Lethbridge

{{Main|History of Lethbridge}}

File:Part of Round Street, Lethbridge, AB.jpg

Before the 19th century, the Lethbridge area was populated by several First Nations at various times. The Blackfoot referred to the area as Aksaysim ("steep banks"), Mek-kio-towaghs ("painted rock"), Assini-etomochi ("where we slaughtered the Cree") and Sik-ooh-kotok ("coal"). The Tsuutʼina (Sarcee) referred to it as Chadish-kashi ("black/rocks"), the Cree as Kuskusukisay-guni ("black/rocks"), and the Nakoda (Stoney) as Ipubin-saba-akabin ("digging coal"). The Kutenai referred to it as ʔa•kwum.{{Cite web | title=FirstVoices: Nature / Environment—place names: words. Ktunaxa. | access-date=July 7, 2012 | url=http://www.firstvoices.com/en/Ktunaxa/word-query-results?q=id&btn=Search&archive=Ktunaxa&lang=en | archive-date=June 27, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627152551/http://www.firstvoices.com/en/Ktunaxa/word-query-results?q=id&btn=Search&archive=Ktunaxa&lang=en | url-status=live}}

After the United States Army stopped alcohol trading with the Blackfeet Nation in Montana in 1869, traders John J. Healy and Alfred B. Hamilton started a whisky trading post at Fort Hamilton, near the future site of Lethbridge. The post's nickname became Fort Whoop-Up.{{cite web|url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/Enjoying+Lethbridge/Picture+Gallery/Short+History.htm |title=A Short History of Lethbridge, Alberta |author=Greg Ellis |date=October 2001 |access-date=January 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050923135454/http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/Enjoying%2BLethbridge/Picture%2BGallery/Short%2BHistory.htm |archive-date=September 23, 2005}} The whisky trade led to the Cypress Hills Massacre of many native Assiniboine in 1873. The North-West Mounted Police, sent to stop the trade and establish order, arrived at Fort Whoop-Up on October 9, 1874. They managed the post for the next 12 years.

File:Leth old.jpg in 1911]]

Lethbridge's economy developed from drift mines opened by Nicholas Sheran in 1874 and the North Western Coal and Navigation Company in 1882. North Western's president was William Lethbridge, from whom the city derives its name.{{cite web|title=Indian Battle Park |publisher=City of Lethbridge |url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/City+Hall/Departments/Parks+-+Pathways+-+Trails/Major+Parks/Indian+Battle+Park/Indian+Battle+Park.htm |access-date=February 16, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040828085321/http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/City%2BHall/Departments/Parks%2B-%2BPathways%2B-%2BTrails/Major%2BParks/Indian%2BBattle%2BPark/Indian%2BBattle%2BPark.htm |archive-date=August 28, 2004}}{{cite book|title=Place-names of Alberta|year=1928|publisher=Geographic Board of Canada|location=Ottawa|page=76|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015070267029&view=1up&seq=80|access-date=November 15, 2020|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019222009/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015070267029&view=1up&seq=80|url-status=live}} By the turn of the century, the mines employed about 150 men and produced {{Convert|300|t|ST}} of coal each day. In 1896, local collieries were the largest coal producers in the Northwest Territories,{{Cite web|url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/Enjoying+Lethbridge/Picture+Gallery/History+of+Lethbridge/Masonry+Sculptures/Masonry.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051217015512/http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/Enjoying%2BLethbridge/Picture%2BGallery/History%2Bof%2BLethbridge/Masonry%2BSculptures/Masonry.htm|title=City of Lethbridge website|archive-date=December 17, 2005}} with production peaking during World War I. An internment camp was set up at the Exhibition Building in Lethbridge from September 1914 to November 1916.{{cite web|title=Internment Camps in Canada during the First and Second World Wars, Library and Archives Canada|date=June 11, 2014|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/the-public/005-1142.27-e.html|access-date=September 5, 2014|archive-date=September 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905213052/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/the-public/005-1142.27-e.html|url-status=live}} After the war, increasing oil and natural gas production gradually replaced coal production, and the last mine in Lethbridge closed in 1957.

The first rail line in Lethbridge was opened on August 28, 1885, by the Alberta Railway and Coal Company, which bought the North Western Coal and Navigation Company five years later.{{cite web|title=Alphabetical list of Private Acts—Railways |work=Table of Private Acts (1867 to December 31, 2013), Railways |publisher=Department of Justice Canada |url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/TablePrivateActs/railways.html |date=November 27, 2014 |access-date=November 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223205826/http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/TablePrivateActs/railways.html |archive-date=December 23, 2014}} The rail industry's dependence on coal and the Canadian Pacific Railway's (CPR) efforts to settle southern Alberta with immigrants boosted Lethbridge's economy. After the CPR moved the divisional point of its Crowsnest Line from Fort Macleod to Lethbridge in 1905 and a new Lethbridge Canadian Pacific Railway Station (Union Station) was built in 1906, the city became the regional centre for Southern Alberta. In the mid-1980s, the CPR moved its rail yards in downtown Lethbridge to nearby Kipp, and Lethbridge ceased to be a rail hub.{{cite web |title=Executive Summary |work=Highways 3 & 4, Lethbridge and Area NHS & NSTC, Functional Planning Study, #R – 970 |publisher=Stantec Consulting Ltd. | date=February 2006 |url=http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType182/Production/exec_summ.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621192600/http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFTRA_Content/docType182/Production/exec_summ.pdf |archive-date=June 21, 2007|access-date=February 16, 2007}}

Between 1907 and 1913, a development boom occurred in Lethbridge, making it the main marketing, distribution and service centre in southern Alberta. Such municipal projects as a water treatment plant, a power plant, a Lethbridge Transit, a streetcar system, and Exhibition Park—as well as a construction boom and rising real estate prices—transformed the mining town into a significant city. Between World War I and World War II, however, the city experienced an economic slump. Development slowed, drought drove farmers from their farms, and coal mining rapidly declined from its peak. After World War II, irrigation of farmland near Lethbridge led to growth in the city's population and economy. Lethbridge became a centre for post-secondary education in Southern Alberta with the opening of Lethbridge Polytechnic (formerly Lethbridge College) in April 1957 and the University of Lethbridge in 1967.

In 2015 American musician Marilyn Manson was assaulted by a local resident in the city's Denny's after the singer allegedly insulted a woman in the restaurant in the early hours of the morning.{{Cite web |last=O'Neil |first=Lauren |date=April 8, 2015 |title=Marilyn Manson punched in face at a Denny's in Lethbridge |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/trending/marilyn-manson-punched-in-face-at-a-denny-s-in-lethbridge-1.3024912 |access-date=October 21, 2024 |website=www.cbc.ca}}

{{See also|List of neighbourhoods in Lethbridge}}

File:Lethbridge south alberta.gif

File:Lethbridge map.gif

The city of Lethbridge is located at 49.7° north latitude and 112.833° west longitude and covers an area of {{cvt|127.19|km2}}. It is divided by the Oldman River; its valley, the Oldman River valley parks system, has been turned into one of the largest urban park systems in North America at {{cvt|16|km2|acre}} of protected land.{{cite web |title=Field Guide Booklet |publisher=The Lethbridge Naturalists Society |url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/Things-To-Do/Nature-Centre/Documents/HSNC%20Field%20Guide%20singlepages.pdf |access-date=January 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306081432/http://www.lethbridge.ca/Things-To-Do/Nature-Centre/Documents/HSNC%20Field%20Guide%20singlepages.pdf |archive-date=March 6, 2016}} Lethbridge is Alberta's third-largest city by population and area after Calgary and Edmonton. It is located near the Canadian Rockies, {{cvt|210|km}} southeast of Calgary.

Lethbridge is split into three geographical areas: north, south and west. The Oldman River separates West Lethbridge from the other two, while Crowsnest Trail and the Canadian Pacific Kansas City rail line separate North and South Lethbridge.{{cite web |last=Ellis |first=Faron |title=Alberta Provincial Election Study |publisher=Citizen-Society Research Lab | date=November 2004 |url=http://www.lethbridgecollege.ab.ca/pdf/csrl/Fall2004ProvincialElectionII.pdf |access-date=February 16, 2007| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080229170826/http://www.lethbridgecollege.ab.ca/pdf/csrl/Fall2004ProvincialElectionII.pdf| archive-date = February 29, 2008}} The newest and largest of the three areas, West Lethbridge (pop. 40,898) is home to the University of Lethbridge—which opened at that site in 1971. Although several farms existed on what is now the Westside, the first housing development was not completed until 1974 and Whoop-Up Drive access opened only in 1975.{{cite web|url=http://people.uleth.ca/~maclachlan/General/WDCAG%202005%20Field%20Trip.htm |title=Whiskey Traders, Coal Miners, Cattle Ranchers and a Few Bordellos |author=Ian MacLachlan |date=March 11, 2005 |access-date=July 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927230101/http://people.uleth.ca/~maclachlan/General/WDCAG%202005%20Field%20Trip.htm |archive-date=September 27, 2011}} Much of the city's recent growth has been on the west side, and it has the youngest median age of the three. The north side (pop. 28,172) was originally populated by workers from local coal mines. It has the oldest population of the three areas, is home to multiple industrial parks and includes the former Hamlet of Hardieville, which was annexed by Lethbridge in 1978.{{cite web |url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/RMUN/0204/County_of_Lethbridge_Order_10079_1978_No17.pdf |author=The Local Authorities Board |title=Order No. 10079 |date=December 23, 1977 |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=July 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706164536/http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/RMUN/0204/County_of_Lethbridge_Order_10079_1978_No17.pdf |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Hardieville/Legacy Ridge/Uplands Area Structure Plan |publisher=UMA Engineering Ltd. |url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/Doing-Business/Planning-Development/Planning/Documents/Hardieville%20-%20Legacy%20Ridge%20-%20Uplands%20ASP%20(Ammended%20to%202013.06).pdf |access-date=August 14, 2007 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306081435/http://www.lethbridge.ca/Doing-Business/Planning-Development/Planning/Documents/Hardieville%20-%20Legacy%20Ridge%20-%20Uplands%20ASP%20(Ammended%20to%202013.06).pdf |url-status=live}} South Lethbridge (pop. 32,412) is the commercial heart of the city; it contains the downtown core, Downtown Lethbridge, the bulk of retail and hospitality establishments, and the Lethbridge Polytechnic.

