Community events help drive city
At Economic Development Lethbridge, we spend a lot of time thinking about what makes Lethbridge tick. Understanding the factors that make our city a great place to live, learn, invest, visit and do business enables us to make our case to people and businesses who are considering locating here.
For example, one area where Lethbridge might not get the credit it deserves is the sheer number of community events that happen here year-round. This summer was jam-packed with events like the 120th edition of Whoop-Up Days, Pride Festival and the Street Wheelers weekend, ongoing events like the Farmers’ Market and First Fridays and brandnew offerings like the Wide Skies and Flip Fest music festivals.
Nor does the end of summer and start of school mean things are slowing down. This month both the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College mark historic anniversaries with the Shine On Festival and Coulee Fest, respectively. Later, Lethbridge Arts Days takes over Casa, SAAG and the Galt Museum as part of a week-long celebration of the arts. And Galt Gardens, the heart of our downtown, will pulse to the beat of Love and Records and Oktoberfest in September.
These events (and many others I haven’t mentioned) represent more than just a fun time for families and friends; they have a tangible impact on our economy. Studies show that when someone from out of town attends an event in Lethbridge, they contribute approximately $200 per day to the local economy, which is good news for the hospitality and entertainment sectors.
Events also help showcase Lethbridge as an exciting, vibrant and active community, qualities that matter to workers and businesses who value quality of life like never before. And for those of us who already call Lethbridge home, they help cement our connection to the community, which research shows leads to more positive outcomes, including lower school drop-out rates, better public health and greater local economic growth.
In essence, loved places do better! Last fall, as part of the Intelligent Community initiative, Economic Development Lethbridge held a survey to gain a better understanding of the community attributes that make people love Lethbridge. With those research-based results in place, we’re now looking to engage you, the community, in helping shape the feel of the future of Lethbridge through three interactive brand workshops on Sept. 13 and 14.
Each two-hour session will help us answer important questions like: what makes us love this place? What are we building for our children and our future? Who will live and work here? What will it look and feel like?
All sessions take place at the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel & Conference Centre (Anton’s Ballroom). For more information on dates and times or to reserve your spot at one of the sessions, visit ourlethbridge.eventbrite.com or email morgen@chooselethbridge.ca.
Trevor Lewington is CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge. His column appears monthly