Lethbridge Herald
Remembering the fallen, honouring their service and sacrifice 25 years later
Friday marked the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attack on New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, where more than 2,000 people lost their lives, including first responders, and Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services honoured their memory with its annual...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Southern Alberta puts its heart into $30M
The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation and the Southern Alberta Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet welcomed donors, health-care leaders, elected officials and community partners to Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday to celebrate the Bringing Hearts...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Lethbridge Polytechnic halls come alive
There’s something about the first day of school that makes everyone a little bit of a freshman. At Lethbridge Polytechnic on Wednesday, the Centre Core was abuzz as students stopped at tables for academic advice, asked questions about student services...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
New faces, new energy at the U of L
The University of Lethbridge welcomed new students to campus Tuesday morning for New Student Orientation to get them acquainted with their surroundings prior to the first day of classes. The day began with a welcome ceremony in the gymnasium where...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Renaissance Faire returns bigger and better with more medieval fun
Fort Whoop-Up visitors step back in time Saturday during period dancing lessons, one of several activities featured at the second annual Renaissance Faire. The event also featured the return of fully armoured knights battling in the lists, archery and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Two-tier care draws interest from nearly 400 Alberta physicians
Nearly 400 specialist physicians in Alberta have expressed interest in participating in the province’s new dualpractice health system, a move critics warn creates a two-tiered model that risks destabilizing public care. The province announced the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Knights, fairies, wizards and history return to the Fort
The Galt Museum and Archives is bringing back the Renaissance Faire at Fort Whoop-Up on Saturday after a successful inaugural year. The event welcomes the continued partnership of local medieval community groups, including The Company of the Black...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Black Velvet celebrates 75 years
Black Velvet Whiskey celebrated its 75th anniversary Wednesday just outside the distillery that has been part of the community for the past 53 years. During the celebratory ceremony, Black Velvet master distiller Jonathan Goldberg shared some of the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
School is back and it’s safety first
The Alberta Motor Association in partnership with Lethbridge police and the City of Lethbridge, is reminding residents to be vigilant around school zones now that students are back on the road travelling to and from school. With more children,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Moving together, healing together: Running toward recovery
For Tyler Forsyth, crossing the finish line Sunday was about much more than completing a 5K. It was another step forward. Forsyth, who has gone through the recovery program at Fresh Start Recovery, joined more than 100 runners and walkers at Henderson...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Astronaut Jeremy Hansen and crewmates to receive American Congressional Space Medal of Honor
Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen has become the first non-NASA astronaut to receive the American Congressional Space Medal of Honor in a ceremony alongside his crewmates on Friday. U.S. President Donald Trump awarded the four Artemis II astronauts —...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Siksika opens new chapter in healing with state-of-the-art recovery lodge
Siksika Alta. – The excitement was almost tangible at the grand opening of Iitaisokinaapyoyis Healing Lodge Recovery Centre held Wednesday. This state-of-the-art, 75 bed recovery community is the second of five recovery communities to open on First...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Alberta Premier advocates internal trade reform amid border tariffs
Premier Danielle Smith maintained a firm but pragmatic stance during her media availability regarding the escalating United States trade dispute, outlining provincial strategies that prioritize long-term economic resilience over reactionary...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Ottawa to hit U.S. back with tariffs on steel, aluminum, smartphones and golf clubs
The federal government hit back at the latest escalation in the trade war with the United States on Tuesday, announcing plans to hike American steel and aluminum tariffs from 25 to 50 per cent. The move, which will come into force on Sept. 8, is part...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Feds to announce details of retaliatory tariffs on U.S.