Lethbridge has a semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSk) with an average maximum temperature of {{convert|12.8|C}} and an average minimum temperature of {{convert|-1.1|C}}. With precipitation averaging {{cvt|380.2|mm}}, and 264 dry days on average, Lethbridge is the eleventh driest city in Canada.{{cite web

|url=http://climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?stnID=2265&lang=e&dCode=0&province=ALTA&provBut=Search&month1=0&month2=12

|title=Lethbridge CDA, Alberta

|work=Canadian Climate Normals 1971–2000

|publisher=Environment and Climate Change Canada

|date=February 4, 2013

|access-date=April 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120174644/http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?stnID=2265&lang=e&dCode=0&province=ALTA&provBut=Search&month1=0&month2=12

|archive-date=November 20, 2012

}} Mean relative humidity in the morning hovers between 69 and 78% throughout the year, but afternoon mean relative humidity is more uneven, ranging from 38% in August to 58% in January. On average, Lethbridge has 116 days with wind speed of {{cvt|40|km/h}} or higher, ranking it as the second city in Canada for such weather.[http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/winners/citydata_e.html?SelectedCity=63 Weather Winners], Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved January 7, 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305104817/http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/winners/citydata_e.html?SelectedCity=63 |date=March 5, 2012}}

Its high elevation of {{cvt|929|m}} and close proximity to the Rocky Mountains provides Lethbridge with cooler summers than other locations in the Canadian Prairies.[http://www.chooselethbridge.ca/docs/files/Environics%20-%20EDL%20Trade%20Catchment%20Study.pdf Lethbridge Trade Area and Commercial Catchment Study] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129082627/http://www.chooselethbridge.ca/docs/files/Environics%20-%20EDL%20Trade%20Catchment%20Study.pdf |date=November 29, 2016}}, Economic Development Lethbridge. 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2016. These factors protect the city from strong northwest and southwest winds and contribute to frequent Chinook winds during the winter. Lethbridge winters have the highest temperatures in the prairies, reducing the severity and duration of winter cold periods and resulting in fewer days with snow cover.[https://web.archive.org/web/20070110033256/http://www.lethbridgechamber.com/community.php Community Profile], Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved December 24, 2006. The average daytime temperature peaks by the end of July/beginning of August, when it reaches {{convert|26.4|C}}.{{cite web|title=Climate Data Almanac for August 02 |url=http://climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climateData/almanac_e.html?timeframe=4&Prov=ALTA&StationID=2263&Year=2001&Month=8&Day=2 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628035057/http://climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climateData/almanac_e.html?timeframe=4&Prov=ALTA&StationID=2263&Year=2001&Month=8&Day=2 |archive-date=June 28, 2013 |work=Environment and Climate Change Canada |access-date=June 25, 2013}} The city's temperature reaches a maximum high of {{convert|35.0|C}} or greater on average once or twice a year.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Lethbridge was {{convert|40.5|C}} on August 10, 2018.{{cite web

|title=Daily Data Report for August, 2018

|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=2011-01-11%7C2018-09-06&dlyRange=2011-01-13%7C2018-09-06&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=49268&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnProx&optLimit=specDate&Month=8&Day=10&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2018&Year=2018&selRowPerPage=25&Line=3&txtRadius=25&optProxType=navLink&txtLatDecDeg=49.695&txtLongDecDeg=112.7675&timeframe=2

|work=Environment and Climate Change Canada

|date=October 31, 2011

|access-date=August 12, 2018

|archive-date=September 7, 2018

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907221227/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=2011-01-11%7C2018-09-06&dlyRange=2011-01-13%7C2018-09-06&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=49268&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnProx&optLimit=specDate&Month=8&Day=10&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2018&Year=2018&selRowPerPage=25&Line=3&txtRadius=25&optProxType=navLink&txtLatDecDeg=49.695&txtLongDecDeg=112.7675&timeframe=2

|url-status=live

}} The lowest temperature ever recorded was {{convert|-42.8|C}} on January 7, 1909; December 18, 1924; January 3, 1950; and December 29, 1968.

File:Lethbridge skyline August 2009.jpg

{{Weather box

|location = Lethbridge Airport, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1886–present

