Janet Opoku-Ware(R) and Charity Okaforl(L) studying at Centre Core Lethbridge College. Photo by Tosin Liadi
The City of Lethbridge is known for its pleasant summers and mild winters. It stands as the third-largest community in Alberta based on municipal census data. The city has experienced consistent growth as compiled by Economic Development Lethbridge with its population rising from 96,828 in 2016 to 101,148 in 2021. The population continues to grow and what’s the most interesting thing is that more than 25 per cent of the population is under the age of 34.
The rapid growth of Lethbridge has a lot to do with drawing in a significant number of migrants. According to Michael Franklin in his report, “Lethbridge is growing” on January 12, 2023, the latest Statistics Canada data indicates a population increase of 2,967 between July 1, 2021 and July 1, 2022. International migration, accounting for 1,412 people was identified as the primary driver of this growth. International migration was not only experienced in the city, the educational institutions in the city also witnessed this growth. Muneer Nazam, an international student support coordinator, Lethbridge College was once a student three years ago. He saw that things are much better now compared to a few years ago when he studied at the college.
“There are more than 51 countries represented on campus. In 2021, I think when I came here, it was between 600 to 700 international students on campus at that time. But this year there are almost 1,200 international students,” said Nazam.
Several factors contribute to Lethbridge’s appeal to immigrants. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to other places in Alberta, providing residents with affordability and a comfortable lifestyle. Josephine Ibrahim, a migrant Lethbridge resident corroborated the claim that one of the reasons she moved to Lethbridge was because of its affordability and the warm winters experienced in the city which encouraged her and her family relocate from Edmonton.
“Apart from the fact that I got a better job in Lethbridge, I did not overthink my decision because it was quite cheaper to live here and grow a family. More so, the city experiences warm winters too,” said Ibrahim.
Having both a university and college in the same community provides an excellent opportunity for young people to engage with one another. This enhances the city’s attractiveness by offering quality and affordable Canadian education. The growing diversity in Lethbridge has brought advancement to the community and residents. Nazam emphasizes that diversity has encouraged more people to learn more about other cultures without traveling to those countries.
“In a single country, there are so many cultures, so many diverse backgrounds, it’s a really good thing we’re seeing really nice diversity on campus, I would say,” said Nazam.
Much more than that, the growing diversity in Lethbridge has led to a booming economy. Immigrant businesses and culture have flourished with an increase in the opening of authentic restaurants and stores. The diversity has also addressed the labour shortage experienced by employers in the city, with immigrants filling positions and contributing to the increased enrollment in public institutions.
Overall, Lethbridge’s attractiveness to immigrants is many-sided, encompassing factors such as affordability, education, economic opportunities and much more.