U of L parking issues on agenda

University of Lethbridge students are still struggling with parking and transportation issues when it comes to attending classes.

A student spokesperson will come before Lethbridge City Council today to request a decrease in the cost of postsecondary transit passes to $289 per year (currently $289 per semester) and the ability to pay semi-annually.

In September 2016, students learned there were 250 fewer parking spaces due to construction of the university’s Destination Project. A number of other parking changes were also made, including an increase to parking fines. This has resulted in parking congestion on the streets and in parking lots around the university.

The student spokesperson will suggest by making transit passes more affordable for students it will help alleviate some of the issues.

Resolutions concerning funding for a Performing Arts Centre and an Exhibition Trade and Convention Centre will also be brought forward for possible amendments.

In May 2013, Finance Committee resolved to commit $10 million in funding for the Performing Arts Centre and $25 million for the Exhibition in the 2018-2027 Capital Improvement Program Budget Plan, with certain conditions.

The original resolutions may be amended to open opportunities for the organizations to find funding sources for the balance of their projects.

Council will also hear the final report on the 2016 Tour of Alberta from the local organizing committee and the Alberta Peloton Association.

The five-day professional cycling race took place in six municipalities across the province. Stage 1 was held in Lethbridge on Sept. 1, 2016 with a 9-lap circuit race. Council approved a $300,000 grant towards the event.

The Social Housing in Action team will request a funding extension of $60,000 to sustain a rent supplement program for Housing First clients. At least 172 Housing First clients have been able to find homes due to this fund, which provides one-time security deposit and first month’s rent.

Also on the agenda, the No-Kill Animal Association will present its annual expense report. NOKA offers a subsidized spay/neuter pet program to low-income individuals, and receives yearly funding from the City of Lethbridge.

The 2017 Downtown Business Revitalization Zone budget will also be presented, and the Chinook Country Tourist Association will seek a Letter of Support to accompany a Visitor Services Innovation Fund grant application.

A public hearing is also scheduled regarding a land-use amendment to reclassify two parcels of land in the Glendale/Dieppe South neighbourhoods. If approved, the amendment would facilitate the development of a three-unit townhouse and a single dwelling on the vacant parcels of land.

The regular meeting, open to all, begins at 1:30 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall. The public hearing begins at 4 p.m.

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