| width=auto

|metric first = Y

|single line = Y

|collapsed =

|Jan maximum humidex = 20.0

|Feb maximum humidex = 21.8

|Mar maximum humidex = 26.3

|Apr maximum humidex = 30.2

|May maximum humidex = 35.4

|Jun maximum humidex = 37.7

|Jul maximum humidex = 41.7

|Aug maximum humidex = 40.1

|Sep maximum humidex = 36.1

|Oct maximum humidex = 30.1

|Nov maximum humidex = 23.0

|Dec maximum humidex = 17.8

|year maximum humidex =

|Jan record high C = 20.0

|Feb record high C = 21.8

|Mar record high C = 26.8

|Apr record high C = 33.9

|May record high C = 34.2

|Jun record high C = 38.3

|Jul record high C = 40.0

|Aug record high C = 40.5

|Sep record high C = 36.7

|Oct record high C = 31.7

|Nov record high C = 23.3

|Dec record high C = 19.4

|year record high C = 40.5

|Jan high C = 0.1

|Feb high C = 1.7

|Mar high C = 6.4

|Apr high C = 12.6

|May high C = 18.2

|Jun high C = 21.8

|Jul high C = 26.3

|Aug high C = 26.3

|Sep high C = 21.0

|Oct high C = 13.3

|Nov high C = 5.5

|Dec high C = 0.7

|year high C =

|Jan mean C = -6.0

|Feb mean C = -4.6

|Mar mean C = -0.2

|Apr mean C = 5.7

|May mean C = 11.1

|Jun mean C = 15.1

|Jul mean C = 18.4

|Aug mean C = 17.9

|Sep mean C = 13.2

|Oct mean C = 6.4

|Nov mean C = -0.5

|Dec mean C = -5.3

|year mean C =

|Jan low C = -12.1

|Feb low C = -11.0

|Mar low C = -6.8

|Apr low C = -1.3

|May low C = 3.9

|Jun low C = 8.3

|Jul low C = 10.5

|Aug low C = 9.4

|Sep low C = 5.3

|Oct low C = -0.6

|Nov low C = -6.6

|Dec low C = -11.2

|year low C =

|Jan record low C = −42.8

|Feb record low C = −42.2

|Mar record low C = −38.0

|Apr record low C = −27.2

|May record low C = −12.8

|Jun record low C = −3.3

|Jul record low C = 0.0

|Aug record low C = −1.7

|Sep record low C = −15.6

|Oct record low C = −26.7

|Nov record low C = −35.6

|Dec record low C = −42.8

|year record low C = −42.8

|Jan chill = −54.5

|Feb chill = −51.3

|Mar chill = −49.7

|Apr chill = −32.6

|May chill = −16.3

|Jun chill = −6.9

|Jul chill = 0.0

|Aug chill = −2.6

|Sep chill = −13.9

|Oct chill = −36.0

|Nov chill = −47.1

|Dec chill = −55.7

|year chill =

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation mm = 11.0

|Feb precipitation mm = 10.3

|Mar precipitation mm = 16.6

|Apr precipitation mm = 28.4

|May precipitation mm = 57.2

|Jun precipitation mm = 92.9

|Jul precipitation mm = 39.9

|Aug precipitation mm = 32.5

|Sep precipitation mm = 32.1

|Oct precipitation mm = 24.2

|Nov precipitation mm = 15.9

|Dec precipitation mm = 11.5

|year precipitation mm =

|unit precipitation days = 0.2 mm

|Jan precipitation days = 8.4

|Feb precipitation days = 6.8

|Mar precipitation days = 9.2

|Apr precipitation days = 10.4

|May precipitation days = 12.8

|Jun precipitation days = 13.5

|Jul precipitation days = 10.5

|Aug precipitation days = 8.5

|Sep precipitation days = 9.4

|Oct precipitation days = 7.6

|Nov precipitation days = 8.5

|Dec precipitation days = 7.9

|year precipitation days =

|rain colour = green

|Jan rain mm = 0.2

|Feb rain mm = 0.4

|Mar rain mm = 2.0

|Apr rain mm = 19.2

|May rain mm = 45.4

|Jun rain mm = 96.6

|Jul rain mm = 37.7

|Aug rain mm = 32.7

|Sep rain mm = 34.7

|Oct rain mm = 12.6

|Nov rain mm = 2.3

|Dec rain mm = 0.5

|year rain mm =

|Jan rain days = 0.29

|Feb rain days = 0.17

|Mar rain days = 1.3

|Apr rain days = 6.9

|May rain days = 11.0

|Jun rain days = 12.9

|Jul rain days = 9.2

|Aug rain days = 7.7

|Sep rain days = 9.1

|Oct rain days = 5.3

|Nov rain days = 2.1

|Dec rain days = 0.59

|year rain days =

|snow colour = green

|Jan snow cm = 13.3

|Feb snow cm = 15.1

|Mar snow cm = 18.0

|Apr snow cm = 13.1

|May snow cm = 5.1

|Jun snow cm = 0.0

|Jul snow cm = 0.0

|Aug snow cm = 1.3

|Sep snow cm = 1.3

|Oct snow cm = 9.5

|Nov snow cm = 16.4

|Dec snow cm = 14.8

|year snow cm =

|unit snow days = 0.2 cm

|Jan snow days = 8.0

|Feb snow days = 7.2

|Mar snow days = 7.6

|Apr snow days = 4.1

|May snow days = 1.4

|Jun snow days = 0.0

|Jul snow days = 0.0

|Aug snow days = 0.18

|Sep snow days = 0.38

|Oct snow days = 2.7

|Nov snow days = 6.6

|Dec snow days = 6.7

|year snow days =

|time day = 15:00 LST

|Jan humidity = 59.9

|Feb humidity = 53.9

|Mar humidity = 49.7

|Apr humidity = 40.4

|May humidity = 40.5

|Jun humidity = 44.5

|Jul humidity = 39.2

|Aug humidity = 36.6

|Sep humidity = 39.9

|Oct humidity = 44.4

|Nov humidity = 56.9

|Dec humidity = 57.3

|year humidity =

|Jan sun = 110.2

|Feb sun = 147.0

|Mar sun = 186.1

|Apr sun = 233.4

|May sun = 277.0

|Jun sun = 290.3

|Jul sun = 322.1

|Aug sun = 297.5

|Sep sun = 228.5

|Oct sun = 189.7

|Nov sun = 119.1

|Dec sun = 106.5

|year sun = 2507.3

|Jan percentsun = 41.1

|Feb percentsun = 51.5

|Mar percentsun = 50.6

|Apr percentsun = 56.7

|May percentsun = 58.2

|Jun percentsun = 59.7

|Jul percentsun = 65.6

|Aug percentsun = 66.5

|Sep percentsun = 60.2

|Oct percentsun = 56.6

|Nov percentsun = 43.5

|Dec percentsun = 41.8

|year percentsun = 54.3

|source 1 = Environment and Climate Change Canada

{{cite web

|url = https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1991_2020_e.html?searchType=stnProv&lstProvince=AB&txtCentralLatMin=0&txtCentralLatSec=0&txtCentralLongMin=0&txtCentralLongSec=0&stnID=294000000&dispBack=0

|publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada

|title = Canadian Climate Normals 1991–2020

|access-date = September 30, 2024

}}

{{cite web

|url = https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?searchType=stnName&txtStationName=lethbridge&searchMethod=contains&txtCentralLatMin=0&txtCentralLatSec=0&txtCentralLongMin=0&txtCentralLongSec=0&stnID=2263&dispBack=0

|publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada

|title = Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010

|access-date = September 30, 2024

}}

{{cite web

| url = http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=%7C&dlyRange=1886-06-01%7C1921-07-31&mlyRange=1886-01-01%7C1921-12-01&StationID=2262&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnProx&optLimit=specDate&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2016&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&txtRadius=25&optProxType=navLink&txtLatDecDeg=49.695&txtLongDecDeg=112.7675&timeframe=2&Year=1886&Month=7

| title = Lethbridge

| work = Canadian Climate Data

| date = October 31, 2011

| publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada

| access-date = May 15, 2016

| archive-date = October 11, 2018

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181011172937/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=

| url-status = live

}}{{cite web

| url = http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?searchType=stnName&txtStationName=lethbridge&searchMethod=contains&txtCentralLatMin=0&txtCentralLatSec=0&txtCentralLongMin=0&txtCentralLongSec=0&stnID=2265&dispBack=0

| title = Lethbridge CDA

| work = Canadian Climate Normals 1971–2000

| date = January 19, 2011

| publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada

| access-date = May 15, 2016

| archive-date = October 11, 2018

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181011172933/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?searchType=stnName&txtStationName=lethbridge&searchMethod=contains&txtCentralLatMin=0&txtCentralLatSec=0&txtCentralLongMin=0&txtCentralLongSec=0&stnID=2265&dispBack=0

| url-status = live

}}{{cite web

| url = ftp://ftp.tor.ec.gc.ca/Pub/Normals/English/ALTA/ALTA_FORE-ROCK_ENG.csv

| title = Lethbridge A, Alberta

| work = Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010

| publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200311113314/ftp://ftp.tor.ec.gc.ca/Pub/Normals/English/ALTA/ALTA_FORE-ROCK_ENG.csv

| archive-date = 2020-03-11

| url-status = dead

| access-date = October 3, 2013}}{{cite web

| url = http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=%7C&dlyRange=1886-06-01%7C1921-07-31&mlyRange=1886-01-01%7C1921-12-01&StationID=2262&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2016&selRowPerPage=25&Line=1&searchMethod=contains&Month=4&Day=15&txtStationName=lethbridge&timeframe=2&Year=1910

| title = April 1910

| work = Canadian Climate Data

| date = October 31, 2011

| publisher =Environment and Climate Change Canada

| access-date = May 15, 2016

| archive-date = October 11, 2018

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181011172950/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=

| url-status = live

}}{{cite web

| url = http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1994-06-07%7C2016-05-14&dlyRange=1908-02-01%7C2016-05-14&mlyRange=1908-01-01%7C2007-11-01&StationID=2265&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnProx&optLimit=specDate&Month=1&Day=1&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2016&Year=2015&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&txtRadius=25&optProxType=navLink&txtLatDecDeg=49.630277777778&txtLongDecDeg=112.79972222222&timeframe=2

| title = January 2015

| work = Canadian Climate Data

| date = October 31, 2011

| publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada

| access-date = May 15, 2016

| archive-date = December 11, 2018

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181211123330/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1994-06-07

| url-status = live

}}

|date=August 2010

}}

{{Historical populations

|title = Federal census
population history

|type = Canada

|width =

|state =

|shading =

|percentages =

|footnote = Source: Statistics Canada
{{cite book | title=Census of the Northwest Provinces, 1906 | volume=Sessional Paper No. 17a | year=1907 | publisher=Government of Canada | location=Ottawa | page=100 | chapter=Table IX: Population of cities, towns and incorporated villages in 1906 and 1901 as classed in 1906}}{{cite book | title=Census of Canada, 1911 | volume=I | year=1912 | publisher=Government of Canada | location=Ottawa | pages=2–39 | chapter=Table I: Area and Population of Canada by Provinces, Districts and Subdistricts in 1911 and Population in 1901}}{{cite book | title=Census of Prairie Provinces, 1916 | volume=Population and Agriculture | year=1918 | publisher=Government of Canada | location=Ottawa | pages=77–140 | chapter=Table I: Population of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta by Districts, Townships, Cities, Towns, and Incorporated Villages in 1916, 1911, 1906, and 1901}}{{cite book | title=Census of Canada, 1921 | year=1922 | publisher=Government of Canada | location=Ottawa | pages=169–215 | chapter=Table 8: Population by districts and sub-districts according to the Redistribution Act of 1914 and the amending act of 1915, compared for the census years 1921, 1911 and 1901}}{{cite book | title=Census of Prairie Provinces, 1926 | volume=Census of Alberta, 1926 | year=1927 | publisher=Government of Canada | location=Ottawa | pages=565–567 | chapter=Table 7: Population of cities, towns and villages for the province of Alberta in census years 1901–26, as classed in 1926}}{{cite book | title=Census of Canada, 1931 | year=1932 | publisher=Government of Canada | location=Ottawa | pages=98–102 | chapter=Table 12: Population of Canada by provinces, counties or census divisions and subdivisions, 1871–1931}}{{cite book | title=Census of the Prairie Provinces, 1936 | volume=I: Population and Agriculture | year=1938 | publisher=Dominion Bureau of Statistics | location=Ottawa | pages=833–836 | chapter=Table 4: Population in incorporated cities, towns and villages, 1901–1936}}{{cite book | title=Eighth Census of Canada, 1941 | volume=II: Population by Local Subdivisions | year=1944 | publisher=Dominion Bureau of Statistics | location=Ottawa | pages=134–141 | chapter=Table 10: Population by census subdivisions, 1871–1941}}{{cite book | title=Census of the Prairie Provinces, 1946 | volume=I: Population | year=1949 | publisher=Dominion Bureau of Statistics | location=Ottawa | pages=401–414 | chapter=Table 6: Population by census subdivisions, 1926–1946}}{{cite book | title=Ninth Census of Canada, 1951 | volume=I: Population, General Characteristics | year=1953 | publisher=Dominion Bureau of Statistics | location=Ottawa | page=6.73–6.83 | chapter=Table 6: Population by census subdivisions, 1871–1951}}{{cite book | title=Census of Canada, 1956 | volume=Population, Counties and Subdivisions | year=1957 | publisher=Dominion Bureau of Statistics | location=Ottawa | page=6.50–6.53 | chapter=Table 6: Population by sex, for census subdivisions, 1956 and 1951}}

