Capital Improvement Program
Strong roots, Stronger future
Planning for Lethbridge's future together
Lethbridge residents care deeply about how our city grows and improves. One of the key ways we plan for that growth is through the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
The CIP is the long-term capital budget that helps fund projects such as:
- Parks
- Recreation and community facilities
- Transportation improvements
- Utility infrastructure
- Other major investments that support our growing community
Later this year, City Council will begin discussions on the CIP. This will include a four-year Capital Budget (2027-2030) within a ten-year Capital Plan (2027-2036). These decisions will help shape the future of Lethbridge for years to come.
Growing strong roots
As Council prepares to set priorities for the next decade, much of the immediate funding must be directed toward essential work including:
- Maintaining and replacing existing infrastructure
- Meeting safety requirements
- Addressing legislative obligations
- Preserving the services residents depend on every day
While these investments are often less visible than new projects, they form the foundation that keeps the community strong and resilient.
With limited funding available in the first four years of the plan (2027-2030), Council faces important decisions about how best to invest in the community while maintaining essential infrastructure and services.
Two-phase engagement process
To support these conversations, the City is launching a two-phase engagement process focused on understanding today's priorities while planning for tomorrow's future growth.
Phase 1: Strong roots
The first phase focuses on building awareness of the CIP and the upcoming budget decisions later this fall. Residents are invited to learn more about the investments that maintain and strengthen infrastructure, facilities and services that support everyday life in Lethbridge.
City staff will be at the following community events to connect with residents, provide information and answer questions:
- August 19 - Downtown Farmers' Market (Festival Square) 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- August 27, 2026 - Upside Downtown concert event (Casa) 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- September 28, 2026 - City Showcase (City Hall foyer) 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- October 3, 2026 - Saturday Farmers' Market (Excite Lethbridge) 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Ways to stay involved:
- Attend the October 6-8 Community Issues Committee (CIC) meetings, where proposed CIP projects will be presented where you can provide feedback as projects are discussed. Council will deliberate the next CIP budget November 16-20.
- Sign up for the City's budget newsletter to receive updates on upcoming engagement opportunities and budget decisions.
Phase 2: Stronger future
Beginning in early 2027, the second phase of engagement will invite residents to share their values, aspirations and ideas for the future as the City explores what CIP projects Lethbridge will need in the next decade and beyond. Building on the foundation established in Phase 1, community input gathered during this phase will help inform planning for the 2031-2040 CIP and identify priorities for future growth.