2015 has been an exciting year for Lethbridge.
Having been on the forefront of political change during the provincial election, Lethbridge can now call itself home to Alberta’s first minister for the status of women.
Lethbridge is not the city it was 25 years ago, let alone 10.
Driven by the annual influx of students to the university and college from across Canada and the world, downtown has transformed into a vibrant local for independent businesses.
Restaurants and bars catering to all tastes can be found run by entrepreneurs with a drive for providing patrons the best experience.
The intersection of 6 St. and 3 Ave. is the focal point of this revival.
Across the street from Galt Gardens, one can find independent shops and boutiques as well as food ranging from sushi to poutine all the while enjoying a drink at one of the locally-owned bars.
Outside of the influence of the oil patch up north, Lethbridge’s economy has remained stable.
Relying on value-added agriculture jobs such as the distillery and canola processing plant in the industrial park, Lethbridge has been able to absorb most of the blow that has affected other Alberta cities since the collapse of crude prices last year.
Commercial brewing will return 25 years after the closure of the old Pilsner brewery in 1990.
Two locally owned operations will be bringing the microbrewing revolution to Lethbridge, with production to be in full swing by the end of the year.
Expansions, either planned or in progress, at both the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College will allow for both institutions to remain at the forefront of post-secondary education in the province.
Arts and culture have come into their own, as well.
The CASA arts centre, home to gallery and rehearsal space, also gives residents access to arts programs as well as the U of L’s music conservatory for lessons.
Live musical performances are available for all tastes throughout the year.
Every September, CKXU hosts Love and Records, one of Canada’s largest used music sales in Galt Gardens, bringing in acts from across Canada like Scenic Route to Alaska to Fred Penner to entertain the crowds.
The indie movement has also started to catch speed in the community with and independent label and hip hop acts calling the city home.
Not only independent and hip hop music is popular, the, electronic dance has gained a foothold here as well with the Lethbridge Electronic Music Festival, also in Galt Gardens.
From the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra to the big names like Neil Young, the Tragically Hip, Bob Dylan and Elton John that take the time to stop at the Enmax Centre, there’s something for everyone, even if that something in a satirist with a keyboard and a top hat.
From Pride to Octoberfest, Theatre Outré to New West and The Telegraph to Average Joe’s, Lethbridge is changing the way people look at Alberta.
Despite what many perceive the deep south to be, this is certainly not your Father’s Lethbridge.