Source: Statistics Canada 2000-2004 Building Permits (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Occupied Private Dwellings by Type	1996	% of total	2001	% of total
Apartments	3,470	14.16%	3,875	14.28%
Detached Duplexes	1,050	4.29%	1,250	4.61%
Movable Dwellings	70	0.29%	645	2.38%
Other single attached house	55	0.22%	35	0.13%
Row and semi-detached house	2,965	12.10%	3,240	11.94%
Single-detached house	16,875	68.88%	18,085	66.66%
Total number of occupied private dwellings	24,500	100.00%	27,130	100.00%
Private dwellings, owned	16,790	68.53%	19,050	70.22%
Private Dwellings, rented	7,715	31.49%	8,080	29.78%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Private Dwellings by Period of Construction	# of Dwellings	% of total
Period of construction, before 1946	2,885	10.64%
Period of construction, 1946 - 1960	4,965	18.30%
Period of construction, 1961 - 1970	3,685	13.59%
Period of construction, 1971 - 1980	6,970	25.70%
Period of construction, 1981 - 1990	4,075	15.02%
Period of construction, 1991 - 2001	4,545	16.76%
Total number of private dwellings constructed	27,125	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Projects

Summary of Projects in Lethbridge as of April 2009

Project Sector	Number of Projects	Project Cost
Institutional	13	$409,100,000
Infrastructure	13	$163,500,000
Tourism/Recreation	3	$48,400,000
Commercial/Retail	1	$5,200,000
Total	30	$626,200,000
This inventory lists projects in Alberta that have recently been completed, are under construction, or are proposed to start construction. Not all projects are listed due to reasons of confidentiality and/or due to information not being available at the time of printing. Project data is obtained from public information sources, where possible, this data has been verified with the project proponent/developer, users of the Inventory may wish to confirm project data with the proponent/developer. The inventory does not breakdown project expenditures by any given year. The cost of a project is the value of expenditures expected over all phases of project construction, which may span over two or more years. Cost of projects listed in the Inventory are estimated values only. Source: Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry.

Value of Projects by Sector (as of April 2009)

Project Status	Number of Projects	Project Cost
Announced	6	$215,600,000
Nearing Completion	2	$23,000,000
Proposed	16	$194,400,000
Under Construction	6	$193,200,000
Total	30	$626,200,000
This inventory lists projects in Alberta that have recently been completed, are under construction, or are proposed to start construction. Not all projects are listed due to reasons of confidentiality and/or due to information not being available at the time of printing. Project data is obtained from public information sources, where possible, this data has been verified with the project proponent/developer, users of the Inventory may wish to confirm project data with the proponent/developer. The inventory does not breakdown project expenditures by any given year. The cost of a project is the value of expenditures expected over all phases of project construction, which may span over two or more years. Cost of projects listed in the Inventory are estimated values only. Source: Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry.

Largest Projects in Lethbridge as of April 2009

Company Name	Project Description	Project Location	Project Cost	Construction Schedule	Status
Alberta Health and Wellness	Lethbridge Regional Hospital Re-development Phase 1	Lethbridge	$141,400,000	2008-2010	Announced
University of Lethbridge	Management and Health Sciences Building (Markin Building)	Lethbridge	$65,000,000	2008-2010	Under Construction
Alberta Infrastructure*	West Lethbridge Centre	Lethbridge	$48,500,000	2008-2010	Under Construction
City of Lethbridge	ENMAX Centre Renovations / Expansion	Lethbridge	$33,700,000	2009-2012	Announced
Alberta Health and Wellness	Renovations Chinook Regional Hospital (cancer radiation therapy centre)	Lethbridge	$33,700,000	2008-2010	Under Construction
City of Lethbridge	New Fleet Services Building plus Other Work	Lethbridge	$24,000,000	-	Proposed
All Saints Parish	New Catholic Church	Lethbridge	$20,000,000	-	Proposed
Chinook Health Region / Choices in Community Living	'Legacy Lodge' ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY, LEGACY RIDGE	Lethbridge	$20,000,000	2009-2010	Under Construction
City of Lethbridge	FIRE HALL / FIRE HEADQUARTERS / EMS SERVICES FACILITY	Lethbridge	$19,800,000	2009-2010	Announced
City of Lethbridge	Water and Wastewater Lines in W Lethbridge	Lethbridge	$19,500,000	-	Proposed