Festival Square, 3 Avenue construction set for final construction phases

The last development phases of Festival Square, as well as the 3 Avenue South Reconstruction Project between 4 Street and 8 Street in Downtown Lethbridge, are ready to begin starting next week.

With a target completion date and planned grand opening for both projects in June, weather and supply issues permitting, residents will soon be able to celebrate the completion of these significant new designs. The remaining work includes completion of the Festival Square plaza, the 6 Street intersection at 3 Avenue, concrete crosswalks on 3 Avenue at 5 Street and 7 Street, coloured crosswalk paint at 7 Street, as well as 4 Street intersection curb extensions, line markings and landscaping on the west side of the intersection.

Work will begin on Tuesday, April 5, weather permitting, with the crosswalks at 7 Street. Following this work will be the 6 Street intersection and the Festival Square Plaza. At these stages, 6 Street will again be closed to vehicle through traffic. Turnarounds will be in place but there will be the ability to exit through the laneways, as they will remain open in order to ease traffic movement concerns. Third Avenue will remain open and parking will still be available nearby.

Motorists are advised to drive with caution in this area and follow posted detours. Businesses in the area have received additional correspondence.

The new Festival Square Market Plaza will be a versatile, active and engaging public space for people and the local businesses in the area. The main draw will be its offering as a year-round permanent market space with supporting infrastructure to support local producers, artisans, and craftspeople a place to sell their wares year-round. The project includes an interactive stage, entry signs, decorative column lighting, programmable lighting and site furniture, as well as water/wastewater servicing and lane rehab.

In July 2021, Lethbridge City Council voted 6-3 to proceed with a revised plan for Municipal Stimulus Program (MSP) funded projects which include the $1.71 million Festival Square Market Plaza, allowing Festival Square to proceed – without any City funding – to ensure that the project is delivered as an economic catalyst for downtown. The revised completion date will not impact the grant funding. Full background here: https://www.lethbridge.ca/NewsCentre/Pages/Council-greenlights-revisions-to-Municipal-Stimulus-Program-projects.aspx