We reached out to all the Lethbridge City Council Candidates and asked this:
To focus on our future, over the past year Imagine Lethbridge has hosted several “community consultation forums” with over 120 residents and leaders participating, all with varied backgrounds, occupations, interests, etc. The top concerns participants identified were:
Water (access, cleanliness, usage), Food Security (access, availability, affordability) and Renewable Energy (increasing the usage, residential participation). With these concerns in mind:
If elected to Council, how will you contribute to a positive and sustainable social and ecological future for Lethbridge and all its citizens?
In terms of a social sustainable future, we as council need to make sure the financial resources and supports are here to serve the diverse social needs of its residents, including mental health and addictions supports and as your email notes, food security which is a huge issue given the increasing numbers of people using food banks. That means engaging with the experts in our own Community Social Development department on strategies to accomplish that which includes seeking grant funding from different levels of government while also creating funding within our own budgets to better serve our community. We need to create more affordable housing and reduce the red tape that developers have told me they are facing when trying to do that.
As council we need to look at what’s lacking here, what can be improved and how to build on the strengths we have here. As a long-time journalist, I believe in seeking answers which means examining every aspect of an issue to determine the best possible outcome.
Social health in a big way can include physical health which we know is beneficial to mental health. So accessibility to sports programs and equipment is important for children whose families don’t have the financial ability to pay. I believe we can work with the Lethbridge Sport Council to help improve that access.
And we need to find ways of our community exercising their creativity which is why I support the arts wholeheartedly. How can we as council promote participation and inclusion in the arts, be it music, painting, theatre? In this viewpoint, this is important, as well.
In terms of the ecological future, given the worsening impacts of climate change, the threat of water security, it’s imperative council work with administration and organizations such as Environment Lethbridge and the Oldman Watershed Council to develop plans to encourage residents to conserve water and take new approaches to landscape development. I’m a huge supporter of xeriscapy and using plant materials native to our region for yard landscaping. I believe we need to move way from the traditional suburban esthetic of large expanses of green, manicured lawns and acknowledge the changing climate.
I also believe this city needs to increase the urban green canopy by using vegetation to reduce the heat islands here. And that could be accomplished by the City itself making that kind of investment while encouraging residents to do the same through comprehensive engagement to inform residents of the urgency of such an approach.
And we need to reiterate to the provincial government our opposition to any mining in the Eastern Slopes that will release selenium into the watershed, there being absolutely zero evidence selenium can be removed from water supplies.
I’m also a believer in solar energy to reduce our reliance on the electrical grid and create sustainable, affordable power for not only City-owned buildings but residences. What kind of partnerships with the solar industry can be developed to accomplish this? That’s a matter I would certainly be advocating governance direct administration to investigate.
And I believe we need to increase the number of electric vehicle charging stations which I know is not a popular topic in a province whose economy is driven by oil. But the efficiencies of electric vehicles are improving dramatically – including for motorcycles/scooters – and the range anxiety myth needs to be dispelled to increase confidence in alternatives to petroleum-fueled vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.
If re-elected, I’ll continue working toward a Lethbridge that is socially strong, environmentally responsible, and economically resilient – a city where very resident thrives, while we also take care of the systems we depend on.
Over the past term, I’ve supported real, measurable actions that align with these principles. I’ve been a vocal advocate for prioritizing Lethbridge’s water and wastewater infrastructure, while also understanding the need to expand this infrastructure to ensure we are meeting the needs of our residents as well as ensuring our city’s growth remains sustainable and secure. I’ve supported water conservation initiatives, urban forest preservation, and sustainable planning around natural assets, all of which reinforce ecological limits while supporting social foundations, such as connectivity, food, health, and social cohesion. I’ve supported solar integration in housing and commercial projects and supported expanding the Clean Energy Improvement Program, which helps homeowners finance energy-efficient retrofits and lower their long-term costs. These are tangible examples of environmental sustainability creating economic and social benefit.
I have also heard from residents that food security and access to grocery stores and food is a fundamental concern in our city. A healthy community depends on reliable access to affordable, nutritious food, and that means ensuring that we are supporting our local food banks, encouraging community gardens, attracting grocery store investment to our city, and zoning for those spaces, as well as working on our transit system so that people can access those businesses and services – it’s about eliminating food deserts. It also means supporting the systems that produce and distribute locally. I’ve consistently supported Lethbridge’s role as a regional leader in agriculture, food innovation, and agri-food processing, and will continue to back initiatives that strengthen those sectors. Through partnerships with Economic Development Lethbridge and regional producers, we’re advancing our position as Canada’s agricultural and agri-food corridor. This approach not only drives local jobs and investment but also improves access, affordability, and resilience in our food supply. It’s all interconnected.
At the same time, I’ve worked to strengthen our city’s social foundation. I supported affordable and supportive housing projects, from the Lethbridge Housing Authority’s Nokoowaayi and Cottages at Southgate developments, to the YWCA Hope transitional housing program, and projects by the Aboriginal Housing Society and Blackfoot Family Lodge Society. I brought forward the motion for a childcare needs assessment that identified a shortage of 600 spaces and continue to advocate for expanded childcare access so families can fully participate in work, access to education, and community life. I’ve advanced accessible transit planning, supported creation of a transit advisory committee, support fee assistance to transit and city recreational facilities, and called for universal design and barrier-free standards in city infrastructure.
Economic sustainability is equally critical. I’ve supported Economic Development Lethbridge and Tourism Lethbridge in their work to diversify our economy – from agrifood and logistics to food and sport tourism, creative industries, technology, and renewable energy. I co-sponsored the Long-Term Financial Sustainability Framework to protect our fiscal health while maintaining service levels, ensuring Lethbridge can afford the infrastructure and social supports that a thriving, sustainable city requires. I’m also interested in the development of a concierge-style service model to connect new residents, workers, and investors with housing, education, childcare, and business opportunities – helping people and businesses succeed here without waste or redundancy.
My platform also reflects the Municipal Development Plan’s focus on compact, connected, and complete communities. I’ve supported infill development, gentle densification, transit-oriented planning, and downtown revitalization, including Festival Square and the downtown playground – investments that activate public space and support multi-modal transportation. I’ve also championed walkable, connected neighbourhoods, that see bike path and trail accessibility, and year-round park use that promotes community health, reduces environmental impact, and also supports our economic development in the tourism sector.
The Municipal Development Plan envisions a city that grows within its means – socially, economically, and environmentally – and my record shows that’s how I lead. I’ll continue to integrate social wellbeing, fiscal responsibility, economic development, and environmental stewardship into every decision, ensuring we protect what makes Lethbridge livable and vibrant for generations to come.
This is my vision: a city where residents thrive, businesses grow, and people feel proud to call home.
We fix the climate by solving our problems and improving our communities.
> Building missing middle housing is climate action.
> Building walkable communities is climate action.
> Building bike infrastructure is climate action.
> Building public transit is climate action.
> Taxing the rich is climate action.
> Unionization is climate action.
> Working from home is climate action.
> Investment in rural communities is climate action.
> Transitioning to a 30-hour work week is climate action.
When it comes to water issues:
I’m a believer in promoting water conservation programs like xeriscaping.
We, as council need to be stewards of infrastructure investment to ensure water and wastewater systems are up to date and efficient.
We could look at ways to make improvements to stormwater areas and perhaps monitor pollution issues in the Oldman River watershed.
And since I’ve always advocated for partnerships we need to work with the Oldman Watershed Council and provincial agencies to ensure long-term water security amid climate changes.
We need to strengthen the local food system and make healthy, affordable food accessible to all residents.
That would include encouraging local food production: Support community gardens, urban farming, and greenhouse initiatives on city land. I support at least a pilot project for Urban Hens.
Collaborate with agricultural groups and markets to expand access to locally grown foods.
The city’s organics program needs to continue.
I’d like to support educational programs by working with schools and organizations like the Lethbridge Sustainable Living Association to teach residents about food sustainability.
My hope is that we can transition toward clean, reliable, and affordable energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
I’d like to encourage solar panels on municipal buildings, schools, and businesses through incentives and partnerships. One of those initiatives was implemented by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
The city is always looking to attract new businesses. Perhaps we could
attract green industries by making Lethbridge a hub for renewable energy research, manufacturing, and innovation.
I hope we can ensure environmental action improves quality of life for all residents.
That means that low-income and marginalized communities benefit from water, energy, and food programs.
And again, partnerships: bring together post-secondary institutions, Indigenous communities, nonprofits, and businesses to co-develop sustainability initiatives.
I appreciate the work of Imagine Lethbridge and the community members who have come together to talk about our city’s future. Conversations like these help ensure that our Municipal Development Plan reflects the values and priorities of the people who live here.
I believe in taking a balanced, practical approach — one that supports both social well-being and environmental sustainability. For Lethbridge, that means protecting our water supply, encouraging local food production and access, and supporting renewable energy initiatives where they make sense for residents and businesses.
We can integrate many of the principles from the Doughnut Economy into our planning — focusing on meeting people’s needs without exceeding our environmental limits. By continuing to work together as a community, we can make sure Lethbridge grows responsibly, supports all citizens, and remains a place where future generations can thrive.
Thank you for the inquiry. Your group’s focus on the Municipal Development Plan is important. My platform supports a sustainable social and ecological future for Lethbridge. I will address your community’s top concerns with specific actions.
Water security is essential for Lethbridge. My plan focuses on responsible management. I will support investment in efficient water infrastructure. The goal is to reduce water loss. I will also support conservation programs for homes and businesses. We need to use smart metering technology for better data.
Food security improves community health. My actions will support local groups and remove city barriers. I will support stable funding for local food banks and support services. I will pursue bylaw changes to simplify rules for community gardens and urban farming. My broader platform addresses affordability. This helps households buy food.
Renewable energy improves economic resilience. It also stabilizes utility costs. I will work to make the city’s permit process for rooftop solar faster and cheaper. The city must lead by improving energy efficiency in its own buildings. I will support exploring partnerships for solar projects on unused city land.
These practical actions will build a more resilient future for all citizens. Thank you for your work on these issues.
I believe that addressing water security, food access, and renewable energy is essential
for building a sustainable and thriving community.
• Water: Protecting and managing our water sources responsibly by supporting
conservation initiatives, ensuring infrastructure is efficient, and advocating for policies
that maintain both access and quality for residents and local agriculture.
• Food Security: Encouraging community gardens, and partnerships with local
producers to improve affordability and availability of fresh food for all households. I will
also explore ways to strengthen local food networks to reduce reliance on external
supply chains.
• Renewable Energy: Research sustainable programs that make it easier for residents
and businesses to adopt solar and other renewable options, and supporting municipal
initiatives that increase energy efficiency.
My goal is to collaborate with community members, local organizations, and experts to
ensure that Lethbridge can grow sustainably while improving the quality of life for every
citizen.
As we receive more responses, we will update this list. Candidates are listed in the order we received responses
Welcome to Imagine Lethbridge’s resource hub.
Here you’ll find key documents, community updates, presentations, and tools to help you learn more about Doughnut Economics and how it’s shaping our work in Lethbridge.
A clear and inspiring overview of the Doughnut model, its origins, and how it redefines economic success for the 21st century.
Principles and Guidelines for Doughnut Economics
A must-read for understanding how to apply the Doughnut model locally and globally.
A free video series covering the fundamentals of Doughnut Economics, including applications in cities and communities
The Wellbeing Economy and Other Frameworks
Learn about different ways we discuss the wellbeing economy.
Community Leaders Forums Summary Report (2024)
A summary of Lethbridge’s early visioning process, highlighting key priorities, challenges, and next steps for bringing Doughnut Economics to life at the local level.
Coming Soon: Community Leaders Forum Summary Report 2025
Imagine Lethbridge has commenced the development of our Community Portrait
To lead this effort, an Imagine Lethbridge Task Group has been formed. This group will connect with residents, businesses, agencies, public sectors, environmentalists, and other stakeholders to design and oversee the development of the portrait. Through shared ideas, experiences, and dreams—combined with facts, data, and personal stories—we will create a comprehensive picture of what makes Lethbridge special and how we can grow sustainably.
A well-crafted community portrait serves as a powerful tool for neighborhoods, cities, and regions worldwide. It identifies key issues, fosters collaboration among diverse groups, and provides a roadmap for long-term planning. For Lethbridge, this evolving portrait will reflect the contributions of everyone involved and guide decisions that ensure our community remains a vibrant place for all to live and age well.
The Task Group currently includes members from the Steering Committee and broader community. However, as more people contribute their voices and ideas, the portrait will continue to grow and change—just as our city does.
A step-by-step guide to creating a holistic Doughnut Portrait of your community, combining social and ecological insights.
Downscaling the Doughnut: Data Portraits in Action
A helpful guide on how to take global Doughnut data and apply it at the local or city level. Includes real-world examples of how communities are using data to create meaningful change.
Pathways for local and regional governments to engage with Doughnut Economics as a tool for transformative action
Practical factsheets addressing local issues like food systems, housing, and economic development through a Doughnut lens.
A visual Miro board offering ideas and inspirations for integrating the Doughnut into city or sectoral strategies.
A guide for local governments to engage with Doughnut Economics, including 12 case studies, available in four languages.
Five Actions You Can Take to Change the World
Royce has identified five concrete actions you can do—on your own, or with others—to change your world.
Lesson plans, activities, and teaching tools for introducing Doughnut Economics in classrooms and workshops.
A set of ready-to-use tools designed to introduce the Doughnut concept to new audiences.
If you have a document, video, or article you think should be added here, please contact us at imaginelethbridge@gmail.com