{{cite web | url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table-Tableau.cfm?LANG=Eng&T=302&SR=1&S=51&O=A&RPP=9999&PR=48&CMA=0 | title=Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2011 and 2006 censuses | publisher=Statistics Canada | date=February 8, 2012 | access-date=February 8, 2012 | archive-date=July 22, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722143610/http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table-Tableau.cfm?LANG=Eng&T=302&SR=1&S=51&O=A&RPP=9999&PR=48&CMA=0 | url-status=live}}{{cite book | title=1961 Census of Canada | series=Series 1.1: Historical, 1901–1961 | volume=I: Population | year=1963 | publisher=Dominion Bureau of Statistics | location=Ottawa | page=6.77–6.83 | chapter=Table 6: Population by census subdivisions, 1901–1961}}{{cite book | title=Census of Canada, 1966 | volume=Population, Specified Age Groups and Sex for Counties and Census Subdivisions, 1966 | year=1968 | publisher=Dominion Bureau of Statistics | location=Ottawa | page=6.50–6.53 | chapter=Population by specified age groups and sex, for census subdivisions, 1966}}{{cite book | title=1971 Census of Canada | volume=I: Population, Census Subdivisions (Historical) | year=1973 | publisher=Statistics Canada | location=Ottawa | page=2.102–2.111 | chapter=Table 2: Population of Census Subdivisions, 1921–1971}}{{cite book | title=1976 Census of Canada | series=Census Divisions and Subdivisions, Western Provinces and the Territories | volume=I: Population, Geographic Distributions | year=1977 | publisher=Statistics Canada | location=Ottawa | page=3.40–3.43| chapter=Table 3: Population for census divisions and subdivisions, 1971 and 1976}}{{cite book | title=1981 Census of Canada | volume=II: Provincial series, Population, Geographic distributions (Alberta) | year=1982 | publisher=Statistics Canada | location=Ottawa | page=4.1–4.10| chapter=Table 4: Population and Total Occupied Dwellings, for Census Divisions and Subdivisions, 1976 and 1981 | isbn=0-660-51095-2}}{{cite book | title=Census Canada 1986 | volume=Population and Dwelling Counts—Provinces and Territories (Alberta) | year=1987 | publisher=Statistics Canada | location=Ottawa | page=2.1–2.10 | chapter=Table 2: Census Divisions and Subdivisions—Population and Occupied Private Dwellings, 1981 and 1986 | isbn=0-660-53463-0}}{{cite book | title=91 Census | volume=Population and Dwelling Counts—Census Divisions and Census Subdivisions | year=1992 | publisher=Statistics Canada | location=Ottawa | pages=100–108 | chapter=Table 2: Population and Dwelling Counts, for Census Divisions and Census Subdivisions, 1986 and 1991—100% Data | isbn=0-660-57115-3}}{{cite book | title=96 Census | volume=A National Overview—Population and Dwelling Counts | year=1997 | publisher=Statistics Canada | location=Ottawa | pages=136–146 | chapter=Table 10: Population and Dwelling Counts, for Census Divisions, Census Subdivisions (Municipalities) and Designated Places, 1991 and 1996 Censuses—100% Data | isbn=0-660-59283-5}}{{cite web | title=Population and Dwelling Counts, for Canada, Provinces and Territories, and Census Divisions, 2001 and 1996 Censuses—100% Data (Alberta) | url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/english/census01/products/standard/popdwell/Table-CSD-D.cfm?PR=48 | publisher=Statistics Canada | access-date=April 1, 2012 | archive-date=August 21, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821141306/http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/english/census01/products/standard/popdwell/Table-CSD-D.cfm?PR=48 | url-status=live}}{{cite web | title=Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2006 and 2001 censuses—100% data (Alberta) | url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/hlt/97-550/Index.cfm?TPL=P1C&Page=RETR&LANG=Eng&T=302&SR=1&S=1&O=A&RPP=9999&PR=48&CMA=0 | publisher=Statistics Canada | date=January 6, 2010 | access-date=April 1, 2012 | archive-date=May 28, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528102911/http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/hlt/97-550/Index.cfm?TPL=P1C&Page=RETR&LANG=Eng&T=302&SR=1&S=1&O=A&RPP=9999&PR=48&CMA=0 | url-status=live}}

|1901|2072

|1906|2313

|1911|8050

|1916|9436

|1921|11097

|1926|10735

|1931|13489

|1936|13523

|1941|14612

|1946|16522

|1951|22947

|1956|29462

|1961|35454

|1966|37186

|1971|41217

|1976|46752

|1981|54072

|1986|58841

|1991|60974

|1996|63053

|2001|67374

|2006|74637

|2011|83517

|2016|92729

|2021|98406

}}

In the 2021 Canadian census conducted by Statistics Canada, the City of Lethbridge had a population of 98,406 living in 40,225 of its 42,862 total private dwellings, a change of {{percentage|{{#expr:98406-92729}}|92729|1}} from its 2016 population of 92,729. With a land area of {{cvt|121.12|km2}}, it had a population density of {{Pop density|98406|121.12|km2|sqmi|prec=1}} in 2021.{{cite web | url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810000202&geocode=A000248 | title=Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities) | publisher=Statistics Canada | date=February 9, 2022 | accessdate=February 9, 2022}}

At the census metropolitan area (CMA) level in the 2021 census, the Lethbridge CMA had a population of 123,847 living in 48,647 of its 51,735 total private dwellings, a change of {{percentage|{{#expr:123847-117394}}|117394|1}} from its 2016 population of 117,394. With a land area of {{cvt|2958.96|km2}}, it had a population density of {{Pop density|123847|2958.96|km2|sqmi|prec=1}} in 2021.

The population of the City of Lethbridge according to its 2019 municipal census was 101,482,{{cite web|date=|title=Census Results 2019|url=https://www.lethbridge.ca/City-Government/Census/Pages/Census-Results-2017.aspx|access-date=June 24, 2019|publisher=City of Lethbridge|archive-date=May 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506231249/https://www.lethbridge.ca/City-Government/Census/Pages/Census-Results-2017.aspx|url-status=live}} a change of {{percentage|{{#expr:101482-99769}}|99769|1}} from its 2018 municipal census population of 99,769.{{cite book | url=http://municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/documents/2018_MAPL_web.pdf | title=2018 Municipal Affairs Population List | publisher=Alberta Municipal Affairs | isbn=978-1-4601-4254-7 | date=December 2018 | access-date=July 18, 2019 | archive-date=August 19, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819075500/http://www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/documents/2018_MAPL_web.pdf | url-status=live}} With the 2019 municipal census results, the City of Lethbridge became the fourth city in Alberta to surpass 100,000 people.

In its 2023 municipal census, the City of Lethbridge's population was found to have grown to 106,550, an increase of 4.99% from its 2019 municipal census population of 101,482.

In the 2016 Canadian census conducted by Statistics Canada, the City of Lethbridge had a population of 92,729 living in 37,575 of its 39,867 total private dwellings, a change of {{percentage|{{#expr:92729-83517}}|83517|1}} from its 2011 population of 83,517. With a land area of {{cvt|122.09|km2}}, it had a population density of {{Pop density|92729|122.09|km2|sqmi|prec=1}} in 2016.{{cite web | url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table.cfm?Lang=Eng&T=302&SR=1&S=86&O=A&RPP=9999&PR=48 | title=Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses—100% data (Alberta) | publisher=Statistics Canada | date=February 8, 2017 | access-date=February 8, 2017 | archive-date=December 25, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225091052/https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table.cfm?Lang=Eng&T=302&SR=1&S=86&O=A&RPP=9999&PR=48%20 | url-status=live}} The same census reported that the metropolitan area of Lethbridge was 117,394 in 2016, up from 105,999 in 2011.{{Cite web |url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CMACA&Code1=810&Geo2=PR&Code2=48&Data=Count&SearchText=Lethbridge&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&GeoLevel=PR&GeoCode=810&TABID=1 |title=Census Profile, 2016 Census—Lethbridge [Census metropolitan area], Alberta and Alberta [Province] |author=Government of Canada, Statistics Canada |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca |date=February 8, 2017 |language=en |access-date=March 2, 2017 |archive-date=March 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303122929/http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CMACA&Code1=810&Geo2=PR&Code2=48&Data=Count&SearchText=Lethbridge&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&GeoLevel=PR&GeoCode=810&TABID=1 |url-status=live}} Subsequent data from Statistics Canada showed that the 2020 metropolitan population was 128,851, an increase of 1.5% over the previous year.{{Cite news|last=Franklin|first=Michael|date=January 14, 2021|title=Calgary's population grew by almost 2% last year: StatCan report|url=https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgary-s-population-grew-by-almost-2-last-year-statcan-report-1.5267100|access-date=June 3, 2021|newspaper=Calgary|language=en|archive-date=June 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603142031/https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgary-s-population-grew-by-almost-2-last-year-statcan-report-1.5267100|url-status=live}}

In 2021,{{Cite web |title=2021 Census Profile- Lethbridge, City | date=February 9, 2022 |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=lethbridge&DGUIDlist=2021A00054802012&GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0 |publisher=Statistics Canada}} 49.8% of residents were Christians, down from 64.6% in 2011.{{Cite web |title=NHS Profile, Lethbridge, CY, Alberta, 2011 | date=May 8, 2013 |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4802012&Data=Count&SearchText=lethbridge&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&A1=All&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1 |publisher=Statistics Canada}} 16.1% of the population were Catholic, 12.9% were Protestant, and 11.3% were Christians of unspecified denomination. All other Christian denominations and Christian-related traditions made up 9.6%, including a large population of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints adherents (5.8%). 44.3% of the population was nonreligious or secular, up from 32.4% in 2011. 8.1% followed a religion (or spiritual belief) other than Christianity. The largest non-Christian religions were Islam (1.9%), Hinduism (1.3%), and Buddhism (1.1%).

