Council to hear update on Smart Cities Challenge

The Smart Cities Challenge and an update on the Major Community Event Hosting Program are expected when Lethbridge City Council meets today.

Council is set to hear an evaluation and review of the $1-million Major Community Event Hosting Program. As per policy established in 2015, council evaluates the program and its outcomes prior to each four-year budget cycle.

Council is also expected to be provided an update on the Intelligent Community Initiative Smart Cities Challenge. Work is underway in support of an eventual application to the Smart Cities Challenge. An update highlighting the Lethbridge Brand Strategy is also expected, including public engagement efforts and research findings to date.

A presentation from the Lethbridge Construction Association is expected to provide council with some insight into the future goals for the organization as well as provide an overview of the LCA and what it does. The presentation is expected to be made by Richard Theissen, first vice-president of the LCA.

Representatives from Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services are expected to be on hand to seek continued support from council for participation in the Southern Alberta Emergency Management Resource Sharing Agreement.

The agreement was created in 2007 and is a framework to allow participating municipalities to share emergency resources.

A presentation is expected to provide an overview of proposed changes to the City Manager Bylaw which is expected to be presented for first reading later in the meeting.

Lethbridge City Council meetings are open to the public and begin today at 1:30 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.