The federal government is set to unveil details of Canada’s retaliatory tariffs against the United States on Tuesday. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu and Artificial Intelligence...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Whoop-Up Days wraps-up the excitement today
Whoop-Up Days will wrap up tonight after five days of entertainment, food, rides, marketplace, Indigenous activities and agricultural education — with fireworks, rodeo, wrestling and more. Director of event development with Excite Lethbridge, Paul...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Strathcona Mounted Troop showcase history, multiple skills at Whoop-Up Days
The Strathcona Mounted Troop took part of Whoop-Up Days this year to not only share a piece of history with those in attendance, but also to showcase horsemanship and precision riding skills. Master Corporal Brennan Maddison with the Strathcona...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Creative float entries entertain Whoop-Up Days parade attendees
The Whoop-Up Days parade saw hundreds of people in attendance hoping to catch a glimpse of more than 100 floats and the Grey Cup. This year’s theme was Midway Magic and director of event development with Excite Lethbridge, Paul Kingsmith said many...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Lethbridge Special Olympians bring home gold, silver and bronze
For the Lethbridge athletes who headed to Medicine Hat for the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, the trip home came with a little extra weight in their luggage. There were medals. But there was also something harder to pack away: the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Brand new Blood Tribe Twin Rinks is ready for the big puck drop
A new, 86,000 sq. ft state-of-theart arena on the Blood Reserve is ready for puck drop and will provide a for community gatherings for generations to come. Blood Tribe Twin Rinks held their grand opening celebration yesterday, filling the stands for...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Foodgrains Harvest cancelled after devasating storm wipes out crops
As communities across the region prepare for the fall harvest, a storm that swept through Coaldale Tuesday evening, wiped out entire crops and left many area farmers devastated. Late in the afternoon on Aug. 11, a southeast moving storm south of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Four years later, Medicine Hat’s Special Olympics moment arrives
The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games opened in Medicine Hat this week, four years after the city’s first chance to host was cancelled because of COVID-19. Following cancellation the city re-bid and was chosen to host in 2025. The city was first...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A Flame, a community, a message
There was a torch to carry, a route to run and a national competition waiting at the end of it. But for the athletes, families, police officers, volunteers and supporters gathered outside Lethbridge City Hall Sunday, the Flame of Hope carried...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Lethbridge couple’s 54-year tradition hits a $100 roadblock at Glacier National Park
Setting out from their home in Lethbridge, Alberta, on the dawn of their 54th wedding anniversary, Ric and Sharon Swyhart thought they had planned for everything. Every year since they were married, the couple has driven south across the border to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
McGuinty wants to revive BATUS tank training program
Federal Minister of Defence David McGuinty says he is working to restore the BATUS tank training program, which ground to a halt in 2023 after decades of collaboration at CFB Suffield. McGuinty was in Alberta on Thursday for an itinerary that included...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Southern Alberta Art Gallery set for $7.7M modernization
The Southern Alberta Art Gallery Maansiksikaitsitapiitsinikssin (SAAG) will undergo a major $7.714-million modernization and expansion project, the City of Lethbridge announced Wednesday. The initiative is part of the city’s 2022 to 2031 Capital...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Survey shows more confidence in local policing
After a community survey was conducted earlier this year, Lethbridge Police Service found that public confidence and perception of safety is at its highest level in recent years. The 2026 Community Survey found record or near-record results across...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Heritage Day brings the world together at Henderson Lake Park
If the quickest way to discover another culture is through its food, then Henderson Lake Park was the place to be Monday. The aromas of sizzling meats, fresh bannock, sweet pastries and savoury dishes from around the world drifted through the air as...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Stuff the Bus campaign now underway
The annual Stuff the Bus campaign, in partnership with the Ready, Set, GO! initiative, is officially underway, and organizers are in dire need of community support. With early community donations rolling in slower than expected, organizers are...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Firearms, knives and edged weapons seized in relation to drug trafficking investigation
On July 15, members of Lethbridge Police and the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) executed a search warrant along the 2000 block of 7 Avenue North, which resulted in the seizure of two dozen firearms, nearly 200 knives and edged weapons...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
EMS’s future remains uncertain
Mayor Blaine Hyggen shared an update on the future of Emergency Medical Services on Wednesday and said city council received an update on the EMS contract Tuesday. Hyggen shared that city council met with Minister Adriana LaGrange, Alberta’s Minister...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wide Skies finds new footing downtown
There was no rooftop view at this year’s Wide Skies Music and Art Festival. Instead, there was grass beneath the lawn chairs, blankets spread across the ground, a light summer breeze and live music drifting through downtown Lethbridge. After five...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Legion commemorates Korean War Armistice Day
The Royal Canadian Legion General Stewart Branch No. 4 commemorated Korean War Armistice Day on Monday with a wreath laying ceremony at the Lethbridge Cenotaph. Although often referred to as Canada’s “Forgotten War” the Legion says the service and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LFES wants extra precautions taken to lessen fire risk
With extreme heat and dry conditions continuing over the weekend, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) is reminding residents there is an increased fire risk, especially along the river valley, and they are asking visitors of the area to take...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Canadian Blood Services urges donors as blood supply drops 20%
Canadian Blood Services is encouraging residents who are eligible to donate blood or plasma, to do so as they are experiencing a blood supply declined by nearly 20 per cent since June 1. Community development manager with Canadian Blood Services,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Lethbridge Police Make Strides Against Crime