According to the 2021 census, 83.9% of residents spoke English as a first language. Other common mother tongues were Spanish (1.6%),Tagalog (1.4%), Nepali (1.0%), German (0.9%), French (0.8%), Chinese Languages (0.7%), Arabic (0.7%) and Dutch (0.6%). 1.7% of residents claimed both English and a non-official language as their first language.

Lethbridge had 12.9% visible minorities and 7.1% Aboriginal in 2016. Below is a full break down of the demographics. The city is also the home of the largest Bhutanese community in Canada.{{Cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/1329208/lethbridge-home-to-the-largest-bhutanese-community-in-canada/|title=Lethbridge home to the largest Bhutanese community in Canada | Globalnews.ca|website=Global News|access-date=November 28, 2020|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207195730/https://globalnews.ca/news/1329208/lethbridge-home-to-the-largest-bhutanese-community-in-canada/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Economy of Lethbridge}}

File:Downtown Lethbridge Skyline.jpg, facing northwest from 8th St. & 6th Ave. South]]

Lethbridge is southern Alberta's commercial, distribution, financial and industrial centre (although Medicine Hat plays a similar role in southeastern Alberta). It has a trading area population of 341,180, including parts of British Columbia, and provides jobs for up to 86,000 people who commute to and within the city from a radius of {{cvt|100|km}}.

Lethbridge's economy has traditionally been agriculture-based; however, it has diversified in recent years. Half of the workforce is employed in the health, education, retail and hospitality sectors,[http://www12.statcan.ca/english/Profil01/CP01/Details/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4802012&Geo2=PR&Code2=48&Data=Count&SearchText=lethbridge&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom= Lethbridge Community Profile.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217060434/http://www12.statcan.ca/english/Profil01/CP01/Details/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4802012&Geo2=PR&Code2=48&Data=Count&SearchText=lethbridge&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=|date=December 17, 2007}} Statistics Canada. 2002. 2001 Community Profiles. Released June 27, 2002. Last modified: December 14, 2006. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 93F0053XIE and the top five employers are government-based.{{cite web|url=http://www.chooselethbridge.ca/choosebusiness/workforce_6.jpg |title=Major employers of Lethbridge—2005|publisher=Economic Development Lethbridge|access-date=August 2, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060823023552/http://www.chooselethbridge.ca/choosebusiness/workforce_6.jpg|archive-date=August 23, 2006}} Several national companies are based in Lethbridge. From its founding in 1935, Canadian Freightways based its head office there until moving operations to Calgary in 1948, though its call centre remains in Lethbridge.[http://cf.cfmvmt.com/web/cf/cfwebsite.nsf/AllDoc/70F6E63C8217F0BB87256ED0007FC357?OpenDocument Company History], Canadian Freightways. Retrieved December 24, 2006. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020204708/http://cf.cfmvmt.com/web/cf/cfwebsite.nsf/AllDoc/70F6E63C8217F0BB87256ED0007FC357?OpenDocument |date=October 20, 2007}} Taco Time Canada was based in the city from 1978 to 1995 before moving to Calgary.[https://web.archive.org/web/20061109165207/http://www.tacotimecanada.com/aboutus.php Company History], Taco Time Canada. Retrieved December 24, 2006. Minute Muffler, which began in 1969, is based in Lethbridge.[http://www.minutemufflerandbrake.com/history.htm The First 30 Years], Minute Muffler & Brake. Retrieved December 24, 2006. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061030184700/http://www.minutemufflerandbrake.com/history.htm |date=October 30, 2006}} International shipping company H & R Transport has been based in the city since 1955.[http://www.hrtrans.com/about/history.asp Company History], H & R Transport. Retrieved December 24, 2006. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060903090007/http://www.hrtrans.com/about/history.asp |date=September 3, 2006}} Braman Furniture, which has locations in Manitoba and Ontario, was headquartered in Lethbridge from 1991 to 2008.[https://web.archive.org/web/20071216092007/http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/search/navigate.do?language=eng&portal=1&estblmntNo=123456100604&profile=completeProfile Braman Furniture International], Canadian Company Capabilities, Industry Canada. Last Updated: November 9, 2005.

Lethbridge serves as a hub for commercial activity in the region by providing services and amenities. There are many transport services in Lethbridge, including Red Arrow buses, four provincial highways, rail service and Lethbridge Airport, are concentrated in or near the city. In 2004, the police services of Lethbridge and Coaldale combined to form the Lethbridge Police Service.[http://www.lethbridgepolice.ca/polcomsn.html Police Commission], Lethbridge Regional Police Service. Retrieved December 24, 2006. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070129022608/http://www.lethbridgepolice.ca/polcomsn.html |date=January 29, 2007}} Lethbridge provides municipal water to Coaldale, Coalhurst, Diamond City, Iron Springs, Monarch, Shaughnessy and Turin.{{cite news|title=Pipeline Project Flows Along|publisher=Sunny South News|date=March 14, 2002}}{{cite news|title=Monarch to tap into Lethbridge water|publisher=Lethbridge Herald|date=February 23, 2008}}

In 2002, the municipal government organized Economic Development Lethbridge, a body responsible for promoting and developing the city's commercial interests.[http://www.chooselethbridge.ca/about/ About Economic Development Lethbridge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061012035241/http://www.chooselethbridge.ca/about/ |date=October 12, 2006}}. Retrieved December 24, 2006. Two years later, the city joined in a partnership with 24 other local communities to create an economic development alliance called SouthGrow, representing a population of over 140,000.[http://southgrow.com/sites/southgrow.com/files/AnnualReport_1.pdf Annual Report 2006] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914142625/http://southgrow.com/sites/southgrow.com/files/AnnualReport_1.pdf |date=September 14, 2015}}, SouthGrow. June 21, 2006. In 2006, Economic Development Lethbridge partnered with SouthGrow Regional Initiative and Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance to create the Southern Alberta Alternative Energy Partnership. This partnership promotes business related to alternative energy, including wind power, solar power and biofuel, in the region.[http://www.saaep.ca/news_1.php Southern Alberta Economic Development Organizations Partner to Launch Major Alternative Energy Initiative] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312001305/http://www.saaep.ca/news_1.php |date=March 12, 2007}}. Southern Alberta Alternative Energy Partnership news release. November 6, 2006.

{{See also|List of festivals in Lethbridge}}

File:Galt museum.jpg

File:Lethbridge skyline 2.jpg

Lethbridge was designated a Cultural Capital of Canada for the 2004–2005 season.[https://web.archive.org/web/20061209171045/http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/ccc/index_e.cfm Cultural Capitals of Canada], Canadian Heritage. Retrieved December 24, 2006. The Southern Alberta Ethnic Association (Multicultural Heritage Centre) promotes multiculturalism and ethnic heritage in the community.

The city is home to venues and organizations promoting the arts. Founded in 1958, the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge is the largest organization in the city dedicated to preserving and enhancing the local arts.{{cite web |title=About Us |publisher=Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge |url=http://www.artslethbridge.org/ |access-date=February 16, 2007 |archive-date=February 13, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213222134/http://www.artslethbridge.org/ |url-status=live}} In the spring of 2007, the Allied Arts Council Facilities Steering Committee initiated the Arts Re:Building Together Campaign, a grass roots campaign initiative to raise awareness and support for improving arts facilities in Lethbridge. The campaign identified three arts buildings: the Yates Memorial Centre, the Bowman Arts Centre, and the Southern Alberta Art Gallery as cornerstone facilities in the community requiring care and attention. On July 14, 2007, the Finance Committee of City Council approved four arts capital projects for inclusion in the city's Ten Year Capital Plan.{{cite web|title=Arts Facilities|url=http://www.artslethbridge.org/aac-initiatives/arts-facilities.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120727024217/http://www.artslethbridge.org/aac-initiatives/arts-facilities.html|archive-date=July 27, 2012|publisher=Allied Arts Council|access-date=December 9, 2010}} Under the campaign to 2010, the renovation and expansion of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery was completed,{{cite web|title=Southern Alberta Art Gallery|url=http://www.artslethbridge.org/aac-initiatives/arts-facilities/southern-alberta-art-gallery.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722155512/http://www.artslethbridge.org/aac-initiatives/arts-facilities/southern-alberta-art-gallery.html|archive-date=July 22, 2012|publisher=Allied Arts Council|access-date=December 9, 2010}} a new Community Arts Centre will be built in downtown Lethbridge,{{cite web|title=Community Arts Centre |url=http://www.artslethbridge.org/aac-initiatives/arts-facilities/community-arts-centre.html |publisher=Allied Arts Council |access-date=December 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731030741/http://www.artslethbridge.org/aac-initiatives/arts-facilities/community-arts-centre.html |archive-date=July 31, 2012}} the City of Lethbridge has a Public Art Program,{{cite web|title=Public Art |url=http://www.artslethbridge.org/aac-initiatives/public-art.html |publisher=Allied Arts Council |access-date=December 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20101214034720/http://www.artslethbridge.org/aac-initiatives/public-art.html |archive-date=December 14, 2010}} and a committee was formed to research the possibility of a new Performing Arts Centre in Lethbridge.{{cite web|title=Performing Arts Centre |url=http://www.artslethbridge.org/aac-initiatives/arts-facilities/performing-arts-centre.html |publisher=Allied Arts Council |access-date=December 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20101216093216/http://www.artslethbridge.org/aac-initiatives/arts-facilities/performing-arts-centre.html |archive-date=December 16, 2010}}

