Council to discuss rent supplement reduction

LIGHT AGENDA FOR TODAY’S CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Lethbridge City Council only has a few items on today’s meeting agenda.

The first is a presentation regarding the province’s $140,000 reduction in Lethbridge Housing Authority’s 2016/17 rent supplement budget. This budget provides rent supplement in the private landlord market to ensure low-income community members have access to safe and affordable housing.

The LHA currently has 286 individuals and families on its rent supplement waitlist. They say reinstating this money would assist about 30 families.

The LHA is seeking council’s support to lobby local MLAs and to write a letter to Alberta’s Minister of Seniors and Housing requesting the reinstatement of the funding.

Following the presentation, a submission will be addressed from Vibrant Lethbridge regarding utility administrative and reconnection fees.

On March 27, a Lethbridge resident made a presentation to council on this subject. She requested that City administration find another way to fund administration costs other than imposing administrative fees and $45 reconnect fees on people who cannot afford to pay their bills.

The issue was referred to Vibrant Lethbridge, a sub-committee of Community and Social Development. After a presentation from utility services in May, they agreed to collaborate further on a marketing plan to increase awareness of disconnection/reconnection fees and payment options.

Finally, the land sale of a portion of 6A Avenue South road allowance will be addressed.

The regular meeting, open to all, begins at 1:30 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.

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