In 2025, the Crime Severely Index (CSI) results represented a balanced picture. Overall crime is down, more crimes are being solved, and more offenders are being held accountable. At the same time, several serious offences increased and continued to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Life jackets save lives, rescuers stress
This week marks National Drowning Prevention Week and Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) is asking residents and visitors to be safe near water. On Tuesday, members of the Water Rescue Team engaged in a training exercise in the Oldman River...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
U.S. hits Canada with steep tariffs on range of products, including hockey sticks
President Donald Trump signed orders Monday to hammer certain Canadian products with 50 per cent tariffs, escalating trade tensions with the United States’ northern neighbour. “President Trump took decisive action to hold Canada accountable for its...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Strathcona troop rides into Whoop-up Days
Whoop-Up Days is bringing a piece of history to those in attendance this year through the Strathcona Mounted Troop to showcase horsemanship, precision riding skills and a colourful display to entertain guests of all ages. Director of event development...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Latest dispute brings renewed attention to Jeffrey Rath’s long history of legal and disciplinary proceedings
One of Alberta’s most outspoken separatist agitators is embroiled in a legal battle with a First Nation in what is the latest in a long list of legal and professional challenges. Jeffrey Rath was the subject of a hearing Wednesday that saw Court of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Good Movement puts wellness, youth first at Twin Arenas
An Indigenous-led organization, aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles for Indigenous people, has taken over the operations of the new Blood Tribe Twin Arenas in Standoff. Good Movement was founded by Tyler Swag in 2023 as he found healing from his...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
After 10 years, new Piyami Lodge finally takes shape
After a decade of advocating and planning, the Green Acres Foundation’s Piyami Lodge in Picture Butte is finally being replaced with a new two-story seniors’ living community. On Tuesday morning, residents heard the good news from Green Acres...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Federal crime secretary hears Lethbridge concerns on safety, homelessness
Earlier this week, Ruby Sahota, secretary of state for combatting crime, paid a visit to Lethbridge where she had the opportunity to tour the downtown core and meet with city officials. She says she was amazed at the city’s ability to think outside of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Secretary of State for combatting crime visits
Earlier this week, Member of Parliamnet Ruby Sahota, Secretary of State for combatting crime, paid a visit to Lethbridge where she had the opportunity to tour the downtown core and meet with city officials. She says she was amazed at the city’s...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ALBERTA DECIDES: Inside Canadians’ views on Alberta’s outside ambitions
Anthony Koch’s Canada includes Alberta. And a prosperous one at that. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have questions about what’s happening here right now. “From my perspective, there’s a question. Even for those of us that like Alberta, love...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Kids ‘N’ Kops gives youth an inside look at policing
For most children, climbing aboard an armoured rescue vehicle, peering through its rotating roof turret or watching a tactical robot navigate toward a mock house would be enough to make for an unforgettable summer day. For the nine youngsters taking...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
New nighttime outreach patrol to help Lethbridge’s most vulnerable people
A new nighttime outreach patrol will hit the streets within the next couple of weeks to provide resources and support to the city’s vulnerable population. Alvin Mills, founder of Kii-Maa-PiiPii-Tsin (meaning kindness to others), says his organization...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Premiers Smith, Ford unveil proposed pipeline route
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled Monday a route for a proposed westeast oil pipeline. The two premiers say it would stretch 3,300 kilometres from Hardisty, Alta., to refineries in Sarnia, Ont., without crossing the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Feds invest in southern Alberta through RTRI
The federal government is investing into multiple projects in Lethbridge and across southern Alberta through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). With tariffs and shifting global trade conditions increasing pressures on businesses across...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LFES issues boating advisory for Oldman River
Following the recent rain events Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services have issued a boating advisory on the Oldman River as water levels are higher than normal. Water Rescue Team lead with Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services, Charles Schoening...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Keeping Shakespeare alive
Shakespeare has survived plagues, wars and more than 400 years of history. A little Southern Alberta weather isn’t about to stop him now. After Monday’s rehearsal was chased indoors by threatening skies at Gate Church, members of the Lethbridge...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LFES transitions to CRTC-based initiative
With technology rapidly evolving, the Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is evolving along with it to improve and modernize their system. The transition is part of Canada’s nationwide move toward Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1), a modernization...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
King Lear brings tragedy and community to the stage at Galt Gardens
The Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society is bringing back Shakespeare in the park to entertain audiences and this year they are showcasing King Lear in multiple locations. King Lear director, Shelley Scott says they are doing 14 shows this year...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Lethbridge Police put out reminder about speed restrictions as school year concludes
School is out for the Summer, but Lethbridge Police remind residents that school and playground zones are harmonized and speed limit restrictions continue to apply throughout the Summer. LPS sergeant in charge of the Traffic Response Unit, Tony...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Gardeners dig into city’s black gold giveaway
Some people arrived with fivegallon buckets. Others showed up carrying beach pails, storage totes, plastic grocery bags and whatever containers they could scrounge from garages, sheds and garden corners. On Wednesday afternoon, a steady stream of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Hyggen, Nunweiler weigh in on procurement strategy decision