Lethbridge has a public library and three major museum/galleries. The Southern Alberta Art Gallery is a contemporary gallery; the community arts centre Casa, administered by the Allied Arts Council; and the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery produces contemporary exhibitions including works from its extensive collection of Canadian, American and European art.{{cite web |title=Recreation & Leisure |work=Choose Lethbridge |publisher=Economic Development Lethbridge |url=http://www.chooselethbridge.ca/chooselivability/recreation.php |access-date=February 16, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927030113/http://www.chooselethbridge.ca/chooselivability/recreation.php |archive-date = September 27, 2007}}

The city is also home to the Lethbridge Symphony, which was founded in 1960 and incorporated as a non-profit in 1961. It has produced several spin-off music groups, including the Southern Alberta Chamber Orchestra, and the still-active Lethbridge Musical Theatre,{{cite encyclopedia |last=Nelson |first=Margaret |author2=Philip M. Wults |title=Lethbridge, Alta |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Music in Canada |publisher=Historica |url=http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lethbridge-alta-emc/ |access-date=February 16, 2007 |archive-date=March 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306054917/http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lethbridge-alta-emc/ |url-status=live}} which produces an annual show. Vox Musica, which traces its roots back to 1968, is a community choir previously based at the University of Lethbridge. As a fully independent non-profit society, Vox Musica continues to rehearse and perform at Southminster United Church and around the community. Theatrical productions are presented by the University of Lethbridge's drama department and New West Theatre, which performs at the Genevieve E. Yates Memorial Centre using its two theatres: the 500-seat proscenium Yates Theatre and the 180-seat black box Sterndale Bennett Theatre.{{cite web |title=About Us |publisher=New West Theatre |url=http://www.newwesttheatre.com/aboutus.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206003935/http://www.newwesttheatre.com/aboutus.php |archive-date=February 6, 2007|access-date=February 16, 2007}}

Lethbridge hosts a number of annual festivals and events throughout the year including Kiwanis Music Festival, Lethbridge Independent Film Festival, Centric Music Festival, Lethbridge Pride Fest, Street Machine Weekend, Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival, Word on the Street, Lethbridge Electronic Music Festival, and many more. The best-known event in Lethbridge is Whoop-Up Days, a rodeo and fair held annually in August.

File:lethbridge Viaduct.gif

File:Fortwhoopupnationalhistoricsite.jpg

The city, which began as a frontier town, has several historical attractions. The Lethbridge Viaduct, commonly known as the High Level Bridge, is the longest and highest steel trestle bridge in North America.{{cite news |url=http://www.forthjunction.com/railway-bridges-alberta.htm |author=Forth Junction Project |title=Alberta's largest railway bridges |access-date=April 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711020530/http://www.forthjunction.com/railway-bridges-alberta.htm |archive-date=July 11, 2011}} It was completed in 1909 on what was then the city's western edge.{{cite web|title=High Level Bridge |publisher=City of Lethbridge |url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/Enjoying+Lethbridge/Picture+Gallery/Landmarks/High+Level+Bridge/High+Level+Bridge.htm |access-date=October 15, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060518051855/http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/Enjoying%2BLethbridge/Picture%2BGallery/Landmarks/High%2BLevel%2BBridge/High%2BLevel%2BBridge.htm |archive-date=May 18, 2006}} Indian Battle Park, in the coulees of the Oldman River, commemorates the last battle between the Cree and the Blackfoot First Nations in 1870.{{cite encyclopedia | title =Lethbridge | encyclopedia =Encyclopædia Britannica | publisher =Encyclopædia Britannica Online | url =https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9047928 | access-date =October 15, 2007 | archive-date =December 27, 2007 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20071227194036/https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9047928 | url-status =live}}

Originally known as Fort Hamilton, Fort Whoop-Up was a centre of illegal activities during the late 19th century. It was first built in 1869 by J.J. Healy and A.B. Hamilton as a whisky post and was destroyed by fire a year later. A second, sturdier structure later replaced the fort.{{cite encyclopedia |last=Allen |first=Robert S |title=Fort Whoop-Up |encyclopedia=The Canadian Encyclopedia |url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/fort-whoop-up |access-date=October 15, 2007 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060518101016/http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0002974 |archive-date=May 18, 2006}}

As the cultural centre of southern Alberta, Lethbridge has notable cultural attractions. Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in south Lethbridge was opened in 1967 as part of a Canadian centennial celebration attended by Japan's Prince and Princess Takamatsu.{{cite journal|last=Neugebauer |first=Dierk |title=Nikka Yuko—A Special Place |journal=The Journal |publisher=Toronto Bonsai Society |date=January 2003 |url=http://torontobonsai.org/Journal/Journal.2003/jan.2003/nikka.yuko.htm |access-date=October 15, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926222443/http://torontobonsai.org/Journal/Journal.2003/jan.2003/nikka.yuko.htm |archive-date=September 26, 2006}} The Galt Museum & Archives is the largest museum in the Lethbridge area; the building housing the museum served as the city's main hospital during the late 19th century and early 20th centuries. Several other important attractions are based in Lethbridge, including the Lethbridge Military Museum{{cite web |title=The Lethbridge Military Museum – Celebrating the rich military history of Lethbridge and area. |url=http://www.lethbridgemilitarymuseum.org/ |website=www.lethbridgemilitarymuseum.org |access-date=March 8, 2019 |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430060618/http://www.lethbridgemilitarymuseum.org/ |url-status=live}} and the Helen Schuler Nature Centre which educates about the river bottom and coulees.{{cite web|title=Our History |publisher=Galt Museum & Archives |url=http://www.galtmuseum.com/aboutus-ourhistory.htm |access-date=October 15, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010193142/http://www.galtmuseum.com/aboutus-ourhistory.htm |archive-date=October 10, 2007}}{{Cite web|url=https://naturecentre.ca/|title=Friends of Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society|website=Friends of Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society|access-date=March 8, 2019|archive-date=March 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327074027/https://naturecentre.ca/|url-status=live}}

Several structures such as the historic post office are prominent on the skyline of Lethbridge. Less well-known than the High Level Bridge, the post office is one of the most distinctive buildings in Lethbridge. Built in 1912, the four-storey structure is crowned by a functioning clock tower.{{cite web|title=Buildings |publisher=City of Lethbridge |url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/Enjoying+Lethbridge/Picture+Gallery/Buildings/Buildings.htm |access-date=October 15, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222031149/http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/Enjoying%2BLethbridge/Picture%2BGallery/Buildings/Buildings.htm |archive-date=February 22, 2007}} Other prominent buildings include office towers; the water tower, which was originally built in 1958 and sold to a private developer who converted it into a restaurant;{{cite web|title=Landmarks |publisher=City of Lethbridge |url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/Enjoying+Lethbridge/Picture+Gallery/Landmarks/Landmarks.htm |access-date=October 15, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070402153158/http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/Enjoying%2BLethbridge/Picture%2BGallery/Landmarks/Landmarks.htm |archive-date=April 2, 2007}} and the Alberta Terminals grain elevators.

From March 2018 to August 2020, Lethbridge was home to ARCHES, 24-hour supervised drug use site. It was the busiest SCS in North America with 663 visits a day. The Star called it a "new landmark". The SCS featured injection drug and inhalation drug facilities{{Cite news|date=August 18, 2019|title=A small Alberta city is home to the busiest drug consumption site in North America. We spent 12 hours inside|url=https://www.thestar.com/edmonton/2019/08/18/a-small-alberta-city-is-home-to-the-busiest-drug-consumption-site-in-north-america-we-spent-12-hours-inside.html|access-date=September 27, 2020|newspaper=The Toronto Star|language=en|last1=Yousif|first1=Nadine|archive-date=September 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929010859/https://www.thestar.com/edmonton/2019/08/18/a-small-alberta-city-is-home-to-the-busiest-drug-consumption-site-in-north-america-we-spent-12-hours-inside.html|url-status=live}} and it was a subject of disagreement by the nearby business community.{{Cite web|title=As downtown Lethbridge safe consumption site works to minimize impact, business owners rally over concerns|url=https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/as-downtown-lethbridge-safe-consumption-site-works-to-minimize-impact-business-owners-rally-over-concerns|access-date=September 27, 2020|website=Calgary Herald|language=en-CA|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923101611/https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/as-downtown-lethbridge-safe-consumption-site-works-to-minimize-impact-business-owners-rally-over-concerns|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=August 31, 2020|title=On International Overdose Awareness Day, the busiest supervised consumption site in North America closes under a cloud of scandal|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/08/31/today-on-overdose-awareness-day-the-busiest-supervised-consumption-site-in-north-america-will-close-under-a-cloud-of-scandal.html|access-date=September 27, 2020|newspaper=The Toronto Star|language=en|last1=Boyd|first1=Alex|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923020020/https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/08/31/today-on-overdose-awareness-day-the-busiest-supervised-consumption-site-in-north-america-will-close-under-a-cloud-of-scandal.html|url-status=live}} The site closed at the end of August 2020 after the province removed grant funding following discovery of misappropriation of public funds.{{Cite web|last=Goulet|first=Justin|title=ARCHES ceases supervised consumption services in Lethbridge|url=https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2020/08/31/arches-ceases-supervised-consumption-services-in-lethbridge-2/|access-date=September 27, 2020|website=Lethbridge News Now|language=en|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019222008/https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2020/08/31/arches-ceases-supervised-consumption-services-in-lethbridge-2/|url-status=live}} A week long survey was held for the 2020 budgeting priorities in Lethbridge. 401 randomly selected people participated in this survey and 43 percent of them identified the presence of ARCHES SCS as the top concern. Only 8% of participants identified the same issue as the top concern in 2018.{{Cite web|last=Ferris|first=Danica|date=November 23, 2020|title=Results of citizen survey a focal point as Lethbridge budget deliberations begin|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7479835/lethbridge-budget-deliberations-citizen-satisfaction-survey/|access-date=November 24, 2020|website=Global News|language=en-US|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124011354/https://globalnews.ca/news/7479835/lethbridge-budget-deliberations-citizen-satisfaction-survey/|url-status=live}}

Image:Henderson Lake.jpg

Lethbridge has designated 16 percent of the land within city boundaries as parkland, including the {{convert|755|ha|acre|abbr=off}} Oldman River valley parks system.{{cite web|author=Stantec Consulting |title=Bikeways and Pathways Master Plan |publisher=City of Lethbridge |date=March 2007 |url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/City+Hall/Departments/Parks+-+Pathways+-+Trails/Whats+New/What+New.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927024139/http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/City%2BHall/Departments/Parks%2B-%2BPathways%2B-%2BTrails/Whats%2BNew/What%2BNew.htm |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |access-date=April 28, 2007}} It has facilities for field sports, numerous baseball diamonds, the Spitz Stadium,{{Cite web|url=https://www.bullsbaseball.com/|title=The Official Website of the Lethbridge Bulls: Home|website=www.bullsbaseball.com|access-date=October 19, 2021|archive-date=June 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617154607/https://bullsbaseball.com/|url-status=live}} the Nicholas Sheran Park (a disc golf course), two skateparks, a BMX track, a climbing wall, a dozen tennis courts, and seven pools. It is home to five golf courses, including the award-winning Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, and is within {{cvt|30|km}} of several others.

Built for the 1975 Canada Winter Games, the VisitLethbridge.com Arena, formerly the |ENMAX Centre, is Lethbridge's multipurpose arena. The 6,500-seat facility has hosted concerts, three-ring circuses, multicultural events, national curling championships, basketball events, banquets, skating events and is home to the Lethbridge Hurricanes, a major Western Hockey League franchise. The arena has a running track, racquetball and squash courts, and a full-size ice rink.{{cite web|title=ENMAX Centre |publisher=City of Lethbridge |url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/City+Hall/Departments/ENMAX+Centre/default.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206042227/http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/City%2BHall/Departments/ENMAX%2BCentre/default.htm |archive-date=February 6, 2007 |access-date=February 16, 2007}} In 1997, the {{cvt|58000|sqft|order=flip}} Servus Sports Centre (originally the Lethbridge Soccer Centre) was built directly south of the ENMAX Centre and added two regulation size indoor soccer pitches to the complex.{{cite web|title=Lethbridge Soccer Centre |publisher=City of Lethbridge |url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/City+Hall/Departments/Leisure+and+Recreation+Services/Other+Recreational+Facilities/Soccer+Centre/Lethbridge+Soccer+Centre.htm |access-date=February 16, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040903052805/http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/City%2BHall/Departments/Leisure%2Band%2BRecreation%2BServices/Other%2BRecreational%2BFacilities/Soccer%2BCentre/Lethbridge%2BSoccer%2BCentre.htm |archive-date=September 3, 2004}} The Lethbridge Kyodokan Judo Club facility is located next to the Community Savings Place, and has been a Judo Canada Regional Training Centre since 2015.{{Cite news|url=http://www.judoalberta.com/index.php/judo-canada-regional-training-centre-lethbridge/|title=Judo Canada Regional Training Centre Lethbridge|work=Judo Alberta|access-date=November 14, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=November 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114100456/http://www.judoalberta.com/index.php/judo-canada-regional-training-centre-lethbridge/|url-status=live}}

On the city's west side, Phase 1 of the Cavendish Farms Centre, formerly the ATB Centre, a recreation complex, opened in 2016 and houses two hockey rinks and the Lethbridge Curling Club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lethbridge.ca/Things-To-Do/Arenas-Ice-Centres/Pages/ATBCentreArenas.aspx|title=ATB Centre|website=www.lethbridge.ca|language=en-US|access-date=November 14, 2018|archive-date=November 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114060604/https://www.lethbridge.ca/Things-To-Do/Arenas-Ice-Centres/Pages/ATBCentreArenas.aspx|url-status=live}} Phase 2 of this project The Cor Van Ray YMCA opened in May 2019 {{cite web |title=ATB Centre – Phase 2 (D-6) |url=https://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/Projects-Initiatives/Current-Projects/Pages/ATB-Centre-Phase-2.aspx |website=www.lethbridge.ca |access-date=October 8, 2019 |archive-date=October 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008020933/https://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/Projects-Initiatives/Current-Projects/Pages/ATB-Centre-Phase-2.aspx |url-status=live}} and includes a field house with basketball courts and a 300m running track, as well as an aquatics centre with slides and a wave pool.

Several winter sports venues are in or near Lethbridge. The city has six indoor ice arenas with a total ice area of {{cvt|11,220|m2}} and a total seating capacity of 8,149. Other than the ENMAX Centre, all ice surfaces are available from October to April only. Lethbridge is {{cvt|150|km}} east of the Castle Mountain ski resort.

Lethbridge hosted the inaugural championship match for the Western Women's Canadian Football League in 2011, while the city's WWCFL team, the Lethbridge Steel, played in three straight title matches from 2012 to 2014.{{Cite news |last=Piller |first=Thomas |date=July 6, 2014 |title=Saskatoon Valkyries capture 4th WWCFL championship |work=Global News |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/1435765/saskatoon-valkyries-capture-fourth-wwcfl-championship/ |access-date=July 17, 2023}}

{{See also|Lethbridge City Council}}

File:Lethbridge City Hall.jpg

Eight councillors and a mayor make up the Lethbridge City Council. City voters elect a new government every four years. The last election was October 18, 2021, Lethbridge municipal election. Lethbridge does not have a ward system, so the mayor and all councillors are elected at large.{{cite web|title=City Council |publisher=City of Lethbridge |url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/City+Hall/City+Council/ |access-date=October 15, 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20060525090259/http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/City+Hall/City+Council/ |archive-date=May 25, 2006}} The 2009–2011 operating budget of the City of Lethbridge was {{CAD|250}}–278 million, more than half of which came from property tax.[http://www.lethbridge.ca/City-Government/Financial-Documents/Documents/Budget/2009%20-%202011%20Operating%20Budget.pdf 2009–2011 Operating Budget] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306075903/http://www.lethbridge.ca/City-Government/Financial-Documents/Documents/Budget/2009%20-%202011%20Operating%20Budget.pdf |date=March 6, 2016}}, City of Lethbridge One member of parliament (MP) representing federal electoral district of Lethbridge sits in the House of Commons in Ottawa, and two members of Alberta's legislative assembly (MLAs), representing Lethbridge-East (UCP) and Lethbridge-West (NDP), sit in the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton.

Traditionally, political leanings in Lethbridge have been right-wing. Federally, from 1917 to 1930, Lethbridge voters switched between various federal parties,{{cite web | title = Lethbridge, Alberta (1914–1977) | work = History of Federal Ridings since 1867 | publisher = Parliament of Canada | url = http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Sites/LOP/HFER/hfer.asp?Language=E&Search=Det&Include=Y&rid=394 | archive-url = https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20121025054153/http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/FederalRidingsHistory/hfer.asp?Include%3DY%26Language%3DE%26rid%3D394%26Search%3DDet | archive-date = October 25, 2012 | access-date = October 15, 2007}} but from 1935 to 1957, they voted Social Credit in each election. Progressive Conservatives held office from 1958 until 1993, when the Reform Party of Canada was formed.{{cite web | title = Lethbridge—Foothills, Alberta (1977–1987) | work = History of Federal Ridings since 1867 | publisher = Parliament of Canada | url = http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Sites/LOP/HFER/hfer.asp?Language=E&Search=Det&Include=Y&rid=395 | archive-url = https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20121025054200/http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/FederalRidingsHistory/hfer.asp?Include%3DY%26Language%3DE%26rid%3D395%26Search%3DDet | archive-date = October 25, 2012 | access-date = October 15, 2007}}{{cite web | title = Lethbridge, Alberta (1987 -) | work = History of Federal Ridings since 1867 | publisher = Parliament of Canada | url = http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Sites/LOP/HFER/hfer.asp?Language=E&Search=Det&Include=Y&rid=917 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130101060910/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Sites/LOP/HFER/hfer.asp?Language=E&Search=Det&Include=Y&rid=917 | url-status = dead | archive-date = January 1, 2013 | access-date = October 15, 2007}} The Reform party and its various subsequent incarnations such as the current Conservative Party of Canada have dominated the polls since. The city's two provincial electoral districts are represented by one government MLA, Nathan Neudorf for Lethbridge-East,{{cite web |title=71 - LETHBRIDGE-EAST |url=https://officialresults.elections.ab.ca/orResultsED.cfm?ED=71&EventId=101 |website=Election Results: Provincial General Election May 29 2023 |publisher=Elections Alberta |access-date=20 December 2024}} and one opposition MLA, Rob Miyashiro for Lethbridge-West (following a by-election to replace Shannon Phillips).{{cite web |last1=Pulido-Guzman |first1=Alejandra |title=DP holds Lethbridge West; Miyashiro edges Middleton-Hope by 1,150 votes |date=December 19, 2024 |url=https://lethbridgeherald.com/news/lethbridge-news/2024/12/19/ndp-holds-lethbridge-west-miyashiro-edges-middleton-hope-by-1150-votes/ |publisher=Lethbridge Herald |access-date=20 December 2024}}

Alberta Health Services, the provincial health authority that plans and delivers health services on behalf of the Ministry of Health, administers public health services in Lethbridge. Chinook Health oversees facilities in southwestern Alberta, such as the Chinook Regional Hospital and St. Michael's Health Centre.

{{Main|Transportation in Lethbridge}}

File:Lethbridge Transit downtown.jpg

Mass transit in Lethbridge consists of 40 buses (with an average age of 10 years) operating on more than a dozen routes.{{cite news |date=September 9, 2006 |title=Richard keeps the city's buses on the road |work=Lethbridge Herald |first=Dave |last=Mabell |page=A4}} Traditionally, bus routes in the city started and ended downtown. In the early 21st century, however, Lethbridge Transit introduced cross-town and shuttle routes, such as University of Lethbridge to Lethbridge Polytechnic, University of Lethbridge to the North Lethbridge terminal, and Lethbridge Polytechnic to the North Lethbridge terminal. Several routes converge near the Chinook Regional Hospital, although it is not officially a terminal.

The Parks and Recreation department maintains the citywide, {{cvt|30|km}} pedestrian / cyclist Coal Banks Trail system. The system was designed to connect the Oldman River valley with other areas of the city, including Pavan Park in the north, Henderson Lake in the east, Highways 4 and 5 in the south and a loop in West Lethbridge (including University Drive and McMaster Blvd).{{cite web|title=Coal Banks Trail |publisher=City of Lethbridge |url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/City+Hall/Departments/Parks+-+Pathways+-+Trails/Pathways+and+Trails/Coal+Banks+Trail/Coal+Banks+Trail.htm |access-date=February 16, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040907183051/http://www.lethbridge.ca/home/City%2BHall/Departments/Parks%2B-%2BPathways%2B-%2BTrails/Pathways%2Band%2BTrails/Coal%2BBanks%2BTrail/Coal%2BBanks%2BTrail.htm |archive-date=September 7, 2004}}

Four provincial highways (3, 4, 5, and 25) run through or terminate in Lethbridge.{{Cite web |url = http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType329/Production/2016_PROVINCIAL_HWY_1-216_CONTROL_SECTION_MAP.pdf |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161112123232/http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType329/Production/2016_PROVINCIAL_HWY_1-216_CONTROL_SECTION_MAP.pdf |archive-date = November 12, 2016 |access-date = November 12, 2016 |date = March 2016 |title = 2016 Provincial Highway 1–216 Progress Chart |publisher = Alberta Transportation |url-status = live |df = mdy-all}} This has led to the creation of major arterial roads, including Mayor Magrath Drive, University Drive and Scenic Drive.{{Cite web |url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/Maps/Documents/Basemaps/Lethbridge%20Information%20Map.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231329/http://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/Maps/Documents/Basemaps/Lethbridge%20Information%20Map.pdf |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2017 |title=Information Map |publisher=City of Lethbridge}} This infrastructure and its location on the CANAMEX Corridor has helped make Lethbridge and its freight depots a major shipping destination. Lethbridge is {{cvt|100|km}} north of the United States border via Highways 4 and 5 and {{cvt|210|km}} south of Calgary via Highways 2 and 3. Highways 2, 3 and 4 form part of the CANAMEX Corridor, a trade route between Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Lethbridge has a commercial airport, Lethbridge Airport, and the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail yards in Kipp, Alberta ({{cvt|12|km|disp=sqbr}} away). The airport provides commercial flights to Calgary, industrial and corporate opportunities, as well as private and charter flights elsewhere. The airport provides customs services for flights arriving from the United States. Lethbridge Canadian Pacific Railway Station was served by passenger rail on the CPR line between 1906 and 1971. The rail yards were eventually moved to Kipp, just west of the city, from downtown Lethbridge in 1983.{{Cite news |newspaper=The Lethbridge Herald |title=Rail relocation plans advanced |date=November 6, 1981}}{{Cite news |newspaper=The Lethbridge Herald |title=Highway realignment plan gets favorable response |last=Scott |first=Peter |page=B1 |date=September 17, 1981}} The yards were planned for redevelopment with a mix of multi-family residential, commercial and light industrial land uses.{{cite web | url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/Doing-Business/Planning-Development/Documents/Railway%20Relocation%20ARP.pdf | title=Railway Relocation Lands Area Redevelopment Plan | publisher=City of Lethbridge | type=PDF | page=80 (Land Use Concept) | date=January 1983 | access-date=May 30, 2014 | archive-date=May 21, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521110248/http://www.lethbridge.ca/Doing-Business/Planning-Development/Documents/Railway%20Relocation%20ARP.pdf | url-status=live}} The Park Place Mall is now located on the portion of the former rail yards north of 1 Avenue South between Scenic Drive to the west and Stafford Drive to the east.{{cite web | url=http://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/Maps/Documents/Basemaps/Lethbridge%20Information%20Map.pdf | title=Information Map | publisher=City of Lethbridge | type=PDF | date=June 2013 | access-date=May 30, 2014 | archive-date=March 3, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231329/http://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/Maps/Documents/Basemaps/Lethbridge%20Information%20Map.pdf | url-status=live}}

File:Calbraith School Lethbridge.JPG building {{Circa|1920s}}, North Lethbridge]]

The Lethbridge School Division and the separate Holy Spirit Roman Catholic School Division administer grades kindergarten through 12 locally. The Palliser School Division, which is based in Lethbridge, administers public primary and secondary education in the outlying areas. Lethbridge School Division administers five high schools (Chinook High School, Immanuel Christian High School, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Victoria Park High School, and Winston Churchill High School), four middle schools, and 14 elementary schools in Lethbridge.{{Cite web|title=Our Schools|url=https://www.lethsd.ab.ca/our-district/our-schools|access-date=March 25, 2021|website=www.lethsd.ab.ca|archive-date=January 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120185605/https://www.lethsd.ab.ca/our-district/our-schools|url-status=live}} Immanuel Christian covers grades 6 through 12. There is also a Francophone school in Lethbridge, which is part of the Francophone school board, Conseil scolaire FrancoSud, based in Calgary.

Lethbridge is home to Lethbridge Polytechnic, founded in 1957, and the University of Lethbridge, founded in 1967. Red Crow Community College has a campus in the city. During the 2015–2016 school year, the University of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Polytechnic had a combined enrolment of 14,820, which represented 20% of the city's population.{{Cite web|title=2016–2023 Lethbridge Community Outlook|url=https://www.lethbridge.ca/Doing-Business/Planning-Development/Documents/Lethbridge%20Community%20Outlook%202016-2023.pdf|publisher=City of Lethbridge|page=55|access-date=March 25, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019222009/https://www.lethbridge.ca/Doing-Business/Planning-Development/Documents/Lethbridge%20Community%20Outlook%202016-2023.pdf|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Media in Lethbridge}}

Lethbridge has two major newspapers: the daily Lethbridge Herald and the weekly Lethbridge Sun Times. The university and polytechnic both have a student-run, weekly newspaper. There are 12 FM radio stations, including CKXU-FM, a campus radio station located at the University of Lethbridge.

{{see also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Canada}}

{{As of|2025}} Lethbridge has one sister city, three friendship cities, and three cities promoted by the Lethbridge Twinning Society.{{cite web|url=https://www.lethbridge.ca/media/s2jhxc1v/all-council-policies-files-as-of-october-9th-2024.pdf |title=Status of Twin and Sister City Relationships |access-date=January 19, 2025}}

• Saint-Laurent Canada (1967)

• Haebaru Japan (2003)
• Anyang, China (2004)
• Great Falls, United States (2014)

• Culver City, United States (1989)
• Timashevsk, Russia (1985)
• Towada, Japan (2002)

{{Portal|Canada}}

• List of people from Lethbridge
• List of communities in Alberta
• List of cities in Alberta

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |last1=Johnston |first1=Alex |title=Lethbridge: a centennial history |date=1985 |publisher=City of Lethbridge and the Whoop-Up Country Chapter, Historical Society of Alberta |location=Lethbridge |isbn=978-0-919224-42-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/lethbridgecenten0000john |url-access=registration}}
• {{cite book |last1=Johnston |first1=Alex |title=Lethbridge: from coal town to commercial centre : a business history |date=1997 |publisher=Lethbridge Historical Society |location=Lethbridge |isbn=978-0-9696100-8-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/lethbridgefromco0000john |url-access=registration}}

{{Commons category|Lethbridge, Alberta}}

{{wikivoyage|Lethbridge}}

• {{official website|http://www.lethbridge.ca}}

{{Geographic location

|North = Diamond City

|Northeast = Lethbridge County

|Northwest = Coalhurst

|West = Fort Macleod

|Center = Lethbridge

|East = Coaldale

|South = Welling

|Southwest = Kainai Nation Reserve

|Southeast = Stirling

}}

{{Subdivisions of Alberta}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1890 establishments in the Northwest Territories

Category:Cities in Alberta

Category:Hudson's Bay Company trading posts

Category:Populated places established in 1890