After the halt of the current procurement strategy for integrated Fire and EMS operators was announced Monday, Lethbridge Mayor and president of the Lethbridge Firefighters IAFF local 237 shared their thoughts on the matter Tuesday afternoon. Mayor...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Procurement strategy for integrated Fire/ EHS operators halted by province
On Monday Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, Adriana LaGrange shared on her social media that she had directed EHS Alberta to halt its current procurement strategy for integrated Fire/EHS operators. Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Learning Garden party plants seeds of community connection
The last day of spring ended the way summer likes to introduce itself. Sunshine warmed the raised beds at the Interfaith Food Bank (IFB) Society of Lethbridge’s Learning Garden on Friday while a playful breeze occasionally sent paper plates,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Referendums , rhetoric and reading the fine print
Most Albertans will probably show up at the polls on Oct. 19 thinking about one referendum question. The problem is they’ll be handed 10. That was one of the key warnings from political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt during Thursday’s Southern Alberta...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Construction begins on Whoop-Up ramp
West side commuters will see some construction happening along the westbound Whoop-Up Drive on-ramp starting this week to add a second lane to it. This is the first step on a series of upgrades taking place in the area. Road Infrastructure Manager...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Pride flag rises over City Hall as community celebrates progress and looks ahead to week of events
The Pride flag rose above Lethbridge City Hall Monday evening beneath threatening skies, but the mood below remained unmistakably hopeful. More than 100 people gathered outside City Hall to officially launch Pride Week in Lethbridge, celebrating...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Carney in France for G7 summit after Trump says deal reached with Iran
Canada stands ready to help restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz if an announced breakthrough in talks between Iran and the U.S. comes to fruition, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday, ahead of the G7 leaders’ summit in the French Alps. Carney...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Library leaders raise concerns over Bill 28’s capabilities
For more than a century, Alberta’s public libraries have largely answered to the communities they serve. That long-standing model of local governance and accountability is now facing its biggest challenge in decades, according to two southern Alberta...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Lethbridge Police implementing body cameras
Lethbridge Police frontline officers will begin to use body-worn cameras on Monday to record interactions with the public. Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh said Thursday that this program is about strengthening, transparency, accountability, and public trust...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CIC discuss 2027 Operating Budget deliberations
The Community Issues Committee met Wednesday for 2027 Operating Budget deliberations, to make recommendations for city council to review later. During the meeting Chief Financial Officer, Darrell Mathews explained that one item that was not included...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Water Not Coal clears hurdle as Corb Lund gathers petitions in Lethbridge
The stacks of petition sheets piled up at Bully’s Sport & Entertainment Centre on Sunday represented more than signatures. They represented months of conversations at farmers’ markets, community events, kitchen tables and doorsteps across Alberta, all...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Kirk’s Tire rolls into 90th year of business
A 400-pound female fiberglass mascot that has been kidnapped by graduating students three times might seem like an unusual symbol for a successful business. But then again, there is nothing quite ordinary about a company that has spent nine decades...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
City asking residents to stay away from river areas that are still closed
The City of Lethbridge is asking residents to refrain from areas that remain closed due to heavy rainfall, the riverbanks along the Old Man River, and to continue conserving water until further notice. Even though the rain has stopped, conditions...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
City looking at how to keep airport viable
With the last commercial passenger flight from WestJet taking place on June 24, the City of Lethbridge is looking for ways to keep the airport viability, after renovations were completed less than five years ago. Capital infrastructure investments in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
City shares river’s water levels and safety tips
With the Old Man River levels rising over the last couple of days, the City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services provided an update on how this is affecting the Water Treatment Plant and how to stay safe. The city shared that the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Businesses, residents asked to conserve water as treatment plants face challenges
The City of Lethbridge is asking residents and businesses to conserve water as heavy rainfall is creating challenges in the water and wastewater treatment plants. General manager of Water, Wastewater, and Electric Utilities for the city of Lethbridge,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Weekend Rain Could Ease River Valley Fire Risk
With weather conditions calling for rain over the weekend, there is hope in the horizon not only for greener grass, but also for a potential fire ban lift in the river valley. Chief Fire Marshal, Troy Hicks told the Herald Friday that it all depends...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Cedar Ridge Homes breaks ground on big westside development
It was a monumental day on Thursday for Cedar Ridge Homes as they held a ground-breaking ceremony for the residential piece of the Core Crossings project on the westside. There will be over 450 residential units built under this phase and will include...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Little Souls marathon get Lethbridge kids moving
For one warm Wednesday evening, the track at Chinook High School became the finish line to hundreds of tiny marathons. As air horns blasted and children bounced impatiently behind ropes waiting for their age group to start, more than 600 young...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Feds called on to halt MAID for mental illness through open letter
Ninety disability advocacy and mental health organizations have signed an open letter urging the federal Liberals to permanently exclude people with mental illness from eligibility for medical assistance in dying. Inclusion Canada is